Connect with us

Workout

How Bodybuilders Spent $10,000 on Home Gyms as the Covid Crisis Persists

Published

3 years ago

on

         Preparing for a bodybuilding competition takes an average of 16 weeks. That amount of time is enough under normal circumstances. Well, welcome to the new normal, where everything has been thrown into chaos. Bodybuilders are increasingly getting anxious as the Covid pandemic sinks deeper into every aspect of their lives. Not only are they lacking equipment to train with, but they are also not getting the right diet that befits a bodybuilder.

             Bodybuilders and other fitness enthusiasts no longer have the luxury of walking to a nearby gym to train with their colleagues. Persistent lockdowns have confined most of them to their homes, where there is little or nothing to use for training. That is not to mention their special dietary needs, which have been reduced to a little more than an ordinary meal. For those bodybuilders who were training hard for upcoming competitions pre-Covid, months of hard training have been wiped out, and they have to start all over again. The worst thing about this madness is that we are unsure when it will end. There is wave after wave of this monster, and every subsequent wave proves deadlier than the previous ones. Luckily, the vaccine is here with us, thanks to the many hours put up by our scientists.

At-Home Training for Bodybuilders

           When Covid-19 came knocking, many employers advised their staff to work from home to stop the virus from spreading. Although a bitter pill to swallow, many people quickly adjusted to it, and operations resumed, though a little slower. The same can’t be said for bodybuilders and other athletes. For people from other professions, all they needed was a laptop and a stable internet connection to perform their normal tasks. On the other hand, a bodybuilder will require a lot of equipment to mimic the normal gym. As expected, this equipment is costly and can’t just be found anywhere. Bodybuilders were forced to order their gear online because the lockdown was still in effect.

>> TRX ALL in ONE <<

           However, what you order is not always what you get. In addition to being pricy, most bodybuilding equipment ordered online does not match the quality shown in advertisements. The other challenge is that the equipment requires a spacious room with the right conditions, such as ventilation, suitable for a workout. That is not to mention that setting up the equipment is another sweat-breaking task that might need more than two hands. However, since two is not a crowd, you can always call your training partner and get it rolling. Furthermore, cost-sharing can be a great way to reduce your spending on pricy gym equipment.

Realted Article:: 5 Home Gym Essentials To Build A Great Body

Costly Gear

            Americans pay under $20 for a workout mat and over $3200 for a cardio machine. That should give you a clear picture of how much a fully equipped gym could cost. Bodybuilding, or fitness in general, is not like any other sport. Heavy investment in select equipment goes a long way in determining whether you will make it to the pro league when the lockdown is over. Unfortunately, many athletes didn’t expect the pandemic to last this long, and there is still no end. Fitness enthusiasts have been forced to dig deeper into their pockets to buy the equipment or improvise household items to supplement whatever equipment is available. Did you know you can use water containers for chest and arm workouts? I thought you should know.

>> VIGBODY Stationary Bike <<

            It is important to note that the open spaces around cities and towns worldwide, such as parks, have provided excellent jogging sports. That has saved most bodybuilders from purchasing expensive equipment such as stationary bicycles. It has been estimated that health and fitness equipment has wrecked more than 2 billion dollars in the last year. That is double the usual 1 billion such equipment cost under normal circumstances. That only tells you one thing: people have moved gyms to their living rooms and other spaces. All this trouble is coming at a hefty price, and the figures keep rising.

Best-Selling Equipment

            Even though these machines are costly, their sale has soared 140 percent more during the Covid period. Any bodybuilder will agree that this equipment plays a critical role in their training, and leaving it out is not a good idea. Whatever it takes to acquire a treadmill, bodybuilders are ready to spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars to put it in their homes.

>> NordicTrack <<

            A good treadmill will cost anywhere between $1000 and $3000. That is huge, given that it is only one of the tens of equipment needed for full-body training. On the other hand, cardio machines come in many sizes and designs. You could get one for as little as $50, while complex ones could cost you a fortune. Lighter equipment is quite affordable and is no headache.

Bicycles

           Sales from stationary bikes are off the chart, thanks to Covid-19. To develop strong legs, bodybuilders must do some cycling. However, a regular bike can also do the trick; many have one at home. Most people are running away from the boring stay-at-home routine that almost makes them go nuts. One of the best ways to escape it is by riding outdoors. As a result, the demand for bicycles has tripled over the last year. Moreover, the demand for cold-weather bicycle gear, such as outerwear and snowshoes, has dramatically risen.

