In the present times, in order to be considered as a professional bodybuilder, one has to qualify a number of professional as well as amateur contests along with earning a ‘Pro Card’ from the IFBB. This helps professionals earn the right to participate in prestigious competitions like the Arnold Classic and Night of Champions. After having making their presence felt at such forums, professionals are then considered eligible to contest for the highest honor in the field of professional bodybuilding known as the Mr. Olympia contest. Some other organizations which also render professional rankings include the NPA (Natural Physique Association) and NANBF (North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation).Adopting this sport is not like other ventures where you can easily earn lots of money. A professional (referred to as a ‘pro’) might not be able to sustain his living only through this sport initially. However, the one thing that makes a person stay in this industry is sheer passion for this art, which makes them work as hard and as diligently. It is only when one reaches the highest level that a reasonable income starts pouring in from competition winnings. In most cases these body builders are sponsored by companies and supplement manufacturers. Just like any other celebrity, body builders then use their new found fame to carry forth with their business ventures.

Ideally body builders use three prime strategies to maximize muscle hypertrophy:
Weight training – An important part of this is ‘microtrauma’ which tears the muscles being trained at a micro level. This leads to the soreness that one feels after the exercise, the repair to which results in the growth of the muscle tissue.

Nutrition – Nutrition is an inevitable part of the body builders’ health regime. Since they are dedicated to building a high-level of muscle growth and repair, they invariably require a specialized diet which included added calories, proteins and other supplements to increase their muscle mass. The proportion of nutrient intake depends on the requirement of the body builder.

Rest – Rest plays a crucial role in body building regime because it is during this phase of the day that the muscle fiber actually grows. Although muscle stimulation occurs during the weight lifts, during sleep hours muscles get an opportunity to recover as well as build. Hence an eight-hour sleep is a must for any professional, though the number may vary from person to person.

Thus we see that stepping into the genre of Professional Bodybuilding and undergoing such stiff regime is not something an average person can think of doing. The one thing that rules men who delve in, it is passion for passion alone, they say can turn a man into a genius.

sourse: http://www.isteroids.com

His career started as early as his age of 13. What seems a little strange regarding this guy is that he actually trained his body naturally for a long period of time – some 23 years, and then suddenly started taking steroids! His arms became un-naturally big and it made him even more famous. Of course, don’t think that the mother-nature didn’t respond – he had a kind of muscle explosion that resulted in quite asymmetrical and even more un-natural look.Next guy famous for his muscles is Markus Rühl, the proud owner of the biggest shoulders in the world.

Then there is Ronnie Coleman from Louisiana, who was Mr. Olympia for as much as eight times.

Next on our list would be Arnold Schwarzenegger who won the Mr. Universe title at the age of 20, which makes him the youngest winner of this competition. He started training at the age of 15, got into the perfect shape very fast, and made him not only successful body builder, but also an actor. He is also the author of a few books on the subject of sport.

The greatest competition to Arnold Schwarzenegger was Lou Ferrigno, famous for his role in the Incredible Hulk. The Hulk-guy tried to beat Schwarzenegger in 1974 Mr. Olympia, and the documentary film “Pumping Iron” was made on this subject.

Now, some might have thoughts like: why would anyone want to be the biggest guy in the world, and why would he sacrifice himself so much in order to succeed? Well… maybe it is a way to prove him self. And maybe it’s just passion.

The Rise and Fall of World Bodybuilding Federation

The World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF) is one and the only exception of its kind which was established as a rival to the International Federation of BodyBuilding (IFBB) and failed miserably owing to its ill-fate. WBF was brought into existence on January 1991 by the wrestling czar Vince Mc Mahon who was then the President of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and Titan Sports. Hence WBF was born as a subsidiary of Titan Sports operated by the WWF.

Initially it was rumored that Vince was only planning to launch a body building magazine against IFBB for which he appointed Tom Platz, one of body building’s favorite sons to oversee the publication. The magazine was supposed to be called ‘ BodyBuilding lifestyles’. However, during the 1990 Mr. Olympia contest in Chicago , Titan Sports booked an exhibitor booth in order to promote this magazine. The anticipation broke with a shock when the Bodybuilding staff walked in like Trojan horses and announced the launch of the World BodyBuilding Federation instead. Tom Platz was announced as being the Director of Talent Development for the WBF team. The intent of bringing such an organization into existence, they said, was to ‘revamp professional body building’. They also asserted of having the richest price money in the history of the sport which is what acted as the actual ‘bait’ for sportsmen to join in.The company was finally unveiled on January 30 th , 1991 in New York Plaza Hotel in the presence of many IFBB regulars. The speculation about who would the WFB sign came to an end when on the same day a list of 13 athletes recruited by the Federation was strode out. The names were Aaron Baker, Mike Christian, Vince Comerford, David Dearth, Berry DeMey, Johnnie Morant, Danny Padilla, Tony Pearson, Jim Quinn, Mike Quinn, Eddie Robinson, Gary Strydom, and Troy Zuccolotto. A must mention here is that in signing these 13 musclemen, the WFB had flourished megabucks. The report of Gary Strydom being signed for a three-year deal worth $400,000 per year proved this.

The first competition was staged on June 15 th , 1991, LIVE, in the form of pay-per-view Atlantic City , New Jersey . The venue was the Taj Mahal casino owned by Donald Trump. Since the line-up at the Plaza was impressive than anyone had thought, the expectations of people from the event were invariably high. Platz further went on to say that they’ll be signing other ‘biggies’ before the show and they indeed did. Infact the press conference at The Plaza can be considered as WFB’s finest hour because after that even they weren’t prepared about what was coming next.

