Tag: Opinion
Maximize Your Vascularity
Having big muscles is worthless without vascularity.
Ask any bodybuilder, competitive or otherwise – vascularity is a pretty damn important thing to be concerned with to show off the hard work you’ve gained from countless hours of training. If you don’t know what vascularity is (you definitely should) – it’s when your veins bulge out to the point where your skin looks so thin that maximum muscle definition shows through. Of course, this is paramount for bodybuilders and anyone to be shredded. So how do you increase your vascularity to get that veiny and shredded look you seek? Take a look below and get enlightened.
Body Fat for Vascularity
This one doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out. Keep your body fat in check if you want to see those veins pop. Low body fat levels are the most critical factor for showing more vascularity. The leaner you are, the more your veins will show. That’s why you can see bodybuilders’ veins like crazy when they’re on stage–it’s when they’re the leanest and hovers around 5-7% body fat.
Of course, you don’t need to be quite that low if you want your veins to pop. Once you cut down to 15% body fat, you’ll start noticing more veins in your arms. But if you want to be veiny, get your body fat percentage below ten percent, and you’ll be golden. Single-digit numbers aren’t easy to obtain, but they’re the gateway to vascularity.
Cardio for Vascularity
Although low body fats are essential for being veiny, other aspects play a crucial role. For example, cardiovascular exercise will help pump blood into your muscles and reduce water retention in the body, which in turn means more vascularity (1). Water build-up outside the muscle will make it harder to see the muscles underneath, so ensure you maintain a good cardio routine.
Moderate cardio for 20-30 minutes on a cardio machine 2-3 days a week or longer walks for 30 minutes to an hour daily will suffice, but if you want to really make sure you increase your vascularity, do higher-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts for 15-30 minutes a couple of times a week. Due to the intensity of these exercises, your cardio output will be higher, meaning your cardiovascular system will have to pump more blood through your veins, increasing vascularity.
Weight Training
Weight training is a must for vascularity. When you lift weights, you’ll increase your blood flow to your muscles, known as the “pump” in bodybuilding. This is when your muscles are noticeably larger, and you can see every vein in your body. Plus, lifting weights will lower your body fat and build muscle. And to our first point, the lower your body fat, the more your veins pop.
Diet Plan
Another way to gain vascularity is to keep the right diet plan. For example, if you want to look more shredded, you better lower your sodium intake. Why? Well, if you don’t, you run the risk of water retention, which we already explained was pretty damn crucial for looking shredded. But, of course, that’s because the more sodium you intake and have floating in your body, the more water you’ll retain. So avoid foods high in sodium, such as pizza, wings, fries, and burgers (so pretty much all processed foods). Instead, choose healthy whole foods, like fruits, potatoes, rice, avocados, and chicken.
Body Temperature
This one might surprise you. Your body temperature has a lot to do with vascularity as well. The colder your body is, the more your blood flow travels inwards to keep your organs warm. But, on the flip side, the higher your body temperature, the more the blood flows outwards to the skin and muscles, causing you to have a more vascular and shredded appearance (2). So when summertime hits and you’re working hard in the gym, expect to turn heads when your veins and muscles bulge. But, of course, you can also hop in a hot bath or sauna.
Of course, another practical approach would be to consume hot beverages and foods, such as tea, coffee, and soup. And you can also increase your body temperature by putting on layers of clothing and doing a HIIT cardio session; think UFC fighters before weigh-ins.
Creatine
Now I know what you’re going to say, creatine causes water retention, and you wouldn’t be wrong. Water retention can make it harder for your muscles to be visible. But in this case, the water retention happens within the muscle cells (known as intracellular water retention) rather than outside them. That makes a difference when it comes to getting those bulging veins.
That said, creatine won’t necessarily increase your vascularity, but it won’t prevent it either. And in fact, multiple studies support its effectiveness in helping to build lean muscle mass when combined with strength training (3). And the more muscle you have, the lower your body fat and the veinier you’ll be.
Hydration
With all this talk of water retention, why the hell would we suggest you drink water? Well, here’s the secret: dehydration is a significant cause of water retention in the body. This might sound counterintuitive – but you’re made up of about seventy percent water, and if you don’t ingest water, then your body will get it from somewhere. When it does, it’ll fill your skin with water. So drink half an ounce of water per pound of your body weight each day, and your vascularity will be improved for it.
