Table of Contents
- Fitness
- Powerlifting
- Bodybuilding
- Anabolic Steroids
- Natural Bodybuilding
- Mr. Olympia and IFBB
- Natural Mr. Olympia and INBA/PNBA
- Posing
- Bulking
- Cutting
- Open Bodybuilding
- Classic Physique
- Men’s Physique
- Golden Era
Fitness
- Mr. Olympia, Posing, Anabolic <unk> the most important bodybuilding terms
Where does bodybuilding start and where does fitness end? The two terms cannot be clearly separated as many bodybuilders are initially fitness enthusiasts before pursuing a career on stage. The goal of fitness, however, is to feel both physically and mentally well. It is understood as a mix of general health and physical aesthetics.
Powerlifting
As bodybuilding is a part of powerlifting, the two terms are often mentioned together. However, they can be distinguished from each other. As the name suggests, a powerlifter wants to become strong and move as much weight as possible. Unlike fitness, aesthetic criteria play a minor role here. Muscle growth is a side effect for powerlifters who usually have a higher body fat percentage than bodybuilders.
Bodybuilding
There is no universally accepted definition of the term bodybuilding. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has shaped the sport like no other, describes it in his book "The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding" as "the development and shaping of the body through progressive resistance training." In contrast to fitness and powerlifting, the focus of bodybuilding is mainly on the external appearance. The goal is to maximize muscle mass, create symmetry, and improve perceived weaknesses.
Anabolic Steroids
Performance-enhancing substances are widespread in the bodybuilding sport, especially anabolic androgenic steroid hormones (AAS), commonly known as anabolic steroids. AAS, for example, synthetically produce the male sex hormone testosterone. Initiating the substance stimulates protein synthesis in muscle cells. Bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids increase muscle growth, have more endurance, and recover faster. However, there are numerous side effects, ranging from acne to heart attacks. Although the substances are illegal, it is known in the bodybuilding scene that most professionals use them.
Natural Bodybuilding
While many bodybuilders rely on anabolic steroids, there are also athletes who choose not to. They call themselves "natural bodybuilders" and advocate for practicing the sport without performance-enhancing medications. One of the most well-known natural bodybuilders in Germany is Kay Gedan, who is active as a competitive athlete on stage and as an influencer on social media. The German magazine "stern" accompanied Kay for a day in his adopted home of Cologne and spoke with him about the positive and negative sides of the bodybuilding scene.
Mr. Olympia and IFBB
The International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) organizes the Mr. Olympia competition annually. A victory in this competition is the highest honor in professional bodybuilding. Athletes can qualify by winning other professional competitions or reaching the top 5 or top 3 in the points ranking of the previous year. This year, Mr. Olympia will take place from October 10 to 13, 2024, in Las Vegas.
Natural Mr. Olympia and INBA/PNBA
Natural bodybuilders like Kay Gedan, on the other hand, compete in the Natural Mr. Olympia, organized by the International Natural Bodybuilding Association (INBA) and Professional Natural Bodybuilding Association (PNBA). Unlike the IFBB's Mr. Olympia, strict doping tests are conducted here.
Posing
At competitions, bodybuilders aim for the lowest possible body fat percentage, achieved through a prolonged diet. Additionally, a dark color is applied to the skin to highlight muscle contours as much as possible. On stage, athletes present themselves in poses requested by the jury, which is specialized in different muscle groups, ranging from biceps to legs.
Bulking
When a bodybuilder mentions "bulking," they refer to building muscle mass. This period is also known as the "mass phase." For this, the diet is adjusted, and athletes are in a caloric surplus, consuming more calories than they burn.
Cutting
The opposite of bulking is "cutting," also known as a "cut." This refers to a diet, i.e., a caloric deficit.
Open Bodybuilding
A popular class in men's competitions is Open Bodybuilding, with no weight limit. Athletes in this category aim to build as much muscle mass as possible. Consequently, many Open bodybuilders at Mr. Olympia weigh over 100 kg.
Classic Physique
Introduced in 2016, Classic Physique has a weight limit relative to each athlete's height, typically around 100 kg. Unlike Open bodybuilders who focus on size, Classic Physique athletes emphasize aesthetics.
Men’s Physique
Similar to Classic Physique, Men’s Physique athletes wear knee-length shorts, shifting focus away from legs. The classes in Men's Bodybuilding differ from those in Women's Bodybuilding. An overview can be found here.
Golden Era
The heyday of bodybuilding, between the 1960s and 1980s, is often referred to as the "Golden Era." Notably, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who trained at the legendary Gold's Gym in California during the 70s, is well-known even outside the scene.
In the world of bodybuilding, some individuals may begin as fitness enthusiasts before transitioning into the competitive arena. engage in activities that improve their overall health and physical appearance, incorporating both general wellness and aesthetic aspects.
Bodybuilding, as described by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a "sport" that involves the development and shaping of the body through progressive resistance training, focusing primarily on the external appearance, with the goal of maximizing muscle mass, achieving symmetry, and addressing perceived weaknesses.