Special Diets and Supplements for Bodybuilders

            It is estimated that some bodybuilders spend up to $10,000 a month on supplements and fitness equipment. However, these items, more so special diets, have not been to come by. One bodybuilder has noted that he is starving since he can no longer access his supplements. So, even if you squeeze your budget and buy these items, you’ll be shocked to find that most are unavailable. That is understandable since travel restrictions have resulted in a shortage of goods and services.

>> Gold Standard Whey <<

             Surprisingly, some athletes have invented creative ways of dealing with the shortage. For instance, bodybuilders are now preparing their meals in a way that matches the supplements they are missing. Preparing a proper meal might be an uphill task, but the tough gets going. Furthermore, the internet is buzzing with tutorials on how to prepare a standard diet for a bodybuilder.

Must Read:: Top 10 best Immune Boosting Supplements to buy in 2020

Fitness apps

           Since they cannot physically meet their trainers and colleagues, many bodybuilders have found consolation in fitness applications. Consolidating gyms within one’s premises has caused downloads of such applications to soar. Because every cloud has a silver lining, companies that were about to be shoved into solvency by the pandemic have found comfort in applications. Furthermore, most fitness enthusiasts consider apps an excellent supplement for the at-home workout.

            The apps have enabled bodybuilders to stream workouts from the internet in real time, and many have embraced this new trend. For example, an app like Home Workout – No Equipment has been downloaded more than 45 million times during the Covid period. That is more than twice the number of downloads in the previous year. GPS running and cycling app is another popular app with over 20 million downloads in the last year alone.

Related Article:: The 10 Best Fitness Apps to Download in 2021

             App downloads are expected to soar even higher with no end to the pandemic. Although most fitness apps are free, companies offering the same are wrecking in millions of dollars from the downloads. It is estimated that mobile app downloads over the last six months have seen a 120 percent increase. If we don’t factor in other sports, bodybuilding, and fitness alone, they contribute to more than 50 percent of the downloads. Most bodybuilders included are not exercising at home because they’re preparing for a competition. After all, there is no one. Rather, they’re doing it because physical fitness plays a role in managing the virus if it ever lands on your body.

The Big Winners

            Again, Covid-19 has come with a silver lining for retail gyms and fitness gear suppliers. With their sales skyrocketing and a virus mutating, it is undeniable that they will keep reaping big. Demand is outstripping supply, according to some equipment manufacturers. Transforming homes into classic gyms is probably a new idea every few have explored before. Now that bodybuilders have been forced to adapt to the new normal, chances are that there is no going back. I bet no one will dismantle their home gym once the pandemic ends. That is good news for the bodybuilding fraternity because they’ll be immune to unprecedented events like COVID-19. It is an eye-opener for athletes who have never considered diversifying their training. So, yes, bodybuilders are the other big winners.

            Online fitness trainers are minting money from their streaming classes. One such strainer, Deborah Hirsch, has stated that she has been doing 35 online fitness classes a week since the pandemic began and physical gyms shut down. Although such classes are not paid for directly, trainers earn a lot from the massive traffic.

The Biggest Casualties for Bodybuilders

            The health club industry has taken a big hit from the ongoing pandemic. At-home training has cut off revenues amounting to billions of dollars. An exclusive consumer survey conducted by an investment bank in New York revealed that the sector could lose more than $10 billion annually if the pandemic is not managed effectively. The worst part is that fitness clubs and gyms will take longer to recover, even if the pandemic were to be stopped. As of March of this year, about 35% of gym-goers had canceled their membership with their respective clubs. Where do those people go? Did they stop exercising altogether? No. They have set up gyms at home amid the biting economic situation. As a result, more than 40,000 gyms and clubs have shut down in the United States alone.

No End in Sight

             It is projected that Covid-19 will be around for a couple more years. Although we have achieved a huge milestone regarding the vaccine, the virus keeps mutating, and every new strain is deadlier. So, what happens to bodybuilders whose biggest motivation to train is competition? Unknown to many, bodybuilding is a contact sport, meaning the risk of spreading the virus during competition is high. That means we are ruling out the possibility of returning to competition soon. You are not going to put training on hold. Neither are you going to stop steroid cycles.

