Bodybuilding: origins, training strategies, and competitive exhibition

Bodybuilding

Body Building and exhibition

Body Building and Weight loss

Problems associated with bodybuilding

Body building is a sport and for some a pastime that is extremely popular in the United States and throughout the world. Bodybuilders range in age from teenagers to senior citizens. Throughout the world there are competitive events designed to determine the people who have mastered the craft of body building. The purpose of this discussion is to examine the art of bodybuilding by examining its origins and the current status of body building. Let us begin this discussion by providing a definition of Bodybuilding.

Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is defined as "The process of developing the musculature of the body through specific types of diet and physical exercise, such as weightlifting, especially for competitive exhibition." Muscles are a natural part of the human body but body building involves the activity of developing muscles to their full potential using a combination of all of the aforementioned strategies ("Bodybuilding").

Bodybuilding and Exhibition/Competition

Many view bodybuilding as a sport and throughout the world there are competition dedicated solely to bodybuilding. Bodybuilders train for months to get into top form. These competitions often carry a monetary prize and a great deal of recognition. One of the main bodies that governs these competitions is the international federation of body building (IFBB). The federation holds competitions throughout the year. These competitions include that ironman and Mr. Olympia ("Body Building Info"). People from all over the world come to compete and win the various prizes that are offered. Some competitions are designed for novices while others are created specifically for professional bodybuilders.

Body Building and Weight loss

Although many bodybuilders compete against one another for the purpose of exhibition bodybuilding is also a vital part of any weight loss program. According to Rivera (2009)

"Bodybuilding should be the foundation of any weight loss program. bodybuilding is the most efficient (and safe) way to lose fat. Exercising with weights 30-45 minutes, 3-4 times a week, not only increases your metabolic rate (ability to burn calories) for up to 48 hours (as the body will need to utilize more nutrients in order to re-build itself) but also builds muscle, which is what gives shape to the body and also increases the need for additional calories ("Use BodyBuilding")."

It is obvious from this aspect of the research that body building can serve as an efficient way to assist in losing weight. Losing weight through body building is also efficient because of the metabolic benefits to the body that are derived. As such those that are trying to lose weight should implement weightlifting into their exercise regimens.

Problems associated with bodybuilding

One of the major problems with bodybuilding involves injury. Many injuries occur simply because bodybuilders over extend themselves. All bodybuilders must take the appropriate precaution to prevent injury. These precautions include getting the proper amount of rest and not over exerting themselves when training. Failure to take these precautions can result in life threatening injuries.

Another serious problem associated with bodybuilding is Steroid abuse. Many bodybuilders are so anxious to get results that they take dangerous steroids to increase the size of their muscles. Steroids have serious side effects. These side effects include decreased libido, heart problems, steroid induced anger (roid rage) and a host of other issues. Some of these side effects can and have caused death in bodybuilders. For this reason, bodybuilders must understand the need for patients and the lasting impact of ingesting such powerful drugs. In recent years the FDA has warned against the use of Anabolic steroids in all areas of sports. The recent warning stated that "

"Due to the potentially serious health risks associated with using these types of products, the FDA recommends that consumers immediately stop using all body-building products that claim to contain steroids or steroid-like substances," the agency said in a public health advisory. The agency recommends that anyone taking the products stop immediately and see a doctor if they experience various side effects (Young, 2009)."

Such warnings have come after the deaths and serious medical conditions traced back to the use of the drug. Body builders of all ages should heed the message being presented by the FDA and stop the use of these substances. Bodybuilding is an interesting and challenging sport that should be approached with caution and patience. There is no need to take these dangerous substances, particularly because their use can end in death or serious chronic health problems.

Conclusion

The purpose of this discussion was to examine the art of bodybuilding by examining its origins and the current status of body building. The research found that body building involves a combination of physical exercise, diet and weightlifting. Some Bodybuilders enter competitions that are designed the show off their physiques. These competitions take place throughout the world and the winner receives a title and monetary prizes.

The research also indicates that some bodybuilding also aids in weight loss and should be an aspect of any weight loss routine. The research also explains that beginners should be careful not to over extend themselves when training. The investigation also found that the major problems associated with weightlifting are injury and steroid abuse. Both of these problems can be avoided by taking the proper precautions and understanding the side effects of steroids.

Overall there are very real benefits that can be realized through body building. However there are some serious problems that body builders can have. These problems include injury and steroid abuse. With this understood, participants should enjoy the sport while also taking the appropriate precautions. Failure to take these messages to heart can end in serious injury or ailment.