If you’re like most people, you’re probably amazed at the physique of a bodybuilder. Odds are, if you work out you still don’t look anything like the bodybuilders that you see on TV and in magazines. This is because bodybuilders focus all of their time and effort on sculpting their bodies. It takes a lot of dedication and focus. Not only do they have a strict workout regime, but they also need to adhere to a strict diet. Most bodybuilders also take supplements to help with the growth of their muscles, such as a prohormone.
Diet
The diet of a bodybuilder is always changing, as it directly impacts their physique. If you want to gain more muscle, then you need to eat more to support that additional growth. If you eat too much you run the risk of putting on fat. It’s a difficult balance, which is why bodybuilders keep a close eye on their weight. They need to gain lean muscle 
weight, not fat. You can’t just eat whatever you want. Bodybuilders need to eat a lot of protein, carbohydrates and fats in the correct ratios. Since it’s hard to get what you need through 3 meals, most body builders eat 5 to 6 times a day.
Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Exercise
Bodybuilders do a large variety of exercises. They do both cardiovascular training (which helps to build up strength and endurance), as well as strength training (which helps build stronger and larger muscles). As a bodybuilder, you would typically do 30 to 40 minutes worth of cardio exercises at least 4 to 5 times a week. Being active while your stomach is empty will help to burn as much excess fat as possible. Weight training should be done at least 3 to 4 times a week; however, the amount of time you spend on this will be dependent on the individual. One thing a bodybuilder has to watch out for is over exertion. You can seriously hurt yourself or cause exhaustion, sleep problems or other issues by working out too much.
Supplements
Since it can be difficult to get everything that you need from diet alone, bodybuilding supplements are often taken. These include simple supplements like protein supplements which are used for strength training, or carbohydrates which are needed for long lasting workouts. Creatine is sometimes used to aid in muscle recovery and increase strength needed for better performance in weight lifting or sprinting. Prohormones are popular as well.
As you can see, it takes a lot of effort to become a bodybuilder. Bodybuilders have to follow a strict diet and exercise regime, and often have to use supplements to help in obtaining the physiques they desire.
About the Author
Eric Regan has written for many news sites and blogs all over the internet. His writing team covers a wide range of topics.
Andre Smith
8 years ago
Not to mention they usually have insane genetics allowing them to have such bodies.
Chris
8 years ago
Sucks for the rest of us, lol.
Everyone should at least try to attain their potential or a level they are happy with.
Ramkalyan
8 years ago
Don’t get me wrong Andre, but I think “Genetics” is a common excuse for lazy people. It is very convenient, and there’s no one around to prove it. I think it’s all up to the individual’s commitment in the right direction.
Chris
8 years ago
Good points Ramkalyan!
steve web
8 years ago
hello andre , i understand the risks peope put themselves in , trying to get the perfect bod , as i work with lad’s that are regular bodybuilders , but they’ve had serious effects on health , due to taking to many tabs , and another lad had a heart attack , and he was challenging for the mr universe , i’m 41, don’t really think that getting into serious weights now is a good thing , but i do need to build myself up , as i’ve changed my eating and drinking habit’s 12/24 months ago , was 13 stone , now 9 stone or less , yes i need to eat more , but i’ve got into the health eating so much that i hardly eat ought now , this needs to change !, only then can i get a healthy bod , without being into the gym 24/7, any tips will be helpful thanks steve
Brandon
7 years ago
Lifting heavy weight, lower reps combined with a great diet and the RIGHT kind of cardio (the kind that will not burn muslce) is how you get buff. It’s plain and simple…no need for any of the fancy stuff…just lift heavy and lift with proper technique. Doing regular deadlifts, squats, bench press, military press, curls, etc. will make way stronger and look better than any of the current fads (e.g. cross fit) ever will.
Chris
7 years ago
Agree with you Brandon! The process to get buff is very simple; don’t let the marketers get your head spinning with all the fancy, complicated new programmes and techniques.