I’ve always been a believer that if it came down to a choice between being sick and obese or being lean and “ripped”, I’d go with the latter. Don’t you agree?
Looking back at part 1, we learned three very important things. one is muscle never melts or turns into fat, how big you get depends on how much work you put in, and despite what some people might tell you. Bodybuilding does not make you weak.
In this second part, we debunk more myths and misconceptions about bodybuilding.
Myth 1: Bodybuilding Will Make You Look Disproportional
Fact: good results come from focused training, not variety.
Back when I was a newbie bodybuilder, my little brother pointed out something embarrassingly funny. “Why is your right arm bigger than the left?”, he asked.
It happens sometimes, and yes, people will notice. The good news is you can fix this problem.
The trick is to make sure that when exercising, both sides push and pull equally. If you have a weak side, pay more attention to that side.
The form mistakes you might be making include arching your back when shoulder pressing, bending your back when performing barbell squats, bending your hips when doing press-ups, and you don’t match the weight and reps for both arms.
Identify the issue and correct it.
According to William Morrison, MD, uneven shoulders is a problem that might also be caused by carrying a heavy bag, poor posture, injuries, using one side of your body to hold objects, and playing asymmetrical sports such as baseball, tennis or golf.
Some ways to fix or prevent this problem include:
- Practice perfect form
- Focus on squeezing and using muscles of your weak side (activate muscles)
Expert tip: Focus your training or create a routine.
Myth 2: “I’m not doing that, Lifting Heavy Objects Will Make Me Look Manly”
Fact: lifting shapes your body, it does not make it bigger.
Edith Traina is 97, what makes her special is, she lifts! According to the Independent UK in an article published in 2018, Edith takes part in competitions six times a year and has won two gold medals at the Polk County Senior Games. What I want you to notice is how strong she is at her age, and that she doesn’t look like She-Hulk.
What I’m driving at is. as a woman, there is no need to be afraid of resistant training and weight lifting.
Truth is. Lifting weights increases your overall energy and dramatically reduces body fat. This helps to get rid of or control common problems such as muffin top.
Another thing worth mentioning is Medical Research shows that lifting reduces the risk of bone disease later in life.
Here are five benefits of weight lifting every woman should know:
- Lifting shapes your body, it does not make it bigger (gain strength without bulking).
- It helps you lose body fat (burn calories)
- Reduces the risk of injury and bone disease
- Lifting enhances mood (makes you feel better)
- Reduces stress
Myth 3: Protein Bars and Proteins Shakes are a Must
Fact: Protein supplement manufacturers want to make money.
“Protein Bars and Proteins Shakes are a Must” That’s what supplement manufacturers want you to believe.
The truth is protein supplements are not a must, in fact, it is even possible to build muscle on a vegetarian diet. The best vegetarian protein sources according to menshealth.com are almonds, eggs, black beans, yogurt, and peas.
So, don’t let this myth that makes bodybuilding sound like an expensive undertaking make you shy away from the sport.
Question. Is it’s a protein bar or candy in disguise?
A good protein bar or shake is one that provides enough amounts of good proteins without high amounts of carbohydrates, fats, and calories. These products are designed to control hunger if your intention is to lose weight or to save time spent on food preparation.
Bodybuilding does not have to be expensive; you can make your own protein shakes at home using the ingredients listed above.
So, don’t be fooled, protein bars and shakes are not a must.
Myth 4: You Need Anabolic Steroids to Build Muscles
Fact: there is no shortcut to fitness.
There is a difference between anabolic and corticosteroids. That’s according to Kenneth Mautner, MD, of Emory University. Corticosteroids are primarily used to dampen overactive immune systems and reduce swelling.
On the other hand, anabolic steroids are used to build muscle or to treat conditions such as muscle wasting seen in cancer and AIDS patients.
What I want you to get is taking steroids is a matter of personal choice. If you decide to go with this option, make sure that you are ready to deal with the consequences.
We all know that some bodybuilders use and abuse Human Growth Hormones (HGH). These hormones enhance performance but the negatives of using them far outweigh the positives.
Contrary to popular belief, anabolic steroids won’t affect the size of your manhood, but, overuse or abuse can weaken your sex drive, cause erection problems and shrink your testicles or damage ovaries.
If that’s not bad enough, steroids may make men develop breasts, they may make you infertile, cause mood swings (roid rage) or cause your liver, heart or kidneys to malfunction.
Conclusion
Personally, I stand guilty of believing some myths and misconceptions about bodybuilding. I’m sure you feel the same way too. But our thoughts don’t change the facts presented.
To sum it all up, here are the facts: muscle never melts or turn into fat, how big you get depends on how much work you put into exercise, bodybuilding makes you strong, good or great bodybuilding results come from focused training, not variety, lifting shapes your body and does not make it bigger, protein bars and protein shakes though useful are not necessary, and last but not least there is no shortcut to fitness. Have the time, put in the work, don’t take shortcuts and most important of all have fun. If it’s not fun, it becomes a chore. If you are not in shape, purchase this useful guide. It is up to you to do it, decide today.