The nature of muscle building

Some articles about bodybuilding , that I took from a book

Calories and Muscle--Reposted 2/26/06

If one were to measure the caloric content of one pound of human muscle, using a scientific measuring device known as a calorimeter, he'd find it contained, or yielded, slightly over 600 calories. By contrast, a pound of human fat yields 3500 calories. This points rather clearly to the fact that it requires much fewer calories to provide for muscle growth than it does to add body fat.
Why such a disparity in caloric content of the two types of tissue -- muscle and fat? The following will explain:
Water Protein Lipids(fats) Inorganic Material
Muscle 72% 22% 4% 2%
Fat 15% 12% 70% 3%
Muscle is predominantly water; which, of course, is devoid of calories, hence its much lower caloric content.
Mike Mentzer
Not So Obvious--Reposted 1/25/06

It is obvious that humans possess differing metabolic rates as each of us gains fat, loses weight and develops muscles beyond normal levels at varying rates. What is less obvious, but equally important, is that the physiology underlying metabolism is universal, i.e., applicable to all. The chemical processes governing our utilization of food for energy, maintenance and repair had been clearly mapped out and circumscribed by physiologists -- (not exercise physiologists) -- decades ago. Pick up any textbook on physiology or nutritional science, and you'll be reading about what goes on inside yourself. . . your neighbor. . . your training partner. . . and everyone!
So, while we all possess the stamp of unique personalities, we aren't all that different inside. We all need protein, require rest and sleep and we all burn carbohydrates at the rate of four calories per gram. Also, each and everyone of us requires a high-intensity training effort to stimulate growth, we all possess strictly limited recovery abilities, and, as bodybuilders, none of us ever grow fast enough!
Mike Mentzer
In the End, There Can Be But One--Reposted 1/25/06
The essence of the above is that we're all basically the same creature, members of the same animal species -- Man. Genetic anomalies notwithstanding, all members of the species man have hearts, lungs, pancreas, livers, thyroids, muscles, bones, brains and so forth; whose anatomy and function are governed by the same physiologic principles. And, again, we all need protein for repair, maintenance and growth, we all burn carbohydrates at the rate of four calories a gram and each requires rest and sleep for growth and normal mental functioning.
If everyone possessed cells, muscles and organs that were constituted and functioned differently, i.e., if every individual were a unique physiologic entity unto himself, medical scientists couldn't make diagnoses, perform surgery or dispense medicines. The fact that we are all essentially the same anatomically and physiologically shows what is logically true -- that there is and can be but one -- and only one! -- valid training theory. And that one valid theory just so happens to be the theory of Heavy Duty, high-intensity training.

Mike Mentzer