The majority of people would like to be in good physical shape. However, for many of us this is not an easy task. To attain the perfectly-formed physiques that fill the pages of fitness magazines, the athletes have had to employ a number of strategies such as intense training, good nutrition, discipline, a positive attitude and - above all - patience.

Beginners often want to gain muscle quickly. Consequently they resort to the use of performance-enhancing substances which could adversely affect their bodies in the long term. Bodybuilders who began training in the 1950s and '60s, before these substances were introduced, are aging without any difficulty. Conversely, their modern counterparts who have regularly used performance-enhancing drugs such as steroids experience side-effects after retiring from training, such as infertility, baldness and "man-boobs".

It's important to understand that there are no short-cuts to building muscle. there are a ton of products out there that claim to build muscle in a very short time. The fact is, muscle-building is a slow process and you should not try to speed up the process by taking supplements that contain artificial ingredients or drugs - use natural supplements only. They will be better for you in the long run.

Here are some beginners' tips you can use as a guide to doing bodybuilding correctly:

One way you can begin your bodybuilding on the right footing is to follow a healthy nutrition plan. You know the saying, "You are what you eat". This means your meals should consist of wholesome, nutrient-rich foods that will deliver essential nutrients to your body. A healthy, balanced meal would comprise the basic food groups - protein, carbohydrates and fats.

As a bodybuilder, you should also include the necessary supplements in your diet; these should be taken as prescribed. Make sure that you drink plenty of water to keep your body properly hydrated.

Before you begin doing bodybuilding, discuss a weight-training workout plan with a professional gym instructor. People often turn to the Internet to find the information they require but it is not recommended that you start bodybuilding without professional guidance. Your instructor will design a training routine to suit your needs and your body type. He will also take safety precautions into consideration when doing so in order to avoid unnecessary injury.

Novice bodybuilders tend to be over-enthusiastic and push their bodies to the limits in order to see good results, but they often end up hurting themselves in the process. Just follow your instructor's directions, keep to your training schedule and you should be fine.

It's also a good idea to consult your family doctor before you embark on any strength-training venture to be sure that you will be able to handle the strain of heavy weights. There are certain underlying conditions that do not always manifest themselves. If they are aggravated by intense physical strain, the results could have serious consequences. It's always best to first get clearance from your doctor.

Set realistic and attainable goals before you start a weight training program. Focus your goals on the long term. Don't be a seasonal bodybuilder who works out only for the summer. Keep your testosterone level high and you should make steady muscle gains.

So, how do you keep your testosterone at a healthy level?