Breaking Down Muscle-Building Myths, Part 2
What’s the “real score” behind common beliefs about bodybuilding?
In our previous blog post we debunked three major myths regarding bodybuilding.
We learned that modern bodybuilders are not just aesthetically pleasing to look at but they’re also very strong individuals who can hold their own against more traditional strongmen who don’t train to achieve physical symmetry or the “x-form” of classical bodybuilders.
We also learned that it’s impossible for muscle to turn into fat if you stopped exercising for the simple reason that fat and muscle are two distinct types of muscle tissue. Muscle can’t turn into fat any more than water can turn into a rubber duck.
The Second Set of Myths
1. “Bodybuilding Will Make You Look Disproportional and Scary” – This is another common myth that many non-bodybuilding males still spread amongst their peers.
All I have to say is that between being sick and obese and being “ripped” and lean, I will always choose the latter.
As for the proportion issue, it really is up to you: you can work to build wide shoulders and massive, flaring hips or you can just keep your workouts moderate to stay lean and strong.
Again, I have to point out that there is a very specific process that has to be repeated continuously before a bodybuilder is able to reach extreme muscle mass. This process involves a strict supplement regimen, regular testosterone checks with a physician and a diet that is geared to build muscle and not waste it.
There is only a very slim chance that you will be able to build extreme mass with genetics and diet alone. It does happen but it’s a one in a million occurrence. For the majority of professional bodybuilders, to reach very low body fat at 250 pounds is the result of tireless effort, day in and day out.
2. “I Don’t Want To Look Manly!” – I hear this often from the ladies who are afraid of resistance training and weights in general because they wish to remain feminine-looking. Ladies, do not be afraid of resistance training and weight lifting!
Unless you are using growth enhancing substances such as HGH (human growth hormone) and synthetic male hormone, the female body will never attain the same muscle mass of male bodybuilders.
When a woman works out with weights regularly, she will experience an overall increase in energy followed by a dramatic reduction in body fat stores (e.g. “muffin top” fat deposits).
Getting lean and sexy is just the “bonus” – countless studies across the world have shown that women who exercise with weights can also reduce the incidence of bone diseases later in life (osteoporosis is just one of these diseases).
3. “You Always Have to Guzzle Protein Shakes and Protein Bars” – This is another strange myth that has caused people to shy away from training with other bodybuilders. Protein shakes and protein bars are preferred by many bodybuilders because they are convenient.
But at the end of the day, these products are really just fast sources of protein. You’re free to select and consume beverages and food items that contain that nutrients you need to achieve your fitness or bodybuilding goals. You can completely forego the consumption of commercial protein products if you happen to have good substitutes.
However, if you’re after speed and convenience then nothing compares to just opening a protein bar after a workout or preparing a chocolate protein shake at home.
When you consume these products you’re really paying for the convenience of being able to cut down your preparation time to a few short minutes (or a few seconds, in the case of eating protein bars).
4. “You Must Take Anabolic Steroids and Other Harmful Stuff” – It’s no secret that modern bodybuilders make use of synthetic testosterone and HGH (human growth hormone) to boost the body’s natural ability to build muscle.
However, there is no rule or law that states that you can’t be a bodybuilder without taking supplements, testosterone or HGH. That is a matter of personal choice. If you’re fine with how your muscles are developing and you have excellent nutrition already then you can mark your efforts as a success.
Now, if you are thinking of trying any supplement to boost your muscle’s growth it would be best to speak to your doctor first to see what he thinks of your plan. Your health is extremely important and it would counterproductive to put it at risk just because you want to build mass.
