Bodybuilding: Effective Ways To Handling Criticism

It’s important to set the way we’ll respond to different critics throughout the journey of achieving our personal and bodybuilding goals. As are other areas of life, Bodybuilding is a sport of opinion. When we step on that stage, or conduct our daily business, whether with associates or judges, it’s our relationships with these people, and their opinions and impressions that will determine our personal and bodybuilding successes and victories.

The more dedicated you are to your bodybuilding goals, the easier it will be to show the judges your best physique. The greater your ability in controlling and handling daily communication, the more successful you will become with people and in personal endeavors.

Yet at various instances, opinions, that we may not necessarily condone and desire to receive will come through from other people.

The levels of our flexibility in handling outside feedback will greatly determine the impressions that others hold toward us, the way we view ourselves, and the results of our goals. You see, the way we respond to events reflects whom we are within.

Thus, by developing the ability to positively respond to events and changes that occur in our life, and respond to them in a constructive matter will greatly enhance the quality of our actions, create positive impressions about who we are for ourselves and others, and enable us to rise to higher levels of quality and results.

I believe there are three forms of opinions. More precisely, there are three roots from which they manifest. Criticism is a way of justifying one’s own weaknesses. First are the people who are jealous and will criticize your achievements to lower you to their level, thus making themselves feel better. Those people usually accompany words like “can’t”, “impossible”, “I don’t have time”, and so forth.

Steer clear, by nodding your head with disguised agreement, as anything further would be just a waste of time.

A second scenario would involve an advice that is in our control to determine whether it is perceived as offensive or constructive. For example, if a gym member or someone with more experience and knowledge, comments that your legs are small, avoid get offended by shouting back “Huh, do you know how hard I blast my legs, they are not small at all”. This automatic response is perfectly fine, due to the desire to avoid negative feedback, also since we don’t like to be put down. Even if we know what’s stated is right. Especially when there’s hard work involved.

Yet I believe there’s always room for growth. Always. So welcoming these types of suggestions could be even beneficial to help us excel and achieve greater results. So the next time some one criticizes your legs, say “Thanks!”, and make a note to use that as an advantages on your next leg workout.

A third opinion is a compliment. Use the compliment to appreciate your achievements, and enjoy the ride along your journey. Often times we don’t appreciate our efforts enough, and what we have achieved. Yet at the same time, avoid letting that compliment put you in ease. Continue striving for your goals, with full dedication and persistence, and you’ll achieve what you set out to do.

And remember, Be patient. Build it, and it will come.

Effective Bodybuilding Neck Exercises

New bodybuilders very often overlook bodybuilding neck exercises. Others however, include neck exercises only at the end of a workout session and consider it to be of lower priority. They concentrated on building the abdominals, chest, biceps and shoulders to get the nice v-shaped sculptured look. However, their overall appearance does not look balanced, as the neck is “pencil-thin”. The neck is the most neglected muscle.

In clothing, a bodybuilder with a thin neck cannot be differentiated from a non-bodybuilder. A thick neck proudly announces that you have rippling muscles beneath the clothing. When you work on your neck muscles, other muscles such as the traps and back muscles are affected, which help contribute towards a more symmetric look from the back and front.

Isometric and head-harness exercises can build and strengthen the neck muscles. In a standing position, with your right hand on your head, contract your neck muscles and push your head to the right, and hold and resist for 15 seconds. Repeat a few times and then with the left hand. Next, with body hands behind your head, try to move your head back, hold and resist for 15 seconds.

Attach a suitable weight to the head harness. With your hands on your leg and when seated, raise your head in a semi-circular motion, as far as you can.

Another exercise is to lie down on edge of the bench, hold a flat barbell weight at your forehead with your hand, and raise your head in a semi-circle motion, as far as you can. Next, return to the original position and repeat a few times. Repeat, with your stomach on the bench and with the weight held at the back of your head.

The shrug is also another effective neck exercise to build the trapezius region and back of the neck. With a dumbbell in each hand, perform the shrug by moving your shoulder upwards.

Bodybuilding neck exercises should be included into your workouts. It is best to allocate a separate day to work on the neck muscles.

Top 10 Effective Bodybuilding Supplements

Thousands of body building supplements have been introduced and tested. Some are proven to work while some are just waste of precious money. Experienced body builders and athletes have listed the top 10 effective bodybuilding supplements and these are the following:

1. Probiotics.

Probiotics are made from good bacteria like acidopilus and bifidus. They help the digestive system to work properly. Manufactured products containing probiotics includes special powder, yogurts, probiotic drinks, and capsules. Probiotics are very important to body builders because they lower cholesterol level and they stimulate the body to produce alpha-interferon that regulates the immune response.

2. Meal replacement powders.

These are great substitute for smaller meals that bodybuilders must take throughout the day. Meal replacements are great in accelerating weight loss and increasing lean muscle mass quickly. They are packed with vitamins, friendly fats, minerals, exact amount of carbohydrate and protein.