The contest was however, met with mixed reactions. It was apparent that WFB’s initiative to develop characters for every BodyStar was completely against what McMahon had promised about keeping professional wrestling away from bodybuilding. The federation was seen to be promoted by not only the WBF members but WWF superstars as well. They even appeared in a series of Family Feud episodes.

What really pulled the federation down was the federal suspicion on Vince McMahon for steroid distribution and the warning that the second competition should be drug-free. This was met by the movie star and body builder Lou Ferrigno’s immediately knocking down the proposal he had signed with the WFB. The last thing that further got the WFB in the dumps was the condition of BodyStars in the second contest that took place in California in1992, once again on pay-per-view model. It was apparent that the BodyStars were not able to clean their bodies before the competition and their physiques certainly appeared less than acceptable. This finally blew McMahon who bowed out as he lost 15 million dollars on this foray. He probably understood the hard way that it was no less than a whim for him to think that he could achieve in two years what Joe and Ben Weider took 50 years to build.

The WFB athletes were finally left to fend for themselves but IFBB was graceful enough to welcome them back into the family with a mild penalty of paying 10% of each individual’s WBF salary as fine which would be deducted for their contest winnings.

The IFBB knew that the athletes had joined the WBF for their financial gain and there was nothing wrong with that. The WFB story was now over, leaving Vince McMahon to brood that it is not that easy to satiate life in the pantomime of pro-wrestling!

sourse: http://www.isteroids.com

I seriously get tired of reviewing bodybuilding books these days.  More than ever, it seems like every author just steals older ideas and rehashes the same material that was written 10 years ago – or even worse – 20 years ago!  With this being the case, I really don’t enjoy reading many bodybuilding books.

But once in a while, I’ll read a book that actually excites me by bringing something new to the table.  Alpha Male Challenge is one of these rare books, and I recently had the pleasure of reading a copy of it. Alpha Male Challenge is written by well-noted fitness author James Villepigue (he’s got 23 books to his credit) and my friend (and high-profile defense attorney) Rick Collins.  Now I know what you’re thinking… George is going to give his buddy’s book a nice plug.  But the truth is, Alpha Male Challenge is really just a great book – and it just so happens to be co-authored by one of my friends.  Now let’s check out what this book has to offer.

Review of the Alpha Male Challenge

At the heart of the Alpha Male Challenge is the 10-week plan for burning fat and gaining muscle.  Of course, this plan isn’t revealed until later on in the book, but it’s certainly worth mentioning first.  In regards to the 10-week plan, this is not just any muscle-building program since it sheds the shackles of conventional weight training to deliver a good mixture of machine-based exercises, weights, and plyometrics.  The main reasoning behind the varied approach is that most people can’t stick with typical weight training, and thus need something more interesting to keep them motivated.

In regards to the actual workouts, Alpha Male Challenge  follows a model called Alpha Wave Basic Training, which revolves around the philosophy of increasing testosterone, burning fat, and packing on muscle.  Going even deeper, Alpha Wave Basic Training is one of the most flexible training programs I’ve ever seen since it offers 27 totally different workouts throughout the 10 weeks.  Every workout is unique – you certainly won’t get stale or bored with this program.

Each week of the Alpha Male Challenge involves 3 main parts: the Alpha Architecture Program, the Alpha Attitude Drill, and the Alpha Fuel Solution.  The Alpha Architecture Program comprises the Alpha Wave Basic Training workouts as well as the “Work Heart System” and “Play Heart Activities” (cardio).  The workouts ensure that traditional exercises like bench press, barbell curl, seated leg curl, shoulder press, and deadlift are blended with a variety of plyometrics such as box jumps, squat jumps, and power rows.  As mentioned before, each workout is different so your muscles never have a chance to adapt to what you’re doing.

The Work Heart System and Play Heart Activities take care of the cardio, and this is where things get really interesting.  That’s because Alpha Male Challenge goes above and beyond most other bodybuilding books by creating a weekly point-based system for your cardio.  It even challenges you to integrate your cardio into your everyday life, at your workplace and in day-to-day activities through the Work Heart System.  For instance, if you’re used to parking right near the entrance at work, park 5 minutes away and walk the rest of the way.  As the weeks progress, you might park 10 minutes away, and then go for another 10 minute walk during lunch.

In regards to the Play Heart System, you can choose from a wide variety of activities to reach the prescribed number of minutes for the week.  So, if you were to do 75 minutes in a particular week, you could break the 75 minutes down into three different 25 minute sessions to meet the required amount.  Some of the activities you can do during these sessions include boxing, street biking, running, basketball, volleyball, hockey, scuba diving, swimming, etc.  Walking on the treadmill is boring!  The long list of competitive activities offered in the book can not only burn stubborn fat, but even boost your testosterone levels according to the research presented.

Moving to the Alpha Attitude Drill, this focuses on making you a well-rounded individual, which is what makes this book far different from any other bodybuilding book out there.  Alpha Attitude Drills ask people to go beyond simply working out and, instead, challenge themselves to exercise their inner muscles as well as their outer ones.

* A different Alpha Attitude Drill is presented each week (sometimes providing different options to pick from) and some of the drills include:
* Walking into stores and talking to merchants while remaining tall, relaxed, keeping eye contact, and shaking hands.
* Talking to someone you would normally ignore while really listening to what they have to say.
* Spending one day doing random acts of kindness for people.
* Learning a new skill through an adult education course or studying a foreign language through the computer.
* Doing something that you’ve always wanted to, yet always feared doing (skydiving perhaps?).
* Performing a volunteer activity to help out the community.

