Myth #7 - Always work out with free weights.

Free weights has always been a good instrument to build muscle if it is done correctly that is. For beginners and novice alike, it is best to start with the machines to build up the muscles. As you progress further, you can proceed with the free weights.

Free weights are the best tools to burn fat and gain strength. Because of the natural range of motion, the right muscles will be activated. As you become a seasoned weight lifter, free weights will be your obvious choice.

If you begin to start training on a new muscle area, it is best to use the right machine for that specific muscle area even though you are a seasoned lifter.

Myths of Body Building - Myth #1

I did a presentation on bodybuilding myths some years back when I was in NS. I started doing weights when I was 16 and after that time, I have learnt a lot on bodybuilding. At the same time, I learned the common myths that people still believe are true. Even now, some of my friends still have certain misconceptions on bodybuilding.

For this week, I will list 7 Myths of bodybuilding. Before I move on to the myths of body building, let me explain what body building is.

Body building is - The process of developing the musculature of the body through specific types of diet and physical exercise, such as weightlifting, especially for competitive exhibition.


Myth #1 -Lifting incredibly slowly builds incredibly big muscles

Lifting weights slowly just tires your muscles, it doesn't build incredibly big muscles. University of Alabama researchers recently studied two groups of lifters doing a 29-minute workout. One group performed exercises using a 5-second up phase and a 10-second down phase, the other a more traditional approach of one second up and one second down. The faster group burned 71 percent more calories and lifted 250 percent more weight than the super slow lifters.

The best way is to lift rapidly and lower slowly. There's greater potential for growth during the lowering phase, and when you lower with control, there's less chance of injury.

Tomorrow: Myth #2

Mr Olympia 2006

I know this is old news but I really want to talk about this man. Jay Cutler, I remember reading about this man in 2002. I was in Australia back then on a holiday with my friends. We took a break at a pit stop before continuing our journey to Noosa, Brisbane. I was browsing through some magazines and bought myself a magazine about body building. There was an article about Jay Cutler, apparently he has been doing this body building thing for a very long time but has never won Mr Olympia before. He has always been behind the shadow of this other guy, Ronnie Coleman ( a 5 time Mr Olympia then). And Ronnie Coleman has been dominating this sport until now.

What really amazes me is this guys has no trainer. A self trained body builder, who not only is disciplined on his training but also on his nutrition. Self motivated, and go getter, he would make his own meals, do his own workouts. But at the same time he takes time to get himself regular checkups on his body.

For those of you who have done some kind of sports training before, knows that keeping disciplined and motivated at the same time isn't easy. Especially with all the distractions all around us that can put us off from our training. This man did all that even though he kept losing year after year. Can you imagine yourself training year after year only to lose every year? So I am surprised after all these years since I read about him, he is still going strong. Some of my friends say bodybuilding is not a sport, but they have to agree that it takes a good amount of discipline to get yourself into that kind of shape. I am talking about putting in time and effort, sacrificing your play time, forcing yourself to eat the right foods, waking up early in the morning doing cardio to keep your heart rate up. I do not know many people who can do that.

My congrats to Jay Cutler for winning this title and not giving himself up to get in the lists of great body builders.


Here is a video on Jay Cutler, the champion! Enjoy!