The science of bodybuilding goes hundreds of years back. Still, it happens to be quite popular in today’s time. A lot of people tend to make it their lifestyle. Their aim is to develop and grow muscles and take part in bodybuilding competitions on the national level.

For the uninitiated and the ones new to this sport, bodybuilding is divided into four different categories. The division of these four categories is done on the basis of age, gender and their ultimate goal. Read on to know about these categories and their details:

Professional Bodybuilding

It is that category of bodybuilding, which appeals to those who want to qualify and compete in competitions held on local or international levels.

The beginner has to take part in competitions held at amateur levels. During this stage, they can start earning points after taking part in different competitions. This can lead to their qualification and subsequent entry in professional competitions. After winning different competitions, they become eligible to receive an IFBB pro card. The International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) is the major organization for bodybuilders that is recognized globally.

After receiving this card, they cannot take part in the amateur contents. However, they can opt for guest posing.

Natural and Open Bodybuilding

Natural bodybuilding is an effort to build and grow muscles without the use of drugs and steroids. Natural Physique Association along with numerous other organizations have been developed for this purpose. Although the competitors i.e. bodybuilders are not allowed to use steroids and other such drugs, they can opt for muscle-building supplements and other natural products that aid the growth of muscles.

A competitor has to undergo a drug test before taking part in natural bodybuilding competitions. Only if they pass the test, they can proceed ahead. It ensures that content is fair and square for every participant. An individual who had used steroids or other such drugs previously but has been clean in the recent past is also eligible to take part in such competitions.

Open bodybuilding competitions, on the other hand, allow competitors to participate who have used steroids or other such synthetic products. However, it is important to know that the excess use of steroids can prove to be harmful to your health. So, even if you have been using steroids or are planning to do so, make sure that you use the best quality products. Be aware of the components used in their manufacturing and their uses/characteristics before buying and using them.

Female Bodybuilding

Female bodybuilding became popular during the 70s. Prior to that, women were more inclined towards general fitness. It was only when Arnold Schwarzenegger hogged the limelight due to this physique, women started to take bodybuilding seriously. And so a new category of bodybuilding was introduced.

Women, now, have different competitions to participate in. Among them, the major one is Ms. Olympia. It started in 1980.

Teenage Bodybuilding

Some bodybuilding competitions are also held for people belonging to different age groups. Teenage bodybuilding, as the name suggests, is for teenagers and competitions are held for bodybuilders who fall in this age bracket. Usually, older teens participate in these contests.

To make sure teenagers do not develop the habit of using illegal drugs, their participation is administered with drug tests. Only if the competitors clear this test, they are allowed to participate. This is also done to ensure they gain muscle mass in the natural way, without the use of synthetic products.

Not that these products such as steroids are bad for health but, generally, natural bodybuilding is preferred since it comes with the risk of getting side effects. Having said that, the side effects can also be reduced if the consumer is using high-quality products in the prescribed dose.

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, if you are planning to become a bodybuilder, it is important for you to know about its major and minor details. Only if you have ample knowledge about the route you are going to take, you will be able to accomplish your mission and reach milestones you have been working hard for.

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