Bodybuilding (also known as competitive bodybuilding)is a sport where bodybuilders display their physiques to a panel of judges. The judges grant points based on the bodybuilders aesthetic appearance. People take part in bodybuilding even if they are not doing it competitively.

Bodybuilding is the sport of developing the body in order to maximize its physical appearance. Participants mix weight training with careful dieting in order to grow and display various groups of muscles to panels of judges. Symmetry, tanning and oiling are also used to further the appearance of body perfection. Bodybuilding can be pursued by men and women, both recreationally and competitively.

Sculpt the muscles of the body, as to look superior to others in judged competitions.

Bodybuilders will spend most of their time working out with the sole intention of gaining muscle mass. However in the 3-4 months prior to a competition, workouts switch gears and focus primarily on losing body fat. To do this, bodybuilders focus on reducing calorie intake and increasing cardio exercise. In the weeks prior to competition, bodybuilders increase water and sodium intake while decreasing carbohydrate intake. This process depletes the muscles of glycogen. In the days leading up to the show, sodium and water intake are eliminated while carbohydrates are reintroduced. The end result of all this is a lean body, filled with hard muscles. Prior to going on stage, bodybuilders coat themselves in oil and tanning solution to improve muscle definition. Once on-stage, bodybuilders flex different parts of their body to display symmetry and definition to judges. Once all bodybuilders have been viewed, a winner is picked.

Bodybuilding began in the late 19th century when Russian Eugen Sandow developed a stage show around the display of his well-developed physique. He became so successful that he created several pieces of exercise equipment inspired by his workouts. Known as "The Father of Modern Bodybuilding," Sandow started the first bodybuilding competition in London. In the ensuing years, more competitions were held, as more and more people got involved in bodybuilding. By the 1970's, bodybuilding, by then a major international sport, was deeply affected by its participants' use of steroids. After years of pressure from federal governments and the sport's governing body, the IFBB, bodybuilding eliminated the widespread use of steroids. In 2000 bodybuilding obtained full IOC membership, and is currently seeking approval as a demonstration event.

Many different types of exercise equipment are needed to be a successful bodybuilder. This equipment can be found in most modern gyms.

Bodybuilders should always work with a professional trainer who is educated in safely developing muscle mass.

Prior to engaging in bodybuilding, participants should be in good physical shape and have no heart or respiratory disorders.

Carbohydrate - any of a group of organic compounds occurring in foods and living tissues; is typically broken down to release energy in the body

Glycogen - a substance deposited in bodily tissues as a store of carbohydrates

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodybuilding