The main thing(s) I learned in over 30 yrs in bodybuilding

[HowieW]

Now at age 49 after more than 3 decades in/around bodybuilding I have learned a few basic nuggets of wisdom.

1. I pissed away a lot of money on useless supplements and related crap. Most of it made me feel bloated, gave me gas or just did NOTHING. Stick with basic proven stuff like whey pro, vits/min and creatine.

2. I always ended up OVERtraining and feeling like I was run over by a bus, when I used the typical all out , live in the gym routines for the hardcore. Much better to do a bodypart once per week and stay steady and consistant.

3. Compete in 1-2 shows per year and then come back a yr later to gauge your individual progress.
I used to try to do too many shows and ended up burning out. I think it is ideal to do a Mr Podunk each year no matter who you are to help motivate yourself to get better.If you win Mr Podunk move up the ladder. Some can make steady progress with no desire to compete, but they are rare. Most say that, but look at them yr after yr and they look the same.

4. Have a real life outside of bodybuilding!
Get a good educatio and build a real mainstream career . Spend time with loved ones , travel and enjoy life. The gym will still be there when you get back, trust me.

5. Attend shows and have fun being part of the actual sport.

Howard

[gordiano]

Now at age 49 after more than 3 decades in/around bodybuilding I have learned a few basic nuggets of wisdom.

1. I pissed away a lot of money on useless supplements and related crap. Most of it made me feel bloated, gave me gas or just did NOTHING. Stick with basic proven stuff like whey pro, vits/min and creatine.

2. I always ended up OVERtraining and feeling like I was run over by a bus, when I used the typical all out , live in the gym routines for the hardcore. Much better to do a bodypart once per week and stay steady and consistant.

3. Compete in 1-2 shows per year and then come back a yr later to gauge your individual progress.
I used to try to do too many shows and ended up burning out. I think it is ideal to do a Mr Podunk each year no matter who you are to help motivate yourself to get better.If you win Mr Podunk move up the ladder. Some can make steady progress with no desire to compete, but they are rare. Most say that, but look at them yr after yr and they look the same.

4. Have a real life outside of bodybuilding!
Get a good educatio and build a real mainstream career . Spend time with loved ones , travel and enjoy life. The gym will still be there when you get back, trust me.

5. Attend shows and have fun being part of the actual sport.

Howard

 

[trab]

Dude, you actually sound smart. WTF you doing here? 
An' wat'z up w/ the Kelly/Titus thing?

[TrueGrit]

Nice post. I like pt 4.

I will say that I've often overtrained and have learnt to spot the signals.

I made decent gains on 1 bodypart a week but made better gains on the more old school pre-steroid type routines hitting bodyparts with lower volume and high frequency. I switch between both.

As a natty I find 3-4 times a week optimal for me.

[io857]

Whats the most effective way to build muscle?

[Disgusted]

Whats the most effective way to build muscle?

That's a good one. 

[CalvinH]

#6 the proper bicep pose when getting my picture taken in front of a cruise ship.

[chaos]

Whats the most effective way to build muscle?

Oh no you didn't.........

[HowieW]

Dude, you actually sound smart. WTF you doing here? 
An' wat'z up w/ the Kelly/Titus thing?

Thanks, I have been kickin' around bodybuilding for many years and it is part of my life, for better or worse.
I teach physics for living and try to stay up on various topics.
I get have some fun her at Get BIg and actually like the crazy , wacky crap in bodybuilding.

The Titus signature is a complete joke , obviously, ya know..." Kelly Ryan married well " hehehe

hey T Grit, how do you stay training only 3-4 days a week. I wish I could stop myself from going as much becuase it does me little good then I am forced to take 1-2 days off and lay around like a big idiot.

Oh, let me add this to my list:

Modern equipment is your friend. Going too heavy, too often on reg benches , rows, squats and eadlifts can damage your joints over the years.Unless you are a powerlifter, use  a variety of movements to build.

[HowieW]

#6 the proper bicep pose when getting my picture taken in front of a cruise ship.

LOL, good one, hehehehe.

Ok the most effective way to build muscle is to :
1. work a bodypart once per week , with 3-4 movements on major body parts, 3-4 sets of 6-10 reps with good, steayd form.

2. Don't worry about power moves as much as working the muscle hard.

3. eat a good diet of 6 medium sized meals each day, do cardio for 3-4 days week , 30-40 min at a moderate pace.

Good luck

[io857]

Is the cardio for health reasons or does it help in building the muscle tissue?

[HowieW]

Is the cardio for health reasons or does it help in building the muscle tissue?

BOTH! It is better to have an optimum metabolism to build lean muscle .

[Captain Equipoise]

Man, I expected some cycles to get posted.. .you disapoint me Howie.

[TrueGrit]

hey T Grit, how do you stay training only 3-4 days a week. I wish I could stop myself from going as much becuase it does me little good then I am forced to take 1-2 days off and lay around like a big idiot.

I used to do weights 6 days a week for years. Even though I instinctively knew I was overtraining. Part of the battle for me is physically forcing myself to rest. I also do cardio sessions some days because I enjoy cardio, especially sprinting.