Top ways to sculpt muscles fast

Do you want a sculpted physique but feel like there's not enough time in the day to get those cut shoulders you're looking for? Fortunately, Fitsugar.com's fitness editor Jenny Sugar shared some strength-training tips for getting the results you desire in the short time you have:

Workout more often
To see the results of your hard work try strength-training three times a week.  It's important to also include rest days in between workouts, since you build muscle during your recovery time. Experts from Fitsugar.com agree that you should shake up your routine: "mix up the exercises you do at each session, the equipment you use, and the order you work your muscles, and you're bound to notice a sculpted physique faster than if you only strength train once a week."

Vary your weights
Different parts of your body are stronger than others, and as a result, require different weights for exercises. Sugar suggests keeping a set of three different sized dumbbells on the floor in front of you.  If you're not sure the right amount, test out different weights and whichever makes your muscles most tired after 10 to 12 reps is the best choice.  Also be sure to remember to increase the weight as your strength training continues and your muscles grow stronger.

Don't just sit there
It's tempting to sit down on a bench during arm exercises like shoulder presses. However, you'll get the most out of your workout if you stand on a BOSU ball, or just by standing on one leg. The instability forces you to work your core and even get your lower body involved.  If you can't quite master the standing just yet, sit an exercise ball to keep your core engaged.

Vary your speed
Even though you want to finish your workout ASAP, don't rush through your reps. It's important to remember to slow your movements to make sure you are accurately targeting your muscles and not just using your momentum. Sugar explained a good rule of thumb that will get your muscles moving, "Lift quickly (with control), then lower slowly, then lift slowly, and lower quickly. Or try pausing in the middle of lifting or lowering."

For the full list of tips on sculpting your body, visit Fitsugar.com.