Also, you’ll want to avoid activities and foods that can cause dehydration. So avoid overly sweating without getting enough fluids in your body. And foods high in sodium (processed foods), sugary drinks, caffeine, alcohol, soy, and too much protein can all lead to dehydration. Also, certain medications and vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration too.
Genetics
Let’s face it; it’s the unavoidable truth, the one fact that always manages to rear its ugly head. Genetics plays a significant role in your ability to become vascular. It’s not impossible, but it helps if you naturally have an affinity for becoming more shredded (4). Don’t fret if you’re not genetically gifted like Arnold Schwarzenegger. You can do plenty via diet, exercise, and following other tips in this article to increase your vascularity.
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References
Nystoriak, M. A., & Bhatnagar, A. (2018). Cardiovascular Effects and Benefits of Exercise. Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine, 5, 135. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2018.00135
Heinonen, I., Brothers, R. M., Kemppainen, J., Knuuti, J., Kalliokoski, K. K., & Crandall, C. G. (2011). Local heating, but not indirect whole body heating, increases human skeletal muscle blood flow. Journal of applied physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985), 111(3), 818–824. https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00269.2011
Chilibeck, P. D., Kaviani, M., Candow, D. G., & Zello, G. A. (2017). Effect of creatine supplementation during resistance training on lean tissue mass and muscular strength in older adults: a meta-analysis. Open access journal of sports medicine, 8, 213–226. https://doi.org/10.2147/OAJSM.S123529
Verbrugge, S., Schönfelder, M., Becker, L., Yaghoob Nezhad, F., Hrabě de Angelis, M., & Wackerhage, H. (2018). Genes Whose Gain or Loss-Of-Function Increases Skeletal Muscle Mass in Mice: A Systematic Literature Review. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 553. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00553
After Dominating at the Texas Pro, Andrew Jacked Could Be The Future of Bodybuilding
Andrew Jacked looks to have a bright future in bodybuilding.
Andrew Jacked dominated the competition at the Texas Pro, showing that he could be the future of the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division. With a topflight line up Andrew had his work cut out for him in Texas. Despite that fact, Andrew passed that test with flying colors.
Just like that, we have a new contender. After his showing at the 2022 Texas Pro Show, Andrew jacked has proven that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division. He looked superhuman as he stepped onto the stage against some of the best bodybuilders in the world. He was even able to outduel a line up featuring Steve Kuclo, Quinton “Beastwood” Eriya, and Kamal Elgargni. After pulling off such an impressive feat in his pro debut it’s clear. Andrew Jacked has the potential to become the future of the division.
From The Front
Having a truly impressive amount of musculature, it was clear that Andrew Jacked would be impressive from his sheer size. But perhaps no one was prepared for what we saw at the Texas Pro. Andrew looked 3D in comparison to the competition in the front side posing. Every pose from the front was truly impressive. Every muscle popped as the talented bodybuilder shifted from pose to pose. His front double bicep and most muscular poses shined as he outdid his talented veteran competition.
Andrew Jacked sported a truly impressive midsection and some impressive quads as well. Standing at 6’2’’ Andrew cut a domineering frame on stage. Possibly weighing in over 290lbs also potentially helped his case at the Texas Pro show. From the front, Andrew Jacked is dangerous for any competitor in the Men’s Open division.
From The Side
Andrew Jacked is also very impressive from the side. In his side chest pose, particularly his upper body, Andrew was unmatched. While he could have used more muscle separation in the legs, he was still able to outshine everyone on stage. That is certainly a statement, especially when you consider that Andrew was allegedly not in top form at this show.
From The Back
Here is where we could see a bit of weaknesses in the physique of Andrew Jacked. That by no means insinuates that he’s weak from the back. In fact, Andrew shows some incredible musculature in his upper back and his hamstrings. His lower back needs to be tightened up just a bit and he could use more definition in his hamstrings. The size is there, but he’ll need to work on the separation with his back and side poses.
Overall
Andrew Jacked is a massive bodybuilder who has yet to reach his full potential. He has what it takes to really threaten the top of the Men’s Open division.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Opinion: We Should Stop Supporting Fights Like The Iranian Hulk vs The Kazakh Titan
The Iranian Hulk vs The Kazakh Titan was a joke.
