Female Bodybuilding

When most people think of female bodybuilding they picture an overly muscular woman who looks like a linebacker in a bikini. While there are women who decide to take male hormones and blur the gender lines, plenty of female trainees just want to have a lean, toned physique.

When it comes down to brass tacks there is not much difference in the way a female would approach building muscle as compared to a male. The results will be different, as men produce ten times the amount of testosterone, the hormone responsible for secondary male sexual characteristics and muscle growth, but the approach to training and nutrition is fairly similar.

Female bodybuilding requires a serious commitment. It takes a ton of work, solid planning, restrictive dieting and perseverance to build the type of body you would expect to see on a fitness magazine cover. It takes a lot more than an hour on the elliptical every couple days to get those kinds of results.

Weight Training

A lot of ladies shy away from weight training, as they imagine it will make them too muscular and bulky. The truth is it is extremely hard for women to build lots of muscle, and it is certainly not the type of thing that happens by accident. Aside from that, a proper diet prevents any fat gain along with the added muscle, so women who are into female bodybuilding usually will not have to worry about getting too thick or overly muscular.

As far as exercises go the same ones that work for men work for the fairer sex as well. Compound joint exercises like rows, presses, and squats are still the best movements to perform, as they stimulate the most growth. A balanced approach to training is also necessary, as most women will have weak muscle groups that need extra work to bring them up.

A Lifestyle, Not a Hobby

Women who have committed themselves to the female bodybuilding lifestyle are usually very serious about their training, and are always striving to improve. They trade hot fudge sundaes and buttered popcorn for morning cardio and skinless chicken breast. They trade sleeping in on Saturday morning for waking up and running hills at the park. It takes an incredible commitment to succeed in this sport, and it is not for the weak or the lazy.

Men and women will both tell you that bodybuilding is not something you do it is something you are. If you are not somewhat obsessed with the sport, it is unlikely that you will excel at it. In this respect there is little difference between female bodybuilding and male bodybuilding. Those who take part in the sport are a rare breed, and work tirelessly to perfect their physiques. They have to have considerable knowledge of nutrition and weight training techniques, and are always studying to learn more about the body and how it responds to training stimuli.

Not everybody thinks women look good with muscle, but the ladies who body build do not seem to care. They do it for themselves, and love every minute of it.

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