Bodybuilding 101

• To be a successful bodybuilder, it is imperative that all aspects of the body are built upon. Symmetry is key. Luis Berrios of Bodybuilding.com states, "Bodybuilding techniques are basic resistance training regimens designed to specifically increase muscle mass (hypertrophy)." It is important to note that bodybuilding strictly focuses on the building of muscle, as opposed to the usefulness of agility, speed or exercise ability.
  
  

Bodybuilding Techniques

• Get stronger
  
  Two of the more common, and notable, techniques used in bodybuilding are Giant Sets and Super Sets. While there are several others, these two techniques can be tailored individually and are known to produce results. Giant sets are completed by performing several lifts for a particular muscle, in succession, with little or no rest. An example might be bench press, incline dumbbell flys, then push ups, followed by a two- to three-minute rest, then repeat. Super sets, on the other hand, involve separate muscles---or muscle groups---and are also done back to back. An example of a super set might be, bicep curl, tricep kickback, a rest, then repeat. In both techniques, moderate weight is used.
  
  

When to Lift

• Know when to rest
  
  How often, when to lift and when to rest are the pivotal questions posed to bodybuilders. Typically, three to four days per week is enough lifting. The body needs to rest. Bodybuilding.com's Luis Berrios notes, "More will get you less. I've learned this the hard way. Lifting seven days a week like a crazy is too much stress for your body to handle. You will work yourself into a bad cycle of overtraining where you actually see negative results." The golden rule when lifting is listen to your body; overtraining will only ruin results.