BODYBUILDING
Bodybuilding is the process of maximizing muscle hypertrophy
through the combination of weight training, sufficient 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.
The muscles are revealed through a combination of fat loss, oils, and tanning
(or tanning lotions) which combined with lighting make the definition of the
muscle group more distinct. Famous bodybuilders include Arnold Schwarzenegger,
Sergio Oliva, Dorian Yates, Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, Lee
Haney, Ronnie Coleman, and Jay Cutler.
Nutrition
The important role of nutrition in building muscle and losing fat means bodybuilders
may consume a wide variety of dietary supplements.Various products are used
in an attempt to augment muscle size, increase the rate of fat loss, improve
joint health and prevent potential nutrient deficiencies. Scientific consensus
supports the effectiveness of only a small number of commercially available
supplements when used by healthy, physically active adults. Creatine is probably
the most widely used performance enhancing legal supplement. Creatine works
by turning into creatine phosphate, which provides an extra phosphorus molecule
in the regeneration of ATP. This will provide the body with more energy that
lasts longer during short, intense bits of work like weight training.
Rest
Although muscle stimulation occurs in the gym lifting weights, muscle growth
occurs afterward during rest. Without adequate rest and sleep, muscles do
not have an opportunity to recover and build. About eight hours of sleep a
night is desirable for the bodybuilder to be refreshed, although this varies
from person to person. Additionally, many athletes find a daytime nap further
increases their body's ability to build muscle. Some bodybuilders take several
naps per day, during peak anabolic phases.(1)