Just like routines, this document is not intended to be a
"one size fits all." Take from it what you will, but
please remember that what is most important is your health
and well being. In that light, consider the following list:

1. Before beginning any serious weight lifting or body
building regimen, consult your physician.

2. Set your goals. Define what you expect to achieve with
your new bodybuilding campaign within a realistic time
frame. If you create goals that are unattainable you are
setting yourself up for failure. You can become bored,
disappointed and disillusioned to the point where you may
give up. This is a very sad outcome to what might have
been the best decision of your life. Don't sell yourself
short. Set your long term goals, of course, but also set
short term goals that are achievable. And, don't forget
to reward yourself when you do achieve them.

3. Consider the costs. If you don't already have a
budget, create one. Then, determine what amount of
discretionary funds you have available for your
bodybuilding program. This will determine whether
you can afford to have a home gym or if your needs would
better be served by joining a club. Joining a club
is still a good short term introduction before spending
hundreds or thousands of dollars on equipment that might
not be appropriate for your needs.

4. Don't forget some of the low cost alternatives to
purchasing your bodybuilding equipment. If used equipment
is still functional why spend the extra dollars just for a
little glitz! Good, brand name used equipment is every
bit as functional as something right off a showroom floor.

5. Consider combining a home gym along with a membership
in a public facility. Purchase less expensive free weight
equipment for use at home and join a gym to have access to
the more expensive equipment. You can design your entire
workout routines around a combination such as this.

6. Eat healthy! This can't be stressed enough. The only
true bodybuilding aids are good nutrition. Consult a
licensed dietician. Watch your local community calendar
for free seminars on diet and nutrition. Learn all you
can about what nature freely provides that can help you
to develop a healthy diet.

7. If you choose to use dietary supplements, make certain
that you know what you are putting in your body. Follow
the packaging guidelines we outlined above. Ask your
physician for his/her recommendations based on the regimen
you have selected. No friend, coach or acquaintance can
take the place of your physician. In fact, you may even
investigate finding a physician who specializes in sports
wellness.

8. Be kind to yourself. Yes, it's important to push to
achieve your goals, but it's very easy to tip the scales
in the other direction and create a nightmare for yourself.
Obsessive, compulsive behaviors are not conducive to a
healthy bodybuilding lifestyle.

I wish you a healthy and happy journey on your road to
weightlifting and bodybuilding. Put the suggestions and
recommendations to work and you are well on the way to
building the body you can be proud of!