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The bodybuilders, of which there were 60, marched to the beat of Sandow's own composition, The March of the Athletes, wearing the required costume: black tights, black jockey belt, and leopard skins.

Today bodybuilding is a very popular sport and there are millions of gyms around the globe. Some people train with weights for general fitness and improved physique while others take it more seriously and venture into competition. Professional bodybuilders have to work very hard to gain muscle growth and definition, There dietary requirements will be well managed and controlled. They will find what works best for them and stick to a regime of training eating and resting. There are a plethora of training methods and each will find one which works best for them. Some bodybuilders may train only 4 days a week to allow muscles to rest and grow others may train 6 days a week. The right amount of fats and proteins carbohydrates is very important as too much or too little will affect your progress and muscle growth and shape.

Some bodybuilders may eat 8 small meals per day or more or less, Smaller meals help digestion and absorbtion of proteins and other biological molecules. It is very important to keep fat to a minimum it is necessary to consume some fat about 5% should be okay. The body needs some fat for hair and internal organs so must be consumed. It gives you energy to work out and maintains your core body temperature. A fat gram is 9 calories and depending on your height weight and workout regime will depend on these factors to how much fat you need to consume.

Bodybuilding began in the 19th century with Eugen Sandow the first famous bodybuilder now referred to as the father of modern bodybuilding. Born Friedrich Wilhelm Muller on April 2nd 1867 was a pioneer in the sport. He wowed audiences with his strength and his muscle development. Born in Konigsberg Prussia to a German father and a Russian mother he left Prussia in 1885 to avoid military service finally becoming a circus performer when he changed his name to Eugen Sandow. Ludwig Durlacher a fellow strongman recognised his talents and started to mentor him until he encoraged him to travel to London and enter strongman competitions. He beat the reigning champion and instantly became famous and recognisable around the world. He discovered that audiences were interested in his muscle definition more than his strengh so he started to pose which he labelled muscle display performances. He later went on to open his first institute of physical culture where he taught fellow students how to eat healthy methods of exercise and weight training. he also invented various devices such as spring grip dumbbells and rubber strands for stretching. In 1901 Sandow organised the first major bodybuilding competition held at The Royal Albert Hall in London and it was so successful they had to turn people away at the doors. He died on October 14th 1925 of aortic aneurysm aged 58.

What a bodybuilder eats is very important to the results required. Muscles love protein and if you want big muscles you will want to eat foods high in protein. Greek Yogurt, Cottage Cheese, Tuna, Chicken Breasts, Lean Fish, Rice, Bananas, Egg whites, Skimmed Milk, Steak, Turkey, Some examples of good quality protein foods.

We all like to eat these types of foods they taste nice but are bad for our bodies. Bodybuilders have to control how much of these foods they consume, They may treat themselves to a doughnut or burger as a rare treat but to eat too much of these foods will make you fat and muscles will not grow.

Katie Sandwina was a Circus performer and strongwoman. 1884 - 1952

Bernarr Mcfadden, August 16, 1868 – October 12, 1955, Founder of Physical Culture Clubs.

Steven Lester Steve Reeves January 21, 1926 – May 1, 2000 was an American professional bodybuilder Philanthropist and actor. He became MR Universe in 1950. Starring in a plethora of films he was offered the James Bond role in Dr No but turned it down due to the low salary he was offered. 

The very first James Bond film was called DR.NO and was released on 5th October 1962.

Jack Lalanne born September 26, 1914 – January 23, 2011 was an American fitness, exercise, and nutrition expert and motivational speaker. He has published many books on fitness and has hosted his own show called The Jack Lalanne Show which broadcast from 1953 to 1985.

1,033 push-ups in 23 minutes

Jack Lalanne was a successful bodybuilder and for his incredible feats of strength.

Towing 70 boats for a mile, In 1984 To mark his 70th birthday, LaLanne towed a flotilla of 70 rowboats during a mile-long swim from Long Beach Harbor to the Queensway Bridge, both in Long Beach, California.

At 60 years of age Lalanne swam from The inescapable Alcatraz to San Francisco Handcuffed shackled and attached to a 1000 pound boat that was attached to his waste. To make matters worse sharks were swimming within 20 feet of him

Louis Jude Lou Ferrigno born November 9th 1951 is an American actor, fitness trainer, fitness consultant and retired professional bodybuilder. Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn New York as is of Italian descent. At a very young age an ear infection caused him to lose 80% of his hearing which resulted in him being bullied in later years because of his condition. His idol was Steve Reeves and he liked Hercules which Reeves played in also Spiderman and The Hulk. After graduating from high school in 1969, Ferrigno won his first major title, IFBB Mr. America.

