If you want to build your body, make sure that you do it the right way. Don't try extreme diets or extreme exercise plans. The key to successfully building your body is to balance your diet, cardiovascular workouts, strength training, and stretching. When you have this balance, your body will begin to take the shape you have always dreamed of.

The road to a healthy body begins on the inside. To build your body properly, you must eat a balanced diet. Limit your fat and sugar intake. Center your diet around fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. The produce will provide vitamins and nutrients to keep your body running efficiently. Many fruits and vegetables also contain antioxidants that will help protect your body from harmful free radicals. Whole grains will provide energy for your workouts, and they will keep your cardiovascular system in top shape. Lean protein is essential for building muscle. Poultry, fish, lean beef and soy products are excellent protein sources. Try eating some protein just before and after your workouts to keep you energized. It is also very important that you stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially before, during and after your workout.

Cardiovascular exercise is a key element to building your ideal body. Aerobic exercises, such as walking, running and biking, will help you burn calories, boost your metabolism and increase your endurance. Cardio blasts the fat layers that cover your muscles. Start with 30 minutes a day of cardio exercise. Increase the length as your endurance levels change. Vary your cardio routine to keep boredom at bay and to challenge different muscle groups. You may also consider adding intervals to your workout. Increase the intensity of your exercise periodically throughout your routine to keep your body challenged.

Strength training is critical when you want to improve your body. Muscles help your body to burn fat more quickly, and they help you to build lean body mass. Strength training can be done with weights or by using your own body weight for resistance. It is important, however, to use caution when using weights. If you try to lift too much, you can damage and tear down your muscles. Start with light weights and gradually build up to heavier weights. Lift a little more than your muscles are used to, and then increase the intensity as your muscles grow stronger. Be sure to include strength training exercises for every major muscle group. Include sets for your arms, shoulders, core, glutes, hamstrings, and thighs. Alternate the muscle groups so that you don't work the same body part two days in a row. This will give your muscles time to recover from the exercises.

Stretching allows your muscles to prepare for and recover from a workout. It keeps you limber and helps prevent injuries. When you stretch, you should feel the muscle gently pulling. Avoid bouncing, because this puts undue stress on the muscle. Do some overall body stretches, but focus on the muscle groups that were worked especially hard during your workout. Yoga can help you combine strength training and flexibility workouts. It also helps to keep you centered so that your mind is as healthy as your body.