There is really no such thing as American bodybuilding, or European bodybuilding, or any nationality-specific bodybuilding, for that matter – unless you take into account the region in which the bodybuilding program is being undertaken, in which case, there is very much an American bodybuilding sport.

      So let’s say that you’ve decided to try out American bodybuilding. Great! Now before we go right on to the basic starters in bodybuilding, let me first tell how bodybuilding came to America in the first place.

      Bodybuilding actually started in 11th century India and spread all over Europe during the time of the “gladiating� Romans. Though by the 1800s, bodybuilding gained enormous popularity in Europe, the sport did not make the American cross-over until the time of Bernarr McFadden, the great American bodybuilding athlete and inventor of the “chest expander.� McFadden’s bodybuilding sideshow in New York State’s Madison Square Garden greatly helped popularize the sport in America.

      There are quite a few things to consider before undergoing any bodybuilding program. First, you need to set your bodybuilding goals. Whether it is to build mass, tighten up your midsection, slim down, or strengthen up your biceps, these are all possible in a good American bodybuilding workout program.

      But before you undertake any bodybuilding workout program you should get a physician’s release. This is especially important if you are over the age of 40 or have had an injury at some stage, or suffer from any form of physical impairment.

      In setting your bodybuilding goals, be realistic and adapt a positive attitude. Do not aim for 250 lbs in one week if you currently have 115 lbs stacked up. Assess your current condition and determine where you want to be in three months, one year, or five years’ time.

      Give your American bodybuilding program at least three months before dumping it and starting a new bodybuilding workout program – or any other fitness regime. The reason for this is it takes about that time for your body to adjust to the modifications being imposed by any bodybuilding regime.

        For body part training in American bodybuilding, specific muscle groups are trained at a time. Every muscle group, such as biceps, triceps, and quadriceps, should be trained to prevent muscle imbalance and injury.

       For beginners in American bodybuilding, compound exercises are recommended. What makes compound exercises good is that it allows movement in two or more joints, thus allowing more muscle input.

       In American bodybuilding, especially when dealing with weights, you might want to go light at first to get a feel as to how your muscle moves.