It's time. You've been sitting by the sidelines long enough, now it's time to get that physique you've always wanted. One of the best tools to reach your goal is an effective weight training program that will work best for your body. Read on to find out more about the best muscle building exercises and information to get you started on your way.

High intensity and periodization are the two main schools of thought used today for weight training. High intensity workouts are short and very physically demanding, with much of the drills executed until failure. Periodization allows you to get to your destination at a somewhat more leisurely pace of around two to three months. You start at light, then proceed to medium and then high level every couple of weeks. The focus here are the collective gains the body earns at the end of training and not at the end of every session.

If you are unsure which is a better method - it is both. They have advantages and disadvantages and the best approach is to take the parts which works for you and integrate it into your regimen. Always keep in mind though that you will need to vary the exercises and weight loads often because your body remembers the pain you subjected it to and it will prepare for it. When it becomes familiar and complacent, the workout will not be as effective as before.

Aside from weight training, the two other factors you need to concentrate on are rest and nutrition. Now I know they are an unassuming pair and more often than not, new and overzealous trainers put them at the bottom of their priority list. However, you cannot expect the best results without giving proper attention to them. For instance, when you train and put tears in your muscles - rest is what repairs and builds up the tissues to be the bigger and stronger than before. If you train 4 times a week, getting good sleep the rest of the days will benefit you.

For a bodybuilder's diet, the best muscle building food are those that are rich in protein and carbohydrates. This means include a lot of lean meat and whole grains in your meals. As much as you are able, do not eat a lot of food high in fat to complete your calorie quota for the day. Instead, consider consuming protein shakes and recommended muscle building supplements to fill in the needed nutrients.

Never forget to warm up and stretch before you start your workout session. What this does is lay the foundation for your exercise; preparing your body to perform at its best by stimulating the blood flow to vital organs, raising your body temperature and increasing flexibility. Make it a practice to stretch even between sets and as you cool down after your training.

Cardiovascular workouts are of utmost importance to your body's health. Of course if you are just beginning and aim to bulk up, you will need to refrain from too intense aerobic exercises. Set aside an hour a week for light running and sports. When you get nearer to your weight goals however, increase your cardiovascular exercises.

A successful weight training program will not make itself known overnight. Sometimes you gets hits and misses but you will find your own rhythm soon enough. The important thing is that you are making an effort to get to your goals and your reward will not be long in coming if you keep at it no matter what.