8 Tips for Starting a Killer Bodybuilding Routine

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Bodybuilding is about more than looking shredded and rocking a killer body— it builds confidence, improves health, and can help fight stress. It’s no wonder this training modality becomes a passion for so many men looking to improve their bodies and mentality.

Bodybuilding involves building, strengthening, and refining the muscles that can be attained with self-discipline and a good combination of exercise routines. Weight training and cardio exercises make up the essential activities of a bodybuilder. Increased protein and caloric intake are also important.

Bodybuilding competitions look glamorous and seem only for those who have the guts and the body. But bodybuilding is diverse and anyone can become a bodybuilder. So, how do you attain a good bodybuilding routine to achieve your fitness goals?

If you’re just getting started with training, here are eight tips you need to start a killer bodybuilding routine.

Leave Your Ego at the Door

The hardest part of bodybuilding is battling with your ego. It can be intimidating walking into a gym and being a newcomer. It can be demoralizing to face failure or perceptions of inadequacy.

If you want to be successful, you need to get over it.

Don’t be that guy that pushes weights to look more impressive. Experienced lifters will recognize the improper form and lack of progress from a mile away. It’s better to accept yourself as a beginner and focus on improving over time. Remember that everyone starts somewhere; the people who progress are the people who humble themselves.

If you want to become a successful bodybuilder, you have to accept what you can and can’t do. There are many people who can help you, aside from your personal trainer. The people in the gym will eventually become your partners in attaining the body you all long been dreaming of. Hence, leaving your ego can provide you more benefits in the long run.

Learn Proper Form

Learning proper form goes hand-in-hand with checking your ego at the door. You can’t squat 300lbs if you barely bend your knees and don’t get anywhere near parallel. Learning proper form will help you get the best possible results out of your workouts and prevent debilitating injuries that could derail your progress.

That being said, you won’t get it right the first time. Monitor your form and make improvements as needed. Having a personal trainer to watch out your form is a good idea. Gym and fitness centers also have mirrors for this purpose. You can also take a video of yourself and then watch later on if you’re doing the right form or not. 

Work Your Brain with Research

To get the most out of your bodybuilding efforts, you need to exercise your brain. Take some time to read and do research before engaging in any activity related to bodybuilding. Don’t just stick to the bro lifting blogs either— enrich your mind with science.

Take time to evaluate nutrition science in relation to your goals or to read a SARM guide before spending time and money on improvements. In this way, all your efforts will be paid off and you avoid guesswork and failure. Remember, the more you know about effective techniques in bodybuilding, the better you’ll be.

Take a Habit-Centric Approach

It takes time to make training a habit. Diving in all at once practically guarantees that you’ll burn out and fail within a matter of weeks. Instead, take things slow with a habit-centric approach. Focus on creating one habit, then adding another.

For example, you might start with the goal of training three days per week and increasing your protein intake. In two weeks, you can scale up by adding an extra training day and monitoring your water intake. Building habits creates sustainability and helps you stay on track in the weeks and months to come.

Focus on Recovery and Regeneration

The actions you take outside of the gym are equally as important as your training. To be a successful bodybuilder, you need to dedicate time to recovery and regeneration through nutrition, mobility work, and rest.

Ensure that you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to heal and rebuild your muscles after training. Create a sleep routine and schedule rest days to give your body time to do its best work. Finally, work to maintain and improve your range of motion and flexibility as your muscles tighten.

Give Yourself Time

No one turns into Dwayne Johnson overnight, if ever. In fact, it will likely take months to see real results after you start bodybuilding. Don’t be discouraged and don’t give in to the “get ripped quick” schemes. A slow build means lasting results; give yourself time to succeed.

Track Your Progress

Tracking your progress can help you see results when they aren’t readily apparent in the mirror. Use various metrics to track your progress, including:

  • Measurements
  • Workout tracking
  • Photos
  • Habit tracking

Look beyond your physical appearance and take note of your energy levels, self-satisfaction, and confidence as well.

Get Support

Finally, don’t hesitate to get support from an experienced coach or trainer. They can help you stay accountable, work on form, and build a program that suits your goals.

With these tips, you can create a killer bodybuilding routine and transform your body and mind.