Muscle Building Techniques

Welcome to article number 2 in our series "Bodybuilding Sins That Cause Back Pain and Missed Workouts". In this article we are going to talk about how bodybuilders tend to create massive muscle imbalances and what you can do to not be one of them.

If you missed the first article, you can read it by clicking on the link below.

Here's a breakdown of the articles to look for:

1. Article #1 - Choosing The WRONG Exercises
2. Article #2 - Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results
3. Article #3 - Targeted Stretching
4. Article #4 - Targeted Exercises
5. Article #5 - Rest, Recovery, and Injury Prevention

Article #2 - Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results

Bodybuilders are a stubborn bunch... almost as bad as runners! And they tend to follow the "HERD" doing whatever exercises and routines the "pros" are doing...

Now, if your goal is to be as big as possible and you are not at all concerned with your health and fitness, don't even bother this article... this article is for bodybuilders who ARE concerned about their health and want to be big, strong, powerful, and agile... if that's you, read on...

The reason so many bodybuilders suffer from so many different injuries is because there are several things the "pros" don't tell you...

First off, the articles that you see in all the muscle mags aren't even written by the "pros"... and the workout routines they recommend are always extreme and often not even used by the "pro" who supposedly wrote because their main goal is to sell magazines... not give you the real deal on bodybuilding.

If you are serious about bodybuilding and want to achieve your true peak, you need to stay injury free... and that's just about impossible if you train they way most bodybuilders do.

There are several key strategies that you can use right now to not only eliminate any aches, pains and injuries you currently have, but also keep from creating more muscle imbalances in the future. For a more detailed article on muscle imbalances go to
http://www.losethebackpain.com/achesandpainsarticle.html

Strategy #1 - Target the Weaklings!

No, we don't mean the exercises you think your weak at, or even the muscles you think are underdeveloped... what we mean is the muscles that are weak in relation to the opposing muscle group.

For example, in the first article we talked about why the Leg Extension is not a great exercise and why it's responsible for so many cases of knee, hip, and back pain... and the reason is, most people, especially bodybuilders, are already over developed and stronger in the quadriceps... and usually have a significant imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings.

Another reason bodybuilders tend to develop so many severe muscle imbalances is because they emphasize the front of the body more than the back... a great example of this is what we call "The T-shirt Muscle Workout" and it usually consists of dozens of sets of chest and biceps...

you know what we mean... in just one workout you do flat bench, incline, decline, pec deck, dumbbell fly, cable cross overs... and then for biceps you've got barbell curls, dumbbell curls, preacher curls, cable curls, machine curls, and the list goes on...

So instead of emphasizing the muscles that are already strong, why not really hit those weak and under worked muscles like: neck, upper back, shoulder rotators, hamstrings, glutes, hip rotators, lower abs, and shins.

These areas tend to be weak, tight, out of balance with their opposing muscles, prone to muscle strains and pulls and most importantly, these imbalances lead to major injuries and conditions like back pain, knee pain, rotator cuff tears, tendonitis and others.

All of these conditions are caused by muscle imbalances and will NOT go away unless you work towards correcting the imbalances... and the only way to know for sure which imbalances are causing your pain or injury is to do a series of physical assessments like the ones covered in our "Lose the Back Pain Video".

Strategy #2 - Experiment!

Here's a personal challenge for you: Replace at least 1 of your normal weekly workouts with something totally different like combat martial arts, kettle bell training, functional training, or even strongman style exercises.

For example, instead of doing your super heavy, 3 inch partial rep leg presses, try a single leg squat... and if that's easy, try adding weight! Or instead dozens of sets of shoulder presses and lateral raises, see if you can do 1 handstand push-up.

Those are just a few examples... do yourself a favor and experiment with other types of exercises. You can find hundreds of different types of training styles by taking classes, reading books, watching videos, surfing the web, hire a personal trainer, etc.

We aren't asking you to give up your traditional workouts... but just cross-train a bit so you not only work towards a balanced body but also towards a stronger, more powerful and usable strength. Again, what good is muscle if you can't use it!

Strategy #3 - Switch It Up!

