Amateur Bodybuilders Research Articles

Anthropometric status of amateur bodybuilders in Limpopo Province: a profile of Polokwane Municipality athletes

Anthropometric status of amateur bodybuilders in Limpopo Province: a profile of Polokwane Municipality athletes

The Quality of Functional Movements and the Back Squat in Amateur and Professional Bodybuilders.

It is important to assess the quality of fundamental movements, to discover deficits, evaluate mobility, balance, and stability, and identify movement dysfunction and asymmetries. However, little research has been performed on the assessment of fundamental movements with bodybuilders. The purpose of this research was to examine the quality of professional and amateur bodybuilders' functional movements and the quality of the back squat performance. A secondary purpose was to discern whether greater experience in bodybuilding was associated with better scores on the back squat assessement (BSA). Cross-Sectional Cohort. Twenty-six athletes were recruited to participate. The group of professional bodybuilders consisted of five men and six women, a total of 11 athletes. The group of amateur bodybuilders consisted of seven men and eight women, a total of 15 athletes. The Functional Movement Screen™ (FMS™) was used to assess the seven included fundamental patterns that evaluate an individual's neuromuscular control, mobility, balance, and stability. The BSA was used to assess the quality of movement, dysfunction, deficit, or compensation during the squat exercise. Statistical analyses applied non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney U, and Friedman's) for dependent and independent samples, with significance set at p<0.05, and the Spearman correlation coefficient and Chi-square test were used to assess relationships between quantitative and qualitative variables. Overall, athletes with a higher total FMS™ score performed better on the BSA as well. The professional athletes scored 2.58 points higher than the amateurs on total FMS™ scores (p<0.001).Professional athletes scored better on the BSA than amateurs (p<0.001). A statistically significant, positive moderate correlation was revealed between the FMS™ total score and the squat total score (r=0.68; p=0.005). A higher FMS™ score in bodybuilders is associated with a higher BSA score. Professional bodybuilders have higher FMS™ scores and higher BSA scores than amateurs. Greater experience in bodybuilding is associated with the compliance with several BSA criteria: trunk position, frontal knee alignment, tibial translation angle, foot position in all three back squat variations with different external loads, and descent with the training weight. 3b.

Training, Pharmacological Ergogenic Aids, Dehydration, and Nutrition Strategies during a Peak Week in Competitive Brazilian Bodybuilders: An Observational Cross-Sectional Study in a Non-World Anti-Doping Agency Competitive Environment.

this observational and cross-sectional study aimed to describe training, pharmacological ergogenic aids, dehydration, and nutrition strategies during a peak week in competitive bodybuilders and monitor changes that occurred across this period. Ten amateur bodybuilders were followed during a peak week phase and one day post-contest. Training, diet, dehydration protocol, anabolic steroid use, and nonsteroidal agents were recorded, prescribed, and supervised by the same coach in charge. Body composition, resting metabolic rate, and circumferences were assessed by the research team. Overall, during the peak week phase, the use of anabolic steroids, diuretics, and other pharmacological aids was high among athletes, and the dose and frequency were similar between competitors. Despite the use of supraphysiological doses of drugs, bodybuilders displayed a statistical reduction of lean mass markers, resting metabolic rate, and fat mass markers, possibly influenced by the performance of high volumes of aerobic exercise combined with dietary energy restriction. The main findings of this study display that the coach in charge of Brazilian bodybuilders applied the same anabolic steroid, diuretic, and other pharmacological protocols for all competitors. Moreover, the protocols employed by bodybuilders did not fully attenuate the loss of lean mass during the peak week period.

Different Approaches to Ergogenic, Pre-, and Probiotic Supplementation in Sports with Different Metabolism Characteristics: A Mini Review.