Now that was painful to watch. The battle between the Iranian Hulk and the Kazakh Titan did not live up to expectations. In fact, it underwhelmed tremendously. In recent years, many different athletes from other sporting events have been trying their hand at boxing. For some, boxing seems pretty straightforward. It’s a fight between two combatants, one hoping to out duel the other. In a way, that’s correct. But when we consider the boxing on display at the highest level, we begin to understand that it’s a whole lot more than that.
Boxing has been dubbed the sweet science for a reason. Anyone off the street could go at it in a emotionally induced slugfest. Heck, it may even be entertaining to a wide group of individuals. But at the end of the day, it will always miss its mark. Why? Because when two amateurs don’t treat the sport with any kind of reverence or respect, what you get is the hap hazardous battle we saw this past weekend.
To put it plainly, the Iranian Hulk did not belong inside the ring this past weekend. It was clear that he didn’t take any kind of training seriously and that he was operating outside of his depth. But at the end of the day, we can’t blame the Iranian Hulk for doing what he did. After all, when you see so many social media celebrities trying their hand at boxing these days, it really isn’t that surprising. Logan Paul, KSI, Jake Paul, all these individuals have been using boxing as a quick money grab. While they may train harder than the Iranian Hulk did for his bout, they still treat boxing as a hobby to show off to their friends and followers.
But not everyone who has been dipping their toes into boxing has been treating it without respect. The battle between Hathor Bjornsson and Eddie Hall showcased that both men took their training seriously. Bjornsson in particular went through the gamut to make sure he was prepared for his bout with his rival. He trained hard. He learned the craft and he did exhibition bouts to get a real feel for competition against actual boxers. When Bjornsson and Hall finally met in the ring it didn’t disappoint. Both men knew the assignment, and both men prepared accordingly. The battle between Bjornsson and Hall ended up being a thrilling bout.
On the other hand, we had the Iranian Hulk versus the Kazakh Titan. It was a truly lackluster display of boxing skills. And that’s putting it gently. Both men, who wing punches at each other until the Iranian Hulk simply couldn’t take anymore, turned his back and essentially gave in. Now there’s no shame in defeat. Plenty of people have tasted defeat in the sport of boxing. But what is egregious is the clear lack of preparation.
Boxing isn’t a game like other sports. In fact it’s barely a game at all. It’s two trained combatants hoping to put more damage on the other and get their hand raised in the process. People have died inside of the boxing ring. It’s not something to be taken lightly. When we have untrained competitors step into the ring and flail their arms hoping to get a knockout, it’s disrespectful to the whole endeavor. You allow people to believe that they can just step into a ring and throw hands and get some more social media likes.
The truth is, the Iranian Hulk did not belong in the ring this past weekend. In fact, it probably explains why the match between him, and Martin Ford never came to fruition. One has to think that if it did, Ford would have possibly demolished the Hulk.
While we can’t blame fans for wanting to tune into matches with big names, what we can demand is that the athletes that do compete in these events should take things seriously. The integrity of the sport isn’t necessarily in danger, but it does leave a black eye on boxing. We should be wanting to see the best of the best, or at least people who take their preparation seriously.
Bottom line, the Iranian hoax should never step foot inside a boxing ring again, unless he takes his training seriously.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
News and Editorial Writer at Generation Iron, Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Sound Cloud for in-depth MMA analysis.
Secrets To Getting Shredded Like A True American!
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Forget the gurus. Here’s tips from a jacked all American war vet.
Weight loss can be a tricky thing to manage. For bodybuilders who are more concerned with building muscle than anything else, fat loss is a bit less of an issue. But nevertheless, if you want to show off all you muscle and hard work then eventually you’ll have to drop your body fat percentage a bit. When it comes to losing fat, most people scour the internet looking for experts and gurus that can help in their mission to rid themselves of their pesky love handles.
Truth be told, sometimes you don’t want to deal with the hassle of reading a 20 page breakdown about what you should or should not eat, how you should be hitting the weights, what percentages of carbs, fats, and proteins your should consume. Sometimes you need a straight forward approach that will get you the info you seek ASAP.
Well, it seems like Derek Weida has the same idea about reaching your weight loss goals. Weida, a veteran of the United States Army, was wounded during service and lost his leg as a result of his injuries. Despite all that, the man is still a total bad ass that’s taken his loss and used it to fuel his motivation to become the best version of himself he could possibly be. Derek doesn’t have any use for excuses and neither should you. He’s an American hero and is proud to flaunt that fact, and why the hell not? The man is an inspiration and he’s looking to be the same for others looking to improve themselves.