3. Weight gain formulas.

These gain powders have always played an important role in bodybuilding. These are especially created for beginners who are too skinny and having difficulty consuming sufficient amount of food to gain weight.

4. Maltodextrin.

Also known as glucose polymer powder or multidextrose. A synthetic polysaccharide is being used by people who are involved in sports to meet the energy demands of extreme exercise. It is a food additive produced mainly from cornstarch. It can be quickly absorbed like glucose making it quicker for body builder to gain needed weight.

5. Protein powders.

Most bodybuilders rely heavily on protein powders so that they get amount of protein they need to gain weight. Protein powder does not only help bodybuilders get the body they desire, but it also helps them build a stronger immune system and healthier skin. In addition, it also helps in developing muscle strength.

Protein powders are made from soy, rice, egg, and whey. These are purchased in powdered form that can easily turn to protein shake by just adding water or mixing it with milk or fruit juice.

6. Pre-workout drinks.

These are energy drinks that contain one or more of stimulants like ephedra, guarana, or caffeine. These help bodybuilders in energizing their day’s workout. Pre-work out drinks generally contains carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, creatine, and amino acids.

7. Creatine monohydrate.

This is the leading bodybuilding supplement that was scientifically researched and was proven to improve overall performance. It’s all-natural and can be found in many food like salmon, tuna, herring, and beef.

8. Creatine formulas.

These usually come in powdered form that contains pure creatine monohydrate, carbohydrate dextrose, and sodium. Studies show that most bodybuilders choose this supplement because they get amazing result in no time.

9. Nutrition bars.

These are useful for athletes who cannot find time to eat. There are different types of nutrition bars; these are high protein bars, sliming bars, and energy bars. These are not highly recommended for body builders because they usually contain fats and additives. They are also very expensive.

10. Glutamine.

This is important because it increases the bodybuilders’ ability to secrete growth hormone that aids in supporting muscle growth and metabolizing body fat. Bodybuilders use glutamine to lose weight without sacrificing the size of their muscles.

Supplement are definitely need for bodybuilding.

Some important and effective body building exercise

# Leg Extensions:

Your target zone are your thighs (Quadriceps). Sit on a leg extension machine and place the tops of your feet under the foot pads. With your lower back firmly against the seat, slowly lift your lower legs until your knee joint reach the locked position. Pause for a contraction, then slowly return to the starting position. Leg extensions, ideal for isolating the quads, are an effective warm up for the squats that follow

# Leg Tuck (Seated):

Sit on a bench sideways, grasping the edges for support. With knees bent, raise your legs slightly and then straighten them, leaning backward as balance requires. Now lift your knees up toward your chest, keeping your lower leg pointed downward, and flex your abs really hard. Keep continuous tension on the abs throughout this movement. This exercise works both upper and lower abs.

# Lunges (Smith Machine):

The basic purpose of lunges on the Smith Machine is to develop and separate the muscles in the thigh and shape the muscles in the glutes. Step into the Smith machine and place the bar across your shoulders / traps as you would to squat. Put your right foot two feet in front of you. stretch your left leg back as far as you can with little or not weight on it. Lower with the weight until your thigh is parallel with the floor and your left knee almost touches the floor. Now drive the weight back up using your right leg only, pushing hard from the heel. Finish your set with one leg and then repeat with the other.

# Military Presses (Seated):

Your target zone are the Front Delts. Your supporting and secondary muscles are your side and rear delts, triceps and traps. Sit on a bench with your back supported. With a wide grip – four to five inches past shoulder width – hold the bar at upper chest level. With your elbows back (don’t let them move in front of your hands), press the weight directly overhead. Lock out at the top – your arms should be straight – and slowly lower the bar to the starting position.

# Power Snatch:

Bend at your waist and knees to grasp either dumbbells or a barbell on the floor with an overhand grip. Straighten your torso and lift the weight as if performing an upright row; rather than stopping at the top, raise the weight overhead in one continuous motion by rolling your wrists back and ‘throwing’ the bar or dumbbells overhead. Reverse the movement to return to the start position.

# Pulley Rows (Seated):

Attach a V-handle to a low cable pulley machine and sit on the machine with your feet braced against the footrest or metal plate. Keeping your knees slightly bent, grasp the V-handle with your palms facing each other. Your trunk should be perpendicular to the floor and your arms outstretched , making the cable taut. Your trunk must remain stationary throughout the movement to ensure that you involve the correct muscles.

Pull the handle toward your chest, moving your elbows back and close to your sides as far as possible. Try to squeeze your elbows together behind you at the contraction, then slowly let your arms return to the starting position. Exhale as you pull the cable forward; inhale as your return to the starting position.

