Bodybuilding
How Much To Work Out To Keep The Muscles You Have
For different reasons, after years of training hard in the gym and building the body you wanted, you think about revising your training schedule and take off time. You are happy with your look, prominent muscles, big legs, large shoulders. Strength indicator pretty high and time comes to cut back your trainings, but to keep the level you have achieved. The idea to continue to work out for 3-4 times a week just to be able to keep the shape you sculpted is not attractive at all.
You want a maintenance training routine, not so loaded. But still enough to preserve the muscle mass and keep fat level under control. If you are ready to lay back for a while and look up for tips on how to design a maintenance training, diet and rest and more. Then you will find them by reading this post.
To Keep the Muscle Mass you Already have is much Easier than to Rebuild it after a While:
According to a study done by National Institute of Health, it’s quite easy to store the muscle mass and power you have through minimal training - just once a week. Individuals were subject to resistance-training and were divided into two groups. One group trained for one time a week, while the second lifted weights for twice during six weeks.
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The result was quite surprising: the individuals from the first group were able to maintain the same strength indicator to 4 out of six exercises performed throughout the study. More than this, it was noticed an improvement in leg exercises, which is quite good results.
So, as this research shows, working out once a week help you to keep strength and mass indicators at a level you had when abandoned 3-4 times a week trainings. Does it work even when off time is longer than several months? Yes, even in case of prolonged period of times, lifting weights once a week helps to retain strength and muscle mass.
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Training periods
Another study proved it. This time, a group of men were subject of weight training three times a week for four months. They were dividing into three groups: the first one group cease training few days after the beginning of experiment. The second group reduced the number of training to one per week, while the third one cut back the number of training days as well as number of sets from three to one set per exercise.
Well, the results for the first group are quite predictable: they were unable to preserve the muscle and strength. Contrary to this, individuals from second and third category managed to conserve the muscle mass despite of cutbacks in trainings periodicity and number of sets.
So, the idea is that minimal work in the gym is much better than nothing at all for keeping on the muscle mass. Following a maintenance exercise program can benefit your body a good way, without the need to go for more frequent trainings.
Nutrition when Following Maintenance Training:
Once we decide that lifting weights once a week is to keep your so hardly build physique, it’s time to bring into discussion another not less important detail- diet. You are no longer eat for bulking. So make sure you reduce the amount of carbs, protein and fat to a normal limit. Also, have already 3 meals per day instead of 5-6 you was used to.
You still need to eat healthy food. This is the most important factor to avoid gaining fat and lose muscle mass. This is because during maintenance training you need to fuel your body with necessary nutrients. Give as much as it needs to be able to work efficiently.
A surplus in calories may turn into fat as body burn less than it consume. On the other side, to fewer calories may cause loss muscles and this is the last thing you want to happen to you.
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So, to answer the question from the title training. At least one time per week will help to keep on the muscle mass. Being able to perform two weightlifting training's per week is even greater. If once a week is the only one option you have on table - go for it. As the above studies showed, a maintaining training and diet can do wonders and even for prolonged period of times.
Just pay attention to the workout intensity, as duration and volume are not as important. As long as you work hard in the gym as you did when you trained for muscle growth off time is not going to steal muscle mass and strength.
Bodybuilding
2nd Edition of Natural Bodybuilding Competition Facts
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
Bodybuilding
Primal Movements: Our Ultimate Guide for Maximum Results
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:
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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:
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- 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.
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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.
Bodybuilding
Are Nootropics a Better Option to AAS?
Nootropics in bodybuilding refer to supplements or substances that enhance cognitive functions such as focus, memory, motivation, and mental clarity. While traditional bodybuilding supplements focus on muscle growth, strength, and endurance, nootropics target the mental aspect of training. Improved focus and motivation can lead to better workouts, more consistent training, and ultimately better results.
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Here are some common nootropics used in bodybuilding:
Caffeine: Widely used for its stimulant effects, caffeine can boost energy, focus, and endurance during workouts.
L-Theanine: Often combined with caffeine, L-Theanine promotes relaxation without drowsiness, helping to balance out the jittery effects of caffeine.
Alpha-GPC: A source of choline that supports the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for cognitive function and muscle contraction.
Rhodiola Rosea: An adaptogen that helps reduce fatigue and improve mental resilience, making it useful for both physical and mental performance.
Bacopa Monnieri: Known for enhancing memory and reducing anxiety, Bacopa is popular for those who want to stay mentally sharp during intense training phases.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom: A natural nootropic that supports brain health, cognitive function, and reduces mental fatigue.
Phenylpiracetam: A racetam-class nootropic that is known for its stimulating effects and ability to enhance focus and mental energy, which can be beneficial during challenging workout sessions.
Stacking Nootropics With AAS
Stacking nootropics with anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) in bodybuilding can be an advanced approach to optimizing both physical and mental performance. Here’s a guide on how to combine these substances effectively:
Understanding the Purpose of the Stack
Combining nootropics with AAS aims to enhance not only muscle growth, strength, and recovery (which AAS focus on) but also mental aspects like focus, motivation, and mood (which nootropics address). This stack can help bodybuilders push through plateaus, manage training stress, and maintain peak performance.
Common Nootropics to Stack with AAS
Caffeine + L-Theanine: Enhances alertness and focus while reducing anxiety. Helps with energy and focus during intense workouts.
Alpha-GPC: Boosts acetylcholine levels, improving mental clarity and enhancing the mind-muscle connection.
