Bodybuilding

Does Music Improve Your Workout?

Published

12 years ago

February 19, 2013

F Kyle

Have you ever asked why do you listen to music during your bodybuilding workout? If if you answer is yes, then you will be interested to find out the answer to this question and other important details related to music in the gym. The main explanation is that music gives the bodybuilder a certain mood, as the music rhythm almost coincides with the exercises rhythm, increasing the excitement of those who work out. In other words, through music is created a nice atmosphere for training.

There are fewer people who prefer to train in silent. Many studies done on this subject have been proved that a proper music choice while training makes it more effective. On the other hand, there is some kind of music genres that have to be avoided, as they decrease the willing to train.

When we talk about music in the bodybuilding or another type of sport, the main role of music is to suppress the pain. Science says that a properly fitted melody is able to block the secretion of prolactin cerebellum, which in turn significantly reduces the level of stress in training. As a result, a bodybuilder feels tired much later than usual. Thus the male athletes are able to increase training duration by 30%, while women with 25%.

Different music can act differently, so the task of music choice have to be carried seriously and competently. As the same research has shown the best type of music for bodybuilding would be the hard rock with its pronounced rhythm. During the recovery period, you should opt for classical or other slow rhythm music. It turns out that human brain biorhythms and the rhythm of the heart, for unknown reasons, do adjust to the rhythm of the music.

The slower is the rhythm, the quieter works the heart, brain, and nervous system. In the post-workout period, you can use music to stimulate or suppress appetite. Eating under energetic music can make you eat more. Instead, slow music, especially the orchestra with solo flute, greatly reduce the appetite.

That’s why you have always to listen to music while training, even if doesn’t give you strength in the beginning. After a while, you learn to push and get a powerful surge of energy, and music will keep your mood and attitude to train. It's no secret that the health of a person depends on his mood. This thesis applies the growth of muscles aspect too. The better you feel and the more confident you are, the more effective the training would be.

Music has to motivate you, inspire you to get new records, so during your training avoid listening to sad and slow songs. Also, listen to pop music is not an alternative. This is because it causes muscle spasms. These spasms are almost unnoticed and do not harm your health, but, for example, when the lift rod to the chest with large weights, such a spasm can cause serious troubles.

So, there are three main points the melody you are going to listen while training has to meet:

-The song should not cause you negative feelings;
-Decent lyrics; no funny or embracing words;
-A bodybuilder has not to think about the meaning of lyrics, just do movements under the song rhythm.

The number of gyms where music comes from the radio is constantly decreasing. Why? Because gym owners understand that every bodybuilder may have its own music tastes, and there is no chance for a full gym of people to like the same music. That’s in most of the gym is silent, every bodybuilder listens to the music on headphones. Thank God the number and types of devices for listening to music are very large.

Most Listened to Genres of Music in Bodybuilding

So, listening to music for bodybuilders is good. But what kind of music bodybuilders prefer? A research done for this purpose has shown that heavy music, such as rock and metal is listened by more than 60% of bodybuilders. Electronic music is preferred by just 8%, while other 6% work out on electronic music. Rap music is very rarely listening among bodybuilders, just 5 out of one hundred bodybuilders make their choice for it. Other 21% of bodybuilders have other music tastes.

As you see most of the bodybuilder prefer to listen to hard rock music while training. Back in the ‘70s, a study done by the research center of Joe Weider has proved that the audience of a rock concert has felt two days away from a surge of sexuality. This proved to be associated with increased production of testosterone that stimulates muscle growth. To prove this theory its has been done another experiment this time on fruits and vegetables.

In result, it was observed that fruit and vegetables, exposed to rhythmic music, began to grow better and bear fruit. After this, there were no doubts that rock music in bodybuilding can improve results. Over forty years this theory has proved its efficiency, so thus today the large majority of bodybuilders turn to hard rock when training. The popularity of electronic music is due to its energetic rhythm and lack of lyrics.

