Latest Bodybuilding News
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2023 Japan Pro Bodybuilding Show Results
The 2023 Japan Pro was held in Tokyo, Japan, on the weekend of Nov. 25-26, 2023, and it served as a 2024 Olympia Weekend qualifying event for the Men’s Open, Men’s Physique, and Bikini divisions. Theo Leguerrier (Men’s Open), Jo Uezato (Men’s Physique), and Ashley Kaltwasser (Bikini) were all declared champions. 2023 Japan Pro Bodybuilding Show Results…
Top Athletes
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2023 Men’s Physique Olympia Champion Ryan Terry Recaps His Decade-Long Bodybuilding Journey
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Chris Bumstead and Courtney King Are Expecting Their First Child in 2024
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Missy Truscott Tore 2 Menisci & Her ACL at the 2023 Fitness Olympia
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Discover Pro Classic Physique Bodybuilder Biki Singh’s Vegetarian Meal Plan
Bodybuilding Guides
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Try These 6 Unique Bodybuilding Arm Exercises to Spark New Muscle Growth
Bodybuilding can be a chore, there’s no doubt about it. Hitting the iron day in, day out, and sticking to a program (not to mention following a meal plan or specific diet) is as much of a test of willpower as it is work ethic. That drudgery can extend to your exercises of choice as…
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These Are the 10 Best Carbs to Eat for Bodybuilding
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These Are the 10 Best Dumbbell Exercises for Bodybuilding
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How to (Properly) Combine Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Training
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Bodybuilding vs. Powerlifting Programs — Understanding the Difference
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The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Own Bodybuilding Workout Plan
Bodybuilding Basics
What is Bodybuilding?
In the sport of bodybuilding, athletes compete to see who has the best physique. They are judged on their muscularity, level of conditioning (or leanness), muscular symmetry, and posing routines. Most of the work is done off stage, as competitors must train hard, eat clean 24/7, and follow a rigid supplement regimen to build a complete body.
There are two major bodybuilding organizations — the IFBB Pro League and the NPC (an amateur league). The NPC, which is where most bodybuilders start, offers eight divisions — three for men and five for women. For the men, they are Men’s Bodybuilding, Men’s Classic Physique, Men’s Physique. The women’s divisions include Women’s Physique, Fitness, Figure, Bikini, and wellness. In the bodybuilding category, there are also specific weight classes. They are:
- Bantamweight (up to 143.25 pounds)
- Lightweight (over 143.25 pounds and up to 154.25)
- Middleweight (over 154.25 pounds and up to 176.25)
- Light Heavyweight (over 176.25 pounds and up to 198.25)
- Heavyweight (over 198.25 pounds and up to 225.25)
- Super Heavyweight (over 225.25 pounds)
A typical bodybuilding show consists of four rounds— the symmetry round, the mandatory posing round, the free posing round, and the posedown. (Note: Each division is judged a little differently.) Here’s a breakdown of each stage.
Athletes will first complete a series of “relaxed” quarter-turns so the judges can compare their symmetry and conditioning. Then, they’ll complete the eight mandatory poses to demonstrate their size. Each athlete will then perform a rehearsed posing routine, about 90 seconds long. Finally, the top three to five competitors in each weight class will compete in a posedown, as the last chance to show the judges their best assets.
The eight mandatory poses include:
- Front Double Bicep
- Front Lat Spread
- Side Chest
- Side Tricep
- Rear Double Bicep
- Rear Lat Spread
- Abdominals and Thigh
- Most Muscular (men only)
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2023 Musclecontest International Masters Brazil Pro Preview
Campinas, Brazil, will host the 2023 Musclecontest International Masters Brazil Pro on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. The show features an IFBB Pro League Bikini division event. The winner will earn qualification to the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024. Six athletes are set to compete in Brazil as of Nov.…
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