Discover the “Real Bodybuilder Signs” that go beyond regular workouts like Zumba or Pilates. Bodybuilding is not just about the gym; it’s a lifestyle. To be a real bodybuilder, you commit to a special diet, use important supplements, and respect your body’s need for rest and recovery. It’s an all-in or not at all kind of commitment!
To truly embrace the bodybuilding community, you must also grasp its unique language, understand concepts like the pump, sets, reps, intensity, 1RM, macros, bulking, cutting, and more. Bodybuilders often exhibit distinctive attire, emphasizing that what you do outside the gym is just as crucial as your workout. It’s a 24/7 commitment.
In this article I will explain the top 15 signs that indicate you’re not just a gym-goer but a bona fide bodybuilder, exploring the significance of each.
Check how many resonate with you and grade yourself accordingly:
- 1-5 – bro, do you even lift? (C-)
- 6-10 – not bad, but don’t quit your day job! (B)
- 11-15 – you are a REAL bodybuilder! (A+)
Table of Contents:
- Signs You’re A Real Bodybuilder
- You can look at any meal and tell if it’ll fit your macros
- You know how much weight is on the bar just by looking at it
- You call Monday “Chest day”
- Your Food is Always with You
- Weight Gain is a Good Thing
- Mirror, Mirror, Everywhere
- “Treat” Yourself to Junk
- You know who Zercher, Pendlay, Hackenschmidt, Yates, and Kroc are
- According to food serving sizes, you’re a family of four
- You’ve seen Pumping Iron more times than you can count
- You can’t wear skinny jeans
- You walk like an elderly person after leg day
- You spend more money on supplements than you spend on food
- You’re not fat; you’re bulking!
- Your non-bodybuilding friends think you’re nuts!
- FAQs
- Overview
- References
Signs You’re A Real Bodybuilder
Are you genuinely immersed in the world of bodybuilding, or merely playing the part? Delve into the 15 unmistakable signs that distinguish a bona fide enthusiast of pumping iron, showcasing bulging biceps, prominent vascularity, and a resolute dedication to the iron game!
1. You can look at any meal and tell if it’ll fit your macros
Meal Mastery:
To build muscles, you need to eat enough calories and have the right balance of proteins, carbs, and fats. When you started bodybuilding, you might have measured every meal to hit these targets. Now, as an experienced bodybuilder, you can probably look at a meal and know if it has what you need. This skill can save you time, but remember, if you feel stuck in your progress, it might be worth measuring your meals more precisely.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/red-meat.jpg)
Wardrobe Changes:
Bodybuilders often dress differently, and you’ve probably noticed changes in your own wardrobe. As your body transforms, your clothes may get tighter around the arms and chest but looser around the waist. You might find yourself preferring tank tops and shirts that showcase your hard-earned gains. This shift in clothing choices reflects your pride in your bodybuilding achievements.
Constant Learning:
The world of bodybuilding has its own language—terms like “the pump,” “sets,” “reps,” “macros,” and more. A true bodybuilder not only understands these terms but uses them regularly. Whether it’s discussing workout intensity or nutritional strategies, your ability to speak the bodybuilding language shows your commitment to the lifestyle.
2. You know how much weight is on the bar just by looking at it
While bodybuilders aren’t solely judged on their strength, many still value the amount of weight they can lift, especially in major exercises like squats, bench presses, and deadlifts.
For an experienced bodybuilder, a quick look at a bar tells them how much weight is on it and whether it surpasses their lifting capacity. They can effortlessly calculate the combination of plates needed, typically relying on 45-pound plates.
In the realm of the 45-pound multiplication table, bodybuilders often display their mathematical prowess, making the gym a space where strength and numbers coexist.
3. You call Monday “Chest day”
We often name Monday as “Chest Day.” It’s a tradition because Monday is seen as a great day to work on your chest muscles. This idea comes from something called the Weider Priority Principle, which suggests starting the week by focusing on important body parts when you have the most energy and motivation.
Many bodybuilders enjoy training their chest muscles. While having a special day for chest workouts is cool, it’s also important to give other parts of your body attention. So, as much as Monday is for the chest, remember to dedicate Tuesday to your back and Wednesday to your legs. Every part of your body deserves some love for a balanced and strong physique.
