A beautiful body is what many people in the world are looking for today, as bodybuilding is one of the most suitable ways to achieve this, and its tools are easily accessible to everyone around the world, making it a popular sport globally.
Definition of Bodybuilding
There is a simple definition: bodybuilding is a type of sport that helps us achieve the right body by combining proper nutrition.
The Role of Nutrition in Bodybuilding
In fact, nutrition is the essential tool for every person to build a beautiful and well-shaped body. For example, just as a car cannot last long without good fuel, a bodybuilder cannot achieve a beautiful physique without proper nutrition and diet.
A person who engages in bodybuilding exercises is called a bodybuilder. Bodybuilders are ranked based on muscle volume, muscle symmetry, and muscle size, along with their overall appearance.
Bodybuilding has different categories, each of which follows a different training style, which we will explain below.
1. Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding is the main field of this sport, with famous figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger being well-known in this area since ancient times. The bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman is celebrated for his incredible volume and deep cuts that attracted the attention of every viewer. He also made significant contributions to the sport. A better display of muscles in this field can lead to better placements, although there are instances of violations.
2. Powerlifting
Powerlifting is a very intense sport, unlike other bodybuilding disciplines. In this field, the focus is not on muscle volume but rather on muscle strength. Even a professional powerlifting athlete can have a higher body fat percentage. A powerlifting athlete focuses on setting records, and the number of sets is not as important.
3. Fitness Physique
This discipline was introduced in 2012 at the Mr. Olympia competition. Its focus is on broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and big arms. Physique bodybuilders wear shorts that reach their thighs during competitions. It is clear that the leg and hip muscles are not very important in this field, but the leg muscles play a key role in building other muscles of the body due to the secretion of testosterone hormone in the leg muscles.
4. Classic Bodybuilding
This discipline was unveiled in 2016 at the Mr. Olympia competition. Bodybuilders in this category seek a physique that is not overly large but has a symmetrical body structure. Tall bodybuilders who aim for deep cuts in their muscles participate in this field.
Benefits of Bodybuilding
1. Increasing Strength and Safety
In bodybuilding, considering that the diet should include fruits, protein, and various vitamins, it greatly helps the human body in raising its immunity level. Additionally, since all bodybuilding disciplines involve weight training, all bodybuilders develop powerful bodies with high energy levels.
2. Improving Health
Bodybuilding exercises significantly increase the levels of anabolic hormones such as testosterone. Anabolic hormones enhance physical strength and muscle growth, which improves the condition of bones and joints. People who exercise regularly are less prone to joint pain and back pain. Moreover, bodybuilding boosts self-confidence, motivates individuals, and helps prevent depression.
3. Increasing Life Expectancy
If you don’t use your muscles, you lose them. By engaging all the muscles of the body, bodybuilding exercises increase muscle volume or at least maintain muscle mass, helping individuals stay youthful and healthy.
4. Fat Burning
If you are looking to burn fat, bodybuilding is one of the most suitable sports. Simply consume fewer calories and burn more, and you will notice the difference after a while.
Bodybuilding Supplements
First of all, it is essential to remember that the key principle is nutrition. If you do not follow a good nutrition plan, the use of supplements is essentially useless.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is derived from whey. It is a very effective supplement for increasing fat burning and muscle mass. This supplement has many health benefits, has a high absorption rate, and is usually consumed immediately after training.
Casein Protein
This protein is made from cow’s milk and has a low absorption rate. Typically, two scoops containing sixty grams of protein are used throughout the day, although your trainer will determine how many scoops you should consume.
Creatine Supplement
This is the most effective bodybuilding supplement that increases muscle mass and strength in bodybuilders. According to your trainer’s recommendation, you should consume it, but excessive consumption can damage the liver and kidneys.
BCAA Supplement
This supplement contains essential amino acids that the body needs during bodybuilding exercises.
Glutamine Supplement
This supplement plays an important role in improving recovery. It also helps to increase the body’s immunity and prevent muscle wasting.
False Beliefs in Bodybuilding
1. Use of Heavy Weights
Using excessively heavy weights can be very dangerous and may damage the joints. Instead of lifting heavy weights, use weights that are within your capability. Consistency in this approach promotes muscle growth and strength.
2. Incorrect Training Program
You should ask your coach to write you a new training program every two months. By assessing your weaknesses, the trainer can offer a training program suitable for your body, which will both challenge your muscles and enhance fat burning and muscle building.
3. Lack of Leg Exercises
Leg exercises, especially squats, are fundamental and very important in bodybuilding. Although leg exercises can be hard and exhausting for some people, having strong legs contributes significantly to a well-proportioned body. So, if you want to achieve a good physique, do not forget to include squats in your routine.
Pull-Ups
Pull-ups, like squats, are categorized as very important bodybuilding movements. In pull-ups, the muscles of the fingers, wrists, forearms, abdominal muscles, back muscles, and armpits are engaged. With this movement, you can widen your body.