A Post Full of Stuff to Read

OK it isn't easy to think of things to post, because I am so busy doing other things. This topic however is something that I believe all people should read. A lot of people, including myself, scour the internet looking for tips, tricks, and routines that will get results in the gym. In reality the best thing to do is listen to your body. Do not take this the wrong way; its my opinion.

When you look at all the different tips and trick or routines that people post online or in magazines a large majority of the writers, athletes or enthusiasts (such as yours truly) say no matter what listen to your body. So how do you know what your body is telling you? Well that can be difficult if you are a novice to weight training. The following are things to look for or pay attention to.

• If you feel light headed - STOP!
• If you feel nauseated - STOP!
• When you get a good pump you could stop, but continuing to failure isn't bad either
• If you feel pain, discomfort or the movement simply "doesn't feel right" - STOP

Some other things to consider are sleeping. Sleep is important and your body must have it to repair. You don't grow in the gym its quite the contrary. Your body repairs itself when you sleep at night so if you don't get enough rest then your body is not able to repair itself, which is also why someone may complain about not seeing the results. When it comes to sleep it is suggested to get 7 - 9 hours of sleep, it used to be 6 - 8, but recently studies have been put out that recommend the minimum amount of sleep a person needs is now 7 hours for mental and physical health.

Some other things to consider are your diet. Your parents always said you are what you eat. So think about it... what do the guys who pose in M&F or Flex eat? Chances are as they say, high fiber, high protein, high carb, vitamin loaded meals. Granted we can't all afford a body building budget although there are ways to achieve those diets. Buying in bulk is good, chicken, tuna, potatoes, protein supplement (remember it is a supplement not a meal replacement), and fruit. Eat regularly and eat healthy but don't deprive your body of the treats like chocolate, ice cream, soda etc... use moderation and think before you eat.

I mentioned supplements; protein, creatine, ZMA, testosterone are all considered supplements. For those starting out in weight training I do not encourage you to rush out and buy these with the exception of creatine and protein. Why? Because you don't need them, yet. In addition to not needing them they are rather pricey depending where you buy them. I say you don't need them because your body is changing and building muscle quickly in the first few weeks and possibly even months. A persons body goes in to shock and tries to defend and protect the muscle causing growth. Now after a while if you change your routines, taking protein, with plenty of sleep, and eating right still don't see gains (make sure you measure yourself not just weigh yourself at least once a week or maybe once a month) then you can try the supplements. However keep in mind they are supplementing something you are not getting enough of. These are not meant to be replacements of food, water, and sleep. 

Well folks, Im going to let you go. The gym comes early and it is chest, leg and arm day tomorrow. Love peace and all that stuff.