December 15, 2022

The Difference Between Strength Training Vs. Bodybuilding

Whenever you picture working out in the gym, images of people pumping iron might come to mind, especially with peoples' New Year's Resolutions coming into play soon. But two towering examples of in-depth workouts, bodybuilding and strength training, dominate the landscape. At face value, strength training vs. bodybuilding seems like they occupy the same space in fitness. But they're both distinct enough to clarify the difference between them.

Athletes and bodybuilders use these two classic training methods to get results. But what makes them unique? And how do Irvine personal trainers come into the picture?

Strength training builds muscle, while bodybuilding builds bulk or cuts weight. But it's so much more than that. Let's delve deeper into strength training and bodybuilding to see which is more aligned with your ideal workout.

What Is Strength Training?

woman using dumbbell with personal trainer in Irvine strength training

As opposed to bodybuilding, strength training is a set of exercises that helps you improve your muscle strength.

This form of fitness covers nearly anything that can help you build strength. Many work on a majority of strength training at the weight bench.

Also known as resistance training, strength training helps people build muscle by working against resistance. Improving your strength by having your muscle work against an outside force, like lifting weights, squats, deadlifting, push-ups, and overhead press reps.

Strength training involves lower reps, allowing you to capitalize on lifting heavier weights. Low reps and heavy weight directly lead to excellent strength training results. Eventually, you'll have to increase reps in your set and weight to build adequate muscle strength. This is called progressive overload.

Good Strength Training Exercises

Some great strength training exercises include:

  • Bent over row
  • Chest press
  • Side twists
  • Push-ups
  • Squats

In short, strength training in Irvine focuses on heavy weights and low reps, leading to more fruitful workouts. Plus, you don't always need gym equipment to get the most out of good strength training; sometimes, all you need is your body.

What Is Bodybuilding?

Bodybuilding is all about building bulk, making your muscles bigger, or losing weight through 'cutting.' However, it's not all about massive muscles but rather sculpting one's body to desired proportions. While bodybuilding can undoubtedly focus on aesthetics, bodybuilders can concentrate on cutting out body fat and building muscle mass.

Through in-depth training, bodybuilders achieve goals through specific workouts. And with bodybuilding, workouts can be insane. Long hours of cutting or