While some people might write the Alpha Attitude Drill suggestions off as corny or meaningless, performing these tasks is critical in regards to becoming a complete and confident person.  And this is exactly what Alpha Male Challenge is – helping people reach new heights of success both mentally and physically through the four C’s: commitment, confidence, conscience, and courage.  If you complete the Alpha Attitude Drills each week, you will no doubt be an improved person as a result.  This book will help you can become a stronger person both inside and out — more confident, more determined, even more courageous and heroic.

The last part of the Alpha Male Challenge – Alpha Male Fuel Solution – is all about eating clean and healthy.  The diets provided by Collins and Villepigue will no doubt involve lots of discipline on your part, but there is flexibility within their guidelines.  For instance, they suggest things like having a Chick’n Wrapper OR a Deli-sliced turkey breast with sun-dried tomatoes and low-fat Swiss cheese on whole grain bread.  Likewise, dinner might include either Manly Meatloaf (turkey, ground beef, or chicken) along with spinach and raspberries OR Fish Preparation along with spinach and sautéed kale.

Now Chick’n Wrappers, Manly Meatloaf, and Fish Preparation all sound great, but how do you cook them?  Luckily, Villepigue and Collins handle this for you since they give recipes for their suggestions in the appendix of the book.  The recipes are quite detailed too since you’ll be provided with ingredients, step-by-step instructions for making the dish, and even nutritional content for the food.  Going back to the appendix, this is also where you’ll find detailed instructions for how to perform each exercise along with pictures of the actual exercise being performed.

In fact, Alpha Male Challenge leaves out very few details in regards to the workout and dieting program.  However, this book is more than just a 10-week plan since it provides the foundation for readers to succeed well before they even get into the program.  Alpha Male Challenge kicks off with a look at how man’s role has diminished in society due to so many men becoming “Beta” males (passive, non-confident, subservient).

Then, Alpha Male Challenge gets into how men can use the revolutionary “MaleScale” as a measuring stick to improve themselves.  Of course, there are no definite guidelines on the MaleScale…only where you currently sit, and where you need to go to improve, on a scale of 1 to 100.  Everything from your bench press to waist-chest ratio is measured on the MaleScale, along with attitude factors as well.  But it’s quick and convenient and helps you track your progress.

Alpha Male Challenge Authors Rick Collins and James VillepigueAfter this, Villepigue and Collins get into just how important the mind is in regards to developing an excellent body (Alpha Attitude).  Only when your mind is right will you actually be committed to making a change both physically and mentally.  That’s why the authors dedicate such a large portion of this book towards the mind; once again, the four C’s (commitment, confidence, conscience, and courage) apply here.

After covering the Alpha Attitude, Alpha Male Challenge dives deeper into explanations of the Alpha Architecture Program and Alpha Fuel.  This in-depth discussion of the two principles ensures that readers will be well-informed before starting the 10-week program.  And ‘in-depth’ is definitely a great word for this book since absolutely nothing is left out…..you’re getting the complete package!

Not only do Collins and Villepigue practically give you a step-by-step guide to developing a great physique, but they also make sure to include plenty of things that will make you a better all-around individual.  Their challenges are tough to complete, yet realistic enough that anyone will be able to accomplish their goals with enough work.  And you can see the full extent of your progress in simple numbers using the MaleScale (the authors even offer the MaleScale for free to anyone who wants to take it at their website at AlphaMaleChallenge.com).

If you’re looking for a bodybuilding book that goes beyond just throwing out exercises and workout programs to do, then Alpha Male Challenge is definitely your ticket to becoming a better person… And a much better looking person!

The secret of Natural Body Building!

However, Natural Bodybuilding is a sport still adopted by many out of sheer passion to see their muscle hypertrophy boost without any aid of un-natural means.

Drug testing:
Testing bodies for the presence of any ‘illegal’ substances forms an imperative part Natural BodyBuilding contests. Such tests are mostly carried out at a national level by the National drug or Anti-doping body of the jurisdiction. These national organizations have sanctioning from the World Anti-Doping Agencies which primarily includes the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) and New Zealand Sports Drug Agency.Professional organizations:
Where in the world of bodybuilding, competitions and rankings rendered by the IFBB are considered most prestigious and the highest, the fact of the matter is these contests are still not natural. Hence professionals who intend to make their mark as Natural Bodybuilders, have organizations like the International Fitness and Physique Association (IFPA), National Gym Association (NGA), International Natural Body building Association (INBA) and World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF), organizing events and contests that strictly adhere to regulations promoting natural body building.

Natural BodyBuilding has a great advantage and that is it does not encourage the use of any muscle enhancing drugs which invariably prove to be hazardous in the longer run. Hence building oneself aesthetically, the natural way calls for a greater amount of dedication, hard work and passion because you know you are not supporting your body with any external ‘unnatural’ supplements. It helps you be more determined towards your goal and lends you fitness that will perpetually stay with you forever, and keep you healthy and bright in future times to come!

sourse: http://www.isteroids.com

It was founded in 1946 by Ben and Joe Weider who wanted to render a new dimension and honor to the sport of professional body building. In 1965, Joe Weider brought into emergence the first IFBB professional contest, Mr. Olympia to pave way for body builders with passion for this sport create a competitive career for themselves and earn money too. In 1996, Larry Scott, popularly known as the Legend, brought this platform into lime light when we won the title along with the prize sum of dollar 1000.By 2006, there took place over 40 IFBB competitions and a total prize money of 1.6 million dollars has been won.However, it is not easy for any and every person to get into the IFBB. In order to become what is called an ‘IFBB Pro’, one first needs to earn an IFBB pro card. This starts with the bodybuilder first winning the regional contest weight class. If he places well in it, he receives an invite from the country’s National Championship Contest for that particular year. This indeed comes in as an opportunity for him to prove his grit, his efficiency and his hunger for excellence in the field. The winners of all the respective weight classes compete at the National Championships which in turn gives them an avenue to head myriad other contests. This is how one of them proves to be the Champion of the Year who is then offered the ‘Pro Card’. Some organizations may give Pro Cards to the winner of every weight class so there might be chances of more than one individual gaining this Card in a single year. The body builders also get an opportunity to earn a Pro Card at the IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships which is a drug tested event. Ronnie Coleman won his IFBB Pro Card at this forum.