In 1977 Ferringo was cast as The Hulk in The Incredible Hulk Series which was originally broadcast from November 4, 1977 to June 2nd 1982, Consisting of 82 episodes over 5 seasons.

Steroid use in bodybuilding is well known and can cause a lot of problems for bodybuilders especially pro bodybuilders. I say this because pro bodybuilders all take anabolic steroids to maintain size and to grow. It is sad to say that in professional bodybuilding the use of steroids is wide spread. How can one person compete to win if the other is taking steroids. The results are huge and there is a massive gain in strength and muscle growth. Quite a few bodybuilders have died due to steroid use and this number will grow, This is why I support natural bodybuilding far higher than pro because steroids are not used only good food and hard training methods. Pro bodybuilders will use doctors to help them stay safe while using steroids and they will go through on and off cycles so that they are not always using the drugs. Of course you may read that steroids are not causing deaths within the sport but using diuretics and insulin and even recreational drugs which would be a lethal combination. There is no safe way to take steroids as the human body naturally produces testosterone as the main male sex hormone. In the brain the Hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland how much testosterone is required and the pitituary relays this information to the testicles. The chart below outlines how the body reacts to low levels of testosterone.

Anabolic steroids are also addictive as you may require more and more to maintain results to maintain effects, there is no safe way of 'monitoring' the use of steroids.Also, long-term effects of using anabolic steroids are unknown.There is no 'safe' dose. Overall steroid use in bodybuilding can never be safe or the right thing to do. Pro bodybuilders may feel trapped into continuing to take steroids as if they stop they will lose size and strength and appetite and more but they want to compete with the others but could not if they stopped taking the drugs.

Mike Matarazzo's competion history.

Rich Piana Born September 26, 1971 – August 25, 2017 was an American bodybuilder who has participated in many competitions. He controversially admitted to using steroids for 27 years but advising people not to use drugs. He also clarified that professional bodybuilders have no choice to not take the drugs as they couldn't compete if they stopped. Piana died aged 45 after going into an induced coma, 20 bottles of anabolic steroids and a white powder were found in his apartment but it is unclear if this played a role in his death.

Internet personality and 5% Nutrition founder Rich Piana.

Michael Richard Matarazzo (November 8, 1965 - August 16, 2014) was an American IFBB professional bodybuilder. Winner of the 1989 Gold's gym classic in Massachusetts and an active competing career that spanned a decade. Matarazzo retired from the sport due to having open heart surgery on December 8th 2004 for clogged arteries. He had to stop working as a bail bondman due to a 20% heart function. He suffered a heart attack on November 8th 2007. He was admitted to the Stanford intensive care unit in Palo Alto August 3rd 2014 but died on August 16th while waiting for a heart transplant, He was 48 years old.

  • 1989 Gold's Gym Classic, 1st

  • 1991 NPC USA Championships, Heavyweight, 1st and Overall

  • 1991 Mr. Olympia, 16th

  • 1992 Arnold Classic, 15th

  • 1992 Ironman Pro Invitational, 5th

  • 1993 Marissa Classic, 6th

  • 1993 Night of Champions, 8th

  • 1993 Mr. Olympia, 18th

  • 1993 Pittsburgh Pro Invitational, 2nd

  • 1994 Arnold Classic, 9th

  • 1994 San Jose Pro Invitational, 8th

  • 1995 Florida Pro Invitational, 7th

  • 1995 South Beach Pro Invitational, 7th

  • 1996 Grand Prix Czech Republic, 9th

  • 1996 Grand Prix Russia, 9th

  • 1996 Grand Prix Switzerland, 9th

  • 1996 Night of Champions, 5th

  • 1996 Mr. Olympia, 13th

  • 1997 Canada Pro Cup, 2nd

  • 1997 Grand Prix Germany, 11th

  • 1997 Grand Prix Hungary, 10th

  • 1997 Grand Prix Spain, 10th

  • 1997 Night of Champions, 4th

  • 1997 Mr. Olympia, 13th

  • 1997 Toronto Pro Invitational, 2nd

  • 1998 Night of Champions, 3rd

  • 1998 Mr. Olympia, 9th

  • 1998 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 7th

  • 1998 Toronto Pro Invitational, 3rd

  • 1999 Mr. Olympia, 11th

  • 2000 Night of Champions, 18th

  • 2000 Toronto Pro Invitational, 6th

  • 2001 Night of Champions, 5th

  • 2001 Mr. Olympia, 21st

Dan Puckett winner of the NPC collegiate national heavyweight competition of 2006, Died of heart failure in 2007 aged 22.

