Fat Loss 4 Idiots Secret

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Fitness Tips for Bodybuilding and Weight Training

By Melaine R. Watts

Bodybuilding and weight lifting offer several health benefits, and can complement your usual cardio routines at the gym. If you're interested in increasing muscle size and strength, you can focus on strength training to start reducing body fat, building up lean muscle and improving your endurance. However, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure you're maximizing your workouts and getting the muscle gains you want. Here are some essential tips for the beginning bodybuilder:

1. Set realistic goals. Bodybuilding is not a shortcut to attain your desired body but rather a continuous process towards fitness. Be honest with yourself about how much time you can commit to this endeavor. Your results will largely depend on the time and effort you put into your training. You should design a bodybuilding program that you can perform over several weeks.

2. Perform cardiovascular workouts as well. Cardiovascular workouts develop stamina and endurance and these would help you in your bodybuilding workouts. When starting out, look to incorporate three or four thirty-minute-sessions of cardio per week into your program.

3. Change your workout routines regularly. Bill Pearl, the author of the bodybuilding and weight training book "Getting Stronger" emphasizes the importance of adding variety to the routine. Ideally, you will want to change your entire routine every four to six weeks so that different muscle groups can be pushed to their fullest potential, and you still enjoy your workouts as the weeks go by.

4. Dress the part. Make sure you're wearing the right shoes and comfortable clothing when training. You don't want to get injured because of wearing poorly fitting shoes, or because you end up overheating at the gym. Make sure you're comfortable in your outfit, and invest in some quality clothing and gear to keep you motivated.

5. Take your 'before and after' measurements. Taking pictures and measuring yourself frequently throughout your training program can be very motivating and help you stick with your program for the long term. Keep track of your progress with pictures and a workout log; you don't have to share these with anyone, and can turn to them whenever you're feeling unmotivated or 'stuck in a rut' with your workout routine.

6. Mental Training. You might think that weight training and bodybuilding is purely physical, but your training would also involve a great deal of your mind as well. You would need self-discipline to stick with your program. You would also need determination and concentration to go through pain and difficulties. You would inevitably develop mental toughness as you push yourself to your physical limits.

Starting out a bodybuilding program is not hard. Just remember to put in the necessary time and effort in your commitment and you'll soon see noticeable results in no time. - 17274

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