Another great way to minimize the number of missed workouts due to injuries is to vary the exercises that you do for each muscle group. For example, if you always do barbell squats try rotating in other exercises like single-leg leg presses, trap-bar dead-lifts, d-bell squats, etc.

Conclusion

Remember, the key to eliminating injuries and preventing future ones is to identify what areas you need to target. In the next two articles we'll be discussing in detail, how to address various injuries like back, hip, knee, and shoulder pain with targeted exercises and stretches. In the meantime, be sure to read thru all of our detailed Articles and if you have questions, please post them in our
Discussion Forum.

About the Author: Article by Jesse Cannone, CFT, CPRS, CSPN and Steve Hefferon, CMT, CPRS of http://www.losethebackpain.com. If you've got back pain or sciatic pain, you've gotta check out their video.

It's one thing for someone who sits at a computer all day and never exercises to have back pain, but for a bodybuilder, someone who spends hours and hours each week pouring everything they've got into building muscle, it should be criminal!

The reason we say this is because, if you are going to spend so much time, money, and energy trying to build the "perfect body", you have to make sure that you not only look good, but also feel good...

We've identified what we call "Bodybuilding Sins" that lead to back pain, sciatic pain, and other injuries... read em and take action now if you are serious about bodybuilding and are fed up with your back pain.

Because there is so much information to share with you, we've broken it down into a series of 5 articles, each covering a different component of how back pain affects bodybuilders.

Here's a breakdown of the articles to look for:

1. Article #1 - Choosing The WRONG Exercises (below)
2. Article #2 - Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results
3. Article #3 - Targeted Stretching
4. Article #4 - Targeted Exercises
5. Article #5 - Rest, Recovery, and Injury Prevention

Article #1 - Choosing the WRONG Exercises

Get ready, this is gonna hurt! The exercises most bodybuilders focus on the most, are the ones that cause the most problems... hopefully, you're different J

But before we share with you what those exercise are, let's talk real quickly about what bodybuilding is...

The goal of bodybuilding isn't to get as big as you can, or at least to us it isn't and shouldn't be, but to build a balanced body that is as strong as possible in every way. For example, while being freakishly big may get people's attention, it serves you no purpose at all...

while on the other hand, what if you were not only big, but also extremely strong and powerful, lightning fast, flexible, and agile enough to kick ass if needed?

So many bodybuilders build massive amounts of muscle yet are so unbelievably weak and inflexible... for example, we know a guy who can bench press over 350 lbs but can't do a measly 50 push-ups!

The point is, the exercises you choose and how you perform them not only determine how big, strong, and flexible you are, but also affect how your body functions and whether or not you suffer from aches, pains, and injuries like back pain and sciatic pain.

Ok, here they are... the exercises that create the most problems and are most likely to lead to back pain:

1. Bench Press
2. Leg Extension

So, any of your favorites on this list?

While there are others, these are the two that cause the most damage.

There are several reasons why these exercises made our list of the "worst bodybuilding exercises". First, all of them target areas that already tend to get worked a lot in everyday life and often times are overdeveloped...

and by focusing so much on these exercises you end up creating muscle imbalances, or worsening existing muscle imbalances, which pull your bones and joints out of their normal position...

and this leads to uneven pressure and wear and tear on your muscle, ligaments, tendons, bones, and joints and will sooner or later lead a break down or injury.

For example, chronic overuse of the bench press, coupled with little or no exercises targeting the upper back, leads to an overdevelopment of the chest and a lack of strength and development in the upper back...

This all too common combination leads to what we call "Turtle Back". You know what we're talking about, when the shoulders are pulled so far forward, lats are as wide as barn, and from behind, their back looks like a giant sea turtle shell!

This "Turtle Back" posture can create neck, upper back, and shoulder pain and injuries faster than you can pop an Advil!

Plus, how many times during your day are you forced to lie on your back and push up a bar loaded with weights? There are so many better exercises for chest development that not only stimulate more muscle, but also build more usable strength.

Now let's talk about the fabulous thigh builder, the leg extension...

Not only does it place an unbelievable amount of strain on the knee joint, but it also will quickly overdevelop the quads, which are already getting far more work than their counterpart, the hamstrings.

An imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings, which is also extremely common in bodybuilders, is a key contributor to back pain. This imbalance is easily identifiable by what people often call "Bubble Butt" or "Ghetto Booty".