Sometimes some good old bro-science can be the key to all your weight loss troubles. The best part? He hasn’t lost any of his sense of humor either. Sometimes bodybuilding can get so serious – but take a listen to Mr. Weida’s over-the-top red, white, and blue advice to reap the benefits of some straight forward knowledge.
All joking aside – those last moments of the video show Derek’s true colors. It’s all about finding ways to stay consistent and better yourself. It’s not about today – it’s about the tomorrow you want. Derek might crack jokes and be blunt – but maybe taking the seriousness out of dieting and lifting can help other people get more comfortable and confident about leading a fitter lifestyle.
What do you think of Derek Weida’s approach to bodybuilding and weight loss? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Vitamin D: The Essential “Steroid” For Muscle Growth
The Sunshine Vitamin for Bodybuilding.
In the Golden Age of Bodybuilding, Arnold and Franco Columbo would be seen sunbathing on the beaches in Venice. Today’s bodybuilders rely on Pro-Tan and artificial methods of tanning to color the skin, but bodybuilder’s maybe be missing out on getting adequate Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency is a global health problem.
With all the medical advances of the century, vitamin D deficiency is still epidemic. Over a billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Vitamin D, also described, as “the Sun Vitamin” is a steroid with hormone like activity. It regulates the functions of over 200 genes and is essential for growth and development.
There are two forms of vitamin D. Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) and vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol). Vitamin D status depends on the production of vitamin D 3 in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet radiation from sun and vitamin D intake through diet or vitamin D supplements. Usually 50% to 90% of vitamin D is produced by sunshine exposure of skin and the remainder comes from the diet. Natural diets most humans consume contain little vitamin D. Traditionally the human vitamin D system begins in the skin, not in the mouth.
However, important sources of vitamin D are egg yolk, fatty fish, fortified dairy products and beef liver. In addition to vitamin D’s well-known role in bone and calcium metabolism, vitamin D deficiency has been linked to a long-list of health conditions including atherosclerosis.
Vitamin D is critical to the proper functioning of the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. Without sufficient levels of vitamin D, these endothelial cells become more susceptible to damage and dysfunction that ultimately can lead to the development of atherosclerosis as well as arterial calcification.
Vitamin D Keeps Lead in Your Pencil
Given the link between vitamin D and atherosclerosis, Italian researchers conducted a study in 143 men with erectile dysfunction (ED). The men were evaluated for penile atherosclerosis by ultrasound along with blood levels for vitamin D3. Fifty men were classified as suffering from atherosclerotic ED, 28 borderline ED and 65 non- atherosclerotic ED. The average vitamin D level was 21.3?ng/mL and 45.9% of the men had vitamin D deficiency (
Dos and Don’ts of Picking Up Girls in The Gym
How to Pick Up Girls in The Gym
Let’s be honest, most gyms have at least one girl who is too hot to be ignored. While the gyms weren’t supposed to be pick-up spots, they have turned into them. Look around your gym and you’ll probably see bros trying to pick-up chicks.
The problem is, most of these bros aren’t too good at impressing women. Picking-up girls in a gym is a lot different. You certainly wouldn’t want to give the wrong first impression to the to-be mother of your children.
What You Should Do
Dress Well
We understand clothes can undergo wear and tear in the gym, but you don’t necessarily have to dress like a homeless person. You look at yourself in the mirrors for most of the time you’re in the gym, so dressing well can add to your motivation.
The next thing which turns off many chicks in the gym is body odor. Wearing a deodorant to the gym should be a must and you shouldn’t step inside a gym without a body spray in your gym bag.
Be Courteous
If you have been working out for some time and know a thing or two about fitness, there are always beginners in gyms who can use your help. Being courteous and graceful can put you in the good books of people in your gym.
You don’t even have to go out of your way to help someone. Spotting someone or helping them with their form can set you up as a go-to guy for everything. Who knows maybe the girl of your dreams asks you for a spot on squats seeing your warmness.
Make the First Move
Most people make the mistake of waiting for the girl to come and talk to them. No matter how big your muscles are or how good looking you are, the majority of the women are not used to approaching the guys.
If there is someone you like at your gym, you should be ready to make the first move while adhering to proper gym etiquettes. Waiting for the perfect moment can be a good idea, but don’t wait so long that her gym membership expires.
