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recuperation mistakes ...
7. STRESS -
Lighten Up Mentally
Stress is brought on
by the mind. The brain, when stressed, causes chemical imbalances within
the body that upset our ability to progress physically. How to combat
stress? Crank back on the training volume when going through a stressful
period. Overtraining can accelerate stress levels. Don't quit training
in times of stress since physical training is a marvelous stress
reliever. Intense bouts of vigorous physical activity force the brain to
disengage, giving the mind a much needed respite.
8.
IMBALANCED TRAINING - Learn to Mix & Match
A well balanced
bodybuilding program has four components: weight training, aerobics,
diet, recuperation. You can be working within the accepted guidelines in
each of the components and the sum total can still push you into the red
zone of overtraining. You need to develop an intuitive body-monitoring
capacity. Find your particular limit, but be on guard against laziness.
9. VARIETY -
Change Routines & Diet Regularly
Variety is the spice
of life. Don't get locked into a never changing training rut. Try new
things on a regular basis. Too many athletes perform comfortable,
familiar routines. As a result they get comfortable, familiar results -
in other words not much progress! Muscles need to be surprised and shocked for
growth to be stimulated. Using the same poundage, routine and diet
reduces bodybuilding to a hobby; a feel good undertaking with no real
purpose. Avoid this trap. Change some aspect of your bodybuilding program regularly.
Keep a log and make diligent notations. This will allow you to identify
trends that lead to success as well as to dead ends.
10.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL - Avoid Them
Ironically, steroids
can interfere with bodybuilding recuperation. The immune system is a delicate
organism. The introduction of anabolic steroids can wreak havoc on the
immune system both directly and indirectly (by increasing the likelihood
of overtraining). A depressed immune system lays the athlete open to
viral and bacterial infections, mild and severe. Recreational drugs like
marijuana don't do your metabolism and growth potential any favors
either. For optimal natural anabolic hormone production, rely on sleep,
recuperation, appetite, mood, motivation, relationships with others and
long-term training gains. Stay away from any and all but medically
essential drugs, period.
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