In order to maximize gains, you must commit to the bodybuilding lifestyle. There are many factors that affect how you look and feel, and it is important that you consider all of them carefully. How you train, the equipment that you use, the foods and drinks you put in your body, your sleep schedule, and many other aspects of your life are going to affect your performance. Here are five training tips to keep you on track and focused on your long-term bodybuilding goals. 

1. Follow a Balanced Diet 

Many bodybuilders today are still under the false impression that protein is the only essential macronutrient for muscle development. While protein is critical, it has become abundantly clear that a balanced diet is the key to improving your body and overall physical health. Try to keep your protein intake to 1 gram per pound of body weight per day, and then get the rest of your calories from fats and carbs. Seek out natural fats such as nuts or fatty fish, and try to stick to complex carbs such as brown rice or sweet potatoes.

 2. Stay Hydrated 

It is all too common for bodybuilders to overlook the liquids they consume. If you’re not properly hydrated, you’re not going to be able to reach your peak training performance, which means you aren’t going to be building muscle to your full potential. Even slight dehydration can put a serious damper on a workout, so be sure to keep replacing fluids before, during, and after your workout. Additionally, replenishing electrolytes is so important for athletes, so keep a sports beverage on hand while you exercise.

 
3. Have Training Options Available at Home 

Fitness doesn’t start and end at the gym. Bodybuilding is a lifestyle, and surrounding yourself with the equipment necessary to build muscle is going to help in the long run. If you don’t feel like going to the gym, you can still put in your work at home if you have some basic equipment. Many of today’s savvy bodybuilders have taken a shine to the versatile SoloStrength Ultimate Home Exercise System, which allows you to perform many different resistance exercises, even in a confined space.

4. Incorporate Functional and Bodyweight Training Into Your Workout 

If you’re still relying on the same old dumbbells and barbells, you’re going to experience a dramatic decline in both your results and your motivation. Bodyweight training is an effective and fun way to experience real, natural growth using your own weight as resistance. If you haven’t actively been engaging in this type of training, now is a great time to start, as the new regimen will promote muscle confusion and allow you to break through any plateaus you have been experiencing. The Solostrength system is the most effective bodyweight training system on the market, and since the equipment is designed to incorporate natural movements, you also achieve the functional training benefits of increased joint stability and mobility, as well as reduced potential for injury.

 5. Set Fitness Goals and Deadlines 

All bodybuilders struggle with motivation at one point or another. Setting clear goals on realistic timelines helps to keep you on track on those days when you just don’t feel like exercising. Although you may not always hit your goals by your deadline, just giving yourself a reason to continue looking ahead is a powerful tool. Write down your goals and deadlines, and then make note of your progress as you go. In addition to keeping you focused, tracking your gains helps you to modify your workout as needed for the next cycle.   

Bio: Cody McHugh is a freelance writer and fitness enthusiast from San Jose, California. He has written for a number of health-related organizations including the Livestrong Network, Vitalyte, and WorkLiveWalk. He is always on the hunt for the latest and greatest health products on the market, and he is constantly looking for new ways to increase his workout performance.