Sport disciplines with different metabolic characteristics require different dietary approaches. Bodybuilders or sprinters ("anaerobic" athletes) need a high-protein diet (HPD) in order to activate muscle protein synthesis after exercise-induced muscle damage and use nitric oxide enhancers (such as citrulline and nitrates) to increase vasodilatation, whereas endurance athletes, such as runners or cyclists ("aerobic" athletes), prefer a high-carbohydrate diet (HCHD), which aims to restore the intramuscular glycogen, and supplements containing buffering agents (such as sodium bicarbonate and beta-alanine). In both cases, nutrient absorption, neurotransmitter and immune cell production and muscle recovery depend on gut bacteria and their metabolites. However, there is still insufficient data on the impact of an HPD or HCHD in addition to supplements on "anaerobic" and "aerobic" athletes' gut microbiota and how this impact could be affected by nutritional interventions such as pre- and probiotic therapy. Additionally, little is known about the role of probiotics in the ergogenic effects of supplements. Based on the results of our previous research on an HPD in amateur bodybuilders and an HCHD in amateur cyclists, we reviewed human and animal studies on the effects of popular supplements on gut homeostasis and sport performance.

Evaluation of the frequency of consumption of vegetables, fruits and products rich in antioxidants by amateur and professional athletes

Athletes belong to a group with special nutritional needs. Strenuous physical activity causes an imbalance of oxidation reduction. The purpose of the study was to assess the frequency of consuming antioxidant-rich food products among amateurs and professionals practicing selected sports. A total of 119 athletes were included in the study. The study group consisted of amateur bodybuilders and Cross-Fit athletes, as well as professional football and handball players. A validated original questionnaire assessing the frequency of consumption of selected high-antioxidant products was used. The highest frequency of consuming raw fruits among amateur athletes was 5-6 times a week (40.68%, n = 24). Sport professionals usually reported 1 serving a day (26.67%, n=16). The highest frequency of consumption of raw vegetables was 2-4 portions a week (37.29%, n=22) in amateurs group, and 5-6 portions weekly (33.33%, n = 20) in professionals group. In addition, we evaluated the intake of red wine. Most of the amateurs (47.46%, n = 28) and professionals (41.67%, n = 25) did not consume wine. All the respondents consumed food products containing antioxidants in quantities that were much lower than those recommended. The obtained findings indicate the need to develop dietary recommendations on anti-oxidant-rich food products for athletes, as well as appropriate nutritional education.

Amateur Bodybuilders and Their Perceptions of Supplements: A Qualitative Analysis

Introduction: Bodybuilding is a sport with an emphasis on aesthetic appearance, and therefore performance in the sport is unique in its emphasis on body image perceptions, and it centers on creating a perfectly proportioned figure of muscle.1-2 The present study sought to examine supplement perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes within the community of male amateur bodybuilders.Methods: Interviews were conducted with thirty (N=30) amateur male bodybuilders ranging in age from 20 to 34 years old (M = 22.93, SD = 3.42) who had been engaged in the sport between 2 and 15 years (M = 3.31, SD = 2.82).Results: Three major themes emerged from the interviews. Amateur male bodybuilders use supplements: (1) to help achieve an ideal body; (2) to increase strength and enhance performance; and (3) because of a belief that the positive benefits outweigh the possible negative consequences. Several sub-themes were present in each major theme.Conclusions: In order to reach a tier of competition they deem satisfactory, and to reach the image they desire, amateur male bodybuilders believe supplementation is a requirement.

Enhancing the Self: Amateur Bodybuilders Making Sense of Experiences With Appearance and Performance-Enhancing Drugs.

In this paper, we implemented a methodological framework of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) and a theoretical conceptualization of multiple selves to explore the subjective accounts of six amateur bodybuilders using appearance- and performance-enhancing drugs (APEDs). The participants made sense of their bodybuilding careers and experiences with APEDs in a way that showed a multiplicity and complexity of reasons for using APEDs, which stemmed from tensions they perceived between the context of bodybuilding and other life domains. The participants’ reasons for the use of APEDs included not only enhancing their body, appearance and performance but also enhancing other subjectively important psychological characteristics, such as agency and self-control, the development of knowledge and expertise, sense of meaning, well-being, and quality of life. In the analysis, we integrated these themes through the concept of the “extraordinary self,” based on which our participants strived for self-actualization through bodybuilding and the use of APEDs. In the sense making of our participants, a potential “exit point” subverting their APED use emerged from a tension between such “extraordinary selves” and the “ordinary selves” through which they perceived APEDs as preventing them from living normal, balanced lives outside the context of bodybuilding. However, success in balancing the two selves also created the possibility of the future use of APEDs.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS AND THEIR USE WEIGHTS AMONGST THE AMATEUR BODYBUILDERS

In bodybuilding, the physical training takes different aspects, in particular the relationship with a specific diet and a substantial contribution of nutritional supplements. The diet for amateur bodybuilders is usually poor, having a negative impact in achieving sportive performance, because the muscle strengthening is closely bounded to vitamins, proteins, carbs, minerals, etc. In this study we have tested the hypothesis according to which in bodybuilding, achieving a good physique and sportive performance is not possible without nutritional supplementation. The study revealed that the athletes manifest a great interest into diet, corroborated with a protein supplementation in different concentrations.

Body composition and dietary patterns in professional and amateur bodybuilders

Significant factors affecting body composition and consequently professional and amateur bodybuilders’ performance are both training loads and diet.&#x0D; The aim was to assess dissimilarities in anthropometrical traits and body composition between males practicing bodybuilding professionally and as amateurs, considering their diet and training.&#x0D; The study comprised 55 athletes, i.e. 29 professionals attending national championships and 26 amateur bodybuilders. All participants underwent anthropometric measurements involving body height, waist, arm and thigh circumferences and skinfolds covering trunk and extremities. The original nutritional behavior questionnaire and a 24-hour survey were used. An electronic scale was used to measure body weight and body composition was analyzed with the BIA method. In statistical analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk (W-test), t-student and Mann-Whitney U test were applied.&#x0D; An adipose tissue, assessed on the basis of skinfolds was significantly lower in professionals (p&lt;0.05), whereas lower mean values of body fat free mass (FFM) were found in amateur bodybuilders (p&lt;0.01). Diet survey presented differentiation both in the amount of consumed protein in the diet (1.98 g/kg), in its percentage participation in the diet (21.2%) in favor of the professionals (p&lt;0.05). Significant differentiation was between the groups in the amount of consumed fats (p&lt;0.05). In case of resistance trainings time, energy expenditure and number of trainings were higher for professionals (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Bodybuilders feature better developed muscle mass of extremities and a smaller share of percentage of fat mass in body composition in comparison to amateurs. Professional bodybuilders consume proper amount of carbohydrates and fats and significantly higher level of protein, fiber and energy in diet compared to amateur group. In contrary, higher intake of fats is typical for amateur bodybuilders.

Oxidative stress, inflammation, psychological status, and severity of respiratory infections are negatively affected during the pre-contest period in amateur bodybuilders.

We examined whether off-season (OffS) and pre-contest (PreC) periods affect blood oxidative stress, inflammatory, immunological, and psychological markers in 20 bodybuilders. The athletes recorded their food intake (3-day record), physical activities, mood states (Profile of Mood States, POMS), recovery-stress (Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes, RESTQ-Sport), and upper respiratory symptoms (Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey, WURSS-21), and blood was obtained for biochemical analysis. Almost all athletes were in positive energy balance during OffS, while bodybuilders presented markedly restricted energy intake (∼45%) leading to loss of weight (-9%) and fat mass (-45%) with preservation of fat-free mass in PreC. Protein intake was high during both periods, while lipid and carbohydrate intakes were reduced ∼50% in PreC. Almost all athletes consumed 100% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for micronutrients in OffS, while 45% and 75% of the athletes had intakes below the RDA for vitamins A and E in PreC. Oxidative damage to lipids (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS), protein carbonyls, and the TBARS/total antioxidant capacity ratio increased in PreC (32%, 27%, 60%), as did plasma tumor necrosis factor α (4-fold) and WURSS-21 scores (25%). There were no significant changes in serum catalase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase activities nor in interleukin 1β and immunoglobulins. In PreC, POMS showed negative changes in vigor (-20%), fatigue (23%), and total mood disturbance (35%), and RESTQ-Sport showed alterations for general and sport stress (34% and 50%, respectively) and sport recovery (-23%). Thus, PreC negatively affects nutrient intake, which may worsen oxidative stress, inflammation, psychological status, and the severity of respiratory infections in bodybuilders.

Is triceps hypertrophy associated with ulnar nerve luxation?

The mechanism of ulnar nerve luxation is unclear, but the triceps brachii muscle may be a contributing factor. Therefore, we explored whether hypertrophy of the triceps brachii muscle is more frequently accompanied by nerve luxation. In this investigation we used a cross-sectional design to study a group of amateur bodybuilders (n = 31) in a comparison with a group of age-matched healthy controls (n = 31). Triceps hypertrophy was determined clinically and sonographically. The position of the ulnar nerve in relation to the medial epicondyle was classified according to a graded (0-4) scale. In full flexion of 62 hypertrophic arms, 22 (35.5%) revealed subluxation and 27 (43.5%) complete luxation. In the controls, 21 (33.9%) demonstrated subluxation and 10 (16.1%) complete luxation. The higher frequency of ulnar nerve luxation in arms with hypertrophic triceps indicates that triceps muscle mass may be a factor contributing to ulnar nerve luxation. Muscle Nerve 58: 523-527, 2018.

Biochemical Profile and Body Composition Alteration of Amateur Bodybuilders during the Pre-Contest Period

The paper aims to analyze body composition and biochemical profile alterations in amateur bodybuilders during the cutting phase of a contest preparation, and to discuss them in light of scientific evidence. For the purpose of this study, bodybuilders and coaches provided details of drug administration, supplement use and training schedule. The four participants were two men competing in different Men’s Physique categories, one woman in the Wellness category, and one woman competing in the Bikini category. Participants were evaluated for anthropometry and body composition before and after the cutting phase. There was an evident decrease in body fat for most of the participants during the cutting phase without evident loss of fat-free mass. In general, participants performed high volume resistance training combined with aerobic training. Regarding drug administration, participants used high doses of anabolic androgen steroids (AAS), combined with clenbuterol, thyroid hormone, and ephedrine. Blood analysis revealed alterations in lipid profiles, with increased total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. There were marked alterations in markers of liver (aspartate aminotransferase) and cardiac (MB isoenzyme creatine kinase) damage. Our analysis suggests that the strategies adopted by bodybuilders during the pre-contest phase (high use of AAS and stimulant-based substances) may result in an increased risk of heart disease and liver dysfunction.

Health, physical exercise and fear of aging: anti-aging problematizations in amateur bodybuilders speeches

Scientific arguments in favour of applying physical exercise as an intervention on insists on relying on the biological concept of health. Considering the hegemony of this concept in physical education, the present study questions in what extent it must be accepted that the relationship between health/aging remains summarized in the mere search for maintaining physiological capabilities? The aim was to analyse the problematizations on the relationship between health and exercise in a group of physically active women from the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, in the context of aging process. Forty-five amateur bodybuilders were selected utilizing the sample snowball technique. They answered an interview guide with pictures according to the photo elicitation technique, individually. It was utilized the speech analysis proposed by Foucault. The group understands the relationship health/aging as a way to build identities, overcoming the negative perception of old age as vital and negative process. The fear of aging denotes the presence of self-centred healthcare practices carried over the years. Physical exercise plays a role that transcends the mere control of biological variables, being a resource to strengthen the experience to look and feel younger.

Metabolic Effects of Eight Weeks of Intermittent Fasting and Resistance Training in Amateur Body Builders

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of a modified fasting protocol during resistance training in a healthy amateur body builders. METHODS: 34 amateur body builders participated in this study (age 27±4.2, weight 84.6±6.2). Subjects were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of intermittent fasting (IF) or normal diet (ND). IF subjects consumed 100% of their energy needs from 1pm to 7pm (then they fasting from 8pm to 1pm i.e. 8 hours of feeding and 16 hours of fasting (8/16). Subjects divided they caloric intake in three meals (1pm, 3pm and 7 pm). ND group ingested they caloric intake in three meals consumed at 8am, 1pm and 7pm. Groups are matched for kilocalories consumed. Body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE) and respiratory ratio (RR), circulating testosterone, IGF-1, glucose, Insulin, Adiponectin, Leptin, T3, TSH, cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), Cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL) and TG were analysed. Moreover 1RM on bench press and leg press were measured. RESULTS: After 8 weeks only IF group showed a significant decrease of FM (pre 10.92±3.51 post 9.38±2.49 Kg) (p<0.005) whilst LBM showed similar slight increase. Same trend was shown by limbs muscle CSA. Maximal strength showed no changes. Total testosterone showed a significant decrease (p<0.05) only in IF group (pre 20.26±6.51, post 18.66±4.25 mmol/L), same trend is observed for IGF-1 (pre 216.94±49.55, post 188.94±32.01 ng/mL). Blood glucose showed no significant changes, whilst there was a significant decrease (p<0.05) of insulin in IF subjects. Adiponectin significant increased (p<0.05) in IF group. Total Leptine decreased only in IF group but difference disappeared when adjusted per kg of fat mass. T3 decreased only in IF whilst TSH showed no change in both groups. All three measured inflammatory cytokines decreased significantly in IF group compared to ND. No significant changes were measured in REE whilst IF showed a little but significant decrease of RR (p<0.05). No significant changes were detected in total cholesterol, HDL, LDL whilst TG decreased in IF group. CONCLUSIONS:Our results suggest that an IF 8/16 could improve health related biomarkers, decrease inflammation and body fat mass and maintain muscle mass. Future studies to address the long term effects of IF in athletes are warranted

Why Women Become Competitive Amateur Bodybuilders

The purpose of this study was to determine reasons women become competitive amateur bodybuilders. Participants were 63 adult female competitive bodybuilders who posted their biographies on a bodybuilding website. Each statement explaining why participants became bodybuilders was classified by a panel of current female bodybuilders into one of six categories. The most frequently stated category was Emulation (27%), followed by Self Esteem and Empowerment (24%), Previous Participation in Sport (22%), Health (17%), and Other (10%). These findings suggest that motivators for competitive female amateur bodybuilding stem from multiple sources, but in general are similar to those of their male counterparts. Future avenues for research are discussed.

Optimization of a Pre-MEKC Separation SPE Procedure for Steroid Molecules in Human Urine Samples

Many steroid hormones can be considered as potential biomarkers and their determination in body fluids can create opportunities for the rapid diagnosis of many diseases and disorders of the human body. Most existing methods for the determination of steroids are usually time- and labor-consuming and quite costly. Therefore, the aim of analytical laboratories is to develop a new, relatively low-cost and rapid implementation methodology for their determination in biological samples. Due to the fact that there is little literature data on concentrations of steroid hormones in urine samples, we have made attempts at the electrophoretic determination of these compounds. For this purpose, an extraction procedure for the optimized separation and simultaneous determination of seven steroid hormones in urine samples has been investigated. The isolation of analytes from biological samples was performed by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with dichloromethane and compared to solid phase extraction (SPE) with C18 and hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) columns. To separate all the analytes a micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECK) technique was employed. For full separation of all the analytes a running buffer (pH 9.2), composed of 10 mM sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax), 50 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and 10% methanol was selected. The methodology developed in this work for the determination of steroid hormones meets all the requirements of analytical methods. The applicability of the method has been confirmed for the analysis of urine samples collected from volunteers—both men and women (students, amateur bodybuilders, using and not applying steroid doping). The data obtained during this work can be successfully used for further research on the determination of steroid hormones in urine samples.

