Time to Flex

Introduction

When thinking about weight management, losing weight is what usually comes to mind. But not everyone’s weight goal is the same. Some people want to gain weight, especially in the form of added muscle. The Difference is designed to be flexible and can help you reach this goal. The right place to start is to introduce weightlifting into your activity, and even a light regimen has many benefits. In this article, we hear from an expert, Trae Ranson, one of The Difference’sInfluencers, about his background in and philosophy of body building.

Trae’s Story

“Hello everyone! I am Rans the Machine, a seasoned bodybuilder and 8-time Nationally qualified physique competitor. I am a competitive bodybuilder, trainer, and all-around athlete. I have a black belt in Taekwondo and have studied various other martial arts. I am a former amateur mixed martial arts fighter and Golden Glove boxing contender. I have also been a power lifting competitor that has placed numerous times in shows.

For the benefit of people that want to begin lifting weights, I would like to offer an ideal bodybuilding journey. First, you should know that it is a holistic sport. Eating, sleeping, mental state, and physical ability are the foundation elements, and these culminate to create a solid bodybuilding package. Common mistakes such as being inadequately hydrated, skipping meals, consuming too much processed or unhealthy food, and not incorporating a more balanced diet are major factors that can hinder performance.

Your body is a machine and being mindful of your food choices are synonymous with the types of fuel you put into your car. The Difference asserts that it is how many calories you eat and burn which determine weight change, not the relative nutritional value of your food (read “Food as Fuel: Could It All Be So Simple?”. That claim is true for the average person, just like regular gas is meant for the average car. But just like high-performance fuel is meant for exceptional vehicles, bodybuilders are exceptional athletes that need a high-performance diet. They are required to incorporate more protein and reduce carbohydrates to gain muscle mass and lower body fat percentage. In some cases, a specific type of protein is better, such as one that is soy or plant based. Food choices are important. For example, opting for fish or chicken over red meat, eating red or sweet potatoes instead of the regular variety, and adding green vegetables to help regulate and aid digestion. We must become mindful of the sugar content that “healthy” snacks and condiments carry. Increasing daily water intake not only supports hydration, but also helps the body flush out toxins. It’s always best to be selective in your food choices to get the most benefit. That said, there is nothing wrong with having an occasional cheat meal because moderation is the key to everything.

What is the physiology of bodybuilding? In essence, you damage your muscles to stimulate growth. Therefore, to grow larger muscles, bodybuilders tend to lift heavier and more consistently than the average gym-goer. But there must be balance. Damage implies the need for healing, and this is found in the form of proper diet and good sleep. The balance of damage and healing is vital to maximize muscle growth. Remember to warm-up properly before beginning and to enjoy a good stretch at the end of your workout session.

One mistake that many weightlifting beginners face is called “ego lifting”. If you want to feel and look strong, where could be a more perfect place to do so than at the gym? The problem is that just because someone may want to lift heavy weights doesn’t mean that person can do so. Remind yourself that it is wise to lift lighter weights to give your body time to grow and gradually adjust to heavier weights. Don’t expect immediate results and start looking for shortcuts because things are not happening fast enough. It is a process, and progress takes time.

Another mistake is to forego learning proper form. This can cause real, unintended physical damage. One way to avoid this is to learn from watching or asking experts. Having a trainer can have many benefits in this regard, as well as for motivation and professional instruction. If you are lifting alone, there is absolutely nothing wrong with getting a spotter when you’re unsure of the weight you’re about to lift. Try not to compare yourself to more advanced lifters. Everyone has a starting point. No two people are identical.

These are just a few points to keep in mind as you start your bodybuilding journey. Remember to enjoy yourself. No matter how far you go in this sport, the one constant is you. You will get out exactly what you put in, so go 100% and celebrate building a new physique!”

– Trae Ranson

Conclusion

Trae offers some great words of advice for people that are new to the sport of bodybuilding. To find out more about Trae and his business please, check out his Facebook Page Trae Rans The Machine and Instagram Account Noble41_traeborn.