Latest Bodybuilding News
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Every Winner of the Wheelchair Olympia
The Wheelchair Olympia is the sixth men’s division and the 10th overall to be added to the annual Olympia. This competition was born in 2018 and has become an annual tradition that has inspired fans and future athletes. Seven contests have been held, but only two athletes have won the title as of 2024. Harold Kelley…
Top Athletes
Bodybuilding Guides
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The Stomach Vacuum: What It Is, Benefits, & More From Bodybuilding Experts
In 1979, bodybuilder Frank Zane made physique sports history when he struck a now-iconic pose on stage at that year’s Mr. Olympia (history buffs will recall that Zane won that competition), captured at the exact right moment by his wife, Christine. Sure, Zane looked great under the lights, as he always did. But a large…
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Try These 6 Unique Bodybuilding Arm Exercises to Spark New Muscle Growth
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The Best Pre-Workout Meal for Bodybuilding Based on Your Goals
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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
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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A Champion Bodybuilding Coach’s Review of Jay Cutler’s Back Training
“He had to stand next to Ronnie Coleman’s back for basically a decade.” Bodybuilding coach Joe Bennett critiqued four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler’s back training in late November 2024. Cutler achieved legend status after ending Coleman’s eight-year reign as Mr. Olympia in 2006. Cutler won again in ‘07, ‘09, and 2010. In the breakdown, Bennett targeted four aspects of Cutler’s…
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Jay Cutler Refuses to Start Chest Day Without Training a Completely Unrelated Body Part
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