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The Truth About Bodybuilding

Little Known Deceptions Of The Bodybuilding Industry

After many years of training, observing, listening, watching and doing I have come to a number of conclusions concerning the subject of building muscle. Particularly how it is related in the context of weight gain and muscle building advertisements.

Muscle Building Truth # 1 - We are severely limited by our genetics.

If you do not believe me, look around. Even among those who weight train. Mike Mentzer (Mr. America and Mr. Universe) once said that 1 in 100,000 people will have the genetic potential to be a superstar bodybuilder and that most of these people never set foot inside a gym.

Most of us DO however posses the ability to put on anywhere from 25-35 pounds of muscle after our untrained state. This is in direct alignment with most of the bodybuilding testimonials you will see for fitness programs.

They always go something like this: "I was 130 pounds and after 4 months I am now 154 pounds!" NOT "I was 178 pounds and have been training for 6 years. . .4 months later I put on 24 pounds of muscle!"

FACT:

You can still create an awesome body for yourself that will get noticed. The problem is the bodybuilding industry often places unrealistic and demanding expectations on men in the same way the dieting and weight loss industry does for women.

Muscle Building Truth # 2 - Most of us do not have enough drive, motivation and determination.

Although we want it bad, we don't want it bad enough. Most high profile weight gain personalities eat, sleep, breathe, and live bodybuilding. Bodybuilding IS their job.

They sell courses, they are personal trainers, they have internet businesses. They have found a way to make the subject of weight gain and muscle building their life's work. They will do whatever it takes.

That is why the books and programs that they sell are often unrealistic and quite difficult to follow. They do not work 12 hour shifts, they do not work in factories, and most have NO desire whatsoever to choose any other career. Not the ones with the freaky physiques that's for sure.

FACT:

A lot of people achieve remarkable results using only a FEW of the techniques mentioned in the muscle gaining programs offered today. This proves that the basics will work every time. It is only when you become deadly serious and really advanced that the other techniques come into play.

Muscle Building Truth # 3 - Most are not dedicated enough to extreme eating.

I am not talking about your regular high protein, moderate carb, low fat bodybuilding diet. I mean 6 meals per day EVERY day, 1.5 grams of protein or MORE per pound of bodyweight, never missing a single meal for ANY reason and eating 3,500 calories each day.

This seems easy in theory but it is a lot harder in practice. How many of us actually DO this and keep it up for more than a week or two?

Since most of us can't meet the above criteria with food alone we also have to consider supplements. If you think the food is expensive wait until you figure out your monthly supplement bill! This is another major deterrent for people wanting to build muscle.

I am not talking about a whey protein shake here and there. I am speaking of 3 meal replacement products daily, creatine, glutamine and the list goes on.

I know a great physique is important but is it worth doubling your food bill and paying hundreds of dollars a month for supplements? If you are honest, most will answer "No" to this question.

FACT:

Most people who try and follow these diets only end up discouraged. The truth is you only need to make slight adjustments to start noticing results. It is just like weight loss - if you create a 500 calorie deficit (with a slight focus on protein) on a daily basis you will start noticing results.

Muscle Building Truth # 4 - The exercise intensity factor is often absent.

Most people like to train hard (including myself) but most of us will back down before we pass out or throw up.

Picture this. You got off work and had a 5 hour nap. You know you have to do legs. You are determined to do it. After sitting there stewing in your own juices for 30 minutes you finally start squatting.

You try to think positive thoughts, "If I can get through these last few sets that will be it for another week!" Suddenly, the 215 pounds on your back feels a lot heavier than it did last week. Probably because you are feeling a little tired due to your busy schedule, even though you TRIED to rest.

You have 4 more reps to complete which you KNOW you can't do because of a lack of sleep, even though you tried. It's life or death now, even though you know you can't get all of them will you go through extreme pain and suffering to get 1 or 2 more? You decide to rack the weight.

FACT:

It happens to everyone. Unless you are lying, insane, on drugs, on steroids, or are one of the few fitness personalities we went over earlier you will rack the weight too.

Exercise should be challenging but it should also be fun. With the proper information and application you can build an above average physique. The following is my own case which I will use as an example.

Note: For information on the best training for bodybuilding checkout Muscle Express Training.

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