Strength Training vs Bodybuilding: What’s the Difference?

Strength Training vs Bodybuilding: What’s the Difference?

Strength training and bodybuilding. You’ve probably heard the two terms used interchangeably before. That’s because, on the surface, they appear very similar. But, in reality, they are two different types of workout regimens that have two very different affects. What is the difference between them? We’ll try to break it down for you, so you can decide which is the right fit for you.

WHAT IS THE GOAL

To start comparing and contrasting strength training and bodybuilding, we have to look at what the two goals are. We’ll start with strength training. What every strength trainer hopes to achieve is exactly what is in the title: strength. You want to build functioning muscles and train them how to effectively manage heavy loads and get the job done efficiently.

Bodybuilding, on the other hand, is all about the bulk. Bodybuilders want to make their muscles large for show purposes. The bigger the better, no matter if the muscles are actually strong or not. Think about a brick of styrofoam. Its large, but there’s no weight or endurance to it. It’s the same targeted goal that bodybuilders have.

WHAT IS THE ROUTINE

Now that you know the difference in goals, how do both regimens meet those goals? You might think it’s difficult to tell a new strength trainer versus a new bodybuilder apart at the gym until their muscles develop differently, but even how they perform their exercises will differ.

Strength training is all about building strong muscle. To do that, you have to do precise, clean repetitions that are done low. Perfect form is the key here and keeping each movement controlled is vital. Strength trainers aim for smaller, more effective workouts.

If you’re a bodybuilder, you need to tear muscle in order for it to repair back bulkier than it was before. This means high, aggressive, and powerhouse exercises. Form isn’t as important, and you can be a bit more of a loose cannon as you work to get that bodybuilder figure.

WHAT IS THE RESULT

So what is the end result of these two, now apparently different, routines? The strength trainer should have bulked up slightly if the exercises were performed correctly. But, more importantly, he or she is now hard as steel and can lift heavier weights efficiently.

The bodybuilder should be all bulk. Muscles are huge, but weaker than they appear. And only the show muscles have developed, leaving other ignored and a little undersized. There will be some strength gain, it’s unavoidable when working muscles so hard, but it won’t be as hardcore as a dedicated strength trainer.

See the difference now? Strength trainers and bodybuilders may share the same equipment, but they are two different types of workout plans. If you know which goal you’d like to achieve, it will give you a better idea of how to use the weights the right way. And, of course, Personal Trainer Las Vegas can find you the right personal trainer to build a session plan that works with your body and helps you get a head start. Call us today to get started!
And if you enjoyed our article, share it with your friends on Facebook or Twitter. You never who may be looking at getting in shape along with you. If you have any experience about either type of muscle building, comment below and tell us what you found worked for you.