Bodybuilding And The Olympics - An Ongoing Controversy

The debate on whether bodybuilding should be an Olympic sport has been raging for years amongst the bodybuilding community and those interested in the Olympics. Ardent fans argue that weightlifting has been an Olympic sport for years, so why not bodybuilding? To diehard fans, bodybuilding and the Olympics seems to be a perfect fit, and questions like "Why is bodybuilding not already an Olympic sport?" are routinely aired.

Perhaps the more telling questions to ask are "Should bodybuilding be an Olympic sport?", and "Would making bodybuilding an Olympic sport help the Olympics?"

Bodybuilding And The Olympics: Why It Is Not Already An Olympic Sport

The current Olympic program consists of 35 sports, 53 disciplines and more than 400 events, ranging from archery through to weightlifting and wrestling. The bodybuilding fan base, competitors, and sponsors are all ready and willing to take the step to Olympic level. The stumbling block is the International Olympic Committee and the OPC, who state simply that according to their criteria, bodybuilding is not a sport and there has no place in the Olympics.

This stand begs the question, "what determines a sport in the first place?". A simple definition by the Australian Sports Foundation says that sport is "a human activity capable of achieving a result requiring physical exertion and/or physical skill, which, by its nature and organisation, is competitive and is generally accepted as being a sport."

Arguably, bodybuilding fits within this definition, and one would think this should be enough for the IOC. However, the primary problem the IOC has with allowing bodybuilding into the Olympics concerns drug abuse. They claim that the widespread use of performance enhancing drugs by bodybuilders would prevent bodybuilding from complying with Olympic drug policies. There are harsh and vigilant doping rules for Olympic competitors, which would certainly exclude many professional bodybuilders.

However, the natural bodybuilding fraternity does not use performance enhancing drugs. The Olympics could uphold their drug policies, allowing only natural bodybuilders to compete at the Olympics. This also aligns with the tradition of the Olympics being a competition for sporting amateurs, not professionals.

Another reason stated by the IOC for excluding bodybuilding from the Olympics was that the judging in competitive bodybuilding was far too subjective for an Olympic judge to critique. Given the controversy surrounding the subjective judging of sports such as ice skating, diving, and gymnastics this argument hardly seems to hold water. In fact, bodybuilding would seem to be a perfect fit!

How Bodybuilding Could Help The Olympics

As competitive bodybuilding has never been a mainstream sport, including it as an Olympic Sport would allow the sport to be better known and recognized. It would also make the sport more accessible, allowing people to learn more about bodybuilding, and possibly participate themselves.

Bodybuilding would also help the Olympics by widening the scope of sports on display. By showcasing bodybuilding, the Olympics would be encouraging people of all ages to eat good food, work out, become fit, and look after their health. These are important messages in a world where so many people are overweight.

A look back into history reveals that the Olympics were first introduced by the Greeks, who idolized and revered well toned, aesthetic bodies with healthy strong physiques.

Bodybuilding And The Olympics: The Main Argument Against

Besides the drug doping issue, perhaps the most prominent argument against including bodybuilding in the Olympics is the subjectivity of judges and the fact that there is often no clear winner. Even though other Olympic sports like ice skating are also in this category, the majority of Olympic sporting events feature clear winners, either by time, distance, height or lifting weight. No one can argue that judging mistakes have been made when a competitor clearly wins an event.

Although the jury is still out on bodybuilding and Olympics, it seems for the time being at least, that the Olympic Committee has no intention of including bodybuilding as an Olympic sport. Despite the fact that the bodybuilding fraternity is ready and willing to take the step to Olympic level, it looks like they will be waiting for some time yet.

Jean Littman is co-owner of BodyBuilderWeb.com which provides quality tools and resources on bodybuilding, gaining muscle and losing fat

Weight Belts For Bodybuilding -An Ongoing Controversy

Bodybuilding is an exercise program that does much more for the body than just build up muscle and physique. Bodybuilding also strengthens the ligaments and tendons, the skeletal system, and burns more calories due to the increased metabolic rate of the body. Using weight belts for bodybuilding exercise workouts is quite common, but it is also a controversial practice. There are two opposing schools of thought amongst weightlifters and bodybuilders.

Those who advocate the use of weight belts for bodybuilding believe that a weight lifting belt will protect the lumbar portion of the spinal column. There are also many who categorically do not believe in the use of weight belts for bodybuilding. They think weight belts give individuals a false sense of security, and they cannot take the place of strong, functional core and trunk muscles.

