Monday, September 1, 2008

How To Avoid Bodybuilding Injuries

8 Steps to Remember for Safe Training

1. Listen to your body.

There are good days when you feel you can just do the numbers but then there can be times when your body says otherwise. Listen and listen well even for the slightest sign of pain. This may save you from severe bodybuilding injuries in the future. Your body needs you as much as you need your body.

2. Warm up or close down.

Bodybuilders and athletes know that it is mandatory to warm up before and after any type of training. Do this by simple stretching; even the alley cat does this. Stretching without straining for a minimum of five minutes from head to toe is ideal. Stretching before means you warm your muscles up, signaling to get ready for work. Stretching after means you cool your muscles down, signaling them work is almost over. No strain, no injury!

3. Correct Forms and Techniques.

Some bodybuilding injuries are sustained over a long period of time that maybe caused by wrong form done over and over again. Twisting, jerking the lifts, improper grip, and lifting too much weight too fast can result in painful sprains. This can be avoided by working with a good trainer as well as extensive reading of books of experts and applying their techniques.

4. Acceptance.

Too much of something is bad. Pushing your body to the limits is not only unnecessary but bad practice as well. As the muscles are overworked, you feel fired up because of the extra effort, but can lead to relapse and eventually leaving you injured. Accept how much you can handle first. Patience will teach you to wait until you develop the desired capability in lifting weights. You too can go big time, in time.

5. Focus and Awareness.

Think of a driver who loses his attention for five seconds. Who knows what might happen. Focus is always crucial to one who is doing serious work especially to bodybuilders. Distraction can lead to bodybuilding injuries not just to the one training but also to those who are within his scope. Being there 100% physically is not enough. Your mental and emotional bodies take part in your training too.

You must also be aware of your surroundings. An untied shoelace, a banana peel, a glass door, or sweaty hands, these little things or situations, as simple and unnoticeable as they may appear, levels as hazardous to someone who knows. This can put an end to his bodybuilding career! Practice with minute by minute awareness and your body will thank you for it.

6. Consistency.

In every arena in life, being constant and consistent at what one does signifies commitment to attaining a goal. With consistency comes a lesser risk of injuring oneself. If a perfectly sculptured body is what you want, you have to mean it. Show up on time. Do not miss training. Getting that perfect body is not made overnight, it is actually a daily grind.

7. Proper Nutrition.

A bad diet can hinder or reverse the progress of one participating in bodybuilding. For instance, one has to get over chomping junk food and unnecessary calories as these produce weaklings waiting to be injured. A healthy and sensible diet ought to be prepared which includes the higher than usual intake of right calories to cooperate with the protein and energy requirements for muscle growth and workout.

8. Sweet dreams.

Resting and sleeping means training smartly. Stimulated muscles grow during rest periods and that is a scientific fact. Without sufficient rest and sleep, these poor muscles may rip and tear, a perfect recipe for injury. However, these muscles can go rippling with vital energy in no time when provided with eight hours of sleep or depending on your body’s needs. In addition to this, a lot of bodybuilders take a nap during daytime as it gives extra boost to muscle growth.

Follow these simple tips and you are safe from bodybuilding injuries. Enjoy! It won’t be long until you get that physique of a Greek god or goddess.

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