Dealing with Stretch Marks from Bodybuilding

By Cliff Bacot

You may not know it, but stretch marks are not just a side effect of pregnancy. In fact bodybuilders tend to get them as well. When muscle mass is put on very quickly the skin can't keep up and tears instead of stretching. These tiny tears are actually scars commonly referred to as stretch marks.

Those who use steroids are more likely to get stretch marks, because their muscle growth is even faster. However, just because a bodybuilder has stretch marks doesn't mean that they are using steroids. It is a double edge sword because building muscle makes a guy look good, but the stretch marks tend to detract from that.

Try to avoid getting stretch marks to begin with. Do not put on a bunch of muscle and fat (bulking up) and try to convert it to net muscle later. This is a sure way to get stretch marks. Put on lean muscle mass slowly and don't get fat.

People are often surprised when the first begin to notice the formation of stretch marks. There are so many myths out there. Some men don't think they can get them and stare in disbelief when they discover the red marks. Others think that they are caused by sweat or a strenuous workout. This is not the case either.

You can try out one of the many stretch mark creams that can be bought online and in stores. They are designed to fill in the scarred tissue by replenishing your skin with elastin and collagen.

Be proud of them, as this shows that what you are doing is working and your body is growing at such a rapid pace that your skin does not even have time to stretch, but tears instead. This is the only positive spin, I can get out of this situation. Keep training hard. - 17269

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For more information on stretch marks from bodybuilding and how to treat them, visit the beginners bodybuilding website.