When we see men and women all buffed up, we can sometimes perceive them simply as narcissistic people who just want to flaunt their bodies. The truth is, there are those who pump iron in the gym to build muscles not only to look good but also to improve both their physical and mental health.
What Is Bodybuilding?
That may sound like a dumb question, but there’s more to bodybuilding than meets the eye (and the mind). Bodybuilding benefits not only the body but also the mind. Of course, the primary goal of this physical activity, which is also a sport, is to have a proportionally shaped body, although there are those who want to increase muscle mass only in specific parts of their body.
Improving Physical Health
Aside from getting a great-looking figure, bodybuilding can actually help decrease the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Sweating it out in the gym is certainly not only about achieving a body worthy of a spread in a bodybuilding magazine. By getting into weight training and aerobic exercise, you’ll have more chance of reducing and controlling high blood pressure and high cholesterol, as well as curbing obesity. This beneficial physical activity also keeps our muscles strong and flexible, which helps a lot in our daily activities that involve physical strength and flexibility.
Improving Mental Health
Ever heard of the saying ‘A sound body is a sound mind?’ This expression makes perfect sense. Although some people have the tendency to stereotype bodybuilders as mindless persons trying to look good, there are mental benefits that bodybuilding provides. It can boost our mental well-being. It helps in reducing stress, anxiety, and even depression. Many people who are into bodybuilding also gain more confidence and self-esteem.
Image credit: Fitness.is (flickr.com)
Improving Nutrition
We all know how the food we eat figures in as far as our overall well-being is concerned. When you start training in the gym, you also become more particular with the food you eat. In fact, it is a requirement that you have a specific diet when doing weight training or aerobic exercises. This means taking healthy foods and beverages, as well as taking bodybuilding supplements that can improve our health in many ways. And since you have to lead a healthy lifestyle to optimize your training, you also have to stay away from unhealthy habits such as smoking and drinking. You’ll also develop the habit of getting enough sleep every day.
Indeed, the benefits of bodybuilding are not limited to just being in good shape and looking great and fit. It’s also about building a strong and healthy mind and leading a positive lifestyle.
Buff Up 