This is a follow on from our Body Building - Where to Begin Article...

The fact that a new body building program has begun or will be starting soon requires that one approaches the workouts and activities with a degree of respect, especially considering the fact that your body is unaccustomed to what it is about to encounter. This approach or becoming accustomed to the increased activities or strain on the body and muscles is crucial in ensuring that the likelihood of injuries is lessened, of which is extremely important not only to the body itself but also the motivation of the individual concerned. It is also important that one introduces each and every muscle group to the sets and reps that will be encountered on a slow and gradual basis to build up the so called momentum of the body building program.

Starting out, or the first phase of the body building process should take into account the learning of techniques in terms of how to utilise machines, and free weights in the gym and what each of the workouts actually does in terms of body building. This will provide a solid foundation for future workouts, as well as adaptations to the exercises that will enable one to pinpoint specific areas on the body to push a little harder where and when required.

Within the first couple of weeks of training there are three extremely important issues that one should be aware of (and adhere to) and which include:

Full Body Workouts / Routines: each set should focus on the major muscle groups in the body building process and should be limited to one set each within the starting out phase, this can be increased later, but one wants to get the body used to the new activities and strain that may be placed upon the body.

Timing and Quantity: The initial workout periods may be completed within a very short time, anywhere between half an hour to an hour, and one may feel highly energised and ready to do some more. Patience is crucial here to ensure that one does not overdo it and injure oneself.

Rest Periods: One should allow for a minimum of one day’s rest in between each day of working out. Therefore one day of exercise and one day of rest, in other words every second day should one should rest. This process allows for the body recuperate and build up that level of stamina and endurance, which can be pushed further in the weeks or months to come.  

Often times when starting out, the individual may push too hard, or not allow for recovery of the muscles, of which may lead to injury and in turn longer delays in achieving the body building goals, not to mention the knock to the motivation or spirit of the individual in questions. Hence one might state that phase one is all about patience, and a comprehensive approach in getting the body used to this strain and physical activity.

Sports and Supplements will provide the following article in the series, so be sure to check back soon for the link to body building basics ==> Body Building - Progessing to the Next Level