Bodybuilders love their Aminogen; many refuse take their protein without it!
So, Triarco travels to the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada each year to meet with Aminogen fans and support the sport, the art, and the science of bodybuilding. It's an amazing event, filled with competitors and fans from every part of the globe.
What always strikes me at these shows, is that even if you are not a bodybuilder - and never plan to be one - you can learn so much from them. There is so much about bodybuilding that can be applied to everyone's journey in health, fitness, and life in general. Here are some of the main tenents of bodybuilding that you should know, too:
The little things matter - and they add up.
Even when bodybuilders attend clubs and events after the show, you will see them skip the bread basket and order water rather than soda. They do this because they know that these small choices add up over time.
Whether you are trying lose weight, get fit, or simply stay strong, try not to think of these choices as deprivation. Think of each temptation as an opportunity to treat yourself well, to recommit to your goal.
Simple, healthy choices like skipping the sugar or drinking more water have a cumulative effect. Make the most of that.
Social support is crucial.
Bodybuilding can be a solitary sport, a single athlete staring down that next weight plate. But smart bodybuilders don't go it alone. They often partner with a trainer or mentor for guidance and support. They also have an array of competitions, shows, and gatherings throughout the year to socialize with bodybuilders. They celebrate their love of the sport, show off their results and encourage each other.
We could all benefit from that kind of social support. So whether that means finding a workout buddy, or splurging on an outfit that shows off your newly toned arms, take the time and effort to do that.
Cheat day is a must.
Bodybuilders are constantly eating with their goals in mind: to build muscle and to cut fat. But for all of their careful eating, meal planning, and supplement regimes, bodybuilders always allow themselves a "cheat" day - a day to relax the rules and eat what they enjoy.
Is this counterproductive? Not at all. Research tells us that deprivation can trigger a stress response. Go without your favorite food for too long, and you will not only dream about it, but you will probably eat twice as much of it when you do give in. This happens especially when restricting calories. Better to savor a small taste, or give yourself one day to eat the way you like, and avoid this vicious cycle.
Many people also suffer from all-or-nothing thinking: "I had those 3 cookies so my diet is already ruined for the day... I might as well have a few more." Don't fall victim to this kind of thinking. Treating yourself, in moderation (3 cookies, not the whole box),will actually help you stick with your goals for the long term.
Does this contradict the fact that "the little choices matter?" No. Investing in those small healthy choices everyday gives you a solid, healthy foundation. The real genius of cheat day is the ability to indulge(within reason) and then get right back on track.
You have to stop if you want to keep going.
Bodybuilders call this recovery. They know that after working out, your body needs time to rest and repair. Failing to do so can result in over-training. Your body is pushed too far, too frequently, and you actually begin to lose muscle mass, strength and energy.
Your body needs time to replenish its stores of glucose and amino acids, and to rebuild tissue that was utilized when working out. In fact, it is during this rest period that muscle growth actually occurs. So stick to your exercise schedule, but make sure you plan for a day of rest, too.
Eyes on the Prize
Even professional bodybuilders often have another job outside of the sport, in addition to competing. And yet they are first to the gym every morning before work. Or, they may go after work, when everyone else is heading home.
The point is, when you are committed to something, you find the time.
Use this as inspiration, rather than an admonition. Whatever your fitness or health goal is, you can make some time for it. Get up 20 minutes earlier and work out, or find a way to incorporate exercises into your family time, like taking a walk after dinner, or taking lessons together on the weekend.
And of course, as I mentioned above, bodybuilders take Aminogen because they take their protein nutrition seriously.
So how about you? You don't have to be a professional athlete to be serious about keeping fit. Is there anything you have learned from a particular sport, or an athlete, that you have been able to successfully incorportate into your own fitness plan?