![At-Home Chest Workout for Bodybuilding](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Chest-Workout-for-Bodybuilding-racool_studio.jpg)
4. Your Food is Always with You
In the world of bodybuilding, what you eat plays a crucial role in the ongoing battle between muscle-building (anabolism) and muscle breakdown (catabolism). Many bodybuilders follow a routine of eating every 2-3 hours, adding up to six or more meals a day. Unless you do everything at home, this means you’ll always have food by your side.
While the idea of an “anabolic window” is somewhat debated, missing meals can potentially slow down your progress, especially if you’re not getting enough calories. So, if people around you often comment, “Dude, you’re always eating!” take it as a sign that you’re probably on the right track.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/assortment-common-food-allergens-people_freepik.jpg)
5. Weight Gain is a Good Thing
In bodybuilding, putting on weight is like winning a prize. While many folks try to lose weight, bodybuilders are happy to gain it. Each extra pound means you’re getting closer to having a strong and muscular body. So, if someone tells you that you look heavier, take it as a compliment—they’re saying you look bigger than before.
But, if someone wonders if you’ve lost weight and you’re not trying to slim down, it might be time to check your diet and exercise plan.
6. Mirror, Mirror, Everywhere
In bodybuilding, looks matter a lot. It’s not just about lifting heavy; it’s about having the right balance, size, and definition in your muscles. Even if you’re not planning to compete, you’ll likely track your progress by looking in the mirror.
To see yourself in the best light (literally!), you’ve probably discovered the mirrors that make your physique shine. The ones with good overhead lighting highlight your muscle definition, and tinted mirrors might give your skin a nice tan. Some mirrors even make you appear larger than life.
Admit it, you’ve got a favorite spot for flexing and checking your gains. Just make sure it’s not in the middle of a crowded place!
![Workout For Powerful Back](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/pexels-niragire-tresor-11266952.jpg)
7. “Treat” Yourself to Junk
Bodybuilders follow strict diets, mainly consisting of foods like chicken, tuna, veggies, and whole grains. Taste is often secondary; it’s about fueling those muscles.
But even bodybuilders need a break from the routine. Enter the cheat meal – a chance to enjoy some junk food. So, if you spot a bodybuilder munching on a candy bar or indulging in a burger, they might just call it a well-deserved treat meal.
For those who don’t hit the gym regularly, junk food is simply food, and that’s one reason why many struggle with weight issues!
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/wrap-salad-roll-with-tuna-corn-salad_topntp26.jpg)
8. You know who Zercher, Pendlay, Hackenschmidt, Yates, and Kroc are
Some of the top exercises for building muscles bear the names of the individuals who created them, often famous bodybuilders, weightlifters, or strongmen. For instance:
- Zercher squat – named after powerlifter Ed Zercher
- Pendlay row – named after Olympic weightlifting coach Glen Pendlay
- Hack squats – named after wrestler and strongman George Hackenschmidt
- Yates row – named after six-time Mr. Olympia winner Dorian Yates
- Arnold press – named after Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Kroc rows – named after powerlifter Janae Maria Kroc (AKA Matt Kroczaleski)
- Scott curls – named after the first Mr. Olympia Larry Scott
- Zottman curl – named after strongman George Zottman
But, being a genuine bodybuilder, you probably already knew this, didn’t you?!
9. According to food serving sizes, you’re a family of four
Bodybuilders often live by the saying: if you want to get big, you’ve got to eat big. This typically involves devouring substantial amounts of food, particularly during bulking phases. Some of the biggest bodybuilders consume a whopping 6,000 calories or more daily, which is three times the average person’s intake!
If you’re aspiring to be a bodybuilder, brace yourself for eating more like a family of four rather than an individual. After all, building those massive muscles requires a hefty appetite!
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/fried-sausage-frying-pan-with-herbs-spices-served-stone-board-with-knife-fork-green-onion-parsley-pickled-cucumber-free-space-your-text_user14995375.jpg)
10. You’ve seen Pumping Iron more times than you can count
“Pumping Iron,” a cinematic masterpiece released in 1977, holds an enduring significance in the world of bodybuilding. For any devoted bodybuilder, it stands as essential viewing, offering an insightful glimpse into the sport while introducing audiences to legendary figures such as Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbu, and the incomparable Arnold Schwarzenegger.
This documentary not only captures the physical feats of these athletes but delves into the nuanced dynamics of their rivalry and camaraderie. With a touch of humor, “Pumping Iron” transcends mere documentation, providing a compelling narrative that explores the human side of bodybuilding.
While some elements of the script may be dramatized for entertainment value, the film remains a powerful source of inspiration. Its portrayal of the dedication, discipline, and determination required in the pursuit of bodybuilding excellence resonates with enthusiasts and aspiring bodybuilders alike.
For those yet to experience the iconic “Pumping Iron,” consider it a rite of passage in the realm of bodybuilding. Watching this documentary is not just an invitation to witness the sport’s history; it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the ethos that defines true bodybuilding dedication. So, if you aspire to the title of a genuine bodybuilder, make “Pumping Iron” a priority on your must-watch list—ASAP!
11. You can’t wear skinny jeans
Being a bodybuilder comes with its unique fashion challenges. While a robust upper body is undoubtedly impressive, true bodybuilding demands an equally well-developed lower body. This muscular balance is a key criterion in the judgment of bodybuilders.
Unfortunately, this dedication to a symmetrical physique may require sacrificing some fashion trends—cue the skinny jeans dilemma. Those formidable thighs, sculpted hamstrings, and powerful calves often spell trouble for the seams of these trendy trousers. In some cases, attempting to pull them on might feel like a futile endeavor.
Yet, for bodybuilders, this trade-off is a small price to pay for the pride that comes with having substantial quads, hamstrings, calves, and glutes. If skinny jeans pose no challenge for you, it might be a signal to redirect some focus towards enhancing your leg workouts!
12. You walk like an elderly person after leg day
Gaining muscle isn’t a walk in the park; it’s a demanding journey that involves breaking down and rebuilding your muscles through hypertrophy. Intense workouts, a crucial component of this process, often leave you with post-workout muscle soreness.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sarah-Villegas-Wins-3rd-Title.jpg)
While upper body soreness might be manageable, lower body soreness, particularly after leg day, is a different story. The aftermath of an intense leg workout can turn simple activities, like walking, into a test of your pain tolerance.
The humorous side of watching someone navigate the aftermath of leg day is undeniable, but the reality is that tasks like getting out of a car or simply sitting down and standing up become conscious efforts. So, if you spot a young bodybuilder strolling with a hint of an elderly shuffle, it’s likely they’re grappling with a “squat hangover.”
13. You spend more money on supplements than you spend on food
While it’s possible to build muscle without supplements, most bodybuilders turn to these products to enhance their training, expedite recovery, and achieve better results. Common choices include protein powder, weight gainers, HMB, testosterone boosters, creatine, ZMA, BCAAs, and pre-workouts.
While each supplement alone may not break the bank, bodybuilding often involves using multiple supplements with several daily doses. The financial investment in these products can accumulate, potentially surpassing your grocery bill.
If your supplement expenses outweigh your grocery costs, congratulations – you’ve earned the title of a genuine bodybuilder! However, before you revel in this achievement, consider whether all those pills, powders, and potions are truly necessary. Could you meet your nutritional needs more effectively through real food?
It’s not that supplements are inherently harmful, but, in many cases, real food offers greater nutritional completeness at a more economical price point.
![](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/strongmansupplement1.png)
14. You’re not fat; you’re bulking!
To build muscle, bodybuilders enter a phase known as bulking, where they intentionally consume more calories to create a surplus for energy, workout fuel, recovery, and muscle growth. While bulking leads to increased muscle mass, it also comes with the side effect of gaining some fat.
During bulking, the hard-earned muscle definition may fade, and muscles could appear smoother. There might even be a bit of a chunky phase. To mitigate this, bodybuilders often choose to bulk during the winter, aiming to get leaner in the spring to showcase their best physique in the summer and autumn.
If someone remarks on your changing physique, simply remind them it’s part of the bulking process, and a cutting diet is in the near future. However, a crucial caution is not to fall into the perma-bulk trap, as it could lead you away from a bodybuilder’s physique towards resembling a heavyweight powerlifter!
