Is a Gym Necessary to Build Muscle?

This is a great question. In fact, people ask this same question on many bodybuilding sites and forums, as well as on fitness channels on YouTube. The answer is well maybe. How much are you planning to bulk? If not so much, then you may not need the gym. If you're really wanting to get ripped, then you may need the gym and its 

resources.
Why don't people like going to the gym? A few reasons are the cost of the membership, the time it takes to get there, and then there's the shyness/intimidation effect. Some people just don't like to work out in front of people. Why? Self-conscious is usually the reason.
If you're looking to have the body with the aimed for V-shaped back then the gym may not be needed. You will, however, have to buy some weights, a weight bench and some other equipment. To save money, check your local newspapers and garage sales.
If you're looking for hulking muscles with the sculpted body, then a gym will more than likely be necessary. The gym will have a variety of equipment as well as special machines to help sculpt your body into a work of art.
Your body won't know or care whether you work out at a gym or at home. It doesn't care whether your weights are brand new or years old. Your body will respond to training and stimulation regardless.
Your muscles will only grow if you place a progressive overload on them, so you will need more and more weight plates as you move forward. At this point, you'll need to buy even more weights or invest in a gym membership. Don't freak out! It'll take time before you need the extra weight, but if want the larger muscles you will eventually need them.
Another thing you might want to invest in are resistance bands. They will help increase the resistance your muscles will face. There are plenty of YouTube videos about the resistance bands so you can watch and learn.
If you're just starting out it might be a good idea begin some bodyweight exercises. Exercises like pull ups, half squats, and push-ups can be done just about anywhere. Do as many as you can as often as you can.
If you have a park or playground close by with a set of parallel bars you can practice your dips as well as other exercises. Check out YouTube and you'll be surprised at how many different types of exercises can be done with just a set of parallel bars.
In conclusion, is a gym membership an absolute necessity? No, you can do wonders with your body if you're determined. Good luck!
Thanks for reading, Shelia Lirette 
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Diets For Abs - Are You Eating Right?

Flaunting a flat and toned midriff has more to do than simply make you look great in your beach suit. Trimming the fat around the midsection can also help improve your health and 

keep chronic ailments such as cardiovascular problems at bay.

We've seen many struggling to get the six pack they've always desired to have. It takes more than hard work and exercise to get your 6-pack abs to really pop. It involves strategizing and sticking with the right diets for abs. After all, if you exercise regularly and don't watch what you put into your mouth at every meal, success will always remain elusive. In this short article we've broken down diets for abs not by the foods you should eat and avoid, but according to macro and micro-nutrients you should include in your diet.
Protein
When aiming for the six pack abs look, your daily intake of protein must be high. Protein has triple benefits. It accelerates the metabolic rate, prevents the loss of lean muscle mass and keeps you from feeling hungry. Found in lean meat, pulses, dairy and legumes, proteins should make up 30% of your total calorie intake for the day.
Carbohydrates
Whether or not to include carbohydrates in diets for abs has been a widely discussed topic. It must be had in controlled quantities. Reducing your intake of carbohydrates will prompt the body to burn body fat to provide energy. It also reduces water retention in the body creating for a leaner appearance. However, going too low on the carbohydrates can also have adverse affects on your six pack abs look. In the absence of sufficient carbohydrates, the energy levels drop drastically and intensify food cravings. It will also cause the resting metabolic rate to plummet.
Eating carbohydrates at the right time is also important. Carbohydrates must be eaten after an intense workout. Complex carbohydrates after an intense workout help the muscles recover and refuel them.
Fat
When it comes to getting ripped and getting the six pack abs, you need to watch your intake of dietary fat. 3-5 grams of fat is all you need to take in a diet for abs. Also, this fat should be obtained from healthy sources such as fatty fish, avocados, olive oils, nuts and flaxseeds.
Diets for Abs - Strategizing and Planning
In addition to eating the right foods in the right proportions, it is necessary to eat in the right manner. The following factors will influence how easily the six pack abs come to you.
  • Start by determining the right calorie intake. It should match your body weight. If you eat too much you will put on weight making it more difficult to notice the abdominal muscles. Also, eating less than the body's actual requirement will reduce muscle mass.
  • Eat minimum six meals every day. Breaking up the total calorie intake for the day into smaller meals allows for faster digestion. It also keeps the metabolic rate from dropping or getting sluggish.
  • You should also drink a good amount of clear fluid on a daily basis. Avoid drinking alcohol. Instead, you can increase your intake of smoothies. Smoothies made of natural ingredients are nutritious and filling.
  • Time your meals and stick with the schedule.
  • When following diets for abs, you can reserve one day as the cheat day. Doing so helps you control food cravings and also helps you follow your diet sincerely for the rest of the week.
The secret to building six pack abs lies in choosing the right diets for abs. For more resources and information, click this link.
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