Natural Bodybuilding Competition Preparation and Recovery: A 12-Month Case Study

    Authors

    L. M. Rossow; D. H. Fukuda; C. A. Fahs; J. P. Loenneke;J. R. Stout

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Int. J. Sport Physiol. Perform.

    Keywords

    bodybuilders; contest preparation; dieting; energy restriction; weight; lifting; strength training; resistance training; RESISTANCE EXERCISE; CREATINE-KINASE; FEMALE BODYBUILDERS; BODY-COMPOSITION; WEIGHT-LOSS; IN-VIVO; DIET; MASS; DECREASES; RESPONSES; Physiology; Sport Sciences

    Abstract

    Bodybuilding is a sport in which competitors are judged on muscular appearance. This case study tracked a drug-free male bodybuilder (age 26-27 y) for the 6 mo before and after a competition. Purpose: The aim of this study was to provide the most comprehensive physiological profile of bodybuilding competition preparation and recovery ever compiled. Methods: Cardiovascular parameters, body composition, strength, aerobic capacity, critical power, mood state, resting energy expenditure, and hormonal and other blood parameters were evaluated. Results: Heart rate decreased from 53 to 27 beats/min during preparation and increased to 46 beats/min within 1 mo after competition. Brachial blood pressure dropped from 132/69 to 104/56 mmHg during preparation and returned to 116/64 mmHg at 6 mo after competition. Percent body fat declined from 14.8% to 4.5% during preparation and returned to 14.6% during recovery. Strength decreased during preparation and did not fully recover during 6 months of recovery. Testosterone declined from 9.22 to 2.27 ng/mL during preparation and returned back to the baseline level, 9.91 ng/mL, after competition. Total mood disturbance increased from 6 to 43 units during preparation and recovered to 4 units 6 mo after competition. Conclusions: This case study provides a thorough documentation of the physiological changes that occurred during natural bodybuilding competition and recovery.

    Journal Title

    International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

    Volume

    8

    Issue/Number

    5

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    582

    Last Page

    592

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000324359000018

    ISSN

    1555-0265

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