15. Your non-bodybuilding friends think you’re nuts!
Non-bodybuilders often find the practices of bodybuilders perplexing, bombarding them with questions and misconceptions about their diet, training, and bodybuilding goals. Queries like “Why do you want to be so big?” or “If it hurts so much, why do you do it?” are commonplace.
Explaining your dedication to non-exercisers might prove futile, as they may view your lifestyle as a bit eccentric. As a genuine bodybuilder, you’ll come to accept that only fellow bodybuilders truly comprehend your drive and the reasons behind your unconventional choices.
After all, how many people willingly push themselves to the point of exhaustion during squats, knowing they’ll be so sore the next day they can’t walk normally? And all of this is considered fun in the world of bodybuilding!
FAQs
What does it mean to be a “real” bodybuilder?
Being a real bodybuilder goes beyond lifting weights. It involves a dedicated lifestyle, specific dietary choices, and a commitment to building and maintaining muscle over the long term.
Do I have to follow a strict diet to be a real bodybuilder?
Yes, nutrition is a crucial aspect. Real bodybuilders pay attention to their macros, ensuring they get the right balance of proteins, carbs, and fats to support muscle growth.
Why is Monday often called “Chest Day” in bodybuilding?
The tradition of starting the week with a chest workout comes from the Weider Priority Principle, suggesting that training important muscle groups when energy is high leads to better results.
Why do bodybuilders eat so frequently?
Eating every 2-3 hours, with multiple meals a day, helps maintain an anabolic state, crucial for muscle building. It’s a strategic approach to fueling the body.
Is gaining weight a good thing in bodybuilding?
Yes, gaining weight is often a positive sign, indicating muscle growth. Bodybuilders focus on gaining muscle mass, even if it means putting on some fat during bulking phases.
Why do bodybuilders have specific workout days for different muscle groups?
Splitting workouts by muscle groups allows for focused training, ensuring each part gets enough attention and recovery time.
How important is the movie “Pumping Iron” for bodybuilders?
“Pumping Iron” is considered essential viewing as it provides insights into the world of bodybuilding, showcasing the dedication, rivalry, and camaraderie among athletes.
Should I take supplements to be a real bodybuilder?
While not mandatory, many bodybuilders use supplements like protein powder, creatine, and BCAAs to support their training and recovery.
Is it necessary to have a specific wardrobe as a bodybuilder?
Bodybuilders often experience changes in their body shape, influencing clothing choices. Tighter shirts and tank tops may become preferred to showcase muscle gains.
How do non-bodybuilders view the bodybuilding lifestyle?
Non-bodybuilders might find it perplexing, asking questions about the intensity, pain, and purpose. Bodybuilders often accept that only fellow enthusiasts truly understand their dedication.
Overview
Bodybuilding may be considered an extreme pastime and sport, but its value is no less significant than mainstream activities like jogging, Zumba, or yoga. When approached correctly, bodybuilding can contribute to a life and health-enhancing journey that spans well into your golden years.
Despite the intensity of workouts, adherence to strict diets, and the need for supreme dedication, the challenges are part of what makes bodybuilding worthwhile. If it were easy, everyone would partake in it.
If you resonate with any of the 15 signs mentioned above, take a moment to congratulate yourself on a well-accomplished journey. These signs represent the necessary steps to sculpt the body of your dreams.
References:
- Helms, E. R., Aragon, A. A., & Fitschen, P. J. (2014). Evidence-based recommendations for natural bodybuilding contest preparation: nutrition and supplementation. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 11(1), 20.
- Schoenfeld, B. J., Grgic, J., Ogborn, D., & Krieger, J. W. (2017). Strength and hypertrophy adaptations between low- vs. high-load resistance training: A systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, 31(12), 3508-3523.
- Phillips, S. M., & Van Loon, L. J. (2011). Dietary protein for athletes: from requirements to optimum adaptation. Journal of sports sciences, 29(sup1), S29-S38.
- Slater, G., & Phillips, S. M. (2011). Nutrition guidelines for strength sports: sprinting, weightlifting, throwing events, and bodybuilding. Journal of sports sciences, 29(sup1), S67-S77.
- Morton, R. W., Murphy, K. T., McKellar, S. R., Schoenfeld, B. J., Henselmans, M., Helms, E., … & Phillips, S. M. (2018). A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults. Br J Sports Med, 52(6), 376-384.
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