Tuesday, March 3, 2009

How To Achieve Success In Bodybuilding

By Melaine R. Watts

For most beginners, starting a bodybuilding program may be a very challenging task primarily because of its high demands. One, it requires you to commit to a routine in order to achieve your desired results. Many experts in this area would ask you be determined and self-motivated in following a specific workout or fitness routine. However, any beginning bodybuilder's efforts may become a waste if he overstrains a specific muscle group. This happens when too many reps and sets are made in a single session. To prevent this from happening, be aware of the basic principles in training effectively.

Bodybuilders often misconstrue training too hard as a good practice. On the contrary, the author of the book "Beginning Bodybuilding", John Little said that the body is less likely to have muscle build up if you train too hard. It also over-corrects at a rapid rate in the process. Recovering from the intensive sessions may take days or weeks of relaxation but when this training component is optimized - you're never too far from your goal which is to have muscle gains. Below are some guidelines to remember.

1. Take at least 4 days off your intensive workout sessions. The general rule of thumb is to train no more than three days per week according to bodybuilder John Little. Organize your schedule so you can meet this important training requirement.

2. Maintain good form and posture when training. Get the most out of your fitness routine by maintaining good form in executing body movements. Cheating on the routines won't lead you anywhere. Your muscles will not fully contract so there will not be any visible results. Likewise, you are not encouraging muscle gains when you lessen muscle movements just to have more reps or sets.

3. Establish connection between your mind and body. Using the mind in moving the body is an important component in any training program because it helps you figure out when to train harder or scale back your fitness routine.

4. Don't push yourself on your 'off days.' It's easy to get caught up in a momentum of physical activity when you start to get stronger from your workout routine, but you'll want to avoid strenuous activities during your days off. Pushing too hard reduces your chances of recovery and makes it harder to increase muscle mass during future workouts. Let yourself relax and do some light stretches on your days off to reap the rewards of your hard work.

5. Go slowly. Concentration and focus will help you execute each movement of your routine successfully and maximize your muscle gains. Make sure you're lifting the weight and holding it for the same amount of time, before lowering it slowly and exhaling deeply. Again, exercising good form and posture will help you get the most out of each and every move in your routine.

It may take time, perseverance, and diligence to achieve muscle mass and boost the body's endurance but you can adopt these five simple guidelines to gain benefits. You may evaluate your training program and find out if it includes these principles before you start. - 16004

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