There’s been a resurgence of interest in body-building, and big crowds are expected at a major Brisbane competition this weekend. The sport first came into the mainstream during the 1980s,
but since then has been dogged by controversy.

Joseph Ogilvie reports.

TRANSCRIPT

Bodybuilding has struggled over the years with accusations of steroid abuse, but its image is transforming as more people get involved.

Jason Woodforth, INBA President: “The competition has changed massively, we’ve been growing 20% year on year for five years.”

The International Natural Bodybuilding Association is considered the cleanest federation in the sport and they’re holding their Brisbane Classic this weekend.

Competitors are now in their final stages of preparation for this weekend’s competition, going to lengths many of us couldn’t even imagine.

Many of them diet for months in the lead up to the event with strict regimes.

Annissa Belonogoff, INBA Competitor: “I usually start tapering it in about 12 weeks out, in just little bits and pieces, and then like pretty focused the last eight weeks.”

Dieticians say that can be risky.

Tracie Connor, Nutritionist: “Long term there can be a lot of risks, I think that many many bodybuilders would realise it’s very strenuous on the body.”

Bodybuilders can experience so called ‘blow outs’ and depression after events.

Jason Morris, INBA Competitor: “A large quantity of competitors tend to binge. So they’ll go out, have chocolate donuts, burgers and they’ll actually go a step backwards.”

Apparently, it’s better to ease down.

Jason Morris, INBA Competitor: “So you generally do what’s called reverse dieting, so you slowly increase your calories.”

The experts say bodybuilders should also set realistic goals for their individual body type.

Bodybuilding and strength training can be very positive forms of physical exercise.

But like anything taken to extremes there can be risks involved.

Therefore the best thing to do is to seek advice before getting started.

Joseph Ogilvie QUT News.