You have seen them on TV. Whether it is taking a swing at that home run pitch, knocking a few of the other guy's teeth out in an octagonal-shaped cage or snatching down a Super Bowl-winning touchdown pass, athletes today are bigger, faster, and stronger.

It is easy for the aspiring bodybuilder to get discouraged when looking at this more famous gallery of Who's Who in the muscle-bound community. If you can relate to what I am referring to, do not worry or blame yourself. It is very possible that you make a point of hitting the gym a few times a week. It is also very possible that you put in a good, solid workout. You may even like what you see at the time you are doing the reps.

But when you get home, and your body has settled in, so to speak, there is a good chance that what you see in the mirror is a little disappointing. "I'm not bad," you may be thinking, "but I wish I could get ripped like ."

And then again, some of you may long for a more muscular physique, but are convinced it is a goal that is simply too far out of reach.

Well, no one said it was going to be easy, but just because something is not easy, that does not mean it has to take forever to accomplish it. Here are some great tips for how to build muscle in less time, so you can soon enjoy the physique you have always wanted:

Use free weights. - Free weights assist you in building your core, as well as the muscles they isolate. With free weights, your body is forced to not only lift the weight for the isolated region of the body, but also maintain balance throughout the rest of the body. This increases your level of overall strength more quickly.

Nurture your muscles at night with adequate amounts of protein. - Whey protein is an especially good source for after a workout, because it assists in the production of amino acids that help heal and grow muscles.

Get the right amount of sleep. - Your body needs to rest, especially as you push it harder during weight training. Make sure you are recharged before taking on more than you can handle. The recommended rest period is about 48 hours. So you have to be a little patient here. Don't overuse your muscles, especially when they are still sore. Otherwise, you risk injury. And injury will jeopardize your workout program.

Try these tips, and see if they do not make a difference in your regular exercise routine. Whatever you do…however hard you push it…do not let your body get used to what you dish out. If you can keep it guessing, and incorporate these helpful hints, you will be in control of your body, rather than your body being in control of you.

Good luck, and take it one day at a time.