 

            Every bodybuilder’s best chance of remaining in form is by investing in their training. That means spending on equipment and diet. Most importantly, ensure you have a consistent flow of income to meet those needs. The good thing about investing in quality equipment is that they will give you many years of service. However, you must be prepared to pay more for good equipment because it is quite costly. For instance, benches cost about $300, while dumbbells cost $70-$200 a set. That is not to mention heavier equipment like cardio machines that could cost more than $3000.

Conclusion

            For a bodybuilder, nothing is as heartbreaking as seeing your months of grueling training go to waste and have to start all over again. That is probably the motivation behind heavy spending on gym equipment during this lockdown period. Luckily, heavy investment in at-home training is bearing fruits. The only challenge is the lack of motivation and discipline when working out at home alone. However, tough times create tough people, which is the motivation every bodybuilder should have. It is only a matter of time before you fully adapt and come to love training from home.

Related Topics:
Comments

Bodybuilding

Cold Immersion Therapy for Recovery

Published

4 weeks ago

on

November 8, 2023

By

Ice immersion therapy, also known as cold immersion or cryotherapy, is a recovery technique that some bodybuilders use to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after intense workouts.

Types of Cold Immersion Therapy

Ice immersion techniques can benefit bodybuilders as they may help reduce inflammation, promote recovery, and improve overall muscle performance. Here are some types of brutal immersion methods suitable for bodybuilders:
1. Cold Water Baths: Submerging yourself in a cold water bath or an ice bath can help reduce muscle soreness and inflammation after intense workouts. Water temperatures typically range from 50°F (10°C) to 59°F (15°C).
2. Cryotherapy Chambers: Cryotherapy involves standing in a cryotherapy chamber briefly while being exposed to frigid temperatures, often around -220°F (-140°C). This can rapidly reduce muscle soreness and improve recovery.
3. Cold Showers: Cold showers are a more accessible and convenient option for bodybuilders. You can alternate between hot and cold water during your shower or finish with a brief blast of cold water to help with muscle recovery.
4. Contrast Baths: Contrast baths involve alternating between hot and cold water immersion. This can enhance circulation, reduce muscle soreness, and promote recovery. For bodybuilders, it's essential to focus on the complex phase.
5. Ice Packs or Ice Massage: Ice packs or massages on specific muscle groups can help target sore areas. This can be particularly useful for localised muscle soreness and injuries.
6. Localized Cryotherapy: Some facilities offer localised cryotherapy using devices that deliver frigid temperatures to specific muscle groups, which can help reduce inflammation and soreness in targeted areas.

Check Out: Universities with Best Gyms In the U.S

Cold Immersion Procedure

Here's an essential procedure for ice immersion therapy:
1. Prepare the equipment:
◦ Fill a bathtub or container with cold water. The temperature can vary, but it's typically between 50°F (10°C) and 59°F (15°C). You can use ice or cold water from the tap.
◦ Have a timer or stopwatch ready to monitor the duration of the immersion.
2. Dress appropriately:
◦ Wear minimal clothing to ensure direct contact between your skin and the cold water. Swimsuits or shorts are often suitable.
3. Pre-immersion activities:
◦ Consider light physical activity or stretching to warm your muscles and increase blood flow. This can help prevent shock when you enter the cold water.
4. Immersion:
◦ Slowly enter the cold water, starting with your feet and gradually submerging your entire body. Try to relax and control your breathing.
5. Immersion duration:
◦ The optimal duration can vary, but common recommendations range from 10 seconds to 20 minutes. Beginners should start with shorter durations and gradually increase as they become accustomed to the cold.
6. Monitor your body:
◦ Pay attention to your body's response. Shivering is a normal reaction to the cold, but if you experience severe discomfort or any signs of hypothermia (extreme shivering, confusion, or numbness), exit the water immediately.
7. After immersion:
When the immersion time is up, slowly exit the cold water. Dry off and warm up using towels, warm clothing, or a blanket. Some people find it beneficial to engage in light exercise or stretching after ice immersion.

