FEATURED 2009 / FALL fitFLEX.com ARTICLE: Muscle Definition vs. Muscle Separation
All bodybuilders strive for outstanding muscle definition, but definition should be only a halfway point towards the goal of your absolute best physique. Fabulous examples of definition are on display in virtually every pro and amateur show around the world. The difference between a physique that looks good at the beach and a physique that’ll win a pro-level contest is muscle separation. When both biceps peaks are distinguishable and you can almost count the muscle fibers within the three triceps heads, then you know that you’ll catch the judges’ attention.
You also have to set reasonable goals for yourself when aiming for muscle separation. Not all bodybuilders can achieve the amazing split biceps of Ronnie Coleman. Regardless, the quality
physique must display clear separation for at least all the major muscle groups. Remember that when you’re hitting a back double-biceps onstage, the judges will want to see the borders between
our bis and tris, delts and traps, and upper and lower back. The feature that will then distinguish the champions from those dutifully applauding the winner at the end of the show is the muscle
separation within the individual muscle groups. The way you carve your anatomy-chart body is to hit every muscle from every plane and every angle and work it past the pain barrier each time. You
have to cut all fat from your diet and fastidiously knock your bodyfat down well into single digits.
Isolating the muscle and maintaining the mind-muscle connection have never been more important than when striving to surpass muscle definition on your way to muscle separation. When you completely isolate the target muscle, you allow it to grow independently from the others in the same group. Teach yourself what exercises isolate what muscle, and compile your workout from that knowledge. Lastly, and most importantly, you cannot cheat on your movements. When you lose your form and allow other muscles to help lift the weight, you have lost your isolation and with it your chances of muscle separation. Remember, if they grow as a group, they will show as a group.
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