You need certain characteristics to be a top body builder. None of the pros have ever made it to the top without these qualities, and you won’t either. We’re not talking about being born a muscular freak who could rip the bars out of his/her play-pen at the age of one like some cartoon hulk. We’re talking mental qualities – characteristics that can make any average person turn into a top-level body builder. Have you got what it takes to be a pro?

1. Dedication. You’ve got to be committed to be a top body builder. As a matter of fact, this characteristic applies to any walk of life: you’re not going to succeed unless you’re dedicated.

2. Patience. Gains in muscle bulk do not become visible overnight or even after a week’s dedicated exercise. It takes time. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither can a great body.

3. Technique. If you don’t lift right, you won’t work the muscles the way they need to be worked to see maximum muscle gains. Get a coach, trainer or buddy to “spot” for you and check that you’re lifting right.

4. Set goals. It’s hard to keep the motivation going if you don’t have anything to work towards. Targets to work towards can include reaching a certain body weight (of muscle, of course, not fat!), lifting a certain amount or achieving a certain bicep (or other muscle) circumference.

5. Motivation. Find ways and people to help you keep going. Every activity has its boring moments that you need to push through. Posters, music, videos, trainers and friends can all help boost your motivation. Also try putting some variety into your workout regimen to keep boredom at bay.

6. Healthy diet and good nutrition. Eat right. Don’t eat junk but don’t starve yourself either. Make sure you have the right amounts of proteins, carbs, vitamins and minerals and essential fatty acids to stay in top condition. Protein shakes (and other sport supplements) are an essential part of any body builder’s diet, and if you’re going through a restricted calorie stage, a multivitamin pill is a must. SupplementsToGo.com makes it easy for you to get these sports supplements (and others) at low, low prices.

7. Keep it clean. Don’t take illegal steroids. Ever. They are damaging to your health and you will get caught. If you want to raise your levels of testosterone and androgen, there are plenty of good pro hormones that will do this naturally. Have a look at some of the “stacks” and individual products available to see what suits you best.

8. Rest. Rest is when your body has a chance to actually build the muscle tissue. Make sure you have plenty of good sleep and take one day off in seven to allow your body to recover fully. Also, don’t work the same muscle group hard two days in a row. Alternating between cardio and weights is a plan recommended by many trainers.

9. Stay informed. Always keep your eyes open for new research on sport supplements, exercise regimes and machines. Be willing to learn from more experienced body builders.

10. Enjoy yourself. If you don’t love body building and the hardcore muscle culture, then you won’t last long, no matter how much you want to get ripped. This boosts motivation and dedication. Your weights should be heavy, but your mood should be light.

Got What It Takes to be a Top Bodybuilder? Exercise and Routine