Besides, the NPC or the National Physique committee is also affiliated with the IFBB and award IFBB Pro Cards to its Heavyweight and Super weight winners. The other three contests where a body builder can earn a pro card includes The Nationals, The North American Championships and The USA Championships.

It was the IFBB president Ben Weider’s efforts which led body building to be an official part Olympic Games. From the 1980’s he petitioned the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for inclusion in the same and on 1 st August 2000, IFBB was finally made permanent.

The IFBB continues to rein as the most sought-after and prestigious organization in the genre of Bodybuilding, rendering accolades that people consider to be a symbol of greatest honor one can ever get in the history the sport!

sourse: http://www.isteroids.com

Your Body Doesn’t Consume Enough Water

Although coke and coffee are also liquid, they won’t do, as caffeine contained in both beverages act as diuretic, that is, make your body lose water. When this happens, your body starts storing water. The average grown-up needs 6 to 8 cups of water daily. And if you work out in the gym intensively on a regular basis, you need even more water. You would need on average from half gallon to gallon water.

Water Removes Toxins from Body

Water is essential, if you are on a diet with high protein content. It helps remove excess nitrogen, urea (a toxic substance) and ketones from the body. If you eat a lot to gain mass, you also need plenty of water – this helps the kidneys function. Drink water to remove toxins from your body.

Water Reduces Water Retention

It sounds weird, but this is a fact. Drinking water may really help you get rid of excess “water” body weight. When you receive too little water, your body notices the lack of water and starts storing it. This water is stored in extracellular areas of your body. In other words, your skin looks loose and swollen.

Water Helps Burn Fat

When your body doesn’t consume enough water, your kidneys can’t function properly. And when this is the case, a large amount of what you consume gets to your liver. Your liver burns the stored fat into energy. But when the liver functions for both itself and kidneys, it burns less fat. In addition, water suppresses appetite.

Water Helps Those Consuming Too Much Salt

If water retention is the problem, then this may be due to excess salt consumed. The more salt, the more your body tries to keep water in order to reduce the salt concentration. Either reduce the salt consumption or drink more water.

Water Keeps Bodybuilders in Form

If your body gets too little water from outside, it takes it away from other organs, such as bowels. When this is the case, one suffers from constipation. Besides, water lets you digest food better. This is especially true, if you consume more than 4000 calories a day.

Water Increases the Effect of Food Additives

Food additives, such as creatine, have their effect partly because they keep the water in the muscle cells, which creates perfect conditions for the protein synthesis, which is necessary for the growth. In order for this to function properly, you need plenty of water. Besides, if you work out in the gym intensively, you need certain vitamins. Many vitamins perform their function only dissolved in water, this is why you need to drink enough water.

Sleep

Sleep and Muscle Mass

Sleep helps us recover; sleep deprivation leads to physical, intellectual, and nervous exhaustion. When you sleep too little, the catabolic processes start dominating in your body. Muscle mass is lost in the first place. The process starts from the muscle bellies flattening out and softening, and soon enough your body develops relative atrophy. As the cortisol level increases in the body, fat depositing becomes easier (as a reaction to stress), the person displays anxiety, irritability, and annoyance, and, most importantly for a bodybuilder, the testosterone level drops. Sleep deprivation has a negative effect on the overall testosterone level, as well as on the conversion of testosterone into its free form. This, in addition, leads to the loss of dry muscle mass, to lowered libido, weakened erection, and lack of attraction.

Deep Sleep Is a Must in Bodybuilding

How much sleep we need is a personal matter, but bodybuilders need deep sleep like nobody else. While beauty sleep (the day-time sleep) has a lot of benefits, it can not provide complete restoration. Bodybuilders, who wish to develop impressive figure, need to sleep a lot and deeply enough. The type of sleep they need is called Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep. This is the deepest state of sleep. Eyes move rapidly under the eyelids, when the person is going through this phase. This phase of sleep is of prime importance for sufficient recovery after heavy trainings.

Non-stop Sleep at Night

How fast you go through the earlier, lighter phases of sleep determines how fast you reach REM sleep. Some people reach REM at a railway speed, while others might need a couple of hours. The fact how fast your reach REM determines how many hours you need to have your sleep out. If your workouts at the gym are intensive, you will probably need seven hours of non-stop sleep at night. The non-stop part is very important, since interruption of REM sleep has negative effect on the body restoration.

Restore Your Body after Workouts

Sometimes you may find yourself in situations when diet and rest can not provide sufficient restoration. In such situations you will feel overtrained fast; the more you work, the worse results you get. This is due to the fact that there are no magic foods or food additives which can help you resist training damages as much as deep sleep does. In such situations it is better to listen to your body and lower the load on bit or stop working out until full recovery.

History

Early years

The “Early Years” of Bodybuilding are considered to be the period between 1880 and 1930.

