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...]
Muscular Hypertrophy for Bodybuilders: What Training Styles Work the Best? by Jerry Brainum 6/21
In this publication, I've presented science-based training techniques that work for most people. When I say "science-based" I'm referring to the fact that most of this information has appeared in various scientific studies of competitive bodybuilders. But there are … [Read more...]
Another Natural Bodybuilder Prepares by Jerry Brainum 1/21
I've covered bodybuilding contest preparation extensively in past issues of Applied Metabolics. These prior articles have discussed in detail methods of contest prep used by a wide range of bodybuilders and fitness athletes, ranging from so-called natural bodybuilders who … [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...]
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...]
Female Physique Competitors: The Physical and Mental Toll of Competition by Jerry Brainum Sept, 2019
In late March 2019 a study was released that caused exercise physiology textbooks to be tossed in the garbage. This new study examined muscle fibers in elite female athletes and found unexpected results. There are three basic types of muscle fibers in humans: slow-twitch, also known … [Read more...]
After the Contest Ends: a follow-up by Jerry Brainum
In the August, 2017 issue of Applied Metabolics I discussed the details of a study that examined the physiological aftermath of contest preparation in natural or drug-free bodybuilders. The subjects in that study included 7 men and 8 women, made up of bikini competitors, … [Read more...]
Angry Steroid Users, Women on Betaine, Flexible Dieting, Paleo Diet and more by Jerry Brainum
In past issues of Applied Metabolics I've written summaries of new research presented at various science conferences. Years ago, I used to attend a few of these myself, but quickly came to the realization that doing so was a waste of time, at least for me. Most … [Read more...]
After the Contest Ends by Jerry Brainum
Until recently, bodybuilding was virtually ignored by sports scientists. While studies of the effects of drugs commonly used by athletes, such as anabolic steroids, did exist in the medical literature there was nonetheless a dearth of information about the science … [Read more...]