One question that I've had a number of times while personal training is what type of program is going to be best if you don't want to look like a bodybuilder.

While there are some people who do strive to obtain that bodybuilder physique, they are far and few in between. Most guys do want to look more muscular, however, they're going for the more fit and toned type of look - similar to that of Brad Pitt or Matthew McCaughey for instance.

This is perfectly understandable as for most people, that bodybuilder physique just isn't attractive. Not to mention, that that volume of muscle mass takes a tremendous amount of energy to maintain - especially when speaking about the diet.

One mistake that people make with this thinking though is that the workout programs those bodybuilder's are on, are significantly different from those just looking to gain muscle mass.

The Key Difference Between Bodybuilder's and Your Average Fit Guy

There is a big difference between a bodybuilder and a regular, fit guy - this is easily apparent, especially when you have each body type standing side by side.

The thing to realize though when thinking about these bodies is that the biggest contributor to their physique is not going to be their training, but rather, their diet.

In order to develop this degree of muscle mass, these guys are going to have to be eating a very large volume of calories each day to provide their body with sufficient energy to develop that tissue.

Building muscle is a calorie intensive activity, and if that food is not being eaten, muscle is not being built - plain and simple.

This is why it's silly for some people to think they're going to get huge and bulky overnight just from lifting heavy weights frequently (women are usually the ones with this mindset).

For most people, developing that degree of muscle mass just isn't going to happen.

So, if you don't want to look like a bodybuilder, don't eat like one. That's my biggest piece of advice.

Training like a bodybuilder, on the other hand, can actually help you.

High Intensity Translates To Lean Muscle Mass

When you look at how most bodybuilder's train, it's very intense. This actually can serve to help a variety of individuals with different goals because this is the type of training that will allow the body to increase the metabolic rate, burn fat faster, and create a more shapely body.

Focusing on the main core lifts - just as bodybuilder's do, will allow you to develop maximum amounts of strength and power, and help reform your entire body.

Plus, these type of lifts, since they work so many muscle fibers at once, will allow you to shorten your gym sessions, but still make them very effective.

So, next time you see a bodybuilder in the gym and think that's not what you want to look like, rest assured, chances are, you won't.

Unless you're following his diet program, you can still do many of the same type of workout techniques and get fantastic results.

Additionally, always keep in mind that if you do find yourself developing muscle rather quickly, you can always cut back on the amount of eating you're doing. It's not like you'll gain 10 pounds overnight. You are in control here.