26 April 2009
Who Becomes a Bodybuilder?
Despite being over a hundred years old, bodybuilding has become very popular in the modern
world.
A
majority of people around the world
have
tried bodybuilding at some point in their lives.
Some
for health, vitality and/or
aesthetic purposes. Gym rats may not be aware that
there are different types of body builders. Not
everyone can achieve the same heights as others.
Pros and
Cons
There are 4 known types of bodybuilding. These are
categorized according to the goal, gender and age of
the
individuals. There
is
professional bodybuilding, natural bodybuilding,
female bodybuilding and teenage bodybuilding.
Professional bodybuilding involves individuals who
aspire to qualify, compete and win competitions.
Contestants begin
by
joining amateur competitions first, wherein they
earn points and qualifications to join major and
professional contests.
The IFBB or International Federation of Bodybuilding
is the premier organization
for
professional body builders worldwide. Amateurs who
win major and official contests get the chance to
win their IFBB pro card. Once a body builder turns
pro, he or she will not be allowed to enter amateur
contests. They are, however, welcome for guest
posing.
Professional body builders are usually criticized
for taking
illegal/banned
substances
to achieve
physiques that are impossible to achieve naturally.
bodybuilding shows are then classified according to
natural and open competitions. Drug testing is
always done in natural competitions to ensure that
all
people
involved square off fairly.
Natural bodybuilding involves developing a
well-formed body structure without the aid of
illegal drugs, steroids and the like. There are
organizations that cater to natural body builders as
well such as the NPA or Natural Physique
Association. Intake of muscle-building supplements
and other natural bodybuilding products not banned
by the agencies are allowed. It is possible for a
former drug user to compete in natural contests,
provided that the minimum period of clean time has
been achieved.
Women and the Youth
Women used to focus more on fitness until the 1970s.
It was during the time of Arnold Schwarzenegger when
females started to indulge in hardcore fitness or
bodybuilding. Females compete in separate contests
from the men’s since their bodies develop
differently. There are natural and professional
contests, like the Ms. Olympia which started in
1980.
Teenagers join unique bodybuilding shows and
contests relative to their age bracket, since their
bodies develop differently from mature individuals.
It is
uncommon
to find 13-year olds competing. Most shows, however,
provide drug testing to protect the youth from using
drugs to get bigger. Teenagers are encouraged to use
the natural hormone surge in their bodies to gain
muscle. Some of the genetic wonders of bodybuilding
actually started as natural teenage sensations.
The Body Types
There are 3 unique body types namely ectomorph,
endomorph and mesomorph. Each type can
compete in bodybuilding shows.
The training, diet and rest regimen of each type
vary since bodies develop uniquely from each other.
There are variations or combinations of the types as
well, such as mesomorphs with either endomorphic or
ectomorphic tendencies. Physiques will vary in
appearance depending on the body type.
Ectomorphs can be described as individuals who have
the tendency to lose muscle and fat quickly. These
people
have difficulty gaining weight and are usually
thin-boned. Endomorphs have the opposite problem of
gaining weight and fat easily, and having trouble
getting rid of the extra.
These individuals are usually thick-boned.
Mesomorphs are the most ideal for bodybuilding since
their bodies have the ability to lose fat and gain
muscle quickly. Majority of professional body
builders are mesomorphs and have the genetic
capacity to develop easily.
Endomorphs should focus more on
their diets and adding lots of cardiovascular work
to shed off the fat and maintain a lean condition.
Ectomorphs should add more calories and protein to
their meals to gain more muscle. They should watch
their calorie expenditure to avoid losing
hard-earned muscle. Mesomorphs usually have a lean
and muscular physique and do not need to concentrate
on exercise and diet as much as the other two types
do.
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