Many people mistakenly assume that bodybuilding is only for men. But, this couldn’t be further from the truth, as women can also enjoy all of the benefits of this fitness routine. However, what are some important things to keep in mind when starting? Especially since it’s not uncommon for females to have different needs than males. Below are some helpful tips that will help you on your journey to building a strong and healthy body!
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Make Sure You’re Eating Enough
It’s no secret that bodybuilders eat a lot of food. As you are probably aware, building your muscles requires calories. You will need to make sure that you are eating enough to create the lean muscle mass necessary for bodybuilding. Unfortunately, this can be harder for women than men since most females have far lower caloric needs than their male counterparts. Don’t let this discourage you, though! It may require putting in more time in the kitchen throughout the week, but think about how great it will feel once you’re able to step on stage, showing off all of your hard work! With some calculated effort and proper planning, females can meet these greater caloric demands through appropriate nutrition.
Maximize The Time You Spend In The Gym
One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting is the amount of time working out. Since they are just getting started, most people tend to overdo it – they will spend two or more hours in the gym each day on top of their regular work or school schedule. While this might yield some results early on, this is the absolute worst thing you can do for your bodybuilding routine. Many people think that they need to spend hours working out to see any progress. This couldn’t be more wrong! You will see faster and better results if you focus on shorter workouts with higher intensity. Doing so will cause your muscles to grow faster and allow you to fit more sessions into your weekly schedule.
Set Realistic Goals
You’ll likely encounter a fair number of individuals who encourage unrealistic goals when starting. You’ve probably heard the saying ‘go big or go home,’ which is a good way to end up burned-out and quit a fitness routine before seeing results. Set some objectives for yourself, but don’t be discouraged if you have trouble reaching them early on. After some time has passed, reevaluate these goals and determine whether they still apply now that you are more experienced as a bodybuilder.
Don’t Sacrifice Your Lifts For Cardio
While you know that you need to include some cardio into your bodybuilding schedule, don’t let this end up taking priority over weight lifting. While high-intensity interval training is an excellent way to burn calories and lose weight rapidly, you won’t see as many results as slow and steady weightlifting routines. Make sure that you maintain a healthy balance between the two to get the most out of your efforts!
Take Rest Days
Another common mistake many people make when starting is not taking rest days. Taking at least one day off per week is necessary for your bodybuilding schedule, especially since you are working out multiple times per week because you are still new. Many people believe the old myth that the more you work out, the faster your muscles will grow. This couldn’t be further from the truth! You’ve probably heard of the term ‘overtraining’ but may not know what this means. Overexerting yourself can lead to severe injuries and even long-term problems if it’s done chronically.
Get Plenty Of Sleep
One of the biggest mistakes that beginning and experienced bodybuilders alike make is not getting enough sleep. Studies show that adequate sleep can help improve your progress tremendously! You may want to get in a few extra hours throughout the week, especially if you feel tired or have low energy levels. However, you need to listen to your body instead of pushing through no matter how much sleep you can get on any given night.
Don’t Neglect Your Post-Workout Meal
You’ve likely heard of ‘fasted cardio’ before. While this might seem like a good idea when starting, try to avoid doing it unless specifically instructed by a professional trainer. It will cause you to burn muscle instead of fat because it will cause your body to go into ‘starvation mode.’ At the same time, this might seem like proper reasoning for going out and having a cheat day. Remember that the long-term effects of doing so can mean losing a lot of hard-earned progress.
Pack In The Protein
One of the most common problems people run into when starting a bodybuilding routine is not getting enough protein. Without sufficient protein intake, you won’t see the same results from your efforts at the gym. You should shoot for roughly one gram per pound that you weigh to have healthy muscles and skin. If you are still unsure whether or not this is enough protein for yourself, speak with a trainer at your local gym or do some research on your own.
Conclusion
Bodybuilding for women can be a great way to get in shape and improve your overall health. However, there are some things that you should keep in mind when starting. Make sure that you take rest days, set realistic goals, and don’t sacrifice your lifts for cardio. Additionally, make sure that you are getting enough protein and sleep. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the body of your dreams!
