When did u start?

jockstud · #1 February 4th, 2006, 04:27 PM

Hey when did you guys start bodybuilding? And how did u start?

hulkmuscle · #2 February 4th, 2006, 06:49 PM

I started working out when I was 22. I weighed 135 at 6'1 and had absolutely no idea what I was doing (although I started looking at bb mags when I was 12-13, but that's a different story). I got serious about bodybuilding in early winter 2001. One day I just decided, basically on a lark, let's see how far I could take it

James35 · #3 February 4th, 2006, 08:19 PM

Similar story here! I started working out right after I graduated from college but didnt get serious about it until about 6 years ago. What helped me really get going was working with a personal trainer. I learned some from him directly, but also met other bodybuilders who each had their own areas of expertise and experience. I just wish I had gotten really serious about bodybuilding when I was younger; I'd be much further along now!

glammaman2000 · #4 February 4th, 2006, 08:19 PM

Was quite big by the time I was 15(17"arms!)Stopped training while I was a ballerina(had to be SKEENY!)17-21.Half dancer/half muscle 21-25.1st.competition,Eastern America(5th place,NO DRUGS!WOO-HOO!)age 30.Didn't compete again until Gay Games'94(silver,40-49)Pushing towards Montreal in Aug.(LAST competition.Wish me luck!)g.

Mdlftr · #5 February 4th, 2006, 09:13 PM

Always the "skinny" one in the family. Older brother was a major jock, got all the girls and the 'macho' vibe. I was the "smart" one! [Now I'm built, too! And still working on it!]

I first 'worked out' around age 23-24, when I spent a year at home, working two jobs. Because I was using Nautilus, and only sleeping about 5 1/2 hours a night, and not eating enough, I got toned, but not bigger--I had no idea what I was doing, and the "trainer" [HA!] at the tennis sports club seemed to think that getting "big" was a bad thing. The routine he gave me was probably not for a 23 year old with a fast metabolism, weighing barely 155 at 6'3". He said the usual bullsh#t about how the "big guys" were all on steroids and were all going to get fat and how it was better to be skinny! [Guess what he looked like!]

To be fair, at that time (early to mid 1980s) there wasn't as much emphasis on being big and buff. bbing was still very much a 'fringe' 'weirdo' activity. To even admit I wanted to have big muscles was very suspect. "Why would you want to look like that? What's wrong with you? You KNOW they're all narcissistic homosexuals, those bodybuilders, don't you?" Terrible stigma attached to the whole idea. "Serious people" focused on careers, not their bodies.

Anyhow, flash forward about 15 years. In my mid-30s I started lifting and also tried weight gainer products for the first time. I got up from 170 to 185#, toned, and stayed at that weight for almost 10 years. When I turned 40 I had actual instruction on leg exercises for the first time in my life. I gradually built up to 190#, then stayed at 195# for the longest time. I used a trainer who had experience working with people with injuries. SHE was great! Taught me the form, and the purpose, and the sequencing of exercises.

I've continued, and over the last year or two have gone from 200# (yeah!) to 205# to 210#,where I am right now, after a two month layoff due to a fall cold/infection. I now know that I LIKE working out, I LOVE what it does for me, and when someone asked me at work the other day (after seeing a summer beach picture of me) 'Hey you look like you've been working out? Are you working to become a muscleman?" and I proudly told them YES!

Moral: It's NEVER too late to start! Once you do, just remember, you can ALWAYS go back to it, no matter what interruptions or delays happen. And you body DOES have a muscle memory! You do it for yourself, and it's great!

Mdlftr

intomuscleUK · #6 February 5th, 2006, 01:13 PM

I started 2/3 years ago. Made a few good gains so far,But would like to be bigger thou

glammaman2000 · #7 February 6th, 2006, 06:31 PM

...if I can get 12reps with a given weight;it's time to go up.I don't really like getting less than 8.There are exceptions,but this usually works for me.

muslguy · #8 February 6th, 2006, 10:07 PM

My interest started when I was in middle school. I used to read the muscle mags and cut the pictures out of them. I think that was more of a sexual thing. I have always been attracted to huge, muscle men.

I started taking bodybuildng seriously when I turned 23. I got my first gym membership at Bally's. I was 5'10" and weighed around 150lbs. I was always skinny and wanted the mass of all the pros I saw in the magazines. Now, 13 years later I am the heaviest I have ever been.....190lbs.

My ultimate goal is to be 210-220lbs. I am talking to a friend now who wants to train me for a show. I think having this goal will push me to get where I want to be. It will be tough, but well worth it I think.

jockstud · #9 February 24th, 2006, 05:47 PM

i dont know how to start im not muscular yet any suggestions??

DonnieJvilleNC · #10 February 24th, 2006, 06:35 PM

Well, this March 25 will be my one-year anniversary at my Gold's Gym. Prior to that, I only used the college gym from last January to March 25. I never really worked out before then.

But I've got a long way to go before I consider myself a bodybuilder.

hulkmuscle · #11 February 24th, 2006, 07:35 PM

Congrats on your paper anniversary, Donnie!

Protein shakes for the house...

glammaman2000 · #12 February 24th, 2006, 10:04 PM

1st.step:START!2nd.step:CONTINUE!EVERYBODY has to go through a certain amount of pain&humiliation as they begin their transformation!It may happen more than once!A certain amount of mental toughening is a pre-requisite to physical toughening&YOU CAN DO IT!!!g.

loopyrhino2001 · #13 February 24th, 2006, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonnieJvilleNC

Well, this March 25 will be my one-year anniversary at my Gold's Gym. Prior to that, I only used the college gym from last January to March 25. I never really worked out before then.

Congrats Donnie! You've come a long way in just a year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonnieJvilleNC

But I've got a long way to go before I consider myself a bodybuilder.

Oh I don't know. Have you looked at your photos lately?

Jim USA · #14 February 25th, 2006, 05:04 AM

I always envied the guys with big muscles and worked out half heartedly alot but never accomplished much. Then, at 40, I lost my job but kept the Y membership going. I'd go almost everyday and lift to ease my depression and pass the time. I couldn't afford fancy food and found myself eating mostly spaghetti and tuna casserole.

One day, while shaving, I saw something new about my body in the mirror. I saw this bulge coming out of my arm and realized it was my triceps muscle. My pecs were making visible progress as well. This was way cool.

I am so hooked now. Working out is still a fun challenge every single visit to the weight room. The guy in the mirror now has 17.5" arms and is 207# where, at 40, he had 15.5" arms and weighed 167#. The guy in mirror can bounce his pecs. Is this a great sport, or what?

muscle_mastah · #15 February 28th, 2006, 04:01 PM

Like so many here, I too wanted to start earlier. I thought you had to be a jock to lift...well sort of. 5' 7" and 120 at then end of HS, 5'7 and a fat 185 at 43 when I finally took the plunge for real. 5 years later, I'm looking much better at 195. Next up 210 at 10%

BTW as far as starting, I set a goal of for myself of losing my fat in 12 weeks via cardio, diet and weights. I took out all the stops and decided I could dedicate myself for 12 weeks to see what I would look like. That was enough for me to continue for next 4+ years.