Scott Klein Died from Kidney failure in 2003 he was 30 years old, Four-time NPC Heavyweight competitor (1995 and 1997), two-time NPC super-heavyweight competitor (1998 and 2000.

Robert Benavente died from a heart attack in 2004 aged 30. He competed in multiple NPC shows and was 1st place in the Southern States.

All of these professional bodybuilders died before they reached 40, All died of organ failure especially the heart and all would of taken anabolic steroids to get to the size they were. Cardiovascular system. Steroid abuse has been associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart attacks and strokes, even in athletes younger than 30. ... If blood is prevented from reaching the heart, the result can be a heart attack. If blood is prevented from reaching the brain, the result can be a stroke. Steroids can also enlarge the heart muscle which can lead to early death. These people and many more have all died mainly from heart attacks and this should show that using anabolic steroids will certainly play a part in there deaths. Some People within the industry will downplay steroid use as relatively safe and the saying no proof has been found syndrome but steroids place a lot of pressure on the body.

Divisions Of Bodybuilding for Women.

Mohammed Benaziza has won Seven total Grand Prix wins in 1990 and 1992, coming 1st place at the 1990 Night of the Champions (beating Dorian Yates, two top 5 Mr Olympia showings (1989 and 1992). Died from heart failure hours after winning the Grand Prix Holland show in 1992, age 33.

Art Artwood died on September 11, 2011 aged 37 in Dallas Texas. Cause of death was a massive heart attack 

Contest history[edit]

  • 2000 NPC Junior USA, Super-HeavyWeight, 1st and Overall

  • 2000 NPC Nationals, Super-HeavyWeight, 14th

  • 2000 NPC USA Championships, Super-HeavyWeight, 7th

  • 2001 NPC Nationals, Super-HeavyWeight, 1st

  • 2001 NPC USA Championships, Super-HeavyWeight, 3rd

  • 2002 Grand Prix England, 7th

  • 2002 Mr. Olympia, 12th

  • 2002 Show of Strength Pro Championship, 12th

  • 2002 Toronto Pro Invitational, 1st

  • 2003 Grand Prix England, 7th

  • 2003 Grand Prix Holland, 8th

  • 2003 Grand Prix Hungary, 3rd

  • 2003 Grand Prix Russia, 6th

  • 2003 Night of Champions, 7th

  • 2003 Mr. Olympia, 13th

  • 2004 Florida Pro Xtreme Challenge, 5th

  • 2004 Hungarian Pro Invitational, 8th

  • 2004 Night of Champions, 9th

  • 2004 Toronto Pro Invitational, 5th

  • 2005 Arnold Classic, 14th

  • 2005 San Francisco Pro Invitational, 10th

  • 2006 Europa Super Show, 5th

  • 2006 Montreal Pro, 7th

  • 2006 Atlantic City Pro, 10th

Bikini women are judged on their lean and firm physique scored on proportion, symmetry, balance, shape and skin tone. The “X” factor is important. It’s that hour glass figure that shoulder caps, a tiny waist and glutes will get you (not to neglect the back, bi’s, tri’s and chest).  During comparison judging in height classes, bikini women do a front and back pose. In natural federations, there are quarter turns.  Bikini girls may be judged on their walk, presentation and posing as these elements can become a deciding factor to determine a winner. Confidence and conducting yourself on stage with ease is very important! Bikini woman are generally in the 10-14% body fat range.

Figure competitions are a blend of bodybuilding and fitness.  During comparison judging in height classes, woman will line up and do a series of quarter turns to the right (front, left side, back, right side) being judged on symmetry, presentation, and other aesthetic qualities such as skin tone. The “X” factor is important. Shoulders, back, quads and glutes are very important muscle groups to give the “x” type of shape (well formed shoulders and upper back, small waist and shapley glutes and quads). Visible muscle separation but no visible striations is desired. Figure woman are generally in the 8-12% body fat range.

Physique Competitions

Women are judged on their athletic physique showcasing femininity, symmetry, muscle tone, poise and beauty/flow of physique. They have an individual choreographed routine set to music as well as comparison judging by height classes with mandatory poses such as front double bicep, side tricep with front leg extended, side chest with arms extended and front leg extended and so on. (see federations sites for specifics such as the NPC or NANBF). Visible muscle separation and some visible striations are desired but are not to be excessively muscular or shredded. Generally in the 8-10% body fat range.

