Bodybuilding for beginners: Creating a workout plan

The Bily
8 min readJan 12, 2023

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Hello there! Today I will tell you a simple matter. after reading this article you will know what to do :)

Bodybuilding for beginners: creating a workout plan

Bodybuilding is a form of physical exercise and sport that focuses on the development of muscle mass and strength. It is a challenging and demanding pursuit that requires dedication, hard work, and consistency. The end goal of bodybuilding is to achieve a well-sculpted, aesthetically pleasing physique. However, bodybuilding is not just about physical appearance, it also has numerous health benefits such as increasing bone density, improving cardiovascular health, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

To achieve the best results in bodybuilding, it is essential to have a well-structured workout plan. A workout plan is a comprehensive guide that outlines the specific exercises, sets, reps, and rest periods that will be performed in a training session. It also includes the frequency of training, progression and recovery.

Having a workout plan is crucial for beginners as it provides direction, structure and helps to track progress. This blog post is targeted towards beginners who are new to bodybuilding. If you’re just starting out, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information available and unsure of where to begin. This post will provide a comprehensive guide on how to create a workout plan that is tailored to your specific goals and needs. It will also provide tips and guidelines on proper form, technique, nutrition, and recovery, to help ensure that you are getting the most out of your bodybuilding efforts.

Understanding the basics:

Proper form and technique are essential when lifting weights. Not only will it prevent injury, but it also ensures that you are effectively targeting the muscle group that you intend to work. Proper form and technique also help you to lift heavier weights and make progress over time. When starting out, it is important to focus on the basics and master the fundamental exercises such as the squat, deadlift, bench press, pull-ups and shoulder press. These exercises work multiple muscle groups at once and are known as compound exercises.

They are also the foundation of any good workout plan.

In addition to compound exercises, isolation exercises can also be added to target specific muscle groups. For example, bicep curls for the biceps, tricep extensions for the triceps and leg curls for the hamstrings. It is important to include a balance of compound and isolation exercises in a workout plan. Warming up before a workout is essential to prepare the body for the physical demands of the workout and prevent injury. A proper warm-up should include a light cardio exercise such as jogging or cycling, and dynamic stretching to increase blood flow and loosen up the muscles. Similarly, cooling down after a workout is important to bring the body back to its resting state, and to reduce muscle soreness and stiffness. A cool-down should include light cardio, static stretching, and foam rolling.

Setting goals:

Setting specific, measurable and achievable goals is crucial for any bodybuilding journey. These goals provide a clear direction, motivation and help to track progress. They also help to keep the individual accountable and focused on what they want to achieve. When setting goals, it is important to be realistic and specific. For example, instead of saying “I want to gain muscle,” a specific goal would be “I want to gain 10 pounds of muscle in the next six months.” Measurable goals have a specific target that can be measured, such as a certain weight, a certain number of reps or a certain time frame. Achievable goals are realistic and within reach, taking into account the individual’s current fitness level, and resources available.

When it comes to setting goals, it is also important to have a balance of short-term and long-term goals. Short-term goals are those that can be achieved in a relatively short period of time (1–3 months) and are intended to serve as stepping stones towards achieving long-term goals. Examples of short-term goals include increasing the weight on a specific exercise, or being able to perform a certain number of reps. On the other hand, long-term goals are those that take a longer period of time to achieve (6–12 months or more) and are intended to serve as the ultimate destination. Examples of long-term goals include achieving a certain body weight or body fat percentage, or being able to perform a specific exercise with a certain weight. It is also important to regularly review and adjust the goals as needed, to ensure that they remain realistic and relevant to your current progress and circumstances.

Creating a workout plan:

Creating a workout plan can seem overwhelming for beginners, but with a few guidelines, it can be easily achieved. A sample beginner workout plan can look like this:

Monday:

Warmup: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching Squats: 3 sets of 8–12 reps

Bench press: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Pull-ups: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Shoulder press:3 sets of 8–12 reps Cool-down: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and static stretching

Tuesday:

Warm-up: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching Deadlifts: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Dumbbell rows: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Bicep curls: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Tricep extensions: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Cool-down: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and static stretching

Dumbell Biceps Curll

Thursday:

Warm-up: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching Squats: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Bench press: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Pull-ups: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Shoulder press: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Cool-down: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and static stretching

Bench Press

Friday:

Warm-up: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching Deadlifts: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Dumbbell rows: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Bicep curls: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Tricep extensions: 3 sets of 8–12 reps Cool down: 5–10 minutes of light cardio and static stretching This is just a sample plan, and it is important to note that the specific exercises, sets, reps, and rest periods may vary depending on the individual’s goals and fitness level.