Training Practices and Ergogenic Aids Used by Male Bodybuilders

Bodybuilding involves performing a series of poses on stage where the competitor is judged on aesthetic muscular appearance. The purpose of this study was to describe training practices and ergogenic aids used by competitive bodybuilders and to determine whether training practices comply with current recommendations for muscular hypertrophy. A web-based survey was completed by 127 competitive male bodybuilders. The results showed that during the off-season phase of training (OFF), the majority of respondents performed 3-6 sets per exercise (95.3%), 7-12 repetition maximum (RM) per set (77.0%), and 61- to 120-seconds recovery between sets and exercises (68.6%). However, training practices changed 6 weeks before competition (PRE), where there was an increased number of respondents who reported undertaking 3-4 sets per exercise at the expense of 5-6 sets per exercise (p < 0.001), an increase in the number reporting 10-15RM per set from 7-9RM per set (p < 0.001), and an increase in the number reporting 30-60 seconds vs. 61-180 seconds recovery between sets and exercises (p < 0.001). Anabolic steroid use was high among respondents competing in amateur competitions (56 of 73 respondents), whereas dietary supplementation was used by all respondents. The findings of this study demonstrate that competitive bodybuilders comply with current resistance exercise recommendations for muscular hypertrophy; however, these changed before competition during which there is a reduction resistance training volume and intensity. This alteration, in addition to an increase in aerobic exercise volume, is purportedly used to increase muscle definition. However, these practices may increase the risk of muscle mass loss in natural compared with amateur bodybuilders who reportedly use drugs known to preserve muscle mass.

Morphological and Functional Effects of the Resistance Training and High Physical Activity of Recreational Type in Young Men

The influence of different types of physical activity on body composition, muscle function, bones and joints is indisputable. It also shapes physical efficiency in different periods of ontogenesis. The aim of this research was to evaluate the morphological and functional effects of the resistance training used by amateur bodybuilders, with reference to subjects declaring high physical activity of different type performed as recreation. Research data was taken from the measurement of 31 amateur bodybuilders and 33 students attending the University School of Physical Education, who declared high physical activity of recreational type. The age of the subjects ranged from 21 to 24 years old. The anthropometric features were examined. Fat mass was assessed on the basis on the skinfolds thickness. The level of three body build components: endomorphy, mesomorphy and ectomorphy were determined with used of Sheldon method. In order to compute static strength in forearm muscles, researchers measured the handgrip of right and left hands. The examined group of students and bodybuilders did not reveal any statistically significant differences in mean body height and components, e.g. length of trunk and lower limbs. However, observable differences were recorded in reference to body mass, which was higher for the group of bodybuilders. The bodybuilders were characterised by significantly wider shoulders and chest. Also, the values of wrist and knee bone breadth were higher in comparison to the group of students. The two groups differed distinctly in muscle development within the upper trunk area, shoulder girdle and upper limbs. Endomorphy and mesomorphy obtained higher values in bodybuilders, while in students they were characterised by greater body slenderness. Handgrip strength was significantly higher for bodybuilders. The research confirmed that both recreational physical activities (jogging, swimming, cycling) and resistance training have a positive influence on the correct body composition and improvement of respiratory and strength capabilities.

Becoming competitive amateur bodybuilders: Identification of contributors.

Becoming competitive amateur bodybuilders: Identification of contributors.

Severe Cholestasis and Renal Failure Associated with the Use of the Designer Steroid Superdrol™ (Methasteron™): A Case Report and Literature Review

The use of over the counter (OTC) nutritional supplements is widespread among amateur bodybuilders. Reports suggest that up to 30% of people who train regularly with weights use androgenic/anabolic steroids (AAS) and that a significant percentage of male high school students use AAS, not just for muscle gain but also to improve their physical appearance [1, 2]. The use of AAS is associated with a variety of potential liver injuries including toxic hepatitis and cholestasis [3, 4] but is often under-reported because of its clandestine use. Renal toxicity with the use of AAS has recently been demonstrated, which was thought to be related to IgA nephropathy [5]. We report a case of liver and renal injury secondary to a nutritional supplement called Superdrol, with the anabolic steroidmethasteron as its active ingredient.