Bodybuilding (the art of displaying the muscles of the physical body) did not really exist prior to the late 19th century, when it was promoted by a man from Prussia named Eugen Sandow,[1] who is now generally referred to as “The Father of Modern Bodybuilding”. He is credited as being a pioneer of the sport because he allowed an audience to enjoy viewing his physique in “muscle display performances”. Although audiences thrilled seeing a well developed physique, those men simply displayed their bodies as part of strength demonstrations or wrestling matches. Sandow had a stage show built around these displays through his manager, Florenz Ziegfeld. He became so successful at it, he later created several businesses around his fame and was among the first to market products branded with his name alone. As he became more popular, he was credited with inventing and selling the first exercise equipment for the masses (machined dumbbells, spring pulleys and tension bands).Sandow was a strong advocate of “the Grecian Ideal” (this was a standard where a mathematical “ideal” was set up and the “perfect physique” was close to the proportions of ancient Greek and Roman statues from classical times). This is how Sandow built his own physique and in the early years, men were judged by how closely they matched these “ideal” proportions. Sandow organised the first bodybuilding contest on 14 September 1901 called the “Great Competition” and held in the Royal Albert Hall, London, UK. Judged by himself, Sir Charles Lawes, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle the contest was a huge success and was sold out and hundreds of physical culture enthusiasts were turned away. The trophy presented to the winner was a bronze statue of Sandow himself sculpted by Frederick Pomeroy. The winner was William L. Murray of Nottingham, England. The most prestigious bodybuilding contest today is the Mr. Olympia, and since 1977, the winner has been presented with the same bronze statue of Sandow he himself presented to the winner at the first contest.[2]

On 16 January, 1904, the first large-scale bodybuilding competition in America took place at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The winner was Al Treloar and he was declared “The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World”. Treloar won a $1,000 cash prize, a substantial sum at that time. Two weeks later, Thomas Edison made a film of Al Treloar’s posing routine. Edison also made two films of Sandow a few years before, making him the man who made the first three motion pictures featuring a bodybuilder. In the early 20th century, Bernarr Macfadden and Charles Atlas, continued to promote bodybuilding across the world. Alois P. Swoboda was an early pioneer in America and the man who Charles Atlas credited with his success in his statement: “Everything that I know I learned from A. P. (Alois) Swoboda.”[citation needed]

Other important bodybuilders in the early history of bodybuilding prior to 1930 include: Earle Liederman (writer of some of the earliest bodybuilding instruction books), Seigmund Breitbart (famous Jewish bodybuilder), Georg Hackenschmidt, George F. Jowett, Maxick (a pioneer in the art of posing), Monte Saldo, Launceston Elliot, Sig Klein, Sgt. Alfred Moss, Joe Nordquist, Lionel Strongfort (Strongfortism), Gustav Fristensky (the Czech champion), and Alan C. Mead, who became an impressive muscle champion despite the fact that he lost a leg in the Great War.

The “Golden Age”

The period of around 1940 to 1970 is often referred to as the “Golden Age” of bodybuilding because of changes in the aesthetic for more mass, as well as muscular symmetry and definition, which characterised the “early years”. This was due in large part to the advent of World War II, which inspired many young men to be bigger, stronger and more aggressive in their attitudes. This was accomplished by improved training techniques, better nutrition and more effective equipment. Several important publications came into being, as well, and new contests emerged as the popularity of the sport grew.

This period of bodybuilding was typified at Muscle Beach in Venice, California. Famous names in bodybuilding from this period included Steve Reeves (notable in his day for portraying Hercules and other sword-and-sandals heroes), Reg Park, John Grimek, Larry Scott, Bill Pearl, and Irvin “Zabo” Koszewski.

The rise in popularity of the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) added a bodybuilding competition to their existing weightlifting contest in 1939 – and the following year this competition was named AAU Mr. America. Around the mid-1940s most bodybuilders became disgruntled with the AAU since they only allowed amateur competitors and they placed more focus on the Olympic sport of weightlifting. This caused brothers Ben and Joe Weider to form the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB) – which organized their competition IFBB Mr. America, which was open to professional athletes.

In 1950, another organization, the National Amateur Bodybuilders Association (NABBA) started their NABBA Mr. Universe contest in the UK. Another major contest, Mr. Olympia was first held in 1965 – and this is currently the most prestigious title in bodybuilding.

Initially contests were only for men, but the NABBA added Miss Universe in 1965 and Ms. Olympia was started in 1980. (For more, see female bodybuilding.)

1970s onwards

In the 1970s, bodybuilding had major publicity thanks to Arnold Schwarzenegger and the 1977 film Pumping Iron. By this time the IFBB dominated the sport and the AAU took a back seat.

The National Physique Committee (NPC) was formed in 1981 by Jim Manion, who had just stepped down as chairman of the AAU Physique Committee. The NPC has gone on to become the most successful bodybuilding organization in the U.S., and is the amateur division of the IFBB. The late 1980s and early 1990s saw the decline of AAU sponsored bodybuilding contests. In 1999, the AAU voted to discontinue its bodybuilding events.

This period also saw the rise of anabolic steroids used both in bodybuilding and many other sports. To combat this, and to be allowed to be an IOC member, the IFBB introduced doping tests for both steroids and other banned substances. Although doping tests occurred, the majority of professional bodybuilders still used anabolic steroids for competition. During the 1970s the use of anabolic steroids was openly discussed partly due to the fact they were legal.[3] However the U.S. Congress in the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 placed anabolic steroids into Schedule III of the Controlled substance act (CSA).