What Not To Do
Be a Creep
There is no shortage of creeps at gyms and girls can sense a pervert from a distance. Eyeballing a chick while she performs squats won’t impress her. If you like a girl at your gym, it would be a better option to go and say hello than to awkwardly stare at her.
Interrupt
Striking up a conversation at the gym is an art in itself. You shouldn’t interrupt anyone if they’re in the middle of their sets. It is way better to make acquaintances at the gym at the water coolers or after people are done with their workouts.
Once you pick up a conversation, you don’t necessarily have to tell your life stories to each other in the first interaction. Leave your conversations at interesting points so you have somewhere to pick up from the next time.
Show Off
The noises and grunts bros make are directly proportional to the proximity of the girls to them. While a little grunting is okay, you don’t necessarily have to sound like a woman going into labor while performing a set.
You might be better off working out in a corner than lifting heavy weights or throwing out your bench numbers or broscience facts around girls. How much you deadlift is the last thing a girl cares about.
Have you ever tried picking up a girl at your gym? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
The Basics: Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Great Bodybuilder?
Do You Have What It Takes To Be a Great Bodybuilder?
Thinking of becoming a bodybuilder? For most this can be a daunting experience. Bodybuilding is not just about lifting weights to develop huge biceps. It takes discipline, dedication and determination, along with a strict nutrition plan to reach success. It also requires patience.
You can’t expect to see results right away, and you shouldn’t give up just because you think you aren’t getting anywhere. The mental and physical benefits of bodybuilding will be worth the time and effort. So if you’ve got the drive and passion for becoming a great bodybuilder, there’s no reason you shouldn’t give it a go! Follow these bodybuilding tips to get you started.
How to Become a Bodybuilder
Educate Yourself
Before you commit to a lifestyle of bodybuilding, it’s important to have a good understanding of what goes into the process. There are different types of strength training exercises you can do to achieve certain bodybuilding goals.
Weightlifting is a tried and true form of strength training that works to strengthen your muscles dramatically and quickly. Calisthenics on the other hand relies solely on your own body weight for resistance, and doesn’t require the use of any exercise equipment. Common exercises include sit ups, lunges, pushups or crunches, which you can do conveniently at any time in any place. However, as you are limited to your body weight, it may take longer to build muscle mass.
Try to find out as much information about strength training as you can before planning a fitness routine. Do research on the important muscle groups and learn the right exercise techniques by
talking to experienced bodybuilders. This extra knowledge will help you determine what type of exercise is right for you and come up with clear, realistic goals for your body.
Plan and Develop Your Fitness Routine
Your strength training routine will largely depend on where your body is at and what your specific bodybuilding goals are. For instance, if you’re a bit overweight, you will need to focus on getting your body fat percentage down before you can begin building your muscles. Doing regular cardio exercises is a great place to start with this.
If you’re ready to begin building muscle, it’s generally a good idea to start with compound exercises. Compound exercises, such as pull ups, dips, rows or squats, focus on training all areas of your body as opposed to a single muscle group. Later on in your strength training routine you can choose to target specific muscle groups through isolation exercises like bicep curls, leg extensions, or triceps extensions.
If you’re going to do weight training, you will obviously need easy access to a range of weightlifting equipment to build your physique, like free weights and weight machines. Join a gym closest to you, or invest in your own home gym equipment for even more convenience. When you start, you will need to figure out the maximum weight you can lift. Choosing the accurate weight for your training level will help you avoid injury and build the right type of muscle.
Set a Meal Plan
A well-designed nutrition plan is crucial if you want to become a great bodybuilder. Without good nutrition, you are unlikely to see much progress in your muscle size and strength. A diet rich in protein can help you to build muscle more quickly. The general rule is to consume about 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight. You can find loads of protein in foods such as fish, beans, egg whites, and lean cuts of meat.
It’s also important for a bodybuilder to consume plenty of complex carbohydrates, like whole grain bread, oatmeal, whole grain pasta, brown rice or sweet potatoes. It’s best to consume these on your workout days to ensure you sustain your energy and minimize any unwanted fat. Healthy fats are also an essential component of a good bodybuilding diet regime as it helps to boost testosterone.
Healthy fats can be found in avocados, olive oil, eggs and nuts. Finally, make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, as these contain important vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and fiber that are good for your health and digestion.
To ensure you stay on track with your diet, keep a detailed food diary. Don’t forget to also take photos of your bodybuilding progress along the way so that you can see what you need to work on.
