More than building muscle: Why bodybuilding is a healthy option

More than building muscle: Why bodybuilding is a healthy option

When people talk about bodybuilding, they automatically think of well-oiled, pumped muscles on beach bums and fitness bodies. It conjures up images of tanned bodies straining under several pounds of weight, achieving the perfect shape using the most advanced torture instruments.

This is not unusual. Most people would not list bodybuilding as a step towards achieving and maintaining a healthy body. Exercise, maybe but not bodybuilding. However, bodybuilding creates more than just symmetry and size. It also helps strengthen the body and develop flexibility and athletic performance.

Bodybuilding can also help develop resistance and it doesn't hurt that it actually contributes to a better looking and well defined body.

Alibis and excuses to stay away from bodybuilding

You must have heard of them before. People who refuse to do bodybuilding believe that developing muscles makes them heavier and therefore slower, and that muscles will only return to fat when you stop. These are wrong.

Muscles are the main engine that drives every movement we make. Stronger, bigger muscles just mean we move better and are more flexible. If muscles can actually slow a person down, sprint runners should stay thin. Bigger muscles may make you look and feel bigger, but they won't slow you down.

Muscle never turns into fat because they are two different tissues. If training is stopped, they will shrink over time because they are not being used. People who went from muscle-bound to fat may have stopped training during this time and increased their food consumption, allowing their bodies to store more fat and burn fewer calories.

Seven Steps to Succeed in Bodybuilding for Health

1. Develop a goal. Nothing was successful without a plan, or if something happened it must have been a complete coincidence. Know what you want to achieve and how you plan to achieve it, whether you just want to build more muscle or lose fat, you need to have a clear goal of what you expect and how you will get there.

2. Get a physical one. You need your doctor's OK if you plan to add bodybuilding to your regimen, especially if you are a beginner. Get a thorough exam to make sure your body is capable of the physical training it is about to undergo. Check whether your cardiovascular functions are good and stable and whether you have a healthy liver and kidneys.

3. Choose a gym. A no-brainer, perhaps, but going to the right gym can help your routine more than you think. Choose a gym conveniently located near your home or office. This way you have no excuse not to go. Choose a gym where you are familiar with not only the equipment but also the trainers.

If you're a reliable self-starter and prefer a little more privacy, you can also opt for your own gym. There's really no need to buy fancy equipment right away. Just start with the basics and then add them gradually. Starting small will help you determine what equipment you'll need to purchase over time. This is better than being stuck with additional equipment that you won't use.

4. Get a program that suits your level. If you are a beginner, it is pointless to choose a bodybuilding routine that is too advanced or go to a gym without knowing where to start. Your body thrives on gradual changes, so you run the risk of injury if you try to lift more than you should. Consider your training level and goals and then get a program that's right for you.

Try reviewing some information on bodybuilding routines for beginners to familiarize yourself with your options. You can read books, magazines, and websites, or you can consult a professional and have them develop your own routine specifically for you. Typically, gym memberships include this service, so you may want to ask for details when joining one.

5. Develop a sensible diet. Yes, you need one. Do not think that once you start bodybuilding you can load up on sweets and salts at will. The purpose of a bodybuilding routine is for you to lose fat and replace it with lean muscle. Proper nutrition gives you the right type of nutrition for energy, bone and muscle growth, and recovery.

6. Don't rely too much on bodybuilding supplements. With all the promises printed on labels and enthusiastic advertisements on television, you might be tempted to rely solely on supplements to do the job for you. Supplements only complement your routine and should not replace proper nutrition and training. Only when your training level is elevated should you consider taking bodybuilding supplements with your diet.

7. Don’t forget your R ‘n’ R. Sleep and rest are very important for overall health and especially in bodybuilding. Your body and especially your muscles need time to recover after a good workout. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of sleep to allow your body to grow and recover.

Inspired by Thomas Proctor