The difference between BodyShaping / Bodybuilding & Toning as opposed to Strength Training & Powerlifting?

When asked? My reply: Toning is a term chiefly used by women who feel giggly, regardless of whether they need to lose weight or not.

Bodybuilders and Powerlifters compete and have a deliberate /methodical plan of attack when they enter the gym.

If you have any questions, please call me (Coralie) directly. 704-618-2809 – no sales calls, please.

The difference between Bodybuilders / Shapers versus Powerlifters / Strength Trainers relates to two factors. Bodybuilders utilize lighter weights with higher repetitions to work each selected muscle group for shaping the desired area of the body, whereas Powerlifters train with heavier weights with lower repetitions. Powerlifters may also focus on competitive lifts, such as Bench press, Dead Lift, Squat, and Clean and Jerk. The sets may range from 4 to 6 per workout, with repetitions as low as 1- 3 – 10. Fewer reps because the concern is not doing poses in front of a mirror.

Bodybuilding – incorporates a wider variety of exercises to target each muscle group equally, with less downtime between sets. In many cases, because the concern is not about bragging or lifting heavier weights, bodybuilders often superset exercises (explained in the last post); using moderate weight for 8-15 repetitions helps maintain bone density, coordination, balance, and strength. Still, it does not typically help increase the weight used for each exercise much after the first year. At least not for myself and many clients I have worked with, both male and female.

#2. Form. People primarily interested in strength gains or competitive powerlifting do not typically use perfect form. For example-while, Bench Pressing, they will arch their lower back and lower the weights quicker during the initial portion of the exercise to use momentum to assist in the lift. A bodybuilder should use proper form, keeping their back flat while bench pressing. Their mission is to isolate the chest, pause after the most challenging portion, and push the bar upward to the start position while exhaling, Thereby avoiding (hopefully) locking out, which keeps the tension on the chest and avoids elbow issues.