In 1990, wrestling promoter Vince McMahon announced he was forming a new bodybuilding organization, the World Bodybuilding Federation (WBF). McMahon wanted to bring WWF-style showmanship and bigger prize money to the sport of bodybuilding. McMahon signed 13 competitors to lucrative long-term contracts, something virtually unheard of in bodybuilding up until then. Most of the WBF competitors jumped ship from the IFBB. In response to the WBF’s formation, IFBB president Ben Weider blacklisted all the bodybuilders who had signed with the WBF. The IFBB also quietly stopped testing their athletes for anabolic steroid use since it was difficult to compete thus with a new organization which did not test for steroids. In 1992, Vince McMahon instituted drug testing for WBF athletes because he and the WWF were under investigation by the federal government for alleged involvement in anabolic steroid trafficking. The result was that the competitors in the 1992 WBF contest looked sub-par, according to some contemporary accounts. McMahon formally dissolved the WBF in July, 1992. Reasons for this probably included lack of income from the pay-per-view broadcasts of the WBF contests, slow sales of the WBF’s magazine Bodybuilding Lifestyles (which later became WBF Magazine), and the expense of paying multiple 6-figure contracts as well as producing two TV shows and a monthly magazine. However, the formation of the WBF had two positive effects for the IFBB athletes: (1) it caused IFBB founder Joe Weider to sign many of his top stars to contracts, and (2) it caused the IFBB to raise prize money in its sanctioned contests. Joe Weider eventually offered to accept the WBF bodybuilders back into the IFBB for a fine of 10% of their former yearly WBF salary.

In the early 2000s, the IFBB was attempting to make bodybuilding an Olympic sport. It obtained full IOC membership in 2000 and was attempting to get approved as a demonstration event at the Olympics which would hopefully lead to it being added as a full contest. This did not happen. Olympic recognition for bodybuilding remains controversial since some argue that bodybuilding is not a sport because the actual contest does not involve athletic effort. Also, some still have the misperception that bodybuilding necessarily involves the use of anabolic steroids, which are prohibited in Olympic competitions. Proponents argue that the posing routine requires skill and preparation, and bodybuilding should therefore be considered a sport.

In 2003, Joe Weider sold Weider Publications to AMI, which owns The National Enquirer. Ben Weider is still the president of the IFBB. In 2004, contest promoter Wayne DeMilia broke ranks with the IFBB and AMI took over the promotion of the Mr. Olympia contest.

Areas of Bodybuilding

Professional bodybuilding

In the modern bodybuilding industry “Professional” generally means a bodybuilder who has won qualifying completions as an amateur and has earned a ‘pro card’ from the IFBB. Professionals earn the right to compete in sanctioned competitions including the Arnold Classic and the Night of Champions. Placings at such competitions in turn earn them the right to compete at the Mr. Olympia, the title is considered to be the highest accolade in the professional bodybuilding field.

Natural bodybuilding

Main article: Natural bodybuilding

In natural contests bodybuilders are routinely tested for illegal substances and are banned for any violations from future contests. Testing can be done on urine samples, but in many cases a less expensive polygraph (lie detector) test is performed instead. What qualifies as an “illegal” substance, in the sense that it is prohibited by regulatory bodies, varies between natural federations, and does not necessarily include only substances that are illegal under the laws of the relevant jurisdiction. Anabolic steroids, Prohormone and Diuretics are generally banned in natural organizations. Natural bodybuilding organizations include NANBF (North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation), and the NPA (Natural physique association). Natural bodybuilders assert that their method is more focused on competition and a healthy lifestyle than other forms of bodybuilding.

Teenage bodybuilding

Bodybuilding also has many competition categories for young entrants. Many current professional bodybuilders started when they were teenagers. Bodybuilders such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Priest and Jay Cutler all started competing when they were teenagers. Today many teenagers compete in bodybuilding competitions.

Female bodybuilding

Main article: Female bodybuilding

In the 1970s, women began to take part in bodybuilding competitions, and was extremely popular for a time. However, though more women than ever are training with weights for exercise purposes[citation needed], the interest in the competitive side of bodybuilding for women has waned sharply in recent years due to the increasingly bulky appearance of female bodybuilders[citation needed]. In recent years, the related areas of fitness and figure competition have gained in popularity, providing an alternative for women who choose not to develop the level of muscularity necessary for bodybuilding. The first Ms. Olympia contest in 1980, won by Rachel McLish, would resemble closely what is thought of today as a fitness and figure competition.

Sport

For biographies of professional bodybuilders see list of female bodybuilders, list of male professional bodybuilders, and Category:Professional bodybuilders

In competitive bodybuilding, bodybuilders aspire to develop and maintain an aesthetically pleasing (by bodybuilding standards) body and balanced physique. The competitors show off their bodies by performing a number of poses – bodybuilders spend time practicing their posing as this has a large effect on how they are judged.

A bodybuilder’s size and shape are far more important than how much he or she can lift. The sport should therefore not be confused with strongman competition or powerlifting, where the main point is on actual physical strength, or with Olympic weightlifting, where the main point is equally split between strength and technique. Though superficially similar to the casual observer, the fields entail a different regimen of training, diet, and basic motivation.

Contest preparation

The general strategy adopted by most present-day competitive bodybuilders is to make muscle gains for most of the year (known as the “off-season”) and approximately 3-4 months from competition attempt to lose body fat (referred to as “cutting”). In doing this some muscle will be lost but the aim is to keep this to a minimum. There are many approaches used but most involve reducing calorie intake and increasing cardio, while monitoring body fat percentage.

In the week leading up to a contest, bodybuilders will begin increasing their water intake so as to upregulate the systems in the body associated with water flushing. They will also increase their sodium intake. At the same time they will decrease their carbohydrate consumption in an attempt to “carb deplete”. The goal during this week is to deplete the muscles of glycogen. Two days before the show, sodium intake is reduced by half, and then eliminated completely. The day before the show, water is removed from the diet, and diuretics may be introduced. At the same time carbohydrates are re-introduced into the diet to expand the muscles. This is typically known as “carb-loading.” The end result is an ultra-lean bodybuilder with full hard muscles and a dry, vascular appearance.