# Pull-Up:

One of the most overlooked exercises in bodybuilding. An excellent exercise in developing the lats and lower-trap fibers, and stresses the biceps quite well, too. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, hands about 10 inches apart. From an extended position, pull yourself high until your elbows are close to your ribs. As you pull up, lean back by arching your back in an attempt to bring your face next to the bar as opposed to under it. Breathe in deeply as you begin the movement and exhale forcefully once you’re through the sticking point.

# Pulldowns (Reverse Grip):

Stand in front of a high pulley with your feet shoulder width apart. Grasp the pulley handle with one hand using a reverse grip and stand back, bending slightly at your hips. Hold the handle so that you upper arm and elbow are vertical and slightly in front of your body with a 90 degree bend in your elbow. Slowly push down on the handle until your arm is fully extended and behind you, then slowly return it to the starting position. Repeat for the required number of reps, then switch arms and perform the same number of reps.

# Pushups (Flat Floor):

Lying facedown on the floor, place your palms next to your chest a little wider than shoulder width apart. Keeping your body straight, lift up until you are supported on your hands and the balls of your feet. Press up until your arms are extended, then lower your body. Remember, keep your body straight and back flat.

# Pushups (Off A Counter):

Position yourself in front of a counter, with your hands resting on the edge about shoulder width apart. Move your feet back so your body is positioned at a 45-55 degree angle. Now perform ‘Pushoffs’ as you would flat floor pushups.

# Pushups (With Feet Elevated):

This is the same routine as a Flat Floor Pushup, except you put your feet elevated on a bed or chair.

# Situps (Frog style):

Lie on your back on the floor, hands at the sides of your head. Bring your knees up while keeping your feet flat on the floor. Let each knee fall out to the side, down to the floor, or as far as your flexibility allows. Once you have assumed the ‘frog’ position, lift you shoulders only up off the floor as high as possible while crunching the abdominal muscles. Your legs remain steady and still throughout the exercise. This works the upper abs.

# Situps (Knees in the Air):

Lie on the floor with your knees bent and feet crossed in the air. Place your hands at the sides of your head and sit up, forcing your head toward your knees, while keeping your legs and feet as stationary and steady as possible. Really try to crunch your abs at the top of the movement. Lower yourself back to the starting position slowly. (Placing your hands on your lower abdomen will make this exercise easier). This exercise works both upper and lower abs.

# Split Jump:

Holding a pair of dumbbells, stand as if you are about to descend into a lunge; one foot extended in front, the other extended back, torso upright. Jump off your front leg and switch your legs in midair so that you land in the opposite lunge position. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

# Squat Jump:

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and toes pointed slightly outward, with a bar resting across your shoulders and traps. Descend into a squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Explode upward; as your hips and knees approach full extension, jump off the balls of your feet. Upon landing, move immediately into another squat. Look straight ahead and keep your torso and neck muscles tight throughout.

# Squat: Wave Squat:

In one continuous motion, descend into a quarter squat with a barbell resting across your traps and drive back up through your heels. As you stand up, push up off the balls of your feet.

# Squats (Barbell):

Start by placing the barbell on your upper back and while standing with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. Check your balance to make sure your feet remain flat on the ground. Now squat down slowly until your upper thighs are about parallel to the floor. If your legs and knees are not quite warmed up yet, do your first few squats a little less deeply. At first, you will feel like you need to lean forward to keep your balance. This can be altered by leaning your head back and keeping your lower back straight. Maintain your body weight on your heels and mid-foot. Resist going up on your toes to maintain balance. Do approximately 10 to 12 reps on your first set to make sure you are getting the movement down. The lower spine must remain straight and inflexible.

Barbell Squats build the muscles of the frontal thigh (Quadriceps) and the posterior hip region (Glutials). You will also feel the effect on the muscles of the lower back and the Hamstrings.

# Stretching:

It is always a good idea to warm up and stretch before working a muscle group. A good stretch for the pec muscles uses a doorway. Step through the doorway, reaching back with both arms. Hold the doorway on either side, as shown, then stick your chest out. Hold for 10 -15 seconds, relax, the repeat 2-3 times. Try to stretch a little further each time.

# Structural Exercises:

Defined as exercises which are multi-joint in nature and typically involve several different muscles. These are different from the many exercises which involve only one muscle and one joint and are referred to as Isolation exercises. Some examples of the primary structural exercises include the squat variations (back, front, split), lunge, deadlift, shoulder press, bench press and rowing variations (upright, bent-over, seated). Other structural exercises that are important for power development include the Olympic lifts, which are the snatch and clean and jerk, and parts of these lifts (hang pulls).

# Triceps Pushdowns:

Your target zone is your Triceps. Stand in front of a triceps pushdown machine and grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slighly less than shoulder width. Tuck your elbows into your sides, bend slightly forward at the waist and position the bar at upper chest level. Relying only on your lower arms to move the weight, push the bar down to arm’s length and squeeze your triceps. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat.