Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a form of resistance training focused on increasing muscle size and definition through hypertrophy.

Bodybuilding is a form of resistance training focused on increasing muscle size and definition through hypertrophy. It is practiced for aesthetic development and, in competition, athletes are judged on muscularity, symmetry, conditioning, posing, and presentation. In Canada, bodybuilding is widely practiced as a recreational fitness activity and competitive sport, with local gyms, amateur contests, and national-level organizations serving Canadian athletes.

Definition

Bodybuilding is a training discipline centered on building and shaping the muscles of the body through resistance exercise and hypertrophy. The term also refers to the competitive sport in which athletes present their physiques on stage.

Competition and judging

In bodybuilding contests, athletes are compared in line-ups and judged on a combination of physical and presentation factors. Posing is an important part of performance, alongside muscular size and overall balance. Judges assess athletes on conditioning, muscularity, posing, size, stage presentation, and symmetry.

Training and preparation

Bodybuilders usually train with progressive resistance and manage diet to reduce non-essential body fat before competition. Contest peak preparations may include carbohydrate loading and dehydration to enhance definition. The primary goal is muscle hypertrophy and aesthetics.

Relation to other fitness activities

Bodybuilding overlaps with other strength-based activities but differs in emphasis. Compared with powerlifting, which prioritizes maximal strength, bodybuilding focuses more on physique development and appearance. Related activities include resistance training, powerlifting, and calisthenics.