Sage-Tips

Are bodybuilders strong or just big?

These kind of anecdotal reports, along with the recent research, do make bodybuilders seem like paper tigers of the weight lifting world. However, they are still incredibly strong by average standards and have the capacity to become world-record holders.

Is it healthy to be extremely muscular?

Building muscle mass is not only healthy in the short term, but can also have long-lasting health benefits. For example, according to LiveStrong, with age comes a loss of muscle mass and strength attributed to sarcopenia, the natural and normal decline in muscle.

Is bodybuilding a strongman sport?

Bodybuilders, although some may look bad- ass, are neither strong nor posses enough endurance, stamina, power to play and or compete with the strongman sport. There are strong bodybuilders, but Bodybuilding focus is mostly on aesthetics. Strength and power take back seat to aesthetics, therefore the comparison is not practical.

What does a strongman look like?

If you look at most elite strongmen, they have a certain look. Big block shaped heads and a jaw that could bite through steel. There’s a reason that they all have this similar look.

Is strength genetic or learned?

Most of it is just skill and practice. The rest of it is genetic. Just because a strong man can pull a truck doesn’t necessarily mean they’re stronger than a bodybuilder. Think about it like this: Yes, the strongman will be able to pick up a boulder, but the bodybuilder will probably be able to do more pull-ups. So who’s stronger?

Are there elite bodybuilders that can bench and squat big numbers?

There are few “elite” bodybuilders that can squat or bench big numbers but generally, most pro bodybuilders are not focused on developing absolute Strength. Usually, professional bodybuilding is riddled with performance enhancing drugs, therefore they are not taken very serious by the rest of strength trainers.