Rhodiola Rosea: Mitigates stress and fatigue, which is crucial during heavy steroid cycles where physical and mental stress is higher.
Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Promotes cognitive health and neuroprotection, helping you stay sharp during longer cycles.
Bacopa Monnieri: Reduces anxiety and improves memory, supporting better recovery and relaxation outside the gym.
Tips for Stacking
Start with Lower Doses: If you’re new to either nootropics or AAS, start with minimal doses and gradually adjust based on how your body responds. Stacking too much too soon increases the risk of side effects.
Cycle Both Nootropics and AAS: Just like AAS, it’s wise to cycle nootropics to avoid tolerance buildup. For instance, you might use nootropics for 6-8 weeks and then take a break, aligning this cycle with your AAS cycle.
Prioritize Liver and Organ Health: Both nootropics and AAS can stress the liver and other organs. Incorporate liver support supplements like milk thistle, NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine), and TUDCA (Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid).
Stay Hydrated and Maintain Proper Nutrition: Both nootropics and AAS can increase metabolic demands. Staying hydrated and following a nutrient-rich diet ensures better overall performance and health.
Related Article: Protein Powder Supplement Comparison – Which Type To Choose?
Sample Stack for a Cutting Phase
Nootropics: Caffeine + L-Theanine, Alpha-GPC, Rhodiola Rosea
AAS: Testosterone Propionate, Trenbolone Acetate, Anavar (Oxandrolone)
Support Supplements: Liver support (NAC, TUDCA), multivitamins, omega-3s
This stack can help maintain muscle mass, enhance focus and energy during workouts, and support mental well-being during calorie deficits.
Sample Stack for a Bulking Phase
Nootropics: Lion’s Mane, Bacopa Monnieri, Alpha-GPC
AAS: Testosterone Enanthate, Deca-Durabolin (Nandrolone Decanoate), Dianabol (Methandrostenolone)
Support Supplements: Joint support (collagen, glucosamine), digestive enzymes, liver support
This combination can boost cognitive function, improve recovery, and support the intense training needed for mass-building phases.
Stacking nootropics with AAS can offer significant benefits for bodybuilders aiming for peak mental and physical performance. However, it’s critical to approach this strategy with caution, considering the possible interactions and side effects. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any stack, especially one involving AAS and nootropics.
Possible Side Effects Associated With Nootropics
While nootropics can enhance cognitive function, focus, and motivation, they can also cause side effects, especially when used in high doses or stacked with other supplements like anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). Some common side effects associated with nootropics in bodybuilding include:
1. Insomnia and Sleep Disturbances
Many nootropics, especially stimulants like caffeine, can lead to difficulties falling asleep or maintaining restful sleep. This is particularly problematic if taken late in the day, as sleep is critical for recovery and muscle growth.
2. Anxiety and Nervousness
Nootropics that stimulate the central nervous system (e.g., caffeine, phenylpiracetam) can increase anxiety, jitteriness, or nervousness, especially when combined with other stimulants or during periods of high stress.
3. Headaches
Certain nootropics, particularly racetams (like piracetam or aniracetam), can deplete choline levels in the brain, leading to headaches. Supplementing with choline sources like Alpha-GPC can help mitigate this side effect.
4. Gastrointestinal Issues
Some nootropics may cause nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea, especially if taken on an empty stomach or in high doses.
5. Mood Swings and Irritability
Nootropics that affect neurotransmitter levels (like dopamine or serotonin) can lead to mood swings, irritability, or even depressive symptoms if used improperly or if taken in combination with AAS, which can already impact mood.
6. Tolerance and Dependence
Frequent use of certain nootropics, particularly stimulants, can lead to tolerance, where increasing doses are needed to achieve the same effect. This can also result in dependence, where users feel they need the nootropic to function optimally.
7. Overstimulation
High doses or the wrong combination of nootropics can cause overstimulation, leading to symptoms like rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and excessive sweating. This can be particularly risky during intense workouts.
8. Cognitive Fatigue or Brain Fog
In some cases, nootropics intended to boost focus or clarity can backfire, leading to cognitive fatigue or brain fog. This can happen due to overloading neurotransmitter pathways or poor dosing strategies.
9. Interactions with Other Supplements or Medications
Nootropics may interact with other bodybuilding supplements, medications, or AAS, leading to unexpected side effects. For example, combining stimulants like caffeine with pre-workouts or fat burners can amplify side effects like anxiety or heart palpitations.
10. Long-Term Safety Concerns
The long-term effects of many nootropics are not well-studied, especially when taken in high doses or combined with other substances. Chronic use could potentially lead to neurological imbalances or organ stress over time.
Mitigating Risks
Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with low doses and gradually increase to assess your tolerance.
Cycle Usage: Avoid using the same nootropics daily to prevent tolerance and dependence.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Proper hydration and nutrition can reduce the risk of gastrointestinal and cognitive issues.
Monitor Your Response: Keep track of how you feel when taking nootropics and adjust accordingly if you notice negative side effects.
Consult a Professional: If you’re stacking nootropics with other substances like AAS, it’s essential to get medical advice to avoid harmful interactions.
While nootropics can offer cognitive and motivational benefits in bodybuilding, responsible use and monitoring are key to minimizing side effects.
Take Away
To conclude, nootropics can help bodybuilders maintain high levels of mental energy, motivation, and focus during training, which is essential for pushing through tough workouts and staying consistent with your fitness goals. However, as with any supplement, it’s important to research and consider potential side effects and interactions.
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