Alex Cordier is a freelance writer, who has been published across various sites on topics including home, travel, health and lifestyle. She is most passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. You can check out more of her articles here.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Photo sources:
Photo 1 – Pxhere – CC0 Public Domain
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Photo 3 – Pxhere – CC0 Public Domain
Photo 4 – Pixabay – CC0 Creative Commons
Feeling Dizzy After Working Out? Here Are 5 Tips
If you’re feeling dizzy or light-headed after a workout, you could be over-exerting yourself.
It’s in the nature of a bodybuilder to push himself past his limits. But we should never get too comfortable in the gym, no matter how much time we spend there. The truth is working out can be extremely dangerous if we don’t make sure to take the proper safety measures.
Feeling dizzy or light-headed after a workout can be caused by a number of factors. Usually the culprit is dehydration, but sometimes it can be something more serious, such as a heart condition. Here are our top 5 tips for working out smarter, not harder, and taking care of your body even as you push yourself for maximum results:
5. Stay Hydrated
This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you would be surprised how easy it is to forget to hydrate, especially if you’re someone who spends a long time in the gym every day and start to move out of habit and repetition more than actual thought. You should always hydrate before and after a workout. Depending on the exercise, drinking small amounts of water throughout can also be beneficial, and keeps your muscles from dehydrating.
4. Warm Up Before You Work Out
It can be jarring to the body to suddenly leap into motion after a long time being still. This tip goes out especially to those of you who work out first thing in the morning, right after your body was essentially motionless for 8 hours! Think about it. Warming up helps ease the body into movement and it reduces the risk of injury, so, there’s really no reason ever not to do it.
3. Try Yoga, Hiking, or Swimming
Dizziness after a workout is sometimes caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. This could be because your lungs aren’t working at full capacity and can’t keep up with the stress of an intense workout. Low-intensity activities like yoga or a going for a gentle hike have been shown to help regulate and strengthen breathing over time. If you take up a practice like this alongside doing heavier workouts in the gym, it will make you a much better athlete all around.
2. Don’t Smoke or Drink Too Much
Again, this one seems obvious, but you’d be surprised. Smoking is bad for you and hangovers leave you dehydrated and depleted. Take it easy on both, even on the weekends, if you’re serious about your cardiovascular health and avoiding dizziness in the gym.
1. See a Doctor if Something Seems Serious
You should never experience dizziness after working out consistently, even if you do sometimes over-exert yourself. If you feel dizzy and light-headed every single time you work out, consult with a doctor immediately. Many heart conditions go undiagnosed because the symptoms are hard to tell apart from the regular fatigue that sets in from working out.
15 Reasons Why People Hate Working Out
Reasons Why People Hate The Gym
There are two types of people, the ones who love working out and the others who hate the idea of it. There is no middle ground. You might love to train but at the same time, your parents might not understand why you waste your time and money on such a useless (according to them) thing.
We think we have figured out why people have such extreme feelings about hitting the gym. Our goal with this article is not to shame anyone. We want to shed light on facts so that people can be more accommodating.
All-in or Nothing
You’re either living the fit lifestyle or you’re not. Knowing the fact that you won’t see the desired results if you follow a training program for 4 days a week and do as you please on the other 3 days is a deal-breaker for many people.
Not Being Able To Change Your Body image
For many people, their happiness and self-worth are directly related to their body image. They sulk if they can’t get the results or arbitrary factors like the number on the scale to go in their favor.
People Who Lift Do So To Show-Off
It’s no secret that lifters are thought to be self-obsessed narcissists. Many people never get a gym membership just because they want to avoid the tag. They don’t want to be judged by how much they can bench.
Forever Dieting
Following a balanced diet is one of the most crucial aspects of a successful transformation but it can be hard and boring. The idea of eating the same food every day isn’t appealing to everyone.
It Never Stops
Once you hop on to the fitness bandwagon, all your decisions will be influenced by it. You might have to cancel going out with friends or family because of your workouts, and the gym might be the first thing you look for while you’re planning a vacation.
Too Many Fads To Keep Count Off
There are indeed many fads in the fitness industry and they go away as fast as they come. Learning about new diets, training principles, and supplements every few weeks is too much for some people.
Workouts Are Intense
Out of all the people who get a gym membership, a big number quits within a year because they can’t see the desired results. A transformation needs much more than walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes and it’s too much to ask off many people.