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

As the individual progresses and becomes more advanced, the workout plan should be adjusted and progressed accordingly. This can be done by increasing the weight, reps, and sets, and by incorporating new exercises. It is also important to make sure that the workout plan continues to challenge the individual and that they are making progress. Consistency and progression are key when it comes to bodybuilding.

A consistent workout plan, combined with proper nutrition, rest, and recovery, will help the individual achieve their goals in the long run. Without consistency and progression, progress will be slow, and the individual may get discouraged and give up. Nutrition: Proper nutrition is just as important as exercise when it comes to bodybuilding. In fact, many experts argue that nutrition plays an even more significant role in achieving bodybuilding goals. Proper nutrition is essential for muscle growth, recovery, and overall health. When it comes to bodybuilding, the primary focus should be on consuming enough protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, and it should make up a significant portion of the diet. Good sources of protein include chicken, fish, beef, eggs, and dairy products. Carbohydrates are also important, as they provide the body with energy, and they should also make up a significant portion of the diet. Good sources of carbohydrates include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil, are also important for overall health and should also be included in the diet.

Meal planning and supplementation are also important when it comes to bodybuilding. Meal planning is the process of planning and preparing meals in advance, to ensure that the individual is getting the right balance of nutrients. Meal planning can be done by creating a meal plan that outlines the specific foods that will be eaten, and when. Supplementation can also be helpful for bodybuilders. Protein supplements, such as whey protein, can be a convenient way to increase protein intake.

Creatine and beta-alanine can also be helpful for increasing muscle strength and size.

However, it is important to note that supplements should not replace a healthy diet and should be used in addition to a healthy diet. It is also important to consult with a doctor or a qualified nutritionist before starting any supplementation.

Recovery: Rest and recovery are essential components of any bodybuilding program.

Without proper recovery, the body will not be able to adapt and progress from the stress of training. In fact, recovery is when the muscles repair, grow and adapt to the stress of training. During recovery, the body is repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue. This process is known as muscle protein synthesis. Adequate rest and recovery are necessary for muscle protein synthesis to occur, which is essential for muscle growth. There are several effective recovery methods that bodybuilders can use to aid in the recovery process.

These include:

1. Adequate sleep: Sleep is essential for recovery. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night, and try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule.

2. Active recovery: light exercises such as yoga, swimming, or cycling can increase blood flow and aid in the recovery process.

3.Stretching: stretching helps to reduce muscle soreness and tension, and can improve flexibility and range of motion.

4. Massage: massages can help to increase blood flow and reduce muscle soreness and tension.

5. Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for recovery, as the body needs the right nutrients to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.

6. Hydration: staying hydrated is essential for recovery, as it helps to transport nutrients to the muscles and remove waste products. It is important to remember that recovery is an ongoing process that should be incorporated into the bodybuilding program, and not just done after a workout. By incorporating these recovery methods, bodybuilders can aid in the recovery process, and ultimately achieve their bodybuilding goals. Conclusion: In this post, we have discussed the importance of having a workout plan for bodybuilding, and provided a comprehensive guide on how to create one. We have also discussed the importance of proper form and technique, warming up and cooling down, setting specific, measurable and achievable goals, and the role of nutrition and recovery in bodybuilding. To summarize, a well-structured workout plan is essential for bodybuilding success. It provides direction, structure, and helps to track progress.

Proper form and technique, warming up and cooling down, setting specific, measurable and achievable goals, and proper nutrition and recovery are all crucial for achieving bodybuilding goals. We encourage readers to take action and start creating their own workout plan. Remember, consistency and progression are key, so be patient and stay committed to your goals. Bodybuilding is a challenging and demanding pursuit, but with the right mindset, and a wellstructured workout plan, you can achieve the body of your dreams…

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