“If your main focus is building muscle, don’t add cardio into your programme for now,” says Tess. “That’s because there’s two training states: anabolic and catabolic. Anabolic means building, catabolic means breaking down. Cardio such as running or cycling is catabolic, which breaks down the muscle. Lifting weights puts you in an anabolic state, which what you should focus on.

“You also need to fuel your training efficiently so your body doesn’t start burning your muscle for energy and it can just use your carbohydrate and glycogen from food to build. Eating 90-45 minutes before your training and having carbs and protein after your workout will support your muscle growth.”

Caroline also agrees that you need to look at what you’re doing both during and outside of your workout. “You’ve got to have good nutrition and enough recovery to see your results progress. I’m not saying these things will make your muscle building quicker than the eight week mark, but it will be a better progression. Nailing those factors alongside a good program with progressive overload is how you’re going to be able to build it faster than burning yourself out by going to the gym seven days a week.”

How long does it take to build muscle with weight lifting?