So hopefully you can see how important it is to choose your exercises wisely. We strongly recommend you cut out these exercises, or at least cut back on using them and add in targeted exercises for the opposing muscle groups and targeted stretches for those tight, overdeveloped muscles.

The key to eliminating back pain, or any other ache, pain or injury for that matter, is to bring your body closer to balance...

What good is muscle if you can't use it? How many more workouts are you going to miss because of back, neck, or shoulder pain? How much bigger and stronger could you be if back pain and other injuries weren't ruining your training?

Just imagine how bad things will be 10, 20, or 30 years from now if you don't make changes to your training now... but don't take our word for it, ask some of the older bodybuilders who are paying the price now... you can spot them easily at the gym because they limp around trying to find something they CAN do.

Look for the next article, "Training Variations for Pain Relief and Maximum Results" very soon and in the mean time, if you are suffering from back pain or sciatic pain, here's what you need to do...

Head on over to our website http://www.losethebackpain.com now to find out exactly what's causing your back pain and the specific steps you need to take to get relief fast and get back to training at 100%.

About the Author: Article by Jesse Cannone, CFT, CPRS and Steve Hefferon, CMT, CPRS Find out which back pain (http://www.losethebackpain.com) exercises actually work and you need to be doing... and which ones you must avoid like the plague!

1.- Begin with a couple of deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and
exhaling from your mouth.

2.- When you plan to walk or run, do just a few hundred yards at a
slower walk or a gentler jog.

3.- Use the cool down routine in the reverse of the warm-up, gently
slowing down. This will enable your breathing and heart rate to
return to normal.

4.- Learn to listen to your body and differentiate between good pain
and bad pain.

5.- Never exercise on a full or empty stomach.

6.- Drink plenty of water to reduce the chance of dehydration.
Experts usually recommend 16 ounces either one or two hours before
exercising.

7.- Always use stretching routines. These are not just for jocks and
fitness gurus but should be used by everyone. The older you are, the
more important this becomes as you can help retain flexibility and
good range of movement for all your daily activities.

8.- When warming up and stretching, use the movements for five to ten
minutes. This will help to loosen your muscles.

9.- Do not bounce when warming up with stretching as you can cause
tears in your muscle fibers.

10.- Always warm up before beginning your exercise activity using
smooth and fluid movement. The purpose of the warm up is to minimize
discomfort and prevent injury and loosen up your muscles for the
exercise to come.

by K. Perry

Whey protein is available in supplement form and whey protein contains many positive health benefits within its whey protein powder formula. Derived originally from whole milk, whey protein is separated and collected during the cheese making process and whey protein powder has proven to yield the highest amount of rapidly absorbed whey protein available thus far. This quick absorption makes whey protein powder easily tolerated by athletes and sportsmen of any age.

Essentially, in whey protein's purest form whey protein contains no fat, lactose or cholesterol, making whey protein a healthy addition to any diet. While dairy products, meat and eggs provide naturally available protein, whey protein is far superior in both quality and quantity. Whey protein powder enhances the skin, hair, nails and immune system.

The demands of an active physical lifestyle are easily met by including whey protein as part of a balanced diet. Whey protein provides the branched-chain amino acids, which are essential for building and maintaining healthy muscle tissue. Because whey protein is very well balanced, whey protein powder contains these amino building blocks in the precise amounts required for optimum physical performance. Whey protein powder enhances hormonal and cellular responses, and whey protein also serves as an antioxidant. The immune system is strengthened and enhanced by whey protein powder's unique protein formula.

Widely available research on whey protein indicates that when whey protein powder is combined with regular exercise and a healthy diet, the result of whey protein powder is consistent and noticeable muscle growth. Whey protein is important for anyone involved with physical training, because muscle stress quickly depletes the available protein levels in the body.

Acting as a precursor to muscle building and essential amino function, whey protein stimulates the acids responsible for muscle enhancement, endurance and growth. Reduced muscle deterioration is one of the whey protein powder benefits experienced by body builders.

Whey protein has proven its ability to aid with muscle recovery and strength by instantly meeting all protein requirements. After an extreme physical work out whey protein powder effectively shortens any time spent recovering from muscular stress and strain, due to the protein formula provided by whey protein powder.

