If you’ve started bodybuilding and made it past your first week, then congratulations! You’ve made a decision that will change your life for the better, not to mention stirring up a little envy in your friends! Although bodybuilding is great, there are a few serious mistakes which are common in rookies. To get the best results and avoid injury, here’s some of the biggest ones to avoid.
1. Taking Too Many Supplements
One of the most common mistakes in new bodybuilders is taking too many supplements. As much as the ads try to convince you otherwise, these won’t give you an Olympian’s body by themselves. Supplements are named so because that’s what they are...supplements. They’re made to substitute for gaps in a regular, healthy diet, and therefore help you gain more mass. Although products like Gnarly can be hugely beneficial, too much of it will only hold you back.
Steaks, chicken breast, eggs and dairy products are great sources of protein. They should be the foundation of your diet and should be complemented by supplements. Nature’s Best fish-oil and pre-workouts are also highly beneficial for gym goers. Obviously all that whey protein is in the gym store for a reason. However, you should take it in moderation, and never see it as a legitimate substitute for a balanced diet and self-discipline.
Steaks, chicken breast, eggs and dairy products are great sources of protein. They should be the foundation of your diet and should be complemented by supplements. Nature’s Best fish-oil and pre-workouts are also highly beneficial for gym goers. Obviously all that whey protein is in the gym store for a reason. However, you should take it in moderation, and never see it as a legitimate substitute for a balanced diet and self-discipline.
2. Having Very High Expectations
Another common mistake is setting the bar too high. Seen as you’re hitting the gym, you probably have a pretty clear image of what you want to look like. When you sweat and sweat for a month and don’t get any visible results, it can be a little disheartening. It would be lovely if we could look like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Lazar Angelov in a short space of time. Unfortunately, this just isn’t going to happen!
Don’t let this get you down though. With enough determination and time, you can get your body looking however you want it to. However, be realistic about your expectations. Don’t get discouraged if your progress isn’t measuring up to someone else’s either. Everyone’s body is different, and yours will develop at its own pace.
Don’t let this get you down though. With enough determination and time, you can get your body looking however you want it to. However, be realistic about your expectations. Don’t get discouraged if your progress isn’t measuring up to someone else’s either. Everyone’s body is different, and yours will develop at its own pace.
3. Using Too Heavy Weights
Finally, avoid using heavier weights too quickly. A single 300 lbs. deadlift sounds really impressive when you tell your friends about it. However, it’s not going to do as much for you as 8 reps of 100. If you come to the gym with a highly competitive attitude, you’ll only be slowing yourself down. You’ll also build up a reputation for being the gym douche. If you only came to the gym for the bragging rights, then take away.
However, if you want to avoid injuries, chronic soreness, and develop your body as efficiently as possible, then take it slow. So how do you know what’s too much? This can be a tricky one, but if you have a personal trainer they’ll certainly be able to help. They’ll also improve your form, which reduces your chances of injury.
However, if you want to avoid injuries, chronic soreness, and develop your body as efficiently as possible, then take it slow. So how do you know what’s too much? This can be a tricky one, but if you have a personal trainer they’ll certainly be able to help. They’ll also improve your form, which reduces your chances of injury.
Avoid these three mistakes, and there’ll be nothing holding you back. As a final piece of advice, take less advice! A lot of bodybuilders love dishing out general pointers. Remember though, what works for them won’t necessarily work for you.
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