bodybuilders

Bodybuilders are athletes who train to develop muscle size, symmetry, and definition for aesthetic display. They typically compete in organized events where physiques are judged against criteria such as proportion, balance, and conditioning. Training focuses on resistance exercises, progressive overload, and careful nutrition.

Typical routines involve training 4 to 6 days per week, with splits that target major muscle groups. Exercises include compound lifts and isolation movements. Dieting practices often alternate between phases of caloric surplus to gain size and caloric restriction to reduce body fat, with careful protein intake to support muscle maintenance.

In competition, judges evaluate muscularity, symmetry, conditioning, poise, and stage presence. Divisions vary by federation and gender, including open, classic, and weight classes. Posing routines, mandatory poses, and a posing display form a central part of judging. The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) and the National Physique Committee (NPC) are prominent organizations, and the Mr. Olympia contest is among the top events.

The modern sport has roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries with early performers such as Eugen Sandow. It grew with bodybuilding magazines, gyms, and later television and social media. Health considerations include risks of dehydration during dieting, joint stress, and the use of performance-enhancing substances. Guidance from qualified trainers and medical professionals is commonly advised.