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How do I Develop a Bodybuilding Plan?

Kelly Ferguson
Kelly Ferguson

Developing a bodybuilding plan consists of deciding on what type of diet and exercise programs to use, finding the right time and equipment to allow you to achieve your goals, and establishing the motivational tools and support system you will need to help keep you going. To maximize your chances of safely and successfully becoming a bodybuilder, you should consult with experts who have experience either training bodybuilders or actually living the bodybuilding lifestyle. Additionally, while you are learning new bodybuilding lifestyle techniques, start out slowly so you do not get overwhelmed and quit. Many beginning bodybuilders believe they need to make sudden, strict dietary changes and begin working out for hours a day, when in reality, it is much healthier physically and much easier to continue emotionally if you work up to the changes gradually.

When most people think of a bodybuilding plan, they think of an exercise regimen that includes plenty of fat burning exercises to lower body fat percentage and weightlifting to tone and build muscles. It might be a good idea to start out by training with a strength coach or fitness trainer who has successfully trained bodybuilders before. This will help you learn the best exercises to train your muscle groups and the form necessary to perform these exercises to safely get maximum results.

Muscles typically need 48 to 72 hours of rest after weight training.
Muscles typically need 48 to 72 hours of rest after weight training.

The diet program is another integral part of a bodybuilding plan. Most professional bodybuilders have perfected the art of feeding their bodies exactly what they need to burn fat and build muscle, but this comes from years of experience. When developing your bodybuilding plan, visit a nutritionist who understands your goals and has experience formulating nutrition plans for bodybuilders. This will help you understand the exact ratios of nutrients to eat, how many calories to consume, and what foods to eat based on your workouts and your goals.

Some bodybuilding plans focus on all-natural approaches to nutrition and supplements.
Some bodybuilding plans focus on all-natural approaches to nutrition and supplements.

Find the proper equipment to help you carry out your bodybuilding plan. This includes not only exercise equipment such as free weights and cardio and weight machines, but also motivational tools and the means to develop an emotional support system. Joining bodybuilding forums online, for example, can help you find a fellow bodybuilder to work out and compete with, tips to enhance your results, and answers to your questions. Also, many professional bodybuilders often agree that one of the most difficult things about sticking to a bodybuilding plan is the emotional and mental discipline that is required. Having peers to talk to who are dealing with the same issues can be a huge benefit.

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    • Muscles typically need 48 to 72 hours of rest after weight training.
      By: tankist276
      Muscles typically need 48 to 72 hours of rest after weight training.
    • Some bodybuilding plans focus on all-natural approaches to nutrition and supplements.
      By: Mat Hayward
      Some bodybuilding plans focus on all-natural approaches to nutrition and supplements.