BB's in my gym

[WilldBill88]

Hey guys just recently had a thought that has been going through my mind...


The gym I go to is mainly a bodybuilding gym and there is some pretty big guys in there who like their competition level. Though, everytime I see them, there always doing some isolation exercise, using dumbbells or machines. I so far have not seen them do any compound movements like the Bench, Squat and Deadlift. So, I been wondering did these guys really get big without compound movements? Or did they start out with the basics and over time build up enough mass to turn to isolation exercises?

Sorry if this is a dumb post but, just something I was pondering.. Thoughts?

[BendtheBar]

I don't think it's unusual for some bodybuilders to avoid deadlifts. Most bodybuilders squat though. When it comes to benching a lot of the bodybuilders I talk with prefer inclines.

For what it's worth, I've interviewed at least 100 top current bodybuilders and most list their top 3 exercises as squats, deadlifts and a bench variation. This is actually one of the standard questions I ask them.

Training evolves a lot over the years. What they are doing now probably differs greatly from what they did 5-10 years ago. The wear and tear from using heavy compounds takes its toll, especially when combined with the tendency of modern bodybuilders to volume train.

Bodybuilding generally doesn't talk periodization, so they are all forced to adapt some way, some how over time to lessen the strain. Usually you see lifters build strength bases and then branch out into more joint friendly moves over the years.

I will add that once you have muscle, it's pretty easy to maintain as well.

[ffemtny]

Wildbill,
Your best bet if you really want to know is ask, there are some jerks out there but I'm sure most will be approachable and give you legit answers . People who are into lifting usually love to talk lifting . Had a guy at my reserve unit, who was an amateur bodybuilder and loved to talk bodybuilding , powerlifting , boxing, etc..

[Rich Knapp]

If they are big and compete there are concentrating on improving there symmetry.

This is NOT something a beginer or non competitive bber needs to worry about.

Plus as Steve said. Day in and day out of lifting heavy weights takes its toll on the body and you need to find things that keep your improvements coming.


Some one lifting for 1 year can't lift like a person lifting for 10+ years. The body just won't take it or react the same to it.

[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by Rich Knapp

If they are big and compete there are concentrating on improving there symmetry.

This is NOT something a beginer or non competitive bber needs to worry about.

.

I forgot the point about symmetry and weaknesses.

[Rich Knapp]

Originally Posted by BendtheBar

I forgot the point about symmetry and weaknesses.

Yes and to clear up any confusion on what "weakness" is for a competitive bodybuilder.

A weakness refers to a muscle thats not developed in size proportion to the rest of the body. It has absolutely nothing to do with the weight he can lift with that muscle.

[WilldBill88]

Good points and thanks for the replys!