How to Begin Bodybuilding (with Pictures)

This article was co-authored by Laila Ajani. Laila Ajani is a Fitness Trainer and founder of Push Personal Fitness, a personal training organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 13 years as a trainer and exercise specialist, Laila has expertise in competitive athletics (gymnastics, powerlifting, and tennis), personal training, distance running, and Olympic lifting. Laila is certified by the National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA), and USA Powerlifting (USAPL), and she is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES).

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Do you want to become a bodybuilder? Did an old clip of Arnold Schwarzenegger inspire you? Did a recent competition spark your interest? Bodybuilding is becoming an increasingly common sport for men and women, with competitions popping up in most major cities. To get started in bodybuilding, you need to find a gym, start weight training, and design your diet to match your routine.

If you want to begin bodybuilding, start with basic exercises like squats and bench presses to build up your strength, then gradually work up to lifting heavier weights over time. Working with professional equipment may help you avoid injury, so find a gym or a personal trainer in your area that specializes in bodybuilding. Train 4-5 times a week, and make the most of your exercise by eating a diet rich in protein, veggies, and carbs while avoiding processed food and sugars. For tips from our personal training reviewer on finding the right gym, read on!