It's not easy being a man in a constantly changing world.
With the increase of things of metrosexualisation and a boom in male cosmetics, us old world men, who still support traditional values of being dependable and stable, have to show that we're still players in the relationship game.
Who do women turn to when their fashionable boyfriends turns out to spend longer in the bathroom than they do? Last time I checked, girls dug a manly man.
You know, sort of rugged, yet sort of sensitive at the same time.
A prerequisite is a killer body, of course.
So come on, let's go and check out what it takes to keep the old manly values alive, starting with how to get lean muscle.

• Optimal Muscle Routine Tip #1: Heavy weights, short workout, high intensity.
  

To get those proverbial rippling abs (who's seen abs ripple anyway?) you've got to put enough weight on them so that you undergo something called, "muscle overload".
This means lifting until you can no longer lift, doing sit ups until you can no longer sit up, etc.
Once you start working out for a long time, you will be reducing the effectiveness of your workout, since you'll be draining more energy than required.
Keep the overall workout under an hour.

• Optimal Muscle Routine Tip #2: Eat well

Yes, everyone's heard this tip before.
You know, something about taking a little bit from each of the 5 major food groups.
Since you want to gain more lean muscle you will have to eat more of the foods that contain protein.
Ideally, try and keep it natural; your body absorbs things better in their natural form.
Supplements are tempting, especially with their sales gimmicks, but like the changing face of mankind, it's better to stick with something you know will work.

• Optimal Muscle Routine Tip #3: Sleep well

Did you know that you can gain lean muscle while you sleep? Yeah, you can sleep all day and still pack on some mean, lean muscle.
Of course, there is a requirement.
Do 1 and 2 beforehand.
Yeah sorry fellas, but we have to work to stay in touch with our inner man.
Still, what I'm saying about growing lean muscle while you sleep is true; it's only when you sleep that your muscles metabolise the food you've taken in and get bigger to better oppose the pain they feel when working out, if it happens again.
I can't remember where I heard the term, but us guys who are into staying true to our manly roots are said to possess, "Menergy".
I don't know about you, but when I look at Hugh Jackman, I instantly feel some Menergetic vibes ebbing out of him.
At any rate, let's honor our manhood by staying manly, working out and getting strong.
Not dyeing our hair for the 3rd time this month.