Fitness is a division which fuses female bodybuilding and another physical talent such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts (etc) into one. There are usually two parts: comparison judging with quarter turns much like figure divisions, and then a gymnastic routine round where they will do a routine set to music in costume showing their athletic ability. Fitness woman are generally in the 9-11% body fat range.

Similar to physique but size and muscle striations are to a great degree. Symmetry and shape are very important and bodybuilding women are divided into weight classes, not height. Leanness and being shredded are desired. Shredded means that you are able to see the muscle striations and lines

Natural bodybuilding is a bodybuilding movement with various competitions that take place for bodybuilders who abstain from performance enhancing drugs. Anabolic steroids Diuretics Insulin and Human Growth Hormone are definitely not allowed. If a competitor meets the requirements of the sanctioning body then they are considered natural.

Mens Natural Bodybuilding

Anabolic steroids are classed as a C category and can legally only be obtained by a doctors prescription. Simple possession of illicitly obtained anabolic steroid carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine if this is an individual's first drug offense. So to be frank all Pro bodybuilders are obtaining steroids illegally. Steroids in proper use are for medical health issues not for pro bodybuilding. Could the IFBB ban steroids what would happen. For sure the body builders would be smaller, But it would cost millions to implement as you would have to test each athlete for drugs. Some could leave to a new all star steroid federation, But after all is said and done is a live worth more than all of this, Pro's would have to work hard to get results eat more and become less of a show off, Would the public accept this change well I guess a large percentage would as it is a good thing to take steroids out of bodybuilding, But the other camp would complain as pro bodybuilders have lost some definition size and enthusiasm. Is it genetics vs talent, You may have both but dedication and hard work do pay off. 

Another issue is children and young adults that look up to there pro bodybuilding idols and may think it's just fine to take anabolic steroids. We all want whats best for are kids and if you asked a normal person in the street if it's ok for our kids to be injecting steroids they most probably would say it is not alright. And then there is peer pressure from other users in gyms and not fitting in or being accepted.

Benjamin Sinclair Johnson Born December 30th 1961 is a Jamaican born Canadian former sprinter. Johnson raced the 100m at the 1988 summer olympics in Seoul south Korea, He came 1st beating Carl Lewis with a time of 9.79s beating his own record of 9.83s that he set at the 1987 world championships in athletics in Rome. Unfortunately he was doped tested and two days later he was stripped of his gold medal for taking Stanozolol which is a synthetic anabolic androgenic steroid a performance enhancing drug. Consequently he was also stripped of his previous gold for drugs as well. He attempted a comeback in 1991 In 1993, he won the 50 metres on January 7 in Grenoble, France, in 5.65 seconds, just 0.04 seconds shy of the world record. However, he was found guilty of doping just after the race – this time for excess testosterone – and was subsequently banned for life by the IAAF.

So Benjamin Johnson gets a life ban for taking steroids but pro bodybuilders are allowed to take steroids it is an accepted part of pro bodybuilding. The IFBB do not dope test and if they did it would change the face of pro bodybuilding.

Kai Green born July 12, 1975 is an American IFBB professional bodybuilder, personal trainer, artist, and actor.

IFBB ANTIDOPING SUMMARY, 2014, 2015 and 2016 has a list by country of athletes that have taken illegal substances.

"A" CODE NUMBER ATHLETE COUNTRY SUBSTANCE(S)
2837239 Alena Prokofeva Russian Federation Chlorothiazide, Hydrochlorothiazide, Triamterene and Clenbuterol
2837238 Viacheslav Fedorenko Ukrainian Federation Stanozolol and metabolites, Canrenone, Clenbuterol and Boldenone metabolite
2837232 Josef Ahmad Swedish Federation
Stanozolol and metabolites, Chlorothiazide and metabolites, 
2837235 Adrian Cyrdnek Polish Federation Epitrenbolone
IFBB ANTIDOPING SUMMARY, 2014, 2015 and 2016
Athlete Viacheslav Fedorenko is suspended for 3 years, from October 5th, 2014 to October 4th, 2017 inclusive.
COMMENTS
2014 World Juniors & Masters Championships Morelia, Mexico - October 2nd-6th, 2014
Athlete Alena Prokofeva is suspended for 3 years, from October 5th, 2014 to October 4th, 2017 inclusive.
Athlete Adrian Cyrdnek is suspended for 2 years, from October 5th, 2014 to October 4th, 2016 inclusive.
2014 World Men´s Amateur Bodybuilding Championships Brasilia - Brazil - November 12th to 16th, 2014
Athlete Josef Ahmad is suspended for 3 years, from October 5th, 2014 to October 4th, 2017 inclusive.