The last one is very important, there are no words to catch your attention and to make you think about their sense. In order to use the music for improving your results, you have, first of all, to expand your musical boundaries. And from the wide variety of genres, styles, and artists you have to choose those have the greatest impact on you and stimulates you better than anything else.

It is about selecting 3-5 songs that you are willing to listen to everywhere and whenever. Once you found them, do a separate playlist, as the intensity of music increases with every three minutes of work out. So, the final movements would be accompanied by the music with the highest intensity.

Must Read: Lift Harder By Improving your Intensity And Mental Focus

The fact that you know these songs have listened to them many times before guarantee that they will not distract you, acting largely not on your emotions, but on the lower levels of physiological perception. Bodybuilding music advice.

Here are some very important tips to follow when it comes to listening to music while training:

- Make use of small, lightweight music devices when you work out. In this case, it is preferable to choose a compact mp3-player, which can be easily attached to clothing. Bigger music devices are awkward to use. Imagine your phone call you while you do bench presses. This will surely distract your attention and decrease the efficiency of your workout.

-The wider is the range of reproduction, the greater is the effect of the music, so it is possible to get quality equipment with comfortable headphones.

-Do not listen to music too loud, or for prolonged time since this may cause you hearing problem. If it is possible to order the music, use it.

-Our brain is very sensitive to sound vibrations, so the excess of music, especially in training, can drive it in stress. Therefore it is recommended to listen to music on headphones for no more than 40-45 minutes.

This being said it becomes clear that music is a very important and often underestimated part of bodybuilding. Choosing the right music helps improve the mood, set the rhythm of the train, and to delay the onset of fatigue. Most bodybuilders prefer to work out under rock music due to its rhythm and energy. It is indeed a good choice, but it still depends on musical taste, so the choice is, as always, up to you.

Must Read: How to Beat Fatigue

Up Next

Define Your Abs Muscle With Roman Chair Sit Ups

Don't Miss

How To Build Deltoid Muscle

F Kyle

The "GYMRAT" of this blog, Pro-blogger and Fitness Instructor since 2008

Comments

Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

3 months ago

September 5, 2024

Zizou

Natural bodybuilding competitions are designed to promote and celebrate athletes who build their physiques without the use of performance-enhancing drugs. These events emphasize fair play, health, and the natural development of muscle mass and definition.

The second edition of natural bodybuilding competitions has gained momentum globally, particularly focusing on drug-free athletes. These competitions are hosted by various organizations like the INBA/PNBA (International Natural Bodybuilding Association/Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association) and OCB (Organization of Competitive Bodybuilders).

In 2024, several notable events have been planned, including the INBA Natural Universe and INBA World Cup, both of which emphasize natural bodybuilding through rigorous drug testing policies. These events aim to showcase competitors who adhere to strict drug-free protocols, and winners often earn pro cards allowing them to compete in higher-level professional competitions.

These competitions focus on categories like men's bodybuilding, classic physique, and women's figure and bikini, among others. Athletes undergo polygraph and urine tests to ensure compliance with natural bodybuilding standards. The winners often receive medals, trophies, or pro status

Drug Testing

Participants undergo rigorous drug testing to ensure they are not using banned substances. This can include urine tests, polygraph tests, and other methods to maintain the integrity of the competition.

Must Read: Piracetol Review Benefits and Side Effect

Judging Criteria

Athletes are judged based on several factors, including:

Muscle Mass: The size and volume of muscles.
Symmetry: The balance and proportion of the physique.
Conditioning: The level of muscle definition and leanness.
Presentation: Posing routines and overall stage presence.

Preparation

Competitors often spend months preparing for these events, focusing on strict diet plans, intense workout regimens, and posing practice. The goal is to achieve peak physical condition on the day of the competition.

Community and Support

Natural bodybuilding competitions foster a sense of community among athletes who share a commitment to health and fitness. Many competitors form lasting friendships and support networks through these events.

