How does bodybuilding work?

[wrenchhands]

Some people are strong and built without even ever training. They just sit down and plow out awesome numbers. I have to scrap for all my numbers.

Actually, I don't scrap that much, but still.

[knoted]

Bodybuilding and strength training are pretty much the same thing , just on different parts of a spectrum. Both sports revolve around the same exercises and progressive overload. Bodybuilders who train for "size" are really just train specifically in a way to get stronger (though not maximally) that causes a maximum size increase.

What do people in the gym who use machines and think they know what they are doing get categorised as? Misinformed body-builders?

Lifters. Until you get on stage in your jocks, fake tanned and all covered in lube, you're not a body builder. Same with power lifting. We're all just lifters.

[coreJack]

Lifters. Until you get on stage in your jocks, fake tanned and all covered in lube, you're not a body builder. Same with power lifting. We're all just lifters.

Well said, knoted. I think there's a bias here, and on other strength training sites, toward disparaging bodybuilders, but the reality is that real bodybuilders train just as hard as powerlifters. Mr. Olympia competitors don't get that huge doing curls in the squat rack. I have no interest in bodybuilding myself, so there's no personal bias, I just have a lot of respect for the discipline and effort those guys put forth, even if I think it's a little ridiculous to oil up and pose in your underwear in front of other men.

[atypical1]

even if I think it's a little ridiculous to oil up and pose in your underwear in front of other men.

Some people would say it's just as ridiculous for a bunch of men to wear a skin tight singlet so it's all relative

Yeah, true bodybuilders work extremely hard to get their physiques. It's also diet to get lean and you have to have an amazing amount of discipline.

james

[RobCosimo]

Yes, bodybuilders work hard, but there's no law that says you have to admire bodybuilders, regardless of their dedication.

[sgtrock]

I agree with killerdude. Real bodybuilders are strong guys. If someone disagrees, they should go tell Ronnie Coleman in person that he's a p****y because he's a bodybuilder.

OK: "Ronnie, you are a p***y because you are a bodybuilder."

Of course, I'll never meet him, but given the amount of 'roids he must be on he may very well tear the flesh from my bones with his teeth for that.

Though if you close your eyes and listen to him he sounds like either a 10-year-old, or a p***y. And now you know which one I believe.

[atypical1]

Though if you close your eyes and listen to him he sounds like either a 10-year-old, or a p***y. And now you know which one I believe.

I don't really understand your point here. Could you please elaborate? I've not really heard him talk much so maybe I'm missing something.

There's certainly no need to disrespect the man like that either. He's worked very hard to accomplish what he has and until one of us is in his shoes perhaps we should simply say "good job" and let him be.

james

[coreJack]

OK: "Ronnie, you are a p***y because you are a bodybuilder."

Of course, I'll never meet him, but given the amount of 'roids he must be on he may very well tear the flesh from my bones with his teeth for that.

And top powerlifters and strongmen don't dope?