Prior to performing on stage, bodybuilders will apply various products to their skin to improve their muscle definition – these include fake tan commonly called “pro tan” (to make the skin darker) and various oils (to make the skin shiny). They will also use weights to “pump up” by forcing blood to their muscles to improve size and vascularity, and immediately before competition will often eat sugary foods such as chocolate in order to increase their vascularity.[citation needed]

Strategy

In order to achieve muscle growth (hypertrophy), bodybuilders focus in three main lines of action:

* Resistance weight training
* Specialised nutrition, incorporating extra protein and supplements where necessary
* Adequate rest

Resistance weight training

Resistance weight training causes micro-tears to the muscles being trained; this is generally known as microtrauma. These micro-tears in the muscle contribute to the soreness felt after exercise, called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). It is the repair to these micro-trauma that result in muscle growth. Normally, this soreness becomes most apparent a day or two after a workout.

Nutrition

The high levels of muscle growth and repair achieved by bodybuilders require a specialized diet. Generally speaking, bodybuilders require more Calories than the average person of the same height, bodybuilders need a higher amount of calories above their ‘maintenance level’ in order to increase muscle mass. A sub-maintenance level of food energy is combined with cardiovascular exercise to lose body fat in preparation for a contest. The ratios of food energy from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats vary depending on the goals of the bodybuilder.[4]

Carbohydrates play an important role for bodybuilders. Carbohydrates give the body energy to deal with the rigors of training and recovery. Bodybuilders seek out low-glycemic polysaccharides and other slowly-digesting carbohydrates, which release energy in a more stable fashion than high-glycemic sugars and starches. This is important as high-glycemic carbohydrates cause a sharp insulin response, which places the body in a state where it is likely to store additional food energy as fat rather than muscle, and which can waste energy that should be directed towards muscle growth. However, bodybuilders frequently do ingest some quickly-digesting sugars (often in form of pure dextrose or maltodextrin) after a workout. This may help to replenish glycogen stores within the muscle, and to stimulate muscle protein synthesis.[5]

Protein is probably one of the most important parts of the diet for the bodybuilder to consider. Functional proteins such as motor proteins which include myosin, kinesin, and dynein generate the forces exerted by contracting muscles. Current advice says that bodybuilders should consume 25-30% of protein per total calorie intake to further their goal of maintaining and improving their body composition.[6] This is a widely debated topic, with many arguing that 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight is ideal, some suggesting that less is sufficient, and others recommending 1.5, 2, or more.[7][8][9][10] It is believed that protein needs to be consumed frequently throughout the day, especially during/after a workout, and before sleep.[11] There is also some debate concerning the best type of protein to take. Chicken, beef, pork, fish, eggs and dairy foods are high in protein, as are some nuts, seeds, beans and lentils. Casein or whey are often used to supplement the diet with additional protein. Whey protein is the type of protein contained in many popular brands of protein supplements, and is preferred by many bodybuilders because of its high Biological Value (BV) and quick absorption rates. Bodybuilders usually require higher quality protein with a high BV rather than relying on protein such as soy, which is often avoided due to its estrogenic properties.[12] Still, some nutrition experts believe that soy, flax seeds and many other plants that contain the weak estrogen-like compounds or phytoestrogens can be used beneficially as phytoestrogens compete with this hormone for receptor sites in the male body and can block its actions. This can also include some inhibition of pituitary functions while stimulating the P450 system (the system that eliminates chemicals, hormones, drugs and metabolic waste product from the body) in the liver to more actively process and excrete excess estrogen.[13][14]

Bodybuilders usually split their food intake for the day into 5 to 7 meals of roughly equal nutritional content and attempt to eat at regular intervals (normally between 2 and 3 hours). This process used to be considered a mechanism for increasing basal metabolic rate when compared to less frequent meals with the same energy content, but research has debunked this myth.[15]

Dietary supplements

Main article: Bodybuilding supplement

The important role of nutrition in building muscle and losing fat means bodybuilders may consume a wide variety of dietary supplements.[16] Various products are used in an attempt to augment muscle size, increase the rate of fat loss, improve joint health and prevent potential nutrient deficiencies. Scientific consensus supports the effectiveness of only a small number of commercially available supplements when used by healthy, physically active adults. Creatine is probably the most widely used performance enhancing supplement and it is perfectly legal. Creatine works by turning into creatine phosphate, which basically provides an extra phosphorus molecule in the regeneration of ATP. This will provide you with more energy, that lasts longer during short, intense bits of work. IE weight training.

Performance enhancing substances

Most bodybuilders choose to use drugs to gain an advantage in hypertrophy, especially in professional competitions. Although these substances are illegal without prescription in many countries, in professional bodybuilding anabolic steroids and precursor substances such as prohormones are used very frequently. Anabolic steroids cause muscle hypertrophy of both types (I and II) of muscle fibers caused likely by an increased synthesis of muscle proteins. Some negative side-effects accompany steroid abuse, such as hepatotoxicity, gynecomastia, acne, male patern baldness and a temporary decline in the body’s own testosterone production, which can cause testicular atrophy.

Growth Hormone (GH) and insulin are also used. GH is incredibly expensive compared to steroids, while insulin is very readily available yet fatal if misused. See Growth hormone treatment for bodybuilding.

Rest

Although muscle stimulation occurs in the gym lifting weights, muscle growth occurs afterward during rest. Without adequate rest and sleep, muscles do not have an opportunity to recover and build. About eight hours of sleep a night is desirable for the bodybuilder to be refreshed, although this varies from person to person. Additionally, many athletes find a daytime nap further increases their body’s ability to build muscle. Some bodybuilders take several naps per day, during peak anabolic phases.

