So you've seen one too many Men's Health fitness models and decided
that it was time to start your own quest for a ripped six-pack, eh?
Well being a beginner bodybuilder requires a conscious step back to build the proper
foundation to your training program before following the more advanced tricks you'll
find floating around the muscle mags and web.
So where does one turn without the steroid-driven wisdom of the super giants of
the stage?
Relax. I have got just the advice for you to start packing some serious muscle on
your frame...
Beginner Bodybuilding Wake-Up Call #1: Reality Check
First let's start with a reality check...
Do NOT expect to miraculously start looking ripped after a week.
Even with great genetics, you can't change Mother Nature and your body is
only capable of building so much muscle at a time...despite what the supplement
ads may say.
Bodybuilding, especially beginner bodybuilding, requires time, discipline and consistency.
However, the good news is that the first couple of months will be the most exciting
for you because this will be the time when you make the most visual gains to your
body.
Shoot for .5 to 1 lb of lean muscle growth per week and you'll be doing just
fine.
Beginner Bodybuilding Wake-Up Call #2: Rest, Relax, Recover...and GROW!
Contrary to what most beginner bodybuilders believe, your muscles don't grow
while you're ripping them apart in the gym.
The muscle fibers you've spent so much time pulverizing on the bench only
get bigger when you've given them time to recover and grow in anticipation
for the next "attack".
Getting plenty of rest and a good 7-8 hours of sleep will help your body make the
changes you're looking for...especially since this is when you have your
greatest release of natural growth hormones to help with the bulking up!