Beginning Bodybuilding

Book excerpt: Prepare to look, feel, and perform better than you ever have before! Why bodybuilding? Put simply, lifting weights--or resistance training--is one of the best ways to achieve total body health and fitness. Research has shown time and again that pumping iron provides a host of benefits: Bigger muscles, of course, but also greater strength, higher bone density, and improved cardiovascular capacity. Adding muscle also naturally ignites your body's internal fat-burners, increasing your metabolism while lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol. Oh yeah, and you'll look terrific. Here's all you need to start building serious muscle, including crucial information on: Complete workouts and techniques to maximize results Specific tips on achieving more defined abs, arms, legs, chest, and back, How bodybuilding is different and better than other training methods Basic anatomy and physiology “Gym jargon” via a special decoder How long and often you should work out--and how much recovery time your body needs