Are bodybuilders strong?

Question: Are bodybuilders strong? They look strong but a friend of mine said that they weren't as strong as they looked.

Answer: Bodybuilders train for appearance but make no mistake they are also strong.

The difference between bodybuilders, powerlifters and strength athletes is that a bodybuilder's strength is a by-product of training to build muscle and a look instead of pursuing strength. There are many professional and top-level amateur bodybuilders who have, or do compete, as powerlifters or in strong man competitions. There are also those who are stronger than Joe Average who doesn't train at all or trains recreationally, meaning without a purpose.

Bodybuilders lift as much weight as possible with as much muscular effort as possible while powerlifters lift as much weight as possible with as little effort as possible. Ronnie Coleman, 8 times Mr. Olympia has a video of his training when he was three weeks away from competition and he was squatting 800 pounds for 3 reps. That is strong by almost any comparison The current powerlifting record for the squat is over 1200 pounds and one individual claims to be approaching 1500 pounds. The current total for the 3 lifts, bench press, squat and deadlift is now over 3000 pounds.

Training makes you stronger period. If you want to be bigger, stronger and faster you train. You don't workout or lift. You train with a purpose.

God bless and keep training,
Daryl

Comments: 0,   TrackBacks: 0.  Leave or Read Comments.

Posted by Daryl Laws on June 7, 2011 | Printer-Friendly

TrackBack: http://www.daryllaws.com/blog/blog/mt-tb.cgi/189