Tips for Beginner Gains

When someone is first starting out in the world of bodybuilding, they are almost invariably going to put on muscle at a faster rate than someone who has been training for years, provided their diet and exercise are constant between the two. This is frequently referred to as “noob gains”, as it means that when you are new to the sport you are going to have a fairly substantial advantage over those that have been training for a while now. So if you are first starting out, then it would make a lot of sense to make the most out of these beginner gains, as they are not going to be something that will be there forever.
Consistency is Key

Consistency is arguably the single most important aspect in the bodybuilding world. Consistency is the one thing that separates those that see results and those that wish they did, and it is probably the single most overlooked part of bodybuilding. Since beginners are just that- they are new to the sport, they frequently have a hard time grasping the concept of consistency. In the end, there are really no “tips” or “tricks” to making sure that you are consistent with both your dieting and your exercising, that is just something that you will eventually have to work out for yourself. Some people find that getting a training partner will help you get out of bed and into the gym on those days you’d rather just sleep in, so for some people this will be an option worth exploring. Once you get “into the groove” of training you will find that the consistency becomes more natural, but those first couple of months are really the most difficult for anyone.
Supplements – Good or Bad?

A common mistake that beginners make when they are first starting out in their training is thinking that they need supplements. The simple fact of the matter is that they don’t, it is a huge waste of money and time to use supplements in your first months of training, as it is something that is typically geared towards the more seasoned bodybuilder. A common use for supplements is to “break through” a plateau that you have gotten yourself in to. But if you’re new to bodybuilding and you are doing everything correctly, then there really should be no plateau for you to break through, which explains why supplements really aren’t all that necessary. In some cases they can be used to help you get your macros in for the day, like a simple whey protein powder after your workout is not a bad idea, but anything like a PWO and especially things like testosterone boosters should be avoided. They are not only not meant for beginners, but they will also be nothing more than a waste of money for those that buy them.
Get Enough Recovery Time

Rest is often overlooked for a lot of bodybuilders, but this is especially true if you are new to the sport. It is a critically important part of training, and the importance of giving your body enough time to recuperate after an intense workout cannot be understated. Some people feel the need to use supplements to help their recovery time, but this really isn’t all that necessary. Making sure that you are getting enough sleep (this usually means around 8 hours when possible) is a good way to make sure your body is getting the rest that it needs to give you progress. The reason why rest is so often overlooked by those who are new to bodybuilding would probably be because you can’t “feel” the effects of a good night’s rest- like you can the effects of a good workout. Even though you may not be able to feel your body getting fully rested, it is still something that should not be taken lightly.

The Importance of Diet

What you are eating is always going to be a huge factor in whether or not you see the results that you are looking for, but it is especially true if you are a beginner looking to make the most out of your noob gains. While we all know that we have to go to the gym and lift weights to put on muscle mass, not everyone realizes that we should be thinking about our bodybuilding goals in the kitchen as well. You want to make sure that you are giving your body the fuel that it needs to make the progress that you want. Fast food may be tasty and easy to get, but it really is only going to leave you feeling lethargic and bloated, two things that do not go well with bodybuilding. A high protein diet should really go without being said here, as protein is the most basic part of any bodybuilder’s diet. And while some people like to use supplements to help their protein intake (like whey protein isolate), it really isn’t necessary if you have a solid diet. Don’t be afraid to do some research to see what a good bulking diet is for a beginner, as that is something that will be of enormous importance if you want to start seeing good results.