As someone who was once jokingly called a "beanpole" by friends, I understand all too well the frustration of wanting to build muscle but not knowing where to start. I remember when I first started working out, I would lift weights like crazy every day, but instead of gaining muscle, I just ended up exhausting myself. It was only through gradual exploration that I realized muscle building isn't about brute force—it's about the right methods.

When it comes to building muscle, many people's first thought is to lift weights intensely. However, cardio is also crucial. I used to think that cardio would burn muscle, but I later learned that moderate cardio not only improves cardiovascular health but also enhances endurance during strength training. As "Sail" mentioned in the comments, cardio does break down muscle, but only when done excessively. Doing cardio 2-3 times a week, such as jogging or swimming, can actually help you better control body fat and make muscle definition more pronounced.

In terms of diet, I also made mistakes at first. I thought that eating more would automatically lead to muscle gain, but instead, my weight increased mostly from fat. I later realized that a "clean" diet is essential during muscle-building phases. Post-workout, replenishing with high-quality protein is key—like eggs and milk, paired with whole-grain bread or bananas. This not only replenishes energy but also prevents excessive fat accumulation. "Solar System Man 730" in the comments asked how many eggs to eat each time—this varies by individual, but I usually eat 2-3 eggs along with a protein shake, which works well for me.

Sleep is truly the unsung hero of muscle building. I used to think that the more I trained, the better the results, but I later discovered that muscles grow during rest. Now, I make sure to get 7-8 hours of sleep each night, and I soak my feet before bed to relax, which noticeably improves my performance the next day. Although "Graceful Ship ar" in the comments mentioned that it's hard to ensure sleep with a busy schedule, I believe that even if you train less, prioritizing sleep quality is crucial—after all, your body is your own.

Finally, I want to emphasize that there are no shortcuts to building muscle, but it's also not as difficult as it seems. The key is to find a rhythm that works for you and avoid rushing for short-term results. As someone in the comments said, these methods may seem simple, but few people actually stick to them. So, instead of obsessing over details, take action, make adjustments, and find the muscle-building approach that suits you best.

I hope my experiences can help those of you working hard to build muscle. Remember, fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay consistent, and you will definitely see the changes in yourself!