Bodybuilding is the process of developing muscle fibres through the combination of weight training, increased caloric intake, and rest. Someone who engages in this activity is referred to as a bodybuilder. As a sport, called competitive bodybuilding, bodybuilders display their physiques to a panel of judges, who assign points based on their aesthetic appearance. Bodybuilding has contributed to the success of many public figures worldwide. Examples from North America include Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno.

Female Bodybuilding

In the 1970s women began to take part in bodybuilding competitions. Extremely popular at first, the interest in the competitive side of female bodybuilding has waned sharply in recent years even though more women than ever are training with weights. 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.

Teenage Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding also has many competition categories for young entrants. There has been some controversy surrounding teenagers competing in bodybuilding, as critics argue the pressures for teens to resort to steroid use is much higher, as their muscle development may not be fully matured yet. However, the sport does attract a fair amount of teenage competitors. It is a popular sport due to its emphasis on fitness.

Bodybuilding and Nutrition

In any case, whether male or female, or teenage, nutrition is a big part of proper bodybuilding. The high levels of muscle growth and repair achieved by bodybuilders require a specialised diet. Generally speaking, bodybuilders require between 500 to 1000 Calories (2000 to 4000 kilojoules) above their maintenance level of food energy while attempting to increase lean body 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.

After the weight lifting workout a recovery drink is necessary in order to fill the muscles glycogen stores and repair the microtears done to the muscle.

The important role of nutrition in building muscle means bodybuilders may consume a wide variety of dietary supplements. Commonly used products include: essential fatty acid; amino acids; vitamin and mineral formulations; glucosamine and/or chondroitin; MSM (methylsulfonylmethane); thermogenics and creatine.