Bodybuilding can be divided into two distinct camps: So-called "natural," and drug-using bodybuilders (DUB). The term "natural" refers to those who choose to eschew the use of any pharmacological substance for the purposes of building muscle mass or losing excess body … [Read more...]
How Bodybuilders Really Train and Diet by Jerry Brainum 5/22
I have described the contest preparation techniques of both natural and drug-using bodybuilders, as well as both amateur and professional competitors in past issues of Applied Metabolics. I think it's important to do this for two reasons. First, to illustrate how … [Read more...]
Fine-Tuning Peak Condition by Jerry Brainum 11/21
I've had several articles in Applied Metabolics about bodybuilding contest preparation, and have covered how to do so for various bodybuilding divisions, such as traditional bodybuilding, fitness contests, Men's physique, and women's competition. But since this appears to be a … [Read more...]
When Cheating is Good, and Go Ahead and Eat That Pizza! by Jerry Brainum 11/20
When I competed in bodybuilding contests over 40 years ago, the favored diet to achieve the low body fat status known as "ripped," was a low carbohydrate diet. The low carb diet was defined as containing no more than 100 grams of carbohydrate a day. But this varied among … [Read more...]
New Study Says Carbohydrate Loading Works for Bodybuilding by Jerry Brainum 2/20
In several past issues of Applied Metabolics, I have discussed carbohydrate loading for bodybuilders. Carbohydrate loading (CL) or simply carb loading, was first developed by Scandinavian sports scientists in 1967. It was not developed initially for bodybuilding purposes, but … [Read more...]
Amateur Versus Pro: Differences in Precontest Nutrition Strategies by Jerry Brainum 1/20
Why do some bodybuilders go all the way to the professional ranks of bodybuilding competition, while others never venture past amateur status? Are there any particular physical and mental attributes that allow a person to progress to the very zenith of bodybuilding … [Read more...]
Bodybuilding contest training: Comparing Off-Season and On-Season Practices by Jerry Brainum 7/19
The dietary and training strategies used by competitive bodybuilders have often been deemed "unscientific" by many self-styled "experts." Many such experts. although they have advanced degrees, such as doctorates, have never set foot in a gym. As such, they have little idea of … [Read more...]
Scientific Contest Peaking Strategies For Natural Bodybuilders by Jerry Brainum
Several past articles in Applied Metabolics have focused on in-depth, science-based methods of contest preparation. However, these past articles have looked at the big picture of contest prep for various types of bodybuilding contests. A new study [ref]Chappell, A, et al. … [Read more...]
More On Scientific Bodybuilding Contest Preparation for Men and Women by Jerry Brainum
I've written several articles about bodybuilding contest preparation in past issues of Applied Metabolics. These articles have included information about preparing for natural bodybuilding events; professional bodybuilding contests; Men's physique events; and Women's fitness … [Read more...]
Is there a winning formula for natural bodybuilders? by Jerry Brainum
I've covered how bodybuilders prepare for various aspects of competition in past issues of Applied Metabolics. These include articles about natural bodybuilding competition; physique competition; and women's fitness and bikini events. While the information contained in … [Read more...]