How to Start Bodybuilding

Many weightlifters start bodybuilding to improve the quality of their physique. Most bodybuilders train at least four days each week at a gym that has all of the proper weightlifting equipment. To start training like a bodybuilder it is important to take it slow to prevent an injury from occurring during a workout.

1. Join a local gym or health club to start a bodybuilding program. Have an instructor show you the different weightlifting equipment that is available. Design a bodybuilding program that will allow you to train at least four days each week.


2. Work your chest and back during the first workout of the week. Do basic exercises such as the bench press for your chest and weighted pull-ups for your back. Since you are just starting out, you want to add muscle mass and not definition. To add mass, perform three sets of four to six repetitions for each exercise.


3. Train your arms and shoulders during your second workout. Exercises such as biceps curls and dumbbell shoulder presses will help you start to add muscle mass. Use an amount of weight for each exercise that you can handle for four to six repetitions during the mass-building phase of your training.  


4. Do leg training on your third workout of the week. Barbell squats, leg presses and calf raises are core exercises to include in your leg routine. Make sure to have someone spot you whenever you do barbell squats in case you need help returning the barbell to the squat rack after the last repetition of a set.


5. Train your abdominal muscles and do cardiovascular work on your fourth training day of the week. Run on a treadmill for 20 minutes or ride a stationary bike if you prefer. As you start to develop more muscle mass, adjust your diet to add more calories so you can continue to progress as a bodybuilder.