Starting training for a natural bodybuilding competition is an exciting journey! Here are some key steps to help you get started:

1. Set Clear Goals

Define what you want to achieve. Are you aiming to compete in a specific category like Men’s Physique or Women’s Figure? Setting clear goals will guide your training and nutrition plans.

2. Create a Training Plan

Focus on a well-rounded training program that includes:

Compound Movements: Exercises like squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and pull-ups are essential for building overall muscle mass.
Isolation Exercises: Target specific muscles to enhance definition and symmetry.
Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or reps to continuously challenge your muscles.

3. Follow a Structured Diet

Nutrition is crucial for muscle growth and fat loss:

Caloric Intake: Calculate your daily caloric needs based on your goals (bulking or cutting).
Macronutrients: Balance your intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Aim for high protein to support muscle repair and growth.
Micronutrients: Ensure you’re getting enough vitamins and minerals to support overall health.

4. Incorporate Cardio

Cardio helps with fat loss and improves cardiovascular health. Include both steady-state and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions in your routine.

5. Practice Posing

Posing is a critical aspect of bodybuilding competitions. Practice regularly to perfect your form and presentation on stage.

6. Rest and Recovery

Allow your body to recover with adequate sleep and rest days. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

7. Stay Consistent and Patient

Building a competition-ready physique takes time and dedication. Stay consistent with your training and diet, and be patient with your progress.

8. Seek Professional Guidance

Consider working with a coach or trainer who specializes in natural bodybuilding. They can provide personalized advice and help you stay on track.

9. Join a Community

Engage with other natural bodybuilders for support and motivation. Online forums, social media groups, and local gyms can be great places to connect.

Click here to buy 1-Test Cyp/DHB 100 by Dragon Pharma

Qualifications

The qualifications for natural bodybuilding competitions vary slightly between organizations but generally follow these principles:

Drug-Free Status: Athletes must demonstrate they have been drug-free for a specific period, typically between 5 to 10 years. They are required to pass a drug test, usually through urine samples or polygraph tests, to prove they haven't used banned substances like steroids, hormones, or other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Membership Requirements: Competitors often need to be members of the organizing federation. For example, in the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), athletes must have a valid WNBF membership to compete.

Amateur and Pro Divisions: Most competitions have both amateur and professional divisions. To qualify for a pro division, an athlete must first win an amateur event or obtain a “pro card” by performing exceptionally in a recognized event.

Age and Gender Categories: Athletes are categorized by age and gender. Categories typically include juniors (under 23), open divisions, masters (over 40), and grandmasters (over 50).

Entry and Registration: Competitors must pay an entry fee and complete registration. For certain competitions, a pre-qualification based on past performance may be required.

Distinction Between Natural and Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

The main differences between natural and steroid-based bodybuilding revolve around the methods used to build muscle and the resulting impacts on the body. Here are some key distinctions:

Natural Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Achieved through consistent weight training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest. Muscle growth is gradual and sustainable.
Health: Generally safer with fewer side effects. Promotes overall health, including better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, and increased bone density.
Appearance: Natural bodybuilders tend to have a more balanced and proportionate physique. Muscle definition is less extreme compared to steroid users.
Recovery: Recovery times are longer, requiring more rest between intense workouts.
Competitions: Natural bodybuilding competitions often have strict drug-testing policies to ensure participants are not using performance-enhancing drugs.

Related Article: T3 Application in Building Muscle Mass

Steroid-Based Bodybuilding

Muscle Growth: Steroids significantly accelerate muscle growth and strength gains. Results are more dramatic and achieved in a shorter time.
Health Risks: Steroid use can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, hormonal imbalances, and psychological effects like mood swings.
Appearance: Steroid users often have a more “enhanced” look with larger muscle mass, visible veins, and extreme muscle definition, even in the off-season.
Recovery: Faster recovery times due to the anti-inflammatory effects of steroids, allowing for more frequent and intense training sessions.
Side Effects: Visible side effects can include acne, hair loss, gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men), and changes in secondary sexual characteristics.

