Are you using a good bodybuilding program? Are you sure? Do you know what makes up a really good, effective bodybuilding program? Many people believe it is all about just lifting weights. But it isn't.

The best bodybuilding program is one that includes elements to develop each part of the body. It will also include diet, nutrition and overall lifestyle routines. Okay, so how do you find out if the program you are using, or intending to use, is the right one for you? Well, you need to take a look at several things.

First and most important, you need to pay attention to your current condition. Don't push your body beyond what it is able to do safely. Champion bodybuilders did not wake up one morning as a skinny or overweight nerd and decide that today was the day they were going to be a champion.

They worked up slowly, with hard, steady work. They finally got there. And yes, lifting weights was big part of a their body building program, but it was not everything. You want to be sure that you start small and work your way up so that you don't injure yourself.

Each person and each body is different but every good body building program will contain a variety of exercises meant to work all parts of the body over time. They do not concentrate on only one muscle group. Your program needs to require effort. This seems like a given, but many programs overlook this.

If you are not working your muscles to the point of exhaustion, they just wont grow. Of course, you need to allow recovery time between workout periods for each muscle group or they wont grow either. If you overdo it, you will end up slowing your progress and maybe injuring yourself. So find a program that taxes you without killing you off.

Proper nutrition cannot be over stressed in any bodybuilding program. You need to be sure that your diet is providing all of the nutrients that are needed to make your muscles grow. If your diet doesn't provide the required nutrients your body in effect feeds on itself and you never gain muscle mass.

Proteins, carbohydrates and fats are all required. And they have to be of the correct types in the proper balance. Your program needs to address this. The best bodybuilding systems include extensive diet sections.

Rest days are also important in your body building program. It is during these periods of rest that your muscles draw on the nutrients and hormones in your body to grow. The only time they will get that advantage is when you are resting. Muscles grow when the body is at rest - not when it is working. If you are hitting the gym for a full body workout everyday, you are never going to gain the results you want.

Lastly, but certainly not the least important is to chose a program that recommends substituting supplements, steroids and artificial hormones for hard work. Bodybuilding is not easy and there are no shortcuts. But if you work at it you will end up with muscles that are toned and a body that is truly fit.