Female Natural Bodybuilding Competition Preparation: A 6-Week Case Study

Bodybuilding is unlike any other sport. Competitors are judged on appearance rather than performance, where muscle size and definition are keys to achieving success. This case study tracked four, drug-free, female bodybuilders for 6-weeks leading up to their competitions. The purpose of this project was to examine the physiological and psychological experiences of female bodybuilders as they prepare for competition. Each competitor reported for testing at three occasions to evaluate cardiovascular measures, body composition, resting metabolic rate, performance measures of strength, power, muscular endurance, and maximal oxygen consumption, mood state, social physique anxiety, and overall experience. Each subject in this study partook in their own methods of competition preparation, resulting in decreases of body fat percentages, in order to achieve their desired physiques. Due to differing techniques, experiences and results were highly individualized among subjects. This case study provides a thorough documentation of an array of tests, psychological and physiological, monitoring the changes that occur in female natural bodybuilders as they prepare for competition