I’m just going to come out and say it. Stop bodybuilding and start athletic weight training. If you are not a bodybuilder, or aspire to be one, then don’t train like one. Bodybuilding training is great for bodybuilding, but it is not the answer for a high level of fitness or an attractive, athletic body. There, I said it. Just so we’re clear, here is what I mean when I say bodybuilding. Bodybuilding uses sets, reps and loads with only one goal in mind, building muscle. The exercise selection strives to isolate muscles and treats the body as a collection of specific muscles. Often, split routines are used where the body is split into different parts and trained in groups, like back and bi, chest and tri, etc. Sound familiar? The “success” of a bodybuilding program is based on appearance, not performance. The size and shape of the muscles are build muscle the goal, the only goal. (Of course, fat loss plays a role, but is done only so you can SEE the muscles better, and not for health or performance reasons.) Quite frankly, health and performance are of no consequence, and in my opinion are often sacrificed in the quest for bigger muscles. So, why do so many exercisers who aren’t bodybuilders end up doing bodybuilding routines? One of the driving forces to exercise is to look better. You look in the mirror and notice you are out of shape. Literally, your shape is out of whack. You’re covered in fat in places you shouldn’t be, and lacking in muscle where it should be. Changing your appearance is the main goal. Since the only goal of bodybuilding is changing appearance by building large muscles and eliminating fat covering them, it is easy to see how people make the transition to bodybuilding training.