If you’re looking to push the envelope and up your game in strength training/muscle growth, bodybuilding may be your “next step”. If you’re new to exercising, establish a quality fitness level of fitness, before you move in this direction.  Before you jump in and work on your muscles, there are a few things you should consider.

PROTEIN

For people with both weak and strong muscles, protein is an essential nutrient. Protein helps muscles rebuild themselves, as well as providing a variety of other essential benefits to your body. Many people think that that the more protein you eat, the bigger your muscles will grow. But this is not true. Muscle growth is not controlled by the level of protein one takes; rather it is the growth demand caused by intense training or stress that will ultimately determine how much protein one should take in.  Many companies claim protein shakes and supplements are necessary, but that’s also untrue. Eating the right amounts of the right types of real foods should be all that’s needed. Sources of protein include dairy products, chicken, and pork, among others. Have some with each meal and even post-workout. Also, eat food that will give you sustainable energy. Slow burning carbohydrates like baked potatoes are perfect for this, as is fresh fruit. Sites like muscleandfitness.com can give you an idea of exactly what you should be eating.

SET CLEAR GOALS

Knowing your goals is crucial when you’re first starting out.  If you just want to challenge yourself with a new exercise routine, there’s no need to aim for the big weights. If your goal is to build strength and dramatically increase muscle size, you will focus on increasing your lifting ability with low reps, high weight. Focus on specific body parts as well, while creating a well-rounded total body training routine. Learn about upper body strength here. Lower body training here. 

GET FAMILIAR WITH EQUIPMENT

Getting familiar with the equipment you’ll be using during any exercise is crucial.  Not knowing how a machine or training tool works could definitely result in injury. Take time to do a little research. Find out which weights you’re capable of lifting at the moment. Start small and gradually increase your output overtime.  When looking at weights, consider which would be the best suit for you. Sites like http://dabestreview.com/top-10-best-adjustable-dumbbells/ offer reviews that could help you decide what would work best. Asking other people from the bodybuilding world could also help you make good decisions.

Take your time working towards your bodybuilding goals. It’s an extreme version of regular strength training and must be done with intelligence, vision and of course … proper form! If you research and build your practice, bodybuilding could be the exercise you’ve been after!

 

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