Brand new builder: need help fast!!!!

[Lady_Builder]

Hey guys,

I just started body building about three months ago just doing basic movements. Now, I'm wanting to get serious about what I'm doing so that I can start competing eventually and it's kinda hard to get a male body builder turned powerlifter to listen and understand the fact that I can't do the routine he used to do. **LOL** If anyone can give me some advice I'd be really grateful. Thanx so much!

Lady_Builder

[imperfectly_lou]

You are definitely right there. Women's bodies are totally different and have different training requirements.

I suggest you follow a set program to start with.

I highly recommend the 12 week Rock Hard Challenge. I had the most fantastic results and plan to start again soon.

Alternatively, a more basic version is Body For Life. Even if you don't do the program, I recommend reading the book by Bill Phillips. it has lots of basic training and nutrition information that is great for beginner-intermediate exercisers.

Read read read! Muscle and Fitness Hers and Oxygen are my two faves!

[Lady_Builder]

Imperfectly_lou,

Thank you so much! And yes, I love M&FH, I read it all the time at the gym my husband and I go to. Do you have any suggestions about where I can find a good beginner's diet. The only ones I have been able to find are precontest diets and those just won't work quite yet.

Thanx a bunch,
Lady_Builder

[imperfectly_lou]

Not too sure about a beginner's diet. i know the suggestions in Body For Life are very good and basic........

Maybe you could post what you currently eat and we could offer suggestions?

[Lady_Builder]

Right now I don't have a set diet. Money's kinda tight and it's hard for me and my hubby to get the foods I need so I eat just as healthy as I can (which isn't always that healthy) but I do my best. You said it was Body for Life where I can find tips on a diet?

Thanks a bunch,
Lady_Builder

[MsFit]

Start saving is you want to compete, it gets expensive. Might want to find some local sponsers. I'm already saving for my contest next year. Hotel room, food, supplements, gym fee, registration for contest, drug test if doing natural show, tanning, tanning supplies, posing suit........oh gawd, I better get me a sponser too. LOL

[imperfectly_lou]

The basics on the Body For Life nutrition is as follows:

3 meals and 2 snacks a day.

Each meal should have a portion of carbs, a portion of protein and a portion of healthy fat.

For example, a good breakfast would be some egg whites (protein) and oatmeal with some PB mixed in (carbs and fat).

Two meals a day should include veggies.

It seems really simple and basic and it actually is. That is why I recommend it to beginner's.

As for more advanced programs, keep reading the magazines and online and you will come to figure it out your personal eating plan.

[Lady_Builder]

Thank you so much. Mu husband doesn't understand why I'm going on line to get advice and not only taking his. He thinks that cause he's certified he's the only one that knows what he's talking about. He does know but he's being a pain about letting me figure this out on my own too. Oh well, that's just men for you!!! **LOL**

[Nino]

Oh well, that's just men for you!!!

Ack! No...it's not. If anything some of us are quite the opposite. I get dirty looks sometimes in my attempts to encourage my wife to find answers on her own instead of just telling her. I may take the socratic method too far...

Just remind him: knowledge gained through earnest pursuit lasts far longer than that handed to you on a platter. Find out for yourself. Take his advice AND keep searching too. You will be more likely to find what works for you by trying things out, rather than accepting only one viewpoint.

[Lady_Builder]

I didn't mean it like that. I was just joking. We finally worked things out to where I look online with or without him and then ask him what he thinks and we work together from there to decide what is best for me. Thanks everyone for the advice.

Now does anyone have any advice on how to quit smoking cause that is one thing that is holding me way back from my potential???