Title

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

Keywords

Bodybuilders; Contest preparation; Dieting; Energy restriction; Resistance training; Strength training; Weight lifting

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. © 2013 Human Kinetics, Inc.

Publication Date

1-1-2013

Publication Title

International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance

Volume

8

Issue

5

Number of Pages

582-592

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.8.5.582

Socpus ID

84883581905 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84883581905

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