  • Afro – Methyltestosterone

  • Agovirin Depot

  • Anabolic DN

  • Anabolicum Vister

  • Anadrol

  • Anadrol 50

  • Anadur

  • Anatrofin

  • Anavar

  • Andractim

  • Andriol

  • Andro-Cyp – Testosterone Cypionate

  • Androderm

  • Androgel

  • Andropen 275

  • Arderone 100/200 – Test Enanthate

  • Boldebal – Equipose

  • Bolfortan

  • Cabaser – Cabergoline

  • Cheque Drops

  • Choragon – H.C.G

  • Clomipheni citrate – Clomid

  • Contrapasmina – Clenbuterol

  • Cytomel Tabs – Cytomel

  • Danocrine

  • Deca Durabolin

  • Delatestryl

  • Deposterona

  • Depot Testosterone

  • Dianabol (steroid street name: Dbol

  • Diandrol

  • Dimethyltrienolone

  • Dinandrol

  • Durabolin

  • Dynabol

  • Dynabolan

  • Eltroxin – L-Thyroxine

  • Emdabol

  • EPO

  • Equilon 100

  • Equipoise

  • Ermalone

  • Esiclene

  • Estandron

  • Fherbolico

  • Finaject

  • G. chor. “Endo” – H.C.G

  • Genabol

  • Gonadotraphon – H.C.G

  • Halodrol

  • Halotestin

  • Havoc

  • Histerone inj – Test Suspension

  • Hydroxytest

  • Libriol

  • Madol

  • Masteron

  • Masteron Enanthate

  • Mediatric – Methyltestosterone

  • Megagrisevit Mono

  • MENT

  • Methandriol

  • Methandriol Dipropionate

  • Methosarb

  • Methyl-1-Testosterone

  • Methyl-D

  • Methyltestosterone

  • Methyltrienolone

  • Miotolan

  • MOHN

  • Myagen

  • Nandrabolin

  • Nandrolone

  • Nandrolone Phenylpropionate

  • Nebido

  • Neo-Ponden

  • Neotest 250

  • Nilevar

  • Norandren 50, 200

  • Omnadren

  • Ora-Testryl tabs – Halotetin

  • Orabolin

  • Oral Turinabol

  • Oranabol

  • Orgasteron

  • Oxandrolone

  • Oxymetholone

  • Parabolan

  • Perandren

  • Physex – H.C.G

  • Primobolan

  • Primobolan Depot

  • Primoteston

  • Promagnon

  • Prostanozol

  • Proviron

  • PSGAG

  • Retabolil – Deca

  • Riboxifen – Nolvadex

  • Rodozol – Cytadren

  • Roxilon

  • Roxilon Inject

  • Sanabolicum

  • Spectriol

  • Spriopent mite – Clenbuterol

  • Stanozolol

  • Sten

  • Steranabol Ritardo

  • Sterandryl Retard

  • Sterobolin – Deca

  • Superdrol

  • Sustanon

  • Sustanon 250

  • Synovex

  • T. cell pharm – Nolvadex

  • T. Streuli – Test Propionate

  • T3 – Cytomel

  • Tamaxin – Nolvadex

  • Tamofene – Nolvadex

  • Test 400

  • Testoderm

  • Testolent

  • Testopel

  • Testosterone

  • Testosterone CHP

  • Testosterone Cypionate

  • Testosterone Enanthate

  • Testosterone Heptylate

  • Testosterone Propionate

  • Testosterone Suspension

  • Testoviron

  • Testred Cyp – Test Cypionate

  • The Clear

  • The Cream

  • THG

  • Thioderon

  • Transdermal Testosterone

  • Tren

  • Trenbolone

  • Trenbolone Enanthate

  • Tri Trenabol

  • Tribolin

  • Ultandren – Halotestin

  • Winstrol

  • Winstrol Depot

A list of prescription steroids bodybuilders use.

Kai Green was born and raised in Brooklyn New York but from the age of 6 was raised in foster care and residential treatment centers. He was troublesome as a child but his seventh grade english teacher recommended he took up bodybuilding as she noticed his rapid growth and development. He won the 1999 NPC Universe competition and then took a five year break from competition.

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