Probably the only time you’ll be told not to do something as a first step…
Okay so you’ve read my previous post (Bodybuilding for Dummies #1), and you decided you want to try this out. That picture of Arnold or the idea of taking your shirt off at the beach and impressing everyone has inspired you. What’s your first step?
DO NOT GET A GYM MEMBERSHIP
How can I emphasize that more? Oh okay, I’ll underline it this time:
DO NOT GET A GYM MEMBERSHIP
I can’t stress this enough. Why? Well, here are a few reasons:
- You’ll go to that gym, see hundreds of machines, dumbbells, free weights, the Whole Nine Yards and you have absolutely no idea where to start. You haven’t done your homework. You haven’t waited and read my future posts and you haven’t watched any YouTube videos. All I can say at that point is, “Good luck buddy”.
- Secondly, you’re weak and skinny/fat and you have no idea what you’re doing and everyone’s watching you, you’re prey now. You have no muscle development. You have no technique. And guess what. You’ll go through 5 machines, work your ass off and you’ll have not benefitted your body at all. Sorry, no candy coating here.
So, scared yet? Don’t worry, I’m not an asshole. Here are two things you need to start doing right now instead of getting a gym membership:
- SET A STRONG FOUNDATION
- Pushups, pull-ups, sit-ups etc. Bodyweight exercises are your best friend. Develop your core, develop the big muscle groups. Set a strong foundation. This’ll not only allow you to improve your technique at the gym (since you can utilize more muscle) but it’ll give you more confidence when you do get that gym membership (3 months from now).
- START EATING ANYTHING IN YOUR SIGHT
- Probably the most important and hardest thing to do as a bodybuilder. If you’re diet isn’t right, you can work and work for hours in the gym and you won’t see any change. You want to get bigger? Get more muscle? You need to eat big.
TRUST ME. I’ve been in your position a year ago. It sucks to not have anyone help you or assist you. I’ll do my best to make it as easy as I can for you but I need YOUR TRUST.
THIS IS IT. This is you taking control of your life and starting something big. The road starts here. Let me know how this works out for you and remember, TRUST ME, I’ve been there.
Post Schedule: Tuesday nights, Friday nights.
Road to Happiness 
I did the exact opposite when I started out, or well, let me just state that I am not ‘bodybuilding’ per se, simply trying to reshape my body into something which is remotely similar to what I once had. But I did indeed simply join the gym, ventured in and spent years on the machines before I even dared to take on the free-weight section. Nowadays I feel at home there and ‘own’ my space and couldn’t care less about what other people think about me. However, it is refreshing that someone is brave enough to write the blunt truth about gym culture and the fact that many people do ‘watch you’ and that you indeed are a bit of a ‘prey’ to some individuals whenever you’re a newcomer. I often read fitnessbloggers stating that no-one cares what other people do at the gym or notice anyone else thus there is no reason to be scared to go there. Unfortunately I don’t think that is always the truth, which also have been highlighted on the news when gym-members have posted less flattering photos and videos on instagram snickering about various gym members. Sad state of affairs in my opinion! Being active and staying healthy is such an important part of our lives that everyone should feel welcome at the gym no matter size, appearance or former level of knowledge.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I agree. I’m here to tell the truth and just the truth. I want my blog to be unique when compared to others. Thanks for taking the time to read my content and provide feedback. I really appreciate it 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great advice.
I started going to the gym early in the morning when it was empty. Back then, it was because I didn’t want to be seen. Now I will go at any time, but noticed there are more arrogance floating around in the evenings. In the 25 years I have been a gym goer, I gravitate towards being in a community. Not what I expected when I started!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah it can be intimidating. For those that have no experience, I suggested to set a strong foundation because it can be very intimidating and can really hurt their confidence etc. Also, without any guidance, they’re prone to injuries.
LikeLiked by 1 person