Although muscular physiques are usually more associated with men, women can build extensive muscle mass. In my experience of interviewing and writing about countless competitive bodybuilders during my tenure as a magazine writer and editor for major bodybuilding … [Read more...]
Is Bodybuilding Coaching Advice Scientific and Safe? by Jerry Brainum 9/24
When I competed in bodybuilding contests in the mid-60s to early 1970s, personal trainers didn't exist, and neither did bodybuilding coaches. Back then, bodybuilders learned what worked best for them through a trial and error system, similar to what Bruce Lee had … [Read more...]
Another Look at Bodybuilding Peaking Techniques by Jerry Brainum 7/24
Long-time subscribers of Applied Metabolics know that I've written about bodybuilding peaking techniques a few times. This has involved various bodybuilding competitions ranging from elite professional bodybuilding competitors to the newer categories, such as Men's physique … [Read more...]
Bulking and Cutting: Vegans vs.Omnivores by Jerry Brainum 6/24
In the past, vegetarianism was considered a type of fad style of eating, relegated to those who were considered "weirdos." But more recently, vegan diets have come into vogue because of various health benefits attributed to vegan eating styles. This notion is bolstered by … [Read more...]
A Comparison of Natural and Drug-Users in Bodybuilding by Jerry Brainum 8/23
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...]