Progressive overload is everythingAdd a rep or a little weight each week. Don't bounce between programs β just keep adding.
Rest 60β90 seconds between setsKeeps intensity up and burns more calories than long rest.
Protein: 0.8β1g per lb bodyweight dailyNon-negotiable. Without it you won't build muscle no matter how hard you train.
Sleep 7β8 hoursMuscle is built and fat is burned during recovery, not in the gym.
Hit the top of the rep range? Go heavierGot 8 reps on bench? Add 5 lbs next session.
Optional off-day cardio20β30 min incline treadmill walk (3.5 mph, 10β12% incline). High burn, won't kill recovery.