Muscle hypertrophy training is key in bodybuilding.
Bodybuilding is a discipline based on performing physical exercises to develop muscles . This practice is also called bodybuilding , a term that comes etymologically from the French culturisme .
Before moving forward, it is important to note that the group of muscles in the body is called musculature . These muscles , in turn, are organs made up of contractile fibers, with which they can contract and relax and thus produce movement. Those who practice bodybuilding seek to increase muscle size.
History of bodybuilding
The history of bodybuilding begins in Ancient Greece . It is estimated that in this civilization ballasts began to be used as part of exercises to increase the size and strength of the muscles, aiming at participation in rituals or simply as a resource to improve survival skills.
We cannot fail to mention the cultural importance that the body had in Ancient Greece . Figures with muscular hypertrophy can be seen in numerous friezes and sculptures, especially in representations of mythological heroes and gods such as Laocoön and Hercules .
It took a long time, however, until bodybuilding emerged as a sporting and aesthetic discipline . Its birth is located in French territory during the 19th century .
Squats are common exercises in bodybuilding.
The importance of Eugen Sandow
In this framework, the name of Eugen Sandow (considered the father of modern bodybuilding) emerges. Born Friederich Wilhem Müller in 1867 and died in 1925 , this athlete of Prussian origin grew up admiring statues from the time of the Roman Empire and Ancient Greece , taking their body proportions as an ideal to achieve.
Thus, Sandow dedicated himself to weight training and developing an exercise routine to enlarge his pectorals , biceps , triceps , quadriceps , and other muscles. Already in his youth he began to exhibit his muscles at events and participate in strength shows.
Sandow was also a pioneer in the sale of exercise equipment, in addition to marketing physical training courses by correspondence. On the other hand, he wrote several books with training advice (about the repetitions and series necessary to promote muscle hypertrophy ).
A Sandow se lo señala, asimismo, como el responsable de la creación de las poses que hoy los fisicoculturistas realizan en las competencias y como el organizador del primer certamen de la disciplina (que tuvo lugar en 1901 en London).
Currently, the statuette awarded to the winner of the famous Mr. Olympia competition pays tribute to Sandow , recognizing his contributions to the development of bodybuilding.
After a workout or bodybuilding competition, muscle recovery should be encouraged.
Features of modern bodybuilding
It can be indicated that modern bodybuilding is a sporting discipline since bodybuilders compete against each other, exhibiting their muscles before judges who are in charge of scoring and choosing the winner. For several decades, not only men have participated in the activity, but female bodybuilding also exists.
However, beyond competition, bodybuilding is a training program aimed at exaggerated muscle development. In this context, exercises are usually carried out in a gym and are based on weight lifting, although they may include fitness and other actions.
It cannot be failed to mention that bodybuilding can also be considered as a way of life focused on taking care of the body and enhancing the muscles. In this way, attention is paid to both pre-workout and post-workout, with diets high in protein and carbohydrates and adequate rest and sufficient hours of sleep.
doping
Doping or doping is common in bodybuilding. Athletes usually administer anabolic steroids , HGH (human growth hormone), testosterone , diuretics and insulin, among other hormones and drugs that allow them to enhance their muscles.
It cannot be overlooked that the use of these substances in high doses and by healthy people can generate various adverse effects, both physically and psychologically.
In this context, in recent years the form of natural bodybuilding has grown. As its name suggests, this movement dispenses with doping, which is why anti-doping tests are usually carried out in its competitions.
Most important bodybuilding events
Among the most important events in bodybuilding, Mister Olympia ( Mr. Olympia ) stands out. It is organized by the International Bodybuilding Federation or Association (IFBB) and has different categories.
Its founder was Joe Weider in 1965 . Mr. Olympia has also had its female version ( Ms. Olympia ) for more than four decades.
Another relevant competition is the Arnold Classic , promoted by Arnold Schwarzenegger . The winner, in addition to receiving prizes and money, has the right to compete for the Mr. Olympia .
It should be noted that Schwarzenegger , before succeeding in Hollywood as an actor, was a prominent professional bodybuilder who won the Mr. Olympia contest seven times and was Mr. Universe . In addition to shining in bodybuilding and acting, he served as governor of California between 2003 and 2011 , serving two terms.