Join a good gym: This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many people go wrong here. Don’t choose a popular gym, choose a good one. It should be close to your house or office so you don’t have an excuse for not going. Also, spend some time in the gym to see if it’s a gym geared towards body building, or just filled with weekend warriors. The atmospheres in hardcore bodybuilding gyms are very different, and will spur you on. Also, if you’re older than 40 or have a medical condition, do consult your doctor.
Don’t work out too often: For a beginning bodybuilder, working out three days a week should be more than enough. Remember, your body grows only in the rest periods, so you need enough of it, but not too much. Your muscles start to deteriorate after 72 hours. A three day split could mean that you start with your legs and shoulders on Day 1, Back and Biceps on Day 2, and chest and triceps on Day 3. Remember though, that you need to keep all of these workouts intense. Depending on your needs and abilities, you could also throw in a day or two of short, 20 minute cardio sessions in addition to your body building routine.
Start Simple: Forget about all those complicated body building routines and jargon you see in magazines. What you need to do is concentrate on the bigger muscle groups, and keep your exercises simple. Gains in your legs and back won’t show immediately, and won’t look as good as the ‘Trophy Muscles’ like biceps, but will help you lay a strong foundation that you can build on later. Also, keep an eye on your form; don’t try to lift more than you can safely handle.
Eat Right: A bodybuilding diet is very different to a normal diet. Most bodybuilders will eat 5 or 6 smaller meals a day. You’re going to have to find a way to work this into your day.