Choosing Between the Two

Natural Bodybuilding: Ideal for those who prioritize long-term health, sustainable muscle growth, and a balanced lifestyle.
Steroid-Based Bodybuilding: Often chosen by those seeking rapid and extreme muscle gains, but it comes with significant health risks and ethical considerations.

Take Away

The main advantage of participating in natural bodybuilding events is the emphasis on health and sustainability. Natural bodybuilding promotes muscle growth through consistent training, proper nutrition, and adequate rest, leading to gradual and sustainable results. This approach minimizes health risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, such as liver damage and cardiovascular issues. Additionally, natural bodybuilding fosters a balanced and proportionate physique, and the strict drug-testing policies in competitions ensure a fair and level playing field for all participants. This focus on overall well-being and ethical competition makes natural bodybuilding a healthier and more sustainable choice.

Bodybuilding

Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results

Published

4 months ago

August 29, 2024

Zizou

Primal movements are fundamental, natural movements that our bodies are designed to perform. Incorporating these into your training can enhance strength, mobility, and overall fitness. Here’s an ultimate guide to primal development and movements for bodybuilders:

Buy Cut Long 300 by Dragon Pharma

Understanding Primal Movements

Primal movements are basic, functional movements that mimic the natural actions humans have performed for thousands of years. These movements are essential for developing a strong, balanced, and resilient body. They can be categorized into seven primary patterns:

Push
Pull
Squat
Lunge
Hinge
Rotate
Gait (Locomotion)

The Seven Primal Movement Patterns

Push

Description: Involves moving a weight or resistance away from your body.

Examples: Push-ups, bench press, overhead press.

Muscles Worked: Chest, shoulders, triceps.

Pull

Description: Involves drawing a weight or resistance towards your body.

Examples: Pull-ups, rows, bicep curls.

Muscles Worked: Back, biceps, forearms.

Squat

Description: A fundamental lower-body movement where you lower your hips from a standing position and then stand back up.

Examples: Bodyweight squats, barbell squats, goblet squats.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Lunge

Description: A single-leg movement that involves stepping forward, backward, or to the side and lowering your hips.

Examples: Forward lunges, reverse lunges, lateral lunges.

Muscles Worked: Quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves.

Hinge

Description: Involves bending at the hips while keeping a neutral spine.

Examples: Deadlifts, kettlebell swings, hip thrusts.

Muscles Worked: Hamstrings, glutes, lower back.

Rotate

Description: Involves twisting or rotating the torso.

Examples: Russian twists, woodchoppers, cable rotations.

Muscles Worked: Obliques, abdominals, lower back.

Gait (Locomotion)

Description: Involves movements that propel the body forward.

Examples: Walking, running, crawling, bear crawls.

Muscles Worked: Full body, with emphasis on legs and core.

Benefits of Primal Movements

Functional Strength: Primal movements enhance your ability to perform everyday tasks efficiently and safely.

Improved Mobility: These movements promote flexibility and range of motion, reducing the risk of injury.

Balanced Development: By working multiple muscle groups, primal movements ensure balanced muscle development.

Core Stability: Many primal movements engage the core, improving overall stability and strength.

Increased Caloric Burn: Compound movements like these burn more calories, aiding in fat loss and conditioning.

Incorporating Primal Movements into Your Training

Warm-Up: Start with dynamic stretches and light cardio to prepare your body.

Compound Exercises: Focus on compound exercises that incorporate multiple primal movements.

Progressive Overload: Gradually increase the weight or resistance to continue making gains.

Variety: Mix up your routine to prevent plateaus and keep your workouts interesting.

Recovery: Ensure adequate rest and recovery to allow your muscles to repair and grow.

Sample Primal Movement Workout

Warm-Up: 5-10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching.

Workout:

Push: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of push-ups or bench press.

Pull: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of pull-ups or rows.

