Training, Supplementation, and Pharmacological Practices of Competitive Male Bodybuilders Across Training Phases

Abstract

Hackett, DA. Training, supplementation, and pharmacological practices of competitive male bodybuilders across training phases. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 963–970, 2022—Bodybuilding involves the pursuit of muscularity and leanness primarily through the use of progressive resistance training in combination with other practices such as manipulation of diet and use of ergogenic aids. This study aimed to compare the training practices and ergogenic aids used by competitive male bodybuilders across training phases. An online survey was completed by 235 competitive male bodybuilders with a median age of 26.0 (interquartile range 23.0–31.3) years. Results showed that most respondents performed split-routines (85.5%), 4–7 sessions per week (95.7%), trained major muscle groups twice a week (>50%), and session duration being 60–90 minutes (55.7%). Off-season resistance training sessions mostly comprised of targeting 2–3 muscle groups (56%), 2–3 exercises per muscle group (60.4%), 3–4 sets per exercise (73.2%), 7–12 repetition maximum (RM) per set (71.6%), and 61–180 seconds recovery between sets and exercises (80.5%). At the precompetition phase (6 weeks before competition), there was a decrease in the number of muscle groups trained per session (p = 0.027) and a greater number of repetitions performed per set (p < 0.001). A significant increase in the reported aerobic exercise volume was found during precompetition (<0.001). Performance enhancing drugs were used by 53.6% of respondents who did not compete in natural bodybuilding competitions. Dietary supplements were used by 95.7% of respondents with the most common being creatine monohydrate (80.4%) and whey protein (65.8%). Findings suggest that competitive bodybuilders follow resistance training practices consistent with the broad muscular hypertrophy recommendations but a notable shift in practices occur in the weeks before competition.

Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use among Athletes Worldwide: A Scoping Review

“…The majority of the studies included adult athletes, some included under 18 athletes [ 20 , 24 , 25 , 28 , 32 , 34 , 38 , 39 , 40 ], and none included older-adult athletes. Most studies included athletes from several sport categories [ 6 , 15 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 27 , 31 , 34 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 40 ], while others focused on one type of sport such as running [ 23 , 24 ], bodybuilding [ 41 , 42 ], football [ 32 , 35 ], rowing [ 26 ], sailing [ 25 ], rugby [ 30 ], fencing [ 28 ], handball [ 29 ], squash [ 33 ], and track and field [ 39 ]. Interestingly, one study focused on paralympic sports [ 34 ].…”

“…All studies used self-reported questionnaires or surveys to collect data on dietary supplement use among athletes. Some studies have provided their questionnaire or survey in an online format [ 24 , 27 , 29 , 32 , 37 , 40 , 41 ]. However, the selected reporting timeframe varied across studies ( Figure 3 ).…”

Changes in Intra-to-Extra-Cellular Water Ratio and Bioelectrical Parameters from Day-Before to Day-Of Competition in Bodybuilders: A Pilot Study

“…These objectives require the implementation of a diverse array of strategies to optimize physique aesthetics on show-day. Preparation for bodybuilding competition generally involves two phases: an off-season phase, in which the primary goal is to optimize muscle hypertrophy; and a pre-contest phase, in which the focus is to reduce subcutaneous body fat as low as possible while simultaneously maintaining muscle mass [1][2][3][4][5].…”

Nutritional and Non-Nutritional Strategies in Bodybuilding: Impact on Kidney Function

“…Competitive bodybuilding pushes the limits of resistance training adaptations and requires dedication to rigorous training and strict dietary regimes [ 1 , 5 ]. Over 95% of bodybuilders use dietary supplements [ 6 ], with the two most common being creatine monohydrate and protein [ 5 , 6 ]. Non-nutritional, performance-enhancing drugs, such as veterinary-grade vitamin supplementation, often in alarming quantities, and/or anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are also used [ 6 , 7 , 8 ].…”

“…Over 95% of bodybuilders use dietary supplements [ 6 ], with the two most common being creatine monohydrate and protein [ 5 , 6 ]. Non-nutritional, performance-enhancing drugs, such as veterinary-grade vitamin supplementation, often in alarming quantities, and/or anabolic–androgenic steroids (AAS) are also used [ 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Most of the extreme nutritional, drug and training strategies used in bodybuilding are derived from non-evidence-based sources [ 1 , 2 , 5 ], giving rise to increasing concerns about their potential adverse health impact [ 9 ].…”