Bodybuilding

First Training After a Long Pause

Published

12 years ago

December 28, 2012

F Kyle

Usually, there are two main reasons for ceasing workouts, and both of them are very common among bodybuilders. The first situation is when bodybuilders take a planned pause, while in the second case is about forced breaks. Almost all people who train in the gym voluntarily take a pause at least once in half year, and switch to some recreational activities or do not train at all. What kind of activity bodybuilder do within rest time deeply depends on the training goals and specific characteristics of each body.

In the second case, there also can be many reasons for taking a forced break: changes in the daily life, urgent trip or in the worst cases injuries. This is the most unpleasant situation for each bodybuilder. That’s why when working hard in the gym you do not only look to big muscles mass but also pay a big attention to stay free of any injury. As such a misfortune can throw you back with many weeks of work.

In this article, we will talk about how to return to training after a long pause, what happens with your body during it and how to come back to previous results and strength. Also, you will understand why a long break is dangerous for your body, and what is the best duration of a planned break.

The planned break is taken once in six months and is no longer than two weeks. Ir, you can opt for once a year pause for a duration of one month or even more. The more training experience bodybuilder has and the bigger load he worked with during it training, the larger is the depreciation of body systems involved in the process.

These systems primarily include musculoskeletal muscles, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and indeed the entire body gets a big load. That why even in case of very well elaborated exercises program bodybuilder’s body need periodic rest.

Must Read: How to Set up Your Own Bodybuilding Training Program

There are many specialists who recommend taking during the rest some recovery drugs. For example for an reconstruction of ligaments and cartilage should be taken some special drugs. Also, the decision about doing some other kind of sports activities is greatly influenced by the body stage of the bodybuilder when the pause occurs.

So, if before the break bodybuilder received sufficient load and microtraumas than during the pause is recommended do not perform any exercises. But if your body doesn’t receive enough load before the break, then you will have to include in your rest some extra activities. A great option could be swimming or jogging, they are perfect for keeping overall tonus of the body.

Once the rest time gets to the end, you have to begin to initiate your body to bodybuilding workouts. Usually, the accommodation to new rithm takes about three weeks, and you will have to be careful to workout intensity.

The best will be, begin with, a bracing workout, which main goals are to get your body off from pause stage. Even you may think that after a pause your body has new forces even greater than those before the break, it is a big mistake to do high-intensity workout based on this belief. This is absolutely wrong and may cause you serious injuries, that you will sorry all your life.

Regardless of your experience as bodybuilders, during accommodation stage, you have to work for all your muscles group during each workout. Do not be overzealous and do a workout each day. Limit your to three workouts per week during first three-four months.

Try to include in your workout sets for each group muscles, focusing on developing muscular endurance. For this choice to begin with a big number of sets with the smallest weight. During the next workout decrease the number of sets and increase weights. After 20-25 days of such training, your body is ready for workouts before the break.

If you were forced to take a break because of getting sick, then the specifics of first training after this is similar to those described above. Avoid training while you are sick, regardless it is cold, flu or allergies. Your body immunity is already affected, and you risk to get it exhausted at all. Along with this, you risk to get injured or exacerbation of your disease.

The most difficult is body restore after an injury. In this case, training of the zone which was injured has to be done with minimal weights. Never begin a workout without advising your doctor, even this is a restore training. You risk to worsen your situation and do not recover fully after even a long time.

We know that after a break, our bodies are more likely to get injured. What happens in our bodies during this period is a detail every bodybuilder have to know. Why so? Because namely this knowledge will help you understand how to help your body to get back to previous workout rhythm and will keep you safe.

So, here are the most important changes that happen in our bodies during a break:

-Occurs muscles atrophy. It means a decrease of muscle mass of the muscles.
-Vital organs such as lungs, heart or circulatory system dishabituated from being under high pressure. After the break, you will get exhausted more quickly than before and will require more time for recovery.
- Joints and ligaments get less elastic. This means that weights you used to work with may cause serious injuries after the break. So, you need to begin with smaller weights to keep your joints and ligaments safe.
-You have less energy or even no when you come to the gym. Also, can be observed a less willingness for training.

All these effects have to be considered by each bodybuilder, for making the training after a long pause a successful one.

So, let’s summarize here how the first workout in the gym should look:

-Begin with warm up and do your cardio exercises about 15 minutes. If usually, cardio training takes about 5-10 minutes, then, in this case, it should be a bit longer. If you begin to swell, it means that you reach the goal of cardio training.

Must Read: The Benefits of Warm Up Exercises Before Workout

-Try to work with all muscles group during one workout. Use for this small weights. Chose exercises designed for increasing muscle endurance.
-Begin with a big number of sets and small weights during the first workout. During the next workout decrease the number of sets and increase weights.
- Drink enough fluids. Before, during and after workouts make sure your water intake is sufficient for ensuring a good body hydration.
- The first workout after a break should not be longer than 20 minutes. Follow this tips for keeping you safe and give your body the chance to recover faster. You have a long time ahead for longer workouts!
-Listen to your body! If you feel weak, then you have to slow down and to complete the training.

This is the specifics of the first workout after a rest. Generally, the main thing you have to keep in mind when it comes to training after a break is to start with recovery workout which length should be about four to six weeks. Along with recovery workout, you have to come back to your protein and carbohydrate-rich diet.

