You may not think of it as an extreme sport - but in truth, bodybuilding and professional weightlifting are two things that can come with a high risk attached. Whether you lift weights purely to stay fit, or whether you compete, being frivolous with your body in this respect is never good. Many people go straight for the heaviest weights, as they are concerned about appearing weak in front of others, in the gym or on the stage. But the phrase 'don't run before you can walk' is especially applicable to weightlifting. It takes time and skills to work up to the heaviest weights - and you need to make sure you're taking care of yourself along the way. Huge weights can wreak havoc on your muscles, and a damaged muscle can put you out of action for weeks - not to mention it can be excruciating. Here are a few things you need to do to make sure you are putting your muscles first in your gym or competition routine.
Replenish with protein
You don't need to be a fitness buff these days to know that protein is essential for building up muscle. Protein is a compound formed of amino acids, which - coincidentally - are also the building blocks of your body's muscles. When we work out, our muscles become stretched and in some cases ripped and torn. A good intake of protein both before and after the gym, in that case, can help our muscles to heal and build up properly. There are a number of different ways to get protein into your diet - as Suppniversity will tell you, there are plenty of options if you don't like typically protein-rich foods. A good pre and post-workout mix is usually a good start if you are new to supplements and shakes.
Lift correctly
Despite the recent spike in the number of people weightlifting, a huge majority of people are still getting the basics wrong. Not lifting with proper form can be incredibly dangerous, as you could badly pull a muscle or even end up dropping the weight on yourself or another person. If you're unsure, book a session with a personal trainer who will be able to teach you how to pick up, hold and return a weight without damaging yourself.
Consider a sports massage
Occasionally, things do go wrong, and you may feel a little twinge somewhere in your body. If it is particularly painful and the pain persists even after a couple of days, it is always best to visit your doctor just to check that nothing bad has happened. Usually, though, you will benefit from simply booking yourself in for a sports massage. These types of massages, performed by professionals, aim to enhance blood circulation around the body. When antibodies carried by the blood have better and more rapid access to the muscles, a quicker recovery is normally on the cards. A sports massage will also help to eliminate any soreness or tension you have been dealing with, and you'll be back in the weights area before you know it.
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