Squat: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of bodyweight or barbell squats.

Lunge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps per leg of forward or reverse lunges.

Hinge: 3 sets of 10-12 reps of deadlifts or kettlebell swings.

Rotate: 3 sets of 15-20 reps of Russian twists or cable rotations.

Gait: 3 sets of 30-60 seconds of bear crawls or sprints.

Cool-Down: 5-10 minutes of static stretching and deep breathing exercises.

1. Warm-Up and Mobility Drills

Start your workout with primal movement-based warm-ups to prepare your body. For example:

Dynamic stretches: Incorporate lunges with a twist, leg swings, and arm circles.
Mobility drills: Include exercises like hip circles, cat-cow stretches, and thoracic rotations.

2. Compound Exercises

Add primal movements as the core of your workout. Here’s how you can structure it:

Push Day: Combine bench presses with push-ups.
Pull Day: Mix pull-ups with rows.
Leg Day: Integrate squats and lunges with deadlifts.

3. Supersets and Circuits

Create supersets or circuits that include primal movements:

Superset Example: Pair squats with pull-ups or push-ups with lunges.
Circuit Example: Rotate through exercises like kettlebell swings, bear crawls, and Russian twists with minimal rest.

4. Functional Training Days

Dedicate one or two days a week to functional training focused on primal movements:

Sample Functional Workout

- Warm-Up: 5 minutes of dynamic stretching.
- Circuit: 3 rounds of:
  - 10 push-ups
  - 10 pull-ups
  - 15 squats
  - 10 lunges per leg
  - 15 kettlebell swings
  - 20 Russian twists
  - 30 seconds of bear crawls
- Cool-Down: 5 minutes of static stretching.

5. Active Recovery

Use primal movements on active recovery days to promote mobility and flexibility:

Activities: Light yoga, walking, or gentle bodyweight exercises like lunges and squats.

6. Progressive Overload

Gradually increase the intensity of primal movements by adding weights or resistance bands:

Example: Start with bodyweight squats, then progress to goblet squats, and eventually barbell squats.

7. Listen to Your Body

Pay attention to how your body responds to these movements and adjust accordingly:

Modify: If a movement feels too challenging, modify it to suit your fitness level.
Rest: Ensure you’re getting adequate rest and recovery to prevent overtraining.

Sample Weekly Routine for Primal Movements

Monday: Push Day

Bench Press
Push-Ups
Overhead Press

Tuesday: Pull Day

Pull-Ups
Rows
Bicep Curls

Wednesday: Leg Day

Squats
Lunges
Deadlifts

Thursday: Functional Training

Circuit of primal movements (as outlined above)

Friday: Active Recovery

Light yoga or walking

Saturday: Full-Body Workout

Combination of push, pull, squat, and hinge movements

Sunday: Rest Day

By incorporating these primal movements, you’ll enhance your functional strength, mobility, and overall fitness. If you have any specific goals or need further customization, feel free to ask! Happy training.

For optimal performance in primal movements before a bodybuilding competition, consider these supplements:

Pre-Workout Supplements: These can provide energy and enhance performance. Look for products containing creatine, nitric oxide stimulators, and caffeine.

Post-Workout Supplements: Essential for recovery, including protein powders, BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids), and multivitamins.

Fat Burners and Metabolizers: These can help in reducing body fat while maintaining muscle mass. Ingredients like green tea extract and L-carnitine are popular.

Adaptogens: Supplements like ashwagandha and rhodiola rosea can help manage stress and improve endurance.

Conlusion

Primal movements, which include squatting, lunging, hinging, twisting, walking, pushing, and pulling, benefit from a strong foundation of functional strength and mobility. Ensuring your body is well-nourished and recovered will help you perform these movements effectively.

Incorporating primal movements into your bodybuilding routine can lead to significant improvements in strength, mobility, and overall fitness. By focusing on these fundamental patterns, you can build a well-rounded, resilient body that performs well both in and out of the gym.