What You Need for An Ice Immersion

Cold immersion, such as cold water swimming or ice baths, requires some equipment to ensure safety and comfort. Here are some essential items:
1. Wetsuit or Drysuit: A good-quality wetsuit or drysuit is essential to keep your body insulated in cold water.
2. Neoprene Boots and Gloves: These help keep your extremities warm and protected.
3. Swim Cap: A neoprene swim cap can help keep your head warm and reduce heat loss.
4. Thermometer: A water thermometer can help you monitor water temperature and ensure it's safe for your cold immersion.
5. Safety Equipment: In case of emergencies, it's a good idea to have a safety float or buoy, as well as someone watching over you.
6. Warm Clothing: Have warm, dry clothes ready after cold immersion to avoid post-immersion cooling.
7. Timer or Watch: To keep track of your immersion time, as prolonged exposure to cold water can be dangerous.
8. Medical Kit: Just in case, it's wise to have a basic first aid kit nearby.

How Bodybuilders Gain from Cold Immersion Therapy

Cold water immersion therapy, such as ice baths or cold water immersion, can offer several potential benefits to bodybuilders:
Reduced Muscle Inflammation: Cold immersion can help reduce muscle inflammation and soreness, potentially speeding up recovery after intense workouts.

Improved Circulation

Cold exposure can promote blood vessel constriction and dilation, enhancing muscle circulation and nutrient delivery.

Enhanced Recovery

Cold therapy may help bodybuilders recover faster between training sessions, allowing for more frequent and productive workouts.

Pain Relief

Ice immersion can temporarily relieve muscle aches and joint discomfort associated with intense training.

Enhanced Endurance

Some athletes use cold therapy to improve endurance and tolerance to cold, which can be advantageous in certain sports.

Mental Toughness

Regular exposure to cold can help build mental resilience and discipline, which can be valuable for maintaining a consistent training regimen.

Caution During Cold Immersion

Cold immersion, such as cold or ice baths, can have potential risks and should be done cautiously. Here are some important considerations:

Gradual Exposure

Start with shorter periods of immersion and gradually increase the time to allow your body to adapt to the cold.

Monitor Temperature

Ensure the water temperature is not dangerously cold. Icy water can lead to hypothermia.

Know Your Limits

Pay attention to your body's signals. If you start shivering uncontrollably or feel intense discomfort, it's time to exit the cold water.

Supervision

If possible, have someone present to assist you or call for help if needed.

Pre-existing Conditions

If you have any medical conditions or are taking medication, consult a healthcare professional before attempting cold immersion.

Warm-Up and Warm Clothing

Warm up before immersing in cold water, and have warm clothing and blankets ready after the immersion.

Hydration and Nutrition

Ensure you're well-hydrated and have eaten appropriately before attempting cold immersion.

Safety Precautions

Be cautious of slippery surfaces around the immersion area to prevent accidents.

Alternatives to cold water immersion

Must Read: Why an Experienced Lifter Must Use A Coach?

Options for cold water immersion for various purposes can include:

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress or ice pack to specific body areas for short durations can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain without submerging the entire body in cold water.

Contrast Bath

Alternating between hot and cold water immersion, typically in separate containers or using hot and cold packs, can be used for muscle recovery and circulation improvement.

Cryotherapy

Whole-body cryotherapy involves standing in a chamber with frigid air for a short time, which can provide some of the benefits of cold water immersion.

Cold Showers

Taking cold showers can help improve alertness, boost circulation, and increase tolerance to cold, though it's less intense than full-body immersion.

Ice Baths

Similar to cold water immersion but focused on specific areas, such as submerging your legs in an ice bath for muscle recovery.

Cooling Clothing

Specialized clothing with cooling properties can help regulate body temperature and provide a milder alternative to full-body cold immersion.

Cold Packs or Gel Wraps

Use cold packs or gel wraps on sore or inflamed body parts for localised relief.

Is There A Specific Time for Cold Baths?

The best time for ice immersion therapy, such as cold showers or ice baths, can vary depending on your goals and personal preferences. Some people prefer it in the morning to help wake up and boost alertness, while others find it more relaxing in the evening to unwind and improve sleep quality.

Ultimately, it's a matter of what works best for you and your schedule. Just be cautious not to do it right before bedtime if it makes it difficult to fall asleep, as the body needs time to warm up and return to a comfortable temperature afterwards.

