With bulging muscles and a well-defined physique, it’s easy to see why many people might aspire to become a bodybuilder but what does it take to achieve this ambition?
Be prepared for the hard slog
The reality is, becoming a bodybuilder is no easy feat. If you want to go down this route, you need to be 100% committed and make it a part of your lifestyle. You also need bags of dedication and determination, as it’s important to understand that gaining muscle takes time and it certainly won’t happen overnight. That said, the rewards you’ll gain from total mind and body fitness will be well worth the effort!
Bring weights to your life
Where do you start? A good place to begin your bodybuilding journey is at the gym, so get yourself a membership as soon as possible. Weightlifting is key to building muscle mass, which is the aim of bodybuilding, so familiarise yourself with the different weights available. Get expert guidance from a personal trainer on how to use each weight correctly, so you start off using the right techniques. Keep adding to the weight load as you progress.
Train correctly
You need to follow a specific training regime to build muscle, and it typically involves targeting different body parts rather than completing a full-body workout at once. By isolating body parts, and working these muscles at different angles for a repeated number of sets, you stress the muscle fibres, which then translates into repair, recovery and growth. Target all parts of the body, however, to gain proportionate muscle growth.
Put in the hours
To become a bodybuilder, you need to work hard, and that means putting in the hours down at the gym. Each workout should last around an hour, and you should aim for at least three sessions per week. Always hit the gym with a plan in mind, so you don’t waste precious time or miss your targets.
Find a gym buddy
Many bodybuilders team up with a gym buddy, so that they can motivate and spur each other on. A gym buddy also makes a great spotter – to assist you if you need support or guidance when lifting weights.
Rest for muscle growth
If you want to grow muscles, you need to allow your body time to rest and recover, as this is when the growth phase really kicks in. Avoid working on the same muscles on consecutive days. Try to get plenty of sleep, too.
Diet considerations
Becoming a bodybuilder is much more than just lifting weights; what you eat plays an essential role and the fact is, you’ll need to follow a strict diet regime which involves planning meals. Typically, bodybuilders aim to eat five to six small meals per day, consisting of plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates. These nutrients help flood the body with sustained energy, and can assist with muscle growth and repair.
Many bodybuilders also like to improve their gains by using supplements. It’s important to choose supplements from a reputable supplier, such as Steroid Juice Bar, that offers a wide range of high-quality products that can help you reach your ideal body aesthetic.
