Training Practices Among Spanish Natural Elite Bodybuilders in the Pre-Contest Phase

Sports 2026 Open access

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Authors: Eneko Baz-Valle, Sergio Martínez-Gómez, Javier Gené‐Morales, Pablo Jiménez‐Martínez, Carlos ALIX-FAGES, Jordan Santos‐Concejero
DOI: 10.3390/sports14010020
Cited by: 0
References: 37

Abstract

Natural bodybuilders optimize their body composition by combining training and nutrition strategies. This study compared the resistance training practices of amateur and professional natural bodybuilders, during the pre-contest phase and in general. Fifty-six drug-tested Spanish bodybuilders (27 amateurs, 29 professionals) completed a 34-item survey assessing training and competing experience, training frequency, exercise selection, weekly sets per muscle group, repetition ranges, and contest-preparation characteristics. Participants trained ≈5 days·week−1 (Amateur: 4.74 ± 0.45; Professional: 4.83 ± 0.47) and most muscle groups were trained >1 and

Fields of Study & Subjects

Muscle metabolism and nutrition Exercise and Physiological Responses Sports Performance and Training

Publication details

Journal / source
Sports
Volume
14
Issue
1
Pages
20–20
Publication date
5 January 2026
Language
EN