Building muscle is not just about looking good; it’s about being healthy and strong. If you’re a man aiming to gain muscle mass and strength, here are 12 exercises that you must incorporate into your workout routine. These exercises are tried and tested for their effectiveness in muscle building.

1. Squats: A powerhouse move, the squat targets your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes. Add weights with a barbell to increase intensity.

2. Deadlifts: This exercise hits almost every major muscle group in your body especially your back, hamstrings, and glutes.

3. Bench Press: One of the best exercises for upper body strength, targeting your pectorals, triceps, and deltoids.

4. Pull-Ups: A great measure of upper body strength; pull-ups work your lats, biceps, and forearms.

5. Leg Press: Another effective exercise for targeting the legs and glutes while offering back support compared to squats.

6. Military Press: Works on the shoulders and triceps giving an impressive upper body definition and strength.

7. Barbell Rows: Targets your upper back muscles as well as your biceps when performed correctly.

8. Push-Ups: A classic exercise which involves chest, triceps, shoulders and even engages your core significantly.

9. Lunges: Excellent for leg development while also improving balance and core stability.

10. Dips: Focus on triceps but also engage chest and shoulder muscles, great for building upper body strength.

11. Barbell Curls: An effective workout for building arm mass and strength focusing on biceps.

12. Plank: Although known primarily for core strengthening, they engage multiple muscle groups when held properly.

Remember to keep a well-balanced diet high in protein to help with muscle recovery and growth alongside these exercises. Consult with a trainer or a professional before starting any new workout regimen to ensure that it is suitable for your fitness level.