Bodybuilding has been getting increasingly popular in recent years, gaining traction through influencers who document their bulk-up journey in social media channels. The obsession with being fit and big in a good way, has its merits, including physical and mental health benefits. If you have been enamoured by the perfectly-sculpted bodies you see online or are looking to build a disciplined exercise regime by giving bodybuilding a try, then it’s best to start with the right knowledge to back you up.
Building muscle is not as simple as it sounds, as it requires a good chunk of planning and the right essentials to prevent injuries or overexertion. From bodybuilding clothing to protein supplements, here are some must-haves that will help make you look good and feel good.
Activewear
Choosing the right clothing for your workouts is extremely important so you can stay comfortable, motivated, and confident despite long, late-night grinds in your local or at-home gym. When it comes to bodybuilding clothing, you want to choose activewear that suits the intensity of your workout planned for the day. For instance, if you plan to let go and sweat it out with intense cardio plus heavyweights, then you may want to wear figure-hugging and sweat absorbent racerback tanks. On chill gym days, a hoodie, sweats, and your favourite hits are all you need to stay focused in the bodybuilding zone.
Experiment with dedicated bodybuilding clothing and casual ryderwear apparel and streetwear, and find combos that complement your workout style.
Protein
Protein is perhaps the most important macro to look out for once you start bodybuilding, as it will help you bulk up and gain muscle mass. There are plenty of protein options on the market, from powders to supplements and snack bars. You can experiment with brands and flavours until you find one that you like best. A suggestion is to start with whey protein powder in your favourite flavour. Incorporate it in a smoothie filled with fruits, greens, and seeds. It is a fun and yummy way to increase your daily protein intake.
But the best sources of protein are eggs, dairy, and lean meats, such as chicken and turkey, so ensure that these are part of your daily diet. Fair warning; do not overdo it. Balanced meals are necessary to properly build muscle and increase the rate of recovery after strenuous workouts.
Music
The gym is not always a peaceful place. For the most part, it is full of overzealous gym buffs, loud music blasting from the Zumba class next door, and the chaos of people going about their personal workout routines. Good music might be all you need to put your mind in focus, forget the difficulty of your workout, and pump you up to complete sets without giving up. So charge your phone and prop in a pair of workout-safe Bluetooth earbuds, and you are all set to conquer your goals.
Toiletries
Bodybuilding workouts can get extremely intense, and you ideally do not want to go in your car, dripping in sweat. Make sure to pack toiletries in your gym bag, as most gyms offer complimentary showers where you can freshen up after a tough grind. And even if you do not intend to shower in the gym, basics such as towels and deodorant, are must-haves to keep you comfortable until you make it back home.
Bodybuilding is a wonderful way of taking care of yourself, and a great way to set goal points to keep you motivated despite difficult times. While seemingly perfect muscular bodies might fill your social media feeds, know that each person’s body is different and will react differently to muscle gain. Take things at your own pace and enjoy the ride.
Author Bio: Hannah Gilbert is a freelance writer who offers ghostwriting, copywriting, and blogging services. She works closely with B2C and B2B businesses providing digital marketing content that gains social media attention and increases their search engine visibility.