Weight Lifting Belts - What Are They?

A weight belt is rigid and generally made from leather, but also can be made out of high-strength, durable nylon. A weight lifting belt is fastened around the bodybuilder's waist and secured in they same fashion as a normal belt. The part of the belt that crosses the small of the back is usually about six inches high.

The Pros Of Weight Belts For Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders who favour the use of a weight lifting belt during their bodybuilding workouts believe that the weight lifting belt will protect the lumbar portion of the spinal column from needless injury. They also believe that the thickness and width of the belt spanning the lower back can prevent injury to the all important back muscles.

Another benefit attributed to the weight lifting belts is that the stiffness of the belt acts as a reminder to the individual not to arch or bend their back when lifting. Bodybuilders who arch their back when lifting weights risk permanent damage to the spine. For power lifters undertaking maneuvers such as squats and clean and jerk, the added support of a weight belt provides extra protection for the small of the back.

The Cons of Weight Belts For Bodybuilding

Bodybuilders opposed to the use of weight belts for bodybuilding believe that a weight belt cannot take the place of a strong, fully functioning core of trunk muscles. Weight belts can give the individual a false sense of security and safety, allowing poor form to creep into their workouts. They further argue that wearing of the belt causes needless pressure on the abdomen, which can increase the bodybuilder's blood pressure.

They also believe that the use of a weight lifting belt is counterproductive in building up the muscles of the lower back. Dependence on belt can weaken the small of the back rather than allow for its strengthening, which is one of the major reasons for taking up weightlifting or bodybuilding. In a study of 50 male weightlifters done at Albany Medical Center in Albany, NY, researchers discovered that men not using weightlifting belts had more abdominal and back strength than the men who did use weight belts.

In conclusion, whether you believe weight belts for bodybuilding are beneficial or not, you should check with your physician before starting any program. Following your doctor's advice for your exercise and health safety is paramount, and always remember, no matter what your level of fitness, make sure you lift weights with caution.

Jean Littman is a health and fitness enthusiast and co-owner of BodyBuilderWeb.com which provides quality tools and resources on bodybuilding, gaining muscle and losing fat.

The Controversy Between Cardiovascular Exercise and Weight Training

Have you ever thought to yourself today is the day you are going to start working out? Have you ever been unsatisfied with what was reflecting back at you in the mirror? Low self-esteem can form especially when we do not look the way we would like to. For some people it can be very stressful and often times lead to depression. For the most part most of us just need to learn self control. Once that is achieved you will take control of your life and you will have so much more confidence by doing so.

For most beginners just starting to contemplate on which exercises to begin can be a challenge. With so many various types of exercises, how can you choose which one will produce the best results for you?

Each person is built differently so picking the right exercise for yourself can be mind-boggling if you are unfamiliar with the different types of methods. There are basically two main categories in the Fitness World, either Cardiovascular Exercises or Weight Training. Whether you want to get in shape or build muscles, you want to find a method that is suitable for you.

Most people worldwide are too busy with work to even begin to fathom how important it is to make the time to begin working out. If you are one of those people try using your free time more sparingly. Try creating a weekly schedule for yourself and make time for exercise whenever possible. Dieting is also a great way to lose weight and stay healthy. Both diet and exercise go great hand in hand and is an excellent strategy to losing weight quickly.

Before you begin to choose which exercise you want to proceed with, it's best to consult with a medical expert or physician to help determine the proper method that is right for your body type as well as health.

Tips

Also before any workout you want to remember to always start with warm-ups and end with cool-downs. Both are used to prevent any serious injuries to your muscles, heart, and lungs and proceed for about 5 to 20 minutes. Warm-ups are used to prepare the body and organs by building up your heart rate and increase the oxygen taken in by the lungs safely before the actual workout. Cool-downs are used to slow down and decrease the oxygen taken in by the lungs safely after the workout.

No matter what method of exercise you choose, remember to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydrating. When you work out, your body loses fluids and your body needs water to replenish. Water also delivers oxygen your muscles need to function properly. Basically the more your muscles contract the more oxygen you need to prevent fatigue and strain.

Cardiovascular Exercise

Cardiovascular exercise is called a few different names such as: Cardio, Aerobic Exercise, Aerobics, Callisthenic's, drills, or which ever name you decide to go with is fine. (I will use Cardio to keep it simple.)

The term cardiovascular is defined as; "relating to both the heart and the blood vessels," which Cardio exercises help stimulate both the heart and blood vessels. You can think of these exercises as, "exercises for the heart." Walking and jumping rope are considered to be in the cardio category, whereas they both stimulate the heart and lungs.

Benefactors for a Cardio routine include:

- Reduces anxiety, stress, and depression by a substance created from the body known as endorphins.

- Stimulates the heart and lungs and reduces the risk of diseases such as heart disease and osteoporosis. Also improves the health of your immune system.

- Slim and tones your body by tightening your muscles. Weight loss is greatly achieved with maintaining a healthy diet.

- Decrease in muscle pains.

- Medically claimed to increase the life span.

- Can also be executed with weights such as dumbbells or a resistance/exercise band.

- Increases your metabolism, strength, and stamina.

Weight Training

Weight training which also is known as strength training is commonly used to increase physical strength and developing the size of certain muscles. Believe it or not weight training has a long line of historical facts dating back to the Ancient Greeks. It also is a great workout to maintain lean muscle mass. Weight training can also prevent the risk of osteoporosis. This method of training involves use of equipment such as machine weights and free weights. It is best to use back supports or weight lifting belts to prevent severe injuries to the spinal cord and lower back.

Warm-ups and cool-downs

There are many companies that sell weight training equipment that is designed to allow you to workout at home. However, using equipment improperly is most common, and to avoid injuries it is best to work out with a professional trainer or instructor. Since the benefits and results are quite different between free weights and machine weights, breaking down each method just seems easier to follow.

Free Weights

- Reduces anxiety, stress, and depression by a substance created from the body known as endorphins.

- Increases your metabolism, strength, and stamina.

- Are suitable for all shapes and sizes.

- Has a various range of weights available for lifting, depending on your preference.

- Will produce lean muscle mass quicker and efficiently.

- Various types of exercises can be performed, and allows you to move more freely and natural.

- Great for people who have injuries and need rehabilitation.

- Produces more lean muscle mass quicker.

Free weights can be difficult to master at first and often times used improperly. To prevent injuries it is best to have a trainer or instructor to guide you, especially with the more heavy weights. Free weights are typically inexpensive and vary in weight up to 500 pounds or more depending on your range.

Machine Weights

- Reduces anxiety, stress, and depression by a substance created from the body known as endorphins.

- Increases your metabolism, strength, and stamina.

- Can be used in the comfort of your own home or at the gym.

- Can use lighter weights, but do more repetitions (reps for short).

- Are limited to how greatly strength is achieved due to limited weights available.

Machine weights most often are limited up to 200 pounds of available strength training. Injuries often occur less but equipment is fairly more expensive. Switching from machine weights to free weights can cause you to be unsteady and shaky, but over time you will get used to it.

So now that you are more familiar with the differences between Cardio exercises and Weight training, you can now decide which type of exercise is right for you. Now deciding on which one isn't as difficult as you thought.

You will be fatigued and sore at first after working out, but this will pass. Some people find that continuing regular daily workouts actually stop the pain from worsening. Others find that working out every other day will lessen the effects as well.

If any minor or major injuries occur you should seek out professional help when ever possible. Foot pains may seem insignificant but it's not always normal and should be checked out and taken care of as well. If pain persists try changing your routine to every other day or discontinue if needed. Foot pain may seem meager but can sometimes lead to damage of the spinal cord. Having pain in the soles of your feet can also lead to difficulty balancing.

A great thing about both cardio exercise and weight training is that you can decide to either use one or the other. Or if you are just beginning to join the Fitness World and want both the benefits of being physically fit inside and out, you can start your routine with cardio exercise and end with weight training. However you want to alternate and use these leading workouts is totally up to you.

For faster results and to maintain your weight loss goal it is highly recommended to exercise and follow a well balanced diet on a daily basis. Your diet should consist of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats or alternative meats, and 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. If you decide on taking dietary supplements be sure to add exercise and dieting as well for faster results. Although it is not recommended to necessarily take diet supplements, I know that it is an ultimatum we face that is also in the Fitness World. Before deciding on dietary supplements it is suggested to seek information from a doctor or expert and to make sure the contents are safe.

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