Physique traits, muscle performance and health status of natural bodybuilders and powerlifters

Bodybuilding is an appearance-oriented sport that involves performing a series of poses on stage where judges rank each competitor on muscular mass, symmetry and definition. In contrast, powerlifting is a sport that consists of the maximal weight lifted for three lifts (i.e. squat, bench press, and deadlift). Even though resistance training is a central component in preparation for bodybuilding and powerlifting competitions, exercise specifics and dietary practices reportedly differ due to the requirements of these respective sports. This cross-sectional study design aims to examine the physique traits, muscle performance, and health of individuals that compete in natural bodybuilding and powerlifting.