So, you’re getting into the gym and looking for ways to see that you are making those gains that you have been hoping for. You may notice that your muscles look much larger during the process of working out but appear smaller again afterward. Why is that?
A muscle pump typically occurs when lactic acid begins to build up in your muscles because of exercise. This can last between two to three hours, with proper pumping and intake of water. Your diet also plays a role in the success of muscle pumping, and how large your muscles can pump up to be.
If you are looking to learn about what a muscle pump is, how long it lasts, how it can be achieved, and other considerations when talking about this phenomenon, stick with us! We’ll talk you through muscle pumping and its effects.
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What is a Muscle Pump?
You’re seeing this term, but what does it mean? Is a muscle pump a physical pump that helps enlarge your muscles?
Though it sounds like that, a muscle pump is not an object but a process that can take place physically.
Essentially, a muscle pump means that during and after a workout your muscles may appear larger (pumped up) thanks to a buildup of fluid like water, blood, and lactic acid.
When these fluids work together the water is drawn to muscles by the lactic acid and enhances the appearance of the muscles for a small duration of time that can last for a few hours after your workout is finished.
Can a Pump Last All Day?
Realistically, you should not expect to see your muscle pump last all day long. This is something that may be able to occur for a couple hours at a time with specific targeting, training, and proper hydration.
| Body Part | Maximum Pump Length |
|---|---|
| Bicep | 2-3 hours |
| Chest | 2-3 hours |
| Quad | 2-3 hours |
As you can see, the duration of a muscle pump does not discriminate between body parts.
A common muscle pump is going to last during the duration of the workout and for a little while after. If you’re looking for your muscles to remain pumped after this period, you’ll need to consider the external factors that may be hindering or helping you.
Why Does My Pump Go Away So Fast?
If you’re wondering why your muscle pump goes away so fast, it isn’t just you.
Since you now know how a muscle pump occurs, thanks to the buildup of fluids as your body creates lactic acid, it should be simple to understand why a muscle pump would go away quickly.
Once your body is no longer in motion and doing heavy exercise, the buildup of fluid begins to subside. Your body is in rest mode and that is going to hinder the quantities of fluid that your muscles are drawing in.
That being said, is there a way to keep your muscles pumped up?
How To Keep a Muscle Pumped
The first thing that you can do to keep a muscle pumped is to increase the number of reps you are doing of a given exercise. This will increase the amount of lactic acid brought to your muscles and, when combined with the following methods, may allow your muscles to have a prolonged pump post-workout.
You can also consume complex carbs post-workout to help contribute to the swell of muscles. If you want to double up, you can consume another protein shake once your workout is over to prolong the pumped appearance of muscles, as well.
Keep hydrated. This is a huge factor not only in the appearance of a muscle pump but can also be applied to most aspects of your fitness and nutrition journey. The more water, the better you’ll look and feel.
Muscle Pump Before and After
Are you wondering what a muscle pump looks like in reality? Check out Keenan’s Power Fitness to see that the effects are subtle but present.
It especially depends on the number of reps, added nutrition and hydration, as well as the size of the muscle to begin with.
If you are looking to show off some of the results of your workout, you can expect to see the largest effects of a pump within the first 30 minutes or so after your workout.
Pros and Cons of Muscle Pumps
Pros
If you follow any bodybuilders, or are one, you’ll be familiar with the phrase ‘chasing the pump’ as it helps increase muscle size and vascularity. This is a huge pro especially during competitions where those sorts of factors are especially considered.
In fact, some weightlifters or bodybuilders follow regimens of pump training that help this appearance stay prolonged. This sort of practice can enhance the long-term growth of muscles and can be beneficial.
You get the benefits of appearance in the short-term and will also see improved results over time.
Cons
The cons of muscle pumping mostly relate back to your perception of yourself once the pump has gone away. In the moment, or the 2-3 hours that your muscles are pumped up, you may feel leaner, more toned, and see more muscle mass.
However, once that period is over you may realize you don’t look quite as good as you thought you did. There are other ways to focus on long term goals that may be slightly more beneficial and create a more positive overall mindset.
Does Diet Play a Factor in Muscle Pump?
Diet plays a factor in muscle pump, just as it does when you are working toward other goals in the gym.
As mentioned before, consumption of carbs, protein powder, and lots of water will help you reach this desired appearance of pumped muscles.
In the same way you would bulk or cut for the gym, you can change your diet to increase the possibility of muscle pumping.
There are many factors that go into this physical process, but taking note of the pros and cons, and what you need to do to reach that goal is the first step to a successful pump. While it may not last all day, it can certainly last for a while post-workout.