An Intensive Analysis of Common Bodybuilding Competition Practices by Jerry Brainum

 

 

I've previously discussed in-depth the scientific ways to reach maximal muscular condition for a variety of bodybuilding competitions in past issues of Applied Metabolics. For example, in one article I outlined in detail the diet and anabolic drug program that was used by a top-5 Mr.Olympia competitor that allowed him to attain the best condition of his bodybuilding career. For that article, I did not rely on typical Internet innuendoes, such as appears in various bodybuilding forums and groups. Instead, I obtained material that was sent directly to the bodybuilder from his "coach" that provided concise directions about what to eat and how to schedule his anabolic and cutting drugs in the weeks up to the Mr.Olympia event. I would never rely on Internet gossip for this type of material, since much of what is written in those bodybuilding groups is pure fiction and utter nonsense, especially when it comes to drug regimes. The people that leave "informative" comments on those groups never reveal their real names, but instead, use obviously fake screen names. Another problem is that their level of expertise is also never revealed. As such, you cannot ascertain the accuracy of the information provided. Most of it, judging from what I've seen, is purely made up to impress the other members of the group.

But as noted, in this publication I rely on truth and evidence-based fact. This can be a problem when it comes to techniques used in bodybuilding. When I use the term "bodybuilding," I am referring to all aspects and types of competition, including women's competition, which I covered recently in Applied Metabolics. But bodybuilding also encompasses those who train for more recreational purposes. That is, those who want to improve their appearance by the addition of added muscle mass and lower body fat levels, but who may not necessarily be interested in any type of actual bodybuilding competition. What's odd about this is that a number of recent surveys show that such recreational bodybuilders are the greatest users of anabolic drugs, including anabolic steroids and growth hormone. You would think that such drug usage would be confined to competitors since the widespread use of these drugs makes their use nearly mandatory in order to compete on an even playing field. I would interpret this greater use of anabolic drugs by non-competitors to a mistaken notion that you cannot acquire a significantly muscular physique without using the drugs. That is utter nonsense. While the ultimate results you obtain though your bodybuilding efforts are largely determined by your genetics and your degree of discipline to regular training, anyone can show spectacular improvement through the use of judicious training and sound nutritional principles, both of which are regularly described in Applied Metabolics.

I know this is true because I did it myself. I was a fat kid but was . . .