A Healthy You: Bodybuilder

Bodybuilder

By definition:

A bodybuilder is: (noun) - a person who practices bodybuilding.

Bodybuilding is the act or practice of exercising, lifting weights, etc., so as to develop the muscles of the body.

So here we are, right off the bat learning something we didn't know. Bodybuilding is not a practice that refers exclusively to muscle-heads that live at a gym. Bodybuilding is any exercise that builds muscle.

Now you ask - What builds muscle? First we must understand how muscle grows. Muscle growth comes about because of hypertrophy or hyperplasia. Hypertrophy is an increase in the size of the muscle due to an increase in the size of the muscle fibers, while hyperplasia is an increase in the number of muscle fibers. Reference As you lift weights, run or engage in exercise, your muscles start breaking down and tearing. This is normal. It's why most people are sore after some good exercise. Your muscles begin repairing themselves after your workout is done. This is where the growth happens. As your muscles repair the damage cause from the workout, the muscle fibers increase in size and number. It's generally a slow process possibly taking a few weeks before you'll see visible results. Drinking a protein shake after your workout is an excellent way to speed up your recovery time, which is the repairing time your muscles undergo after your workout.

The protein shake you choose to drink can have dramatic effects on your muscle growth. The amount of protein in the shake is not as important as the quality of protein.

I am an aspiring cyclist. I ride a road bike with skinny tires like Lance Armstrong pictured to the left. I have taken many different kinds of protein shakes over the years. I have noticed the quickest and highest quality gains in muscle size, definition and performance by drinking the Vi-Shake. It has 12 grams of protein per shake that works so well with your body. I have seen better results using this product than I have from other products claiming 50+ grams of protein. I started a 90 day challenge back in May 2012. I am over half way done with my challenge and I'm loving the way I look. Click on "90 Day Challenge at the top and bottom of the blog to know more about this shake and challenge. What ever shake you choose, be sure to drink it immediately following your workout for best results.