When a lot of bodybuilders initially enter a gym, the goal isn't to get shredded with low body fat composition. Most don't even care about the body proportions. They couldn't even care less about creating defined striations in muscle groups. The main goal of a bodybuilder is typically to get as massive as possible. The second they are able to achieve this, and maybe even compete in a couple bodybuilding shows, they start to understand that even though pure unadulterated size is great to have, it's truly the well-defined bodybuilders with deep striations and muscular detail that tend to win bodybuilding shows.

Once their goal inevitably changes from amassing large amount of muscle to adding definition and detail, a new rulebook must come into play. Here are a quick few additional strategies to the "get big" strategy, refining it to not only get bigger, but get better as well!

Maximum Rep Ranges For Growth

Setting a rep range of 12 to 20 reps lets the muscle group recruit those important slow-twitch fibers which are generally left alone during the standard bodybuilding rep program of 8 to 12 reps. This also pushes larger amounts of blood into the region that is being exercised which provides new, and higher levels of amino acids to that area during the after-workout muscle building window.

Always Train For The Pump

When attempting to create brand new muscle tissue, most bodybuilders try to repeatedly train themselves to failure. This is a smart approach, as it literally destroys the tendons, muscle, and supporting muscle infrastructure while inspiring the growth of new muscle. Though, when making an attempt to create detail in the surface of a muscle group, the real goal should change from muscle group annihilation to muscle group stimulation. It's important to train for a pump the maximum amount of blood that can be contained within a muscle group.

Be Sure To Visualize The Process

The mental aspect of bodybuilding is often overlooked in this sport which consists of counting calories, reps, sets, and pounds on a regular basis. But, in spite of this, mentally focusing directly upon the muscle you are training, then adjusting the exercise movement while flexing through the motions to meet this mental focus, allows a bodybuilder to get the most rewards reaped from each rep. Mentally create a picture of the muscle being literally filled with blood, and subconsciously, the imagining of these actions will enact your body during the exercise movement to make it a reality.