How do the training techniques of a professional bodybuilder and an Olympic weightlifter differ?

6 Responses to “How do the training techniques of a professional bodybuilder and an Olympic weightlifter differ?”

1. megalomaniac says:

   February 23, 2011 at 2:22 pm

   The first thing is that weighlifters eat more. As they are more concerned with performance over looks, they are also more in tune with the fact that some body fat is healthy. The image that most bodybuilders are shooting for is simply an unhealthy visual-based ideal.

   You are what you eat but you are also what you train for. If you want sculpted muscles then you want high reps. If you want power you want low reps with lots of sets and as much weight as you can manage (though watch for over-training and injuries)

   A smart weighlifter also knows that plenty of rest is needed. Generally a full day for upper body exercises and two days for heavy leg exercises (though cardio can go on six days a week) Personally I think six days of training a week is a good idea with one day of complete rest.

   There are of course many successful formulas. . .
2. HandyThinker says:

   February 23, 2011 at 3:19 pm

   Well, the prime distinction is that body builders lift for defined appearance which is a key component of their style of competition.

   Weight lifters train to, well, lift weights.
3. Josh says:

   February 23, 2011 at 3:39 pm

   Well, you just answered your own question. Body builders go for overall muscle appearance and tone while weightlifters target the muscle groups that will help them in their event (and they arn’t as anal about their appearance as body builders)
4. RobsVision says:

   February 23, 2011 at 4:36 pm

   EXACTLY! An Olympic Lifter trains to lift a lot of weight. A Body-Builder trains to “look” like he lifts a lot of weight.
5. G says:

   February 23, 2011 at 5:23 pm

   One takes steriod’s and another doesn’t.
6. cutiepie11wi says:

   February 23, 2011 at 6:06 pm

   i guess a prof. bodybuilder would be doing a lot more exercises to build up muscle groups to have a very defined appearance. But a weight lifter will focus on lifting the large weights, concentrating on lifting technique.