Machine Weights vs. Free Weights for Building Muscle Mass

Building muscle involves a lot of science: a variant workout routine (change it up every two weeks for maximum results), a healthy and high-protein diet (found in Eggology egg whites), and a positive attitude! When it comes to the actual method of gaining muscle, the debate between machine weights versus free weights can be tricky. So what is the big difference?

Machine weights:
These are usually safer than free weights as the machine can act as a "spotter"--so if you can't handle the weight, you don't need extra help to safely put the weights down--the machine does this part for you.

A bodybuilder has the freedom to work out alone using machine weights--the setup process is simple and does not need to involve a lot of teamwork.

Machine weights are great for higher repetitions with lighter weights--this is really effective for toning muscles and maintaining muscle mass.

However: machine weights have a limit on how heavy you can lift--so if you're a heavy bodybuilder, this could be very limiting once you have reached the highest level. (Most machines have a top limit at 200lbs.)

Free Weights:
There is more freedom for the bodybuilder to do various exercises with the same weights to work out different parts of the body--the same dumbbells can be used to train triceps as well as biceps!

The results are fast and noticeable with free weights--when you use heavier weights (and less repetition), you will gain muscle faster.

There is no limit as to how heavy a bodybuilder can go with free weights--up to 500lbs if you're willing!

However: free weights can be quite dangerous--oftentimes you will need someone to spot you to prevent serious injury.

For a successful bodybuilder who likes to spice things up, a combination of machine weights and free weights can make up a fun and effective muscle-training regime. Whatever your weight-training capacity and level, always remember that safe bodybuilding practices are more important than pushing yourself beyond your capacity to get faster results.

Help your muscles recuperate by consuming healthy high protein foods such as Eggology egg whites. Healthy and fresh egg whites has helped many professional bodybuilders achieve their weightlifting goals. Learn more about how you can incorporate egg whites into your daily diet!

Bodybuilders Change Up Their Workout, Why Not Change Up Your Food Too?

As a successful bodybuilder, you know that you cannot keep to the same weightlifting routine week after week. Your body is smart and knows how to adapt itself to your workouts. Therefore, if you have been doing the same weight lifting routine every day for the past 6 months, your body will not work harder to gain muscle, it has already adapted to your rigor of exercise.

In order to keep challenging yourself and to keep building muscle, you must change your work out every two weeks to keep your body "guessing." Not only is this physically effective for your bodybuilding goals, it also makes it more fun for you to work out every day!

While you do not need to constantly change up your food every two weeks to keep your body from "adapting to it", it is still a great idea to spice up your old ingredients to make new dishes! After all, a happy and exciting array of healthy food options can make a happy bodybuilder!

Eggology egg whites not only help rebuild muscles and provide bodybuilders with essential nutrients and protein, it is also healthy and delicious to eat in various dishes! Eggology offers several variations of healthy egg white products such as: Eggology On-The-Go, decadent all natural gourmet desserts, Eggology ice cream, and all natural hardboiled eggs.

So spice up your workout and spice up your diet too! Life is short, live it up! Be healthy, be ripped, and be happy!

Great Pre-Workout Snacks - Eggology Egg Whites!

As I was heading into the gym this morning, I started chatting with a friend about what is best to eat before a workout. My friend, who is new to the gym scene asked me why body builders add extra protein to their diet and marathon runners add more carbs. This was a great question! I thought I would share my answer here, so we can all benefit from the question!

When you are training for a marathon, it is normal to load up on carbs, because you want the fuel to help get you through the race or a difficult long, training day. MarathonPal.com gives a great breakdown of WHY you need carbs and you can check it out in full, but the short version is this: "The goal of carbohydrate loading is to super load muscles with glycogen to delay fatigue and enable your to maintain high intensity exercise for longer. When competing for over 90 minutes normal glycogen stores will not be enough to maintain exercise. Carbohydrate loading is a method of increasing stored glycogen by 200-300%, thereby allowing the athlete to delay fatigue and maintain high intensity exercise for longer. Carbohydrate loading is of no benefit for sports of short duration, and is undesirable in sports with strict weight criteria."

The last line answers my friends question! Most bodybuilders are not doing high intensity exercise. Ideally, the amino acids from a pre-workout meal that's high in protein will be hitting the muscle cells at the conclusion of your workout, thus providing ample resources for muscle growth and repair. You'll also feel stronger in the gym, since protein and fat remain in your stomach longer. That being said, you can't totally skip the carbs either! Protein and unsaturated fat may be "king" when it comes to building muscle, but complex carbs have an important supporting role. By eating my breakfast of Eggology On-the-Go (which provides 4 scrambled egg whites in 95 seconds) and combining that with one slice of whole wheat toast, 45 to 90 minutes before hitting the gym, I'm ready for a great workout. And if you don't believe that this works, check out Ronnie Coleman - who uses Eggology Egg Whites as part of his daily diet routine! I think a picture is worth a thousand words!

Purchase Eggology Egg Whites online or at a store near you!

Ernestine Shepherd Knows How to Eggcite Her Eggcercisers!

A few months ago, we shined the spotlight on one of our own long-time devoted customers, Ernestine Shepherd. We caught up with her recently to learn what she's been up to lately. True to form, Ernestine Shepherd has been busy inspiring senior citizens in Baltimore, Maryland to participate in weekly bodybuilding exercises at the local church.

Ernestine's rigorous exercise routine has been a source of inspiration for other senior citizens who wish to be more fit and look more toned. "Some people feel that they can't come into the exercise class because they fear that someone will laugh at them. I reach out to these people to let them know that they too, can exercise" Ernestine says of her students.

"This is how Michelle Obama gets her biceps looking good." Ernestine urges her class of eager exercisers as she coaches them through a set of bicep curls.

At 72, Ernestine Sheperd runs 80 miles a week and lifts weights daily. She has won multiple awards and even first place at a bodybuilding competition. To stay in shape, Ernestine has been faithfully ordering Eggology Egg Whites for the past 7 years--incorporating them into her diet three times every day. "I swear by Eggology Egg Whites!" Ernestine says.

"When you look at her, and you look at yourself...you are inspired to work a little harder!" one of Ernestine's student exclaims.

It may not be possible for everyone to be able to look like Ernestine Shepherd, especially at age 72. But Ernestine's spirit and welcoming attitude definitely inspires me to get off the couch and go out for a jog, maybe even a 5k! It does not hurt to eat healthy and organic either.

To see Ernestine Shepherd's inspiration in action, click here.