Blood sugar levels are kept steady by an intake of whey protein powder. This means that while an athlete is using whey protein powder, the need for uncontrolled binging is drastically reduced. Therefore, more energy is available and fat is also metabolized quicker while using whey protein powder. Effective diet management is achieved through the abilities of whey protein to balance blood sugar.

Whey protein assists individuals on low carbohydrate diets by providing an alternate source of protein. Any pressure placed on the muscle protein and glutamine stores is relieved by whey protein, leaving them free for higher levels of muscle usage. In each serving, whey protein powder provides the system with all nine essential amino acids in large amounts.

All the benefits of a high protein diet are delivered to the body through whey protein powder. This is achieved while whey protein reduces the calories and fat intake usually associated with normal high protein eating habits. Research on whey protein indicates that individuals seeking enhanced muscular fitness while maintaining good health will benefit from a whey protein powder supplement.


About the Author
Copyright 2005 Health-Focus
Providing Resources on Health and Nutrition

Are you concerned about taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects?

If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.

WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?

Protein levels are depleted through exercise. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and build mass. Proteins supply these amino acids to the muscles which is why athletes use whey protein.

WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN?

Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is the by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers know that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. It is naturally found in mother's milk and also used in baby formula. It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.

Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER USING WHEY PROTEIN?

Whey protein has many health benefits including immune support, bone health, sports health, weight management and overall well being.

Because amino acids are 'building blocks' for the human body it is sometimes used by patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns.

The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.

CAN WHEY PROTEIN BE DANGEROUS?

Whey protein is a food and so it does not have have the risks associated with other supplements. That said, too much of anything carries risks. Extremely high use of whey protein can overload the liver which can cause serious problems. Moderation is always recommended.

If you are lactose intolerant you might try whey protein isolate which has less than 1% lactose and should be tolerable for most users.

Whey protein is a natural and healthy way to bring protein into your diet and increase well being.

Here you have a new and really good guide about a controversial theme, the drug tests.

Drug Testing Guide

They will add new articles in a near future. Enjoy it!

Getting and staying in shape doesn’t have to be dull and boring!
Try some of these fun fitness activities to make your workouttime more enjoyable.

MUSICAL EXERCISES
Put on your favorite music and do some yoga! No need for slow, elevator music. Move to your favorite beat. Or pop on the headphones or earphones and grab your MP3 or cassette player or handheld PC and bike to a nearby park. Too cold or rainy? Then head to a mall or other enclosed area where you can walk. Caution: make sure you are alert while listening to music with headphones or earphones.

FUN IN THE SUN
Check out the latest tanning solutions and try fun, scented versions with funky, multi-colored sunglasses. Grab your cassette player or MP3 player and favorite tunes. And pack some flavored water, new flavored health bar that you’ve been dying to try and some frozen berries in your carryall for breaks and have a “sense”-ational time.

FITNESS CLASSES
Try out a new fitness class for fun. Enjoy a full water aerobics workout with less stress on your joints. Grab some colorful water gear and swim to the beat. Or try a dance or Jazzercise routine. No need to commit long-term, just ask about popping in for a class or two to check it out and enjoy. Meet new friends and get fit all at once.

VCR / DVD
Head to the library or local rental store and grab a fun fitness video or DVD. Crank up the sound when your favorite tunes come on and join the taped workout participants in the privacy of your own home.

GYM / FITNESS CENTER
Dig out those coupons you’ve been receiving in envelop mailers and those money saving coupon magazines. Again, no need to commit long-term. Just head on over and use the free or low-cost trial / invitational period and enjoy!

JOURNALING
Spice up your logging routine with an inexpensive new journal from a discount or dollar store nearby. Crate snazzy charts with colored markers. Add bright colored stickers for each workout. Paste or tape clipped pictures of your goals throughout the covers and inside sections. For example, paste pictures of that vacation spot you want to travel to with your new, healthy YOU wearing a new swimsuit.

So add some fun in with your fitness activities. Wake up your senses with new taste, smells, sights, touches and sounds. Forget that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” stuff. Workouts plus play make Jack a fun, fit boy!