I want to build muscle mass.
Stress 'MAS-sa' and 'mu-sco-LA-re'. Five syllables in 'muscolare' — say them clearly.
Use this during an initial trainer consultation or when asking for a hypertrophy-focused programme. It clearly communicates your goal of muscle growth rather than weight loss or endurance.
'Aumentare' = to increase. 'Massa muscolare' = muscle mass. This is more precise than simply saying 'voglio diventare più forte' (I want to get stronger), as it implies hypertrophy training specifically.
Voglio diventare più forte.
I want to get stronger.
Focuses on strength, not necessarily size.
Voglio fare ipertrofia.
I want to do hypertrophy training.
Technical gym terminology.
Voglio definire la muscolatura.
I want to define my muscles.
For muscle definition/cutting.
Italian gyms often work alongside nutritionists ('nutrizionisti') and dieticians ('dietisti'). It is common for trainers to refer members to nutrition professionals rather than giving dietary advice themselves, as nutritional counselling is regulated by law in Italy.