Supplements Are Sh*t Expensive
There is a myth that you can’t build muscle mass without supplements. Some people avoid supplements because they are out of their budget and others think that they do more harm than good.
Who Needs Injuries?
Training is one of the most intense sports and the probabilities of an injury increase four-fold when you’re around the unforgiving iron. Some people would rather sit on their couch all day long than be crushed under a barbell.
Aesthetics Are Everything
Many people diss working out because they think it’s all about looking good naked. Some of these people advocate working on mental and spiritual well-being instead of the gluteus maximus.
Always Be Critiquing
As the great Joe Weider once said, “Looking at himself, a serious bodybuilder isn’t admiring, he’s looking for trouble. And he sees trouble, every time.” There is a thin line between self-critiquing and self-loathing and as a fitness enthusiast, you always have to mind your step.
Comparing Your Physique To Everyone
As you start training, sooner or later, you’ll find yourself comparing your muscles to people in your gym – or that guy on Instagram. Once this happens, it all goes downhill from here.
Solo Sport
Many people join a sport because they like to be around people and want to be part of a team. Bodybuilding, on the other hand, is one man’s game and is arguably the most selfish sport.
The Need To Find A Cult
After people get a gym membership, they soon start finding a cult to join. They are torn between loving or hating the squats, being a carnivore or a vegan, bodybuilding or CrossFit, keto or paleo, etc.
Acute Self-Loathing That Comes With Missing A Workout
No matter who you are, where you’re from, what you do – if you’re living the fit life, you’ll have faced the agony that comes with missing a workout. The struggle of making up for a missed workout in the next session is real.
How often do you workout? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
Pros and Cons of Dating a Fit Chick
The opinions in this article do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Generation Iron.
Should You Date a Fit Chick?
If you happen to spend some of your time on Instagram, you’re sure to have seen some fitness chicks flaunting their perfect bodies. If you’re anything like other normal people, you might have at some time wondered what dating a fit girl would be like IRL.
If you’re one of these people, you’ve come to the right place. Before you try your luck at picking up a fit chick, read on to know what you’re signing up for. This article will either cement your plan to approach that girl at your gym, or you’ll be happy with what you have.
Pros
Never Short on Food
Fit people always need their food on time. If you’re dating a health-conscious girl, you are sure to find ample food supplies in your fridge at any point in time. Once you start dating a fit chick, you might find yourself carrying packed meals to work.
Gym Partner
If you’re into fitness yourself, your girlfriend might be the gym partner you have always wanted. Finding the right gym partner can be as hard as finding the right life partner. No more syncing times, just leave the house together and come back together.
Buying Her Gifts is Easy
You don’t have to be too careful while buying gifts for your fitness crazy girlfriend. Most gym rat girls are a sucker for yoga pants and workout shoes. Just gift your girl her workout essentials and she’ll love you to eternity.
Motivation
Having a ripped person around you for most of your days could be an inspiration in itself. Your shredded girlfriend might be the kick you always needed to get a gym membership. Once you join a gym, motivation will flow both ways.
The Body, Obviously!
Your girl might be working out for herself, but you’ll be the one reaping all the rewards. It is no secret lifting weights can make you look good naked, and it also pushes your sex drive through the roof.
Cons
Self-Obsessed
People who workout and especially the ones which compete are known to be overly self-obsessed. It can be a pain in the ass to be around people who are too conscious about how they look at all times.
Possibility of Masculine Features
If your girl is of the ‘muscular girls look pretty’ squad, there are chances she has developed or might develop masculine features. If you’re not into girls with veins popping out of their forearms, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.
Stronger Than You
If you’re not a fan of working out, there are chances your swolemate might be stronger than you. The next time you can’t open a jar, ask your girlfriend to do it for you. It might be a little embarrassing at first, but you’ll get used to it.
Insecurities
In-shape girls get a lot of attention. It might also be the reason you’re dating your girlfriend. If you’re not big on socializing or hate seeing sleazy comments on your girl’s pictures, insecurities might start to creep in.
Your Life is Going To Revolve Around Working Out
If you love working out and you start dating a girl who lifts, sooner or later, your life will start revolving around the gym. Don’t be surprised if the only conversations you have are about meal preps, the next day’s workout or buying some gym gear.
Are you dating a fit chick? Let us know in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter.
*Header image courtesy of Envato Elements.