Must Read: 4 Meals with Most Protein to Take If You are Body Builder

Do not be afraid that you will not get previous results. Our muscles have muscle memory, and due to this to restore previous results is not as difficult as it may seem.

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F Kyle

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

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Bodybuilding

Mastering Bodybuilding in 2025: Top Fitness Tips for Success

Published

4 weeks ago

March 1, 2025

Sane

Bodybuilding is more than just a sport; it's a lifestyle that requires dedication, discipline, and a thorough understanding of fitness principles. As the world of fitness continues to evolve, bodybuilders must stay updated with the latest trends, techniques, and scientific advancements to achieve their goals. In 2025, several innovative approaches are redefining bodybuilding. Here are essential fitness tips for bodybuilders to excel this year.

Embrace Technology-Driven Workouts

In 2025, technology plays a significant role in bodybuilding. Wearable devices, fitness apps, and virtual reality (VR) training are now integral components of an effective workout regimen.

Wearable Devices

Modern wearables track everything from heart rate and sleep patterns to muscle activation and caloric expenditure. Utilize these devices to monitor your progress and make data-driven adjustments to your training and nutrition plans.

Fitness Apps

Leverage fitness apps for customized workout plans, progress tracking, and virtual coaching. Many apps now incorporate artificial intelligence to provide personalized feedback and recommendations.

Virtual Reality Training

VR technology offers immersive workout experiences, allowing bodybuilders to simulate different training environments and scenarios. This can enhance motivation and add variety to your routine.

Focus on Functional Strength

While hypertrophy (muscle growth) remains a primary goal, functional strength is gaining importance. Functional strength training improves overall performance, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances daily activities.

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Compound Movements

Incorporate compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These movements engage multiple muscle groups and joints, promoting balanced strength development.

Core Stability

Prioritize exercises that strengthen the core, such as planks, Russian twists, and leg raises. A strong core supports better lifting mechanics and reduces the risk of lower back injuries.

Optimize Nutrition for Muscle Growth and Recovery

Nutrition is the cornerstone of successful bodybuilding. In 2025, the focus is on personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and goals.

Protein Intake

Ensure adequate protein intake to support muscle repair and growth. Aim for 1.6 to 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on your training intensity and goals.

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Nutrient Timing

Pay attention to nutrient timing to maximize muscle recovery and growth. Consume protein and carbohydrates within 30 minutes post-workout to replenish glycogen stores and kickstart muscle repair.

Supplements

Utilize supplements wisely. Creatine, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and omega-3 fatty acids are popular choices for enhancing performance and recovery.

Prioritize Mental Health and Mindfulness

Mental health is increasingly recognized as a critical component of overall fitness. Incorporating mindfulness practices can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance performance.

Meditation

Incorporate meditation into your daily routine to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Mindfulness meditation can enhance your mind-muscle connection during workouts.

Visualization

Use visualization techniques to mentally rehearse your workouts. Visualizing successful lifts and achieving your goals can boost confidence and motivation.

Rest and Recovery

Prioritize rest and recovery to prevent burnout and overtraining. Ensure you get 7-9 hours of sleep per night and incorporate rest days into your training schedule.

Leverage Advanced Training Techniques

Advanced training techniques can help break through plateaus and stimulate muscle growth. In 2025, several methods are gaining popularity among bodybuilders.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training: BFR involves restricting blood flow to the muscles during low-intensity exercises. This technique can enhance muscle growth and strength without the need for heavy weights.

Eccentric Training: Focus on the eccentric (lowering) phase of exercises. Eccentric training can stimulate greater muscle damage and growth compared to traditional concentric movements.

Periodization: Implement periodization into your training plan. Varying the intensity, volume, and type of exercises can prevent plateaus and ensure continuous progress.

Incorporate Recovery and Mobility Work

Recovery and mobility are essential for preventing injuries and maintaining optimal performance. In 2025, bodybuilders are paying more attention to these aspects of training.

Foam Rolling and Myofascial Release: Use foam rollers and massage balls to release muscle tightness and improve flexibility. Regular myofascial release can reduce soreness and enhance recovery.

Stretching: Incorporate dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching after workouts. Stretching improves range of motion and prevents muscle imbalances.

Cryotherapy and Hydrotherapy: Explore recovery techniques like cryotherapy (cold therapy) and hydrotherapy (water therapy) to reduce inflammation and accelerate muscle recovery.

Engage in Continuous Learning and Community Building

The fitness industry is constantly evolving, and staying informed is crucial for success. Engage in continuous learning and connect with the bodybuilding community for support and motivation.

Educational Resources: Read books, watch videos, and attend seminars to stay updated on the latest research and trends in bodybuilding.

Community Engagement: Join online forums, social media groups, and local bodybuilding clubs. Sharing experiences and knowledge with fellow bodybuilders can provide valuable insights and encouragement.

Professional Guidance: Consider working with a certified personal trainer or coach. Professional guidance can help you optimize your training and nutrition plans, ensuring you're on the right track.

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Conclusion

In 2025, bodybuilding is more than just lifting weights; it's a holistic approach to fitness that encompasses technology, nutrition, mental health, and advanced training techniques. By embracing these fitness tips, bodybuilders can achieve their goals, stay injury-free, and enjoy a fulfilling fitness journey. Remember, consistency and dedication are key to success in bodybuilding. Stay committed, keep learning, and most importantly, have fun on your path to becoming the best version of yourself.

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Bodybuilding

2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts

Published

7 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.

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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.

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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.

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