How to Be a Bodybuilder Instead of a Gym Rat

Written by: Marc_David

There must be some reason why certain people build more muscle and lose more fat than others. Said another way, if two equally gifted individuals start working out... why does one make significant progress and the other looks like they don't even belong to a gym?

Is it simply a random occurrence - the proverbial, "your genetics determine your physique"?

Is it simply whoever trained harder on that particular day? Is it simply that one person had a greater desire to challenge themselves than the other?

To be sure things like genetics, opportunity and desire contribute to the outcome of most bodybuilders, but there is another factor - often unseen - that plays a huge role in determining who gets to show off the six pack when summer rolls around.

And that factor is "gym strategy."

That is -

More...In a high percentage of instances between two equally-gifted bodybuilders, the one who plays "smarter" will accomplish the goals they set.

In fact, by playing "smarter" not only will you make more progress against equally-gifted people, you'll eventually surpass people who are "genetically better" than you! (I.E. Skinny Guys can be bigger than Naturally Muscular people.)

One thing that I've been guilty of over the years and a trap I've seen almost every bodybuilder I know fall into as well is devoting time, energy and money to improving technically, but not strategically.

In other words: too many lifters try to improve our weight used without improving our use of them.

I'll give you a perfect example:

Tony has been working out at the local gym for 5 years. He's improved his lifts in almost all areas. He's stronger and he's bigger than when he started. But his physique doesn't change too much. Tony looks the same this year as he did the last 3 years. There's one guy at the gym who's body shape changes a lot, to the point he's been accused (silently) of taking something.

Why? This guy comes into the gym with a solid plan (usually pre-printed). He is immediately focused on doing the workout he planned quickly and efficiently. His stopwatch won't allow him to have those 2-3 hour workouts. He'll be in and out of the gym in 60 minutes for sure. If something is taken, he's immediately got another exercise in mind and is doing it. He doesn't seem to do the same routine forever.

So, that's what we're going to talk about during the remainder of this report. I'm going to quickly share the mental strategy that I've developed after 17+ years of bodybuilding and watching what goes on in the gym.

I call it the "How to B.E.A.T Any Bodybuilder At Your Level system. I use the acronym B.E.A.T. to illustrate the four critical steps of this winning system. Each letter B, E, A and T to represent one of the four steps...

B: BE systematic in your workouts.

In other words, come to the gym with a game plan. Have a basic idea of what exercises you want to perform - both sets and reps. Mentally prepare to do the workout. Many people will visually go thru an entire leg routine before ever doing it. Go the gym full well knowing what it is you want to do. Track your progress in a journal. Know what works for you and what doesn't. Keep the things that work, ditch the things that don't.

E: ESTABLISH control of your focus.

Concentrate and focus on getting in the gym and out of the gym. Save the chatter for later. The more you can establish control of your focus (concentrate) the better your workouts will be and the less frazzled you'll become. You'll be able to concentrate on the areas that need the most attention and less on those that don't. Better focus leads to less time spend standing around.

A: ATTACK your weakness.

Every person has a weak or lagging body part. Your job is to determine what your weakness is and improve the area it as often as possible. Do you have weak calves? Train calves with determination and not as an after thought when leaving the gym. If your chest is your weak point, then focus on it. Bring up your lagging body parts and make them a priority. If your arms are already huge, skip arm workouts and focus on your weakest body part.

T: TRANSITION as needed.

Workout routines are great to have - and oftentimes they work like a charm. But, what happens when they don't? You go to Plan B, of course! Prepare in advance what to do if certain things are happening. I have a list that includes such entries as, "If the incline bench is taken, I'll move to the Swiss ball and do dumbbell press on them followed by push-ups."

The important thing to learn is this: if you outsmart your typical gym-goers, you'll usually surpass them. Especially if they're at an equal skill level. And even if they're genetically better than you in many cases.

Head to the gym today, but don't just take your gym bag with you. Take your strategy as well. That's your real secret weapon.

* This article is exclusive to IronMagazine.com, reproduction in any form without prior consent is strictly prohibited.

The Beginners Guide to Fitness & Bodybuilding

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Marc David is a bodybuilder, writer, and author of the the e-book "The Beginner's Guide to Fitness and Bodybuilding" (BGFB): What Every Beginner Should Know but Probably Doesn't. Marc has written over 20 articles and has been featured in several health and fitness websites. Marc's opinionated and informative articles on bodybuilding, weight loss and training are featured regularly on: www.freedomfly.net

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