*Bodybuilding, while not strictly an athletic event in the sense normally encountered in sports or even in weightlifting, is ultimately a competition for which the athlete trains.

The bodybuilder primarily uses weight training to produce a body appearance which conforms to certain standards. These may be the person's own standards, or they may be the standards required for participating in bodybuilding competitions. The bodybuilder concentrates less on physical strength and power than on attaining a sculptured physique. Do not be misled, however; the bodybuilder trains hard and the training normally results in vast gains in strength and power. Over the last few years, more attention has been paid to bulk and definition, i.e. how the individual muscles and muscle groups stand out as if on an anatomy chart. Compare bodybuilders of several years ago, such as Steve Reeves (Hercules), with Darrem Charles, and the differences will emerge with modern bodybuilders striving for more muscle bulk and greater definition.

Again, however, while the average person who chooses to use weight training as part of their fitness or weight loss program will probably have a workout somewhat closer to the bodybuilder's than the weightlifter's, it will not be necessary to workout at the intensity of either. Results will, as pointed out above, be more within what most people would consider to be acceptable appearance.

As pointed out, it is NOT necessary to train at anywhere near the intensity and dedication of the true weightlifter or bodybuilder, or even the professional or semiprofessional athlete. To achieve very satisfactory results in appearance, fitness, health, self-esteem, and self-assurance by adding weight training to your fitness program, it will be sufficient to do a short 20 to 40 minute workout three times a week.

An actual weight training program for beginners is too much to add to this article at this time, but simple weight training programs are easily found in many books at your local library or bookstore. Just remember to keep it simple. Start off easy and build slowly. As one of my coaches used to say, the goal is to "train not strain".

Page 3 of 3 :: First | Last :: Prev | 1 2 3 | Next