Powerlifting and bodybuilding. These two types of fitness activities may be the same to some. Although some may see powerlifting and bodybuilding as one in the same, both sports are completely different from each other.
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Even though these two sports are different, both have a few similarities.
Powerlifting: Powerlifting is a strength sport and a form of competitive weightlifting that is judged based on squat, dead lift, and bench press. Powerlifters are not usually going for a "chiseled" look. They are gaining weight for more muscle mass so that they will, in hopes, gain more strength. Also, during competition, powerlifters have to showcase how much weight they can lift and have three attempts to (hopefully) perform and accomplish those attempts successfully.
Bodybuilding: Bodybuilding is a sport of muscle symmetry and definition, rather than "strength." Don't get me wrong, some bodybuilding athletes are going for symmetry, definition and strength, however, only muscle symmetry and definition will be are critiqued by bodybuilding judges during competition. Bodybuilders (either as traditional bodybuilders, figure, fitness, or bikini competitors), showcase their hard work through aesthetic presentation, which can be shown through proper diet and exercise.
Diet: In both sports, having the proper diet is important. Powerlifters usually focus on "bulking" in order to gain more muscle, obviously for more strength. Bodybuilders go for a diet that is intended to "lean out," or burn more fat while maintaining and gaining lean, strong muscle. In other words, powerlifters are going to increase their caloric intake, while a bodybuilder is going to decrease his or her caloric intake. Both sports require a nutritionally complete diet, however, the difference between bulking and leaning out make all the difference by paying attention to caloric intake.
Although powerlifting and bodybuilding are two sports entirely, both sports do have similarities. Both sports require a diet that must be followed in order to have the desired results. Both sports require training in each sport's specific way; both sports require supplementation as well. Also, the most important similarity between powerlifting and bodybuilding is on competition day. Both powerlifting athletes as well as bodybuilding athletes have to "showcase" themselves, in front of judges, in order to show off their hard work and training for his or her sport.
Most people that are not familiar with the sports of powerlifting or bodybuilding may confuse the two. Although powerlifting and bodybuilding are two completely different sports, they both share similarities and are well respected sports in the fitness world.
