Cheating in a Bodybuilding Sport: A Two-Edged Sword

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In the larger scheme of things cheating in bodybuilding is understood as a deviation from a previously set exercise discipline so as to push limits or lift heavy weights. Although most of the times it is frowned upon, within certain limits and under a particular strategy it can increase the level of workout and make it possible to gain more. 

However, improper application or over usage of cheating can lead to injuries and unsatisfactory results. 

This article aims at understanding the science and reasons to strategize cheating along with understanding the need to do it to mitigate the risks and do it safely. 

Effects of Physical Workouts or Cheating During Exercises In Bodybuilding 

Cheating is a conscious effort to break a properly structured workload pattern, usually to increase the weight lifted and/or further a rep or two within the set. This also means engaging secondary muscle groups or momentum to complete that particular movement. 

The idea is to reduce over time or fatigue experienced by the major muscle targeted. The Goals of Cheating:

• Break Plateaus: Aids in getting past sticking points in strength or growing in size; 
• Maximize Muscle Activation: Goes beyond the targeted muscle to incorporate stabilizing and supporting muscles;
• Extend Sets: Permits a few additional reps after reaching failure with good form.

When to Employ Cheating

Consider cheating as a supplement rather than a default strategy. Starting from the lower bands of the class, it’s a resource for anyone who needs to increase their muscle engagement. This technique is best tailored to those, who have already gained substantial experience.

Circumstances Under Which Cheating is Acceptable

• Last Reps: Allow cheat only when you have attempted unassisted reps in the failed attempt, this enables you to push yourself above failure limit in a safe manner;
• Strength-Plates Inflexibilities: If trying to lift heavier curls or rows, then controlled cheating may be beneficial;
• Rescuing in Weak Areas: It encourages the indirect training of weak muscle groups by getting them to take up more load.

Dangers of Cheating

Use of cheating can also intensify the workout but great care must be exemplified, as its use may also result in dire consequences.

What are the Common Dangers of Cheating?

• Damage to Joints and Ligaments: Damage t joints may be a result of too much stress being placed on non target structures;
• Technical Setback: If over reliant on the cheating these days, technique may be affected the subsequent days of the exercises and stanches;
• Undermining Efficiency: Failure of cheating can result into two negative outcome by completely missing the intended muscle or altering the frequency distribution of the intended muscle.

Exercises Where Cheating is Dangerous

Certain exercises fundamentally do not accommodate cheating as the requirements of the activity impose considerable strain on the spinal, ligament or joint structures.

Exercises Where Cheating is Not Recommended

• Barbell Row Done in a Bent Position: If proper form is not followed, then it places undue stress on the lower back;
• French Press (Overhead Triceps Extensions): Engaging in cheating poses a threat of elbow and shoulder strain;
• Bench Press: Making use of a forceful motion or thrusting the bar against the chest could impact the the sternum or the shoulder areas;
• Deadlifts: Not keeping the back straight or thrusting the weight could lead to spine injuries;
• Leg Extensions: Sudden jerk motions induced during a workout could disrupt the movement of the knees and cause machines to malfunction. 

Best Practices for Cheating

In order to work in some safe and effective ways of incorporating cheating, these rules should be adopted: 

Guidelines for Safe Cheating Master Proper Form 

Beginners are recommended to not attempt any forms of cheating as they are not yet well versed with the basics.

Use Cheating Sparingly

Only have one to two sets per single workout designed for cheating, and only utilize it in the last few reps of a set.

Maintain Control

The term ‘cheating’ should not be associated with insane and uncontrollable movements, but rather minute alterations to movement being completed correctly and controlled.

Prioritize Safety

For exercises that have a higher risk of getting injured such as deadlifts or squats, cheating should not be performed.

Pros and Cons of Cheating in Bodybuilding 

Pros:

• Enhanced Muscle Stimulation: Exploiting the proper techniques can shift the focus to stabilizing muscles providing a boost to the intensity of the workout;
• Overcoming Plateaus: Provides both mental and physical assist to surpassing a hurdle;
• Extended Time Under Tension: Engaging muscles for extended periods of time essentially increases the burden on a set of movements. 

Cons:

• Risk of Injury: Doing improper maneuvers could place undue stress on various tendons and ligament souping them;
• Loss of Form: Cheating means doing short cuts in a workout which slowly begins to take a toll on the techniques of the body-builder in their future workouts;
• Not Recommended for Newbies: Cheating without the basics can be worse rather than being better.

Cheating Techniques for the Bicep Curls and Other Normal Exercises

Bicep Curls

This can be done by applying minimal force to the hips, when busting out the last 2 – 3 reps. In order to prevent straining the lower back, excessive swinging should be avoided.

Dumbbell Shoulder Press

While doing the last reps with heavier dumbbells, little push from the legs should be used.

Lat Pull Down

Trying jerking off the weight should be avoided but leaning back a little to recruit more upper back muscles would be considered fine.

Cheating Vs Bad Form

Cheating is Engaged In: It is basically having controlled and intentional body deviations for the pure aim of getting the job done at a certain range. 

Bad form on the other hand, results from doing things wrong regarding technique or lacking knowledge and as a result making oneself more prone to injuries and less effective.

Cheating: Try the Following Alternatives

If you’re wary of using cheating in your workout, try out the following techniques which seek to intensify the workout:

Drop Sets

Once failure has been achieved, drop the weight and keep repeating the exercise.

Rest-Pause Training

Put in 10- 15 seconds breaks in the middle of a set in order to be able to squeeze out a few more reps.

Forced Reps

Ask a page to help you push the reps a bit more to get a better range.

Why Cheating Is Not Recommended For Every Bodybuilder

Whoever attempts to use cheating methods requires full control over their body. Cheating is, therefore, not suitable for all individuals engaged in bodybuilding.

Unlike advanced bodybuilders, novices should instead develop their technique and aim to build weight gradually.

Find Ugroids for Increased Performance

Once you feel the need to add extra power to your workouts visit ugroids.com, the go-to dealer for muscle-enhancing products. 

Both novice bodybuilders, and seasoned athletes, can purchase steroids in Canada as Ugroids supplies high-quality products tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

In bodybuilding, cheating should be considered as a weapon and used appropriately and in moderation. When you know what the risks are and how one may benefit from cheating, form a plan on how to use it safely and maximize your gains. 

Remember, your success lies in balance — progress without giving too much compromise on safety or damage to health in the long run.

About Post Author

James Harrys

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