Strength Training Vs Bodybuilding: Which One Is Best For You?
There are a lot of different training goals when it comes to fitness. At times it can become quite confusing, and it seems like there are so many conflicting opinions. There are always overlapping methods, movements and strategies, but there are key differences between disciplines and the end goals. So, whether you’re looking to build some mega muscle or just to get as strong as possible, we’ll break down the differences.
What is the difference between strength training and bodybuilding?
In plain and simple terms, the main difference between strength training and bodybuilding is the end goal. Strength training is exactly what it sounds like: the aim is to get stronger.
Building strength can be achieved through a range of methods, from lifting weights to bodyweight exercises and callisthenics training to using resistance bands.
The most popular, and perhaps one of the most effective, method of strength building is resistance training. Building strength requires progressive overload, which is the gradual increase of weight in a training routine.
In comparison, the primary purpose of bodybuilding is to build as much muscle mass as possible. This is normally achieved through the careful management of exercise and nutrition over time to achieve a particular aesthetic.
Bodybuilding is traditionally made up of phases of “bulking” and “cutting”. During bulking, bodybuilders eat more calories than required so they can build muscle mass, and during cutting they eat fewer calories in order to lose body fat and gain the desired physique for competition.
Although both strength training and bodybuilding share and overlap on many similarities there are also some clear differences. It’s good to remember that not everyone who strength trains wants to be a bodybuilder, however all bodybuilders will need to engage in some form of strength or resistance training.
It’s also important to remember that training to put on muscle is not always the best way to build strength. Diet and exercise programming will vary for each goal.
Benefits of Strength Training
Strength training makes you stronger
The first clear benefit of strength training is an obvious one: it makes you stronger. Although bigger muscles are generally stronger muscles, the correlation and relationship between the two is actually more complex.
Strength training allows you to lift heavier
Strength and lifting heavy go hand in hand. If you want to gain muscle strength, then working under a higher load in a lower rep range is advised.
Working under these heavier loads not only helps you to build strength but can also help make everyday tasks easier and lower your risk of injury.
Strength training is performance led
Strength training is about performance not aesthetics. Because of this, it’s useful for sports such as powerlifting, functional fitness and strongman/strongwomen, in which winners are decided by strength not appearance.
Benefits of Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding grows your muscles
Because resistance training is needed for bodybuilding, there will always be associated strength gains. However, the primary aim of the sport is to build muscle mass.
A mixture of bodybuilding-focused training styles can maximise growth over strength, and a balanced programme of weight training, cardio and nutrition enables bodybuilders to achieve this goal.
Bodybuilding enables you to train at high volumes
If looking to build mass, there is a correlation between muscle growth and set and rep output. High-volume set and rep ranges are generally needed for best results.
A high-volume programme promotes muscle gain and fat loss (which are desired when heading into competition season).
Bodybuilding teaches you about nutrition
Nutrition can be a difficult to understand. But bodybuilding’s focus on eating and exercise means it’s a great way to learn about the subject.
To grow muscle mass, you need to consume enough energy to enable maximum output during training and optimum recovery.
And heading into show season, you must get the fine balance right to maintain muscle mass and lose body fat.
Bodybuilding success is decided by nutrition so it’s crucial to get it right. Understanding the roles of macronutrients and micronutrients is key for best results.
Which one is better?
There is no clear-cut answer which is better for you vs the other. Both strength training and bodybuilding have clear benefits, and as with any training or sport, they are not without some risk factors.
The main answer would be the better is what works for you and your goal. If you are choosing between the two, think about what it is you want to get out of the programme.
Factors you need to consider include preferred training systems and nutrition, and this will help you choose which is better for you.
Take home message
While there are many similarities between strength training and bodybuilding, the desired outcomes of each form of training are very different.
The two training methods have many overlaps, but the best way of differentiating them is through their end goals: strength training is for building strength whereas bodybuilding is for building muscle mass. Both training types will lead to strength gains, but bodybuilding’s focus is on achieving a desired physique.
There isn’t a way to determine whether one form of training is better than the other. At the end of day, it all depends on you, your preferences and your goals.
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