subject: Weight Training and Muscle Building for Complete Beginners [print this page] Weight Training and Muscle Building for Complete Beginners
Many people begin weight training with a range of different attitudes; from the gentle to the extreme. It's the latter which I want to address here. I've seen all to many beginners burn themselves out by trying to "go hard" from day one, only to lose motivation, do themselves an injury or simply find it difficult to stick to the over-ambitious plan they've set out for themselves.
There are several simple rules you can follow however to avoid these pitfalls and start to see the real gains you've been dreaming of.
Be real about where you are at
Women can be vain, men can be more so. When it comes to weight training and joining a gym its natural to overestimate what you should be able to do. How much you should be able to lift, or how many reps you should be able to perform.
We all know that it makes sense to take it slow, though when testosterone kicks in, many guys lose their heads and over do it. What makes the testosterone kick in more than being surrounded by a bunch of gym regulars who have been training for years? Comparing yourself to them is the first mistake.
It's better to think of something you have been doing for years. Something you are good at. Can you imagine someone new picking up your skill set so easily? Probably not.
Therefore, rule number one is for you to take an honest look at yourself in the mirror. You are not the guy you were five years ago and you're not yet the guy you've created in your minds' eye. You are you. As skinny and out of shape as you may be, that's where you're starting from. Let's accept it and move on!
Forget Extreme
Training hard and pushing yourself is fine, though it has to be within your own limits. The trouble is, when you're starting out at a muscle building and weight training program your limits are pretty low. Fortunately, the body adapts quickly to regular training so you can up the ante faster than you might think.
If you are someone of average fitness, you will be better served spending your first month of training establishing a routine, not going hard. The regular routine will result in the greatest gains in the long term, not excessive weight and a "hard-core" attitude in the short term.
It's often said that it takes thirty days to establish a routine or build a habit. When you start out weight training, you are doing exactly that. Keep a diary of your gym visits and ensure they are regular. By the end of the month, if you've met your attendance goal, then you're on track.
To conclude; muscle building through weight training is a great way to improve your health and self esteem. Approaching it with the right attitude and expectations is a must however. Follow these tips and you'll feel better about where you're at and be more likely to get where you're going.