Overtraining

Main article: Overtraining

Overtraining refers to when a bodybuilder has trained to the point where his workload exceeds his recovery capacity. There are many reasons that overtraining occurs, including lack of adequate nutrition, lack of recovery time between workouts, insufficient sleep, and training at a high intensity for too long (a lack of splitting apart workouts). Training at a high intensity too frequently also stimulates the central nervous system (CNS) and can result in a hyper-adrenergic state that interferes with sleep patterns.[17] To avoid overtraining, intense frequent training must be met with at least an equal amount of purposeful recovery. Timely provision of carbohydrates, proteins, and various micronutrients such as vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, even nutritional supplements are acutely critical.

It has been argued that overtraining can be beneficial. One article published by Muscle & Fitness magazine stated that you can “Overtrain for Big Gains”. It suggested that if one is planning a restful holiday and they do not wish to inhibit their bodybuilding lifestyle too much, they should overtrain before taking the holiday, so the body can rest easily and recuperate and grow.

More commonly however, overtraining can be used advantageously, as when a bodybuilder is purposely overtrained for a brief period of time to super compensate during a regeneration phase. These are known as “shock micro-cycles” and were a key training technique used by Soviet athletes.[citation needed] However, the vast majority of overtraining that occurs in average bodybuilders is generally unplanned and completely unnecessary.

sourse: http://bodybuilding.ironmagazine.com

The thought of competing with the best and looking the best has been more than just a motivation for these people. However, not all of us are aware of the amazing history of bodybuilding.

It is believed that the earliest exhibition of human musculature dates back to the times of Ancient Greeks who were of the view that the human body reflected the beauty of the gods. This is evident from the fact that many sculptures and paintings of these times.

Some researchers are of the view that the history of bodybuilding traces back to the times of Indian rulers in the 11th Century. This was the time when young men used to lift stone dumbbell weights, known as Nals, to develop their bodies. They were motivated to indulge into bodybuilding workout and weight lifting to have a well-refined appearance. This was the time when the definition of bodybuilding changed from a great-sized, muscular body to a great curved and muscular body through resistance training, calculated nutritional intake, and specialized guidance. Gymnasiums were commonplace in India during these times and weight training was considered as the national pastime by the 16th century.In the following years, bodybuilders started to engage themselves to participate in competitive bodybuilding. These were the years when bodybuilding exercises and bodybuilding supplements were in much demand. The Winner used to be selected on the basis of degree of development and aesthetic outlook. The bodybuilders used to typically display their well-curved bodies and physiques via a defined set of compulsory poses set to music to get points from the respective judges.

Let us have a complete insight as to how, when, and from where competitive bodybuilding rose to unprecedented heights.

The Early Period (1890-1929):
The definitions of Weight training and bodybuilding changed by end of the 19th century. People were keen to learn the lessons of bodybuilding and actively participation was seen almost everywhere.

During these times, the goal of bodybuilders and their coaches was not to develop physique into a glorious spectacle per se but to amaze the crowd with feats of strength. These feats used to catch the attention of the amused onlookers.

In the following years, the history of bodybuilding got revolutionized by the arrival of one man. This one man changed the world of bodybuilding and soon transformed part-time body builders to professional body builders. This man was Eugene Sandow, born as Friedric Muller.

Eugene Sandow was known as the father of modern bodybuilding and the first famous bodybuilder. He was a champion bodybuilder and was considered to be a style icon in his own unique ways. His beautifully symmetrical and densely muscular physique was unrivaled. It was Sandow who published the first bodybuilding magazine with the name “Physical Culture”.

During these times, weight lifting contests and bodybuilding events started taking place on a mass budget like never-before. Sandow became a popular icon and “showstopper” for bodybuilding brands.

In order to promote bodybuilding like never before, Sandow developed and promoted “The Great Show”, which was the first bodybuilding show in the year 1891. William L Murray from Nottingham (Great Britain) was adjudged as “Winner of the World’s First Big Bodybuilding Contest”.

In the meantime, weight-lifting was introduced in the First Modern Olympic Games in Athens (Greece) in the year 1896.

In the following years, Bernarr Macfadden sold his highly popular chest expander and was regarded as the father of physical culture.

The Golden Era (1930-1970):
The period was 1930-1970 is regarded by many as the golden era of bodybuilding. During this time, men were being attracted to the idea of owning a well-curved and fully developed muscular body; this was the time when bodybuilding contests were seen as the most popular events. Bodybuilding competitions were soon becoming the first choice of all and more and more bodybuilders were getting into competitive bodybuilding at this time.

Young men were seen working hard in the gymnasiums and striking a pose or two in front of the mirrors.

This was the time when amateur and professional body builders took weight-lifting on the beach front on the coast of California.

In the year 1939, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) introduced the Mr. America Competition. The first and second year titles went to John Grimek who became a celebrity and style icon in the world of bodybuilding and physical development. Slow yet gradual improvements took place from 1939-1966 and the world of bodybuilding was left amazed by the most influential bodybuilders of all times in the form of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. America title by beating Dennis Tinereno in the year 1967. Arnold Schwarzenegger and bodybuilding start reaching every household and the world of bodybuilding start looking bigger and better than ever. The followers of bodybuilders almost idolize Arnold Schwarzenegger and started engaging themselves in heavy workouts, bodybuilding exercises, and bodybuilding supplements with a predefined aim to look big.

Recent History (1980-Till Date):
These were the years when bodybuilding went from local to global. Bodybuilders, athletes, and actors started emphasizing on weight lifting and bodybuilding to enhance their performance, outlook, and marketability. Prizes, money, sponsorships, and endorsements entered the world of bodybuilding motivating many a young men to enter the sport.

In today’s times, the world of bodybuilding is bigger and professional than ever with no scope for second chances and thoughts. The thought of a well-defined, muscular body still motivates today’s young men and the game is getting bigger with every passing day.

sourse: http://www.isteroids.com