Bodybuilding 101

If you are new to body building sometimes just showing up to the gym can be intimidating.  If you are new to the scene and want to start off on the right foot, here are some quick and easy guidelines that should get you on the right track to a bigger and better body:

1. Seek Advice- There is no sense in trying to learn everything yourself when you are starting out in the arena of body building.  Take some time to talk to others who are more experienced, and learn what you can from them (make sure you observe gym etiquette when approaching others while they work out). If you are apprehensive about approaching any of the people in the gym, then talk to the gym staff.  Most gyms offer 1 free personal training session so take full advantage of it, come to the session prepared with all your questions and have him or her watch you do the exercise to make sure you are doing it correctly.
2. Sleep- When working out for the first time it is important to ensure that your body is getting the rest that it deserves. You will be shocking your body by working out muscles you didn’t even know you had, so when your body is begging you for rest, listen.
3. Diet- It is important to ensure that your diet is keeping up with your new body building routine.  This doesn’t necessarily mean eating more, but eating better.  You need to make sure that you are putting the proper fuel in your body in order to achieve optimum performance.  Also having meals every 3 hours is important; by eating smaller meals every 3 hours, your metabolism doesn’t go into a slump or slips into starvation mode and your energy levels will stay stabilized.
4. Setting Reasonable Goals- Out of reach goals only set you up for failure. Take it one step at a time and enjoy and celebrate each small set of victories as you attain your goal.  Whether it’s adding another 10 pounds to your bench press, or making it to the gym one extra day, you need to set goals so that your workout doesn’t get put aside when life gets busy.
5. Visualize, Visualize, Visualize- At Beast Sports, we are huge fans of positive visualization.  It is important to see yourself succeeding all the time.  This winning mind-set will take you to new levels in your training and keep you motivated to keep working out.

Be smart about getting into body building to ensure that you will achieve success both mentally and physically. Get Big, Be Strong, Keep Fit and Stay Healthy. Beast Out.