Most of us, at some point, contemplate having a chiselled body in a perfect shape, with only muscles bulging out instead of fat. SAHIL MEHTA shares a few tips to ace bodybuilding
With the penetration of gyms, fitness apps, and wellness products and the availability of organic and protein-rich diets, it is indeed possible for one to achieve their fitness goal. To start the bodybuilding journey, one needs to have years of foundation of exercise and proper diet; to ensure that it's done healthfully.
While some may have gotten their muscles through a strict regimen of weight-lifting and diet, others may have gotten that through the illegal use of steroids. Anabolic steroids are a group of synthetic drugs. They copy the masculinising effects of the male sex hormone, testosterone. They do have legitimate medical uses but are never prescribed by a doctor for body-building purposes.
For bodybuilding, there are countless ideas, approaches, and choices. Whether the end goal is better health, performance, or a mix of both, there is no depletion of pieces of advice available. Sometimes, it makes the whole process excessively complicated and confusing, wherein the fundamental points get lost. But it is, in fact, very simple and doable if done correctly. Though gym plays a vital role, bodybuilding is more than that:
Eating healthy: Mindful eating is the key factor in bodybuilding. Maintaining a balanced diet, reducing starch, and avoiding sugar and processed food. Eating green vegetables and consuming a lot of water would help to stay energetic during workout sessions.
Taking proteins: When one works on gaining muscles or even does long cardio sessions or high-intensity workouts, the appetite and dietary needs change drastically. This is especially true for bodybuilding, as you can only achieve both the muscle growth and tone desired through sufficient nutrition intake. Unless guided by an expert, over intake of protein should be avoided.
Sleeping sufficiently: While one sleeps, the blood glucose is stored in the muscle as muscle glycogen which is related to a human's overall performance. It is when maximum hormones are released and allows the body to recover and grow. Hence, it is tough to build muscle without sleeping for 7-8 hours a night.
Incorporating the whole-body workout: The goal should be to have strength in the whole body. So, the workouts should not be dedicated to the chest or legs. It should involve the whole body and use as many muscles as possible for better results.
Don’ts
Overtraining: Starting with basic workouts and pushing harder as the body becomes resistant towards it. Also, ensuring resting to avoid muscle injuries.
Focusing on muscles: The goal should be to get fitter and stronger because ultimately if the body is strong, it will take lesser time to recover from the exercise and will be able to work out longer and harder. And once the body is stronger, the muscle will follow.
The writer is MD & Founder, MuscleXP