Overall

In summary, cold water immersion can be a valuable tool for bodybuilders when used judiciously, primarily for reducing muscle soreness and aiding recovery. However, it should be integrated into their training regimen with care and consideration of calledferences and needs.

Related Article: ChatGPT and Other Avenues to Find Great Bodybuilding Coaches

Continue Reading

Beginners

Calisthenics: Secret to Building A Better Upper and Middle Body

Published

1 month ago

on

October 30, 2023

By

Calisthenics exercises involve using your body weight as resistance to build muscle and strength. These workouts are an effective way to develop lean muscle mass and improve overall fitness. The exercises can include push-ups, pull-ups, squats, and planks, which target different muscle groups. By consistently incorporating calisthenics into your fitness routine, you can achieve muscle growth and improved definition. This can be further enhanced by pairing your workouts with a proper diet and gradually increasing the difficulty of exercises through progressive overload.

Calisthenics exercises are suitable for people of all fitness levels and ages, intending to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance. Basic movements are recommended for beginners, while more advanced practitioners can engage in complex routines. It is vital to adjust the exercises to your fitness level and seek advice from a healthcare professional if you have any underlying medical conditions or concerns before starting a calisthenics program.

What Gains One Expect from Calisthenics

Calisthenics can be valuable in bodybuilding for several reasons:

Muscular Endurance

Alternatives to Calisthenics Exercises

There are many alternative exercises to calisthenics. Some options include:

Get Yourself A Good Coach to Help With Calisthenics

Overall

To conclude, professional bodybuilders need to integrate calisthenics thoughtfully into their training, focusing on exercises that complement their goals and existing routines. Consulting with a fitness professional can help create a customized plan.

Continue Reading

Bodybuilding

Training clothing: Marvel-Inspired Clothing on Amazon in 2023

Published

1 year ago

on

June 28, 2022

By

Marvel is one of the biggest film franchises of the 21st century. The American giant has spread its wings to other sectors, such as clothing. Virtually everybody has a Marvel superhero they admire. You can identify these superheroes from several unique attributes, including their clothes. You have probably dreamed of wearing the same clothes as your hero. Marvel is aware of this and has developed superhero clothing you can buy. Most of the wear is sold on Amazon at incredibly affordable prices. This article will look at some Marvel clothing you can use for training on Amazon. 

Must Read:: New Arrival Workout Equipment to Look Out For On Amazon

Marvel Men's Comic Full Zip-Up Hoodie

First on our list is this $44.95 full zip-up hoodie. It has a hooded neck and a soft brushed lining fabric for comfort. Notably, the smooth, non-pilling outer layer gives the hoodie a classic design. It is blue and yellow, with an X symbol patched on the top-left chest, the X-men emblem on the sleeve, and the words 'Xavier Institute' printed on the back. The product is officially licensed by Marvel Apparel and designed for the X-men cosplay. The hoodie is also multipurpose; it has two large pockets at the front to keep your hands warm, adjustable drawcords, a cuff, hem, a built-in hold, and an elastic band. It is the ultimate training clothing you should consider buying for comfort and versatility. 

Click to Check

Two-Pocket Iron Man Leggings

You will get these Iron Man leggings for as little as $19.99 on Amazon. The product is made with safe material comprising 88% polyester and 12% spandex. Notably, the training leggings are ultra-soft and lightweight, allowing for natural movement as you run, cycle, or work out at the gym. It also provides quick air circulation, cools in the summer, and retains considerable heat during the cold season. Iron man leggings have an abrasive fabric to ensure good elasticity and durability. Finally, these leggings have left and right size 3*5" pockets to keep your items or tuck in your hands. 

Click to Check

Shogun Fight Compression T-Shirt

For $54.00, the Shogun fight compression workout T-shirt is beautifully designed beyond comprehension. Its most notable feature is the full-color Samurai art at the front. The back also has dye-sublimated printing you cannot resist. Apart from the beautiful design, the T also has a premium rashguard. Finally, the Shogun compression T-shirt has a full-color wrap to ensure it does not crack or peel off over time. It is the ultimate training clothing every bodybuilder should have in their closet. 

Click to Check

Essential Read:: Top Bulking Supplements Today 

Iron Addict Bodybuilding T-shirt

You will get this beautifully decorated T-shirt for $17.99 on Amazon. The iron addict. The bodybuilding T-shirt comes in solid colors. It is 100% cotton: Heather grey, 90% cotton, 10% polyester; All other teachers: 50% cotton and 50% polyester. The product is not only lightweight, but it is also a classic fit with a double-needle sleeve and bottom hem. Per the manufacturer's instructions, the T is machine was and at low heat. 

Click to Check

Men's Women's Hooded Jacket 

This is the perfect hoodie if you're afraid of sunburns while training outdoors. The hooded jacket costs $25.97 on Amazon and has thumb holes to keep the sleeves in place. The jacket's safety is also guaranteed as it is made of 87% polyester and 13% spandex. Its silky fabric also gives ultimate comfort, thanks to state-of-the-art knitting technology. Comfort in this training clothing is further ensured by its soft-textured feel that is perfect for outdoor activities. Finally, the hoodie has two zippered pockets at the front. Here, you can put keys, phones, and every other essential item. 

Spider-Man Vintage Top Tank 

For $25.99, this classic top is fully and officially licensed by Marvel Apparel. Its most essential feature is an expert double-needle sleeve and bottom hem knitting. Additionally, the T is a classic fit and lightweight. Black is the primary color, adding seven more colors to its beautifully decorated appearance. Moreover, it is of solid colors: 100% cotton, Heather grey, 90% cotton, and 10% polyester. All other heathers are 50% cotton and 50% polyester. Place an order for this top today, and you might just become the Spiderman of your gym. 

Click to Check

Red Plume 3D Men's Muscle T-shirt

Do you want to show off that beautiful physique in a superhero manner? Well, the Red Plume Muscle T-shirt will do the job just fine. For as little as $9.90, this classic training clothing allows free natural motion while working out. The soft material is also unexplainably comfortable for a bodybuilder who wants to stretch out without limitation. You can don this outfit for virtually every season, be it soccer, cycling, hiking, basketball, tennis, baseball, and more. Lastly, the T-shirt is sweat-wicking to ensure comfort and dryness. 

Click to Check

Guardians of the Galaxy Tank Top 

Officially licensed by Marvel Apparel, this $25.99 top tank is all you need for a stylish workout look. The outfit is lightweight and classic, with a double-needle sleeve and bottom hem. This feature makes it durable, without mentioning the stretching part. The cloth comes in solid colors: 100% cotton, Heather grey; 90% cotton, 10% polyester; All other teachers, 50% cotton and 50% polyester. It is white with three more colors to add to its magnificent appearance. 

Click to Check

HOOLAZA Avengers Superheroes T-Shirt

This is men's only training clothing inspired by Marvel's Avengers. It goes for $13.99, a very affordable price for anyone looking for quality. Talking of quality, the T is made with a professional compression stretch fabric that is perfect for any workout. Additionally, it is breathable and has an excellent moisture transport system. If you want to display that ripped body to the world, this is just the perfect T-shirt for the job. It will outline all your delicate features, thanks to its skin-hugging design. However, the top still gives freedom of movement as you work out. You can wear this outfit while cycling, running, yoga, soccer training, basketball, tennis, and more. 

Click to Check

Superhero Captain Compression T-shirt Training Clothing 

Last on our list of Marvel-inspired training is this $16.99, 100% polyester compression T-shirt. The T comes in many sizes, so you must refer to the size chart to find one that fits you well. The outfit is elastic and short-sleeved to protect your hands from harsh weather. Its comfort is enhanced further by an ergonomic design that makes it both lightweight and stylish. The T-shirt is designed to hug your muscles, thus showing your perfect figure underneath. It doesn't cause any friction whatsoever, even though it grabs tightly. Finally, you could use it for various outdoor activities and sports, such as running, cycling, hiking, and more. 

Click to Check

Take Away 

Marvel continues to fill our lives with its entertainment. We appreciate their excellent work and feel obligated to return the favor. With this training clothing, we can show the world that bodybuilders are superheroes in their own right. Notably, the Marvel-inspired outfits are a great source of motivation for every bodybuilder who wants to achieve the impossible. Don't forget to pass by our shop to grab quality steroid products and supplements for your bodybuilding needs.

Related Article:: Best Syringes for Steroid Injection on Amazon 

Continue Reading
Advertisement CB_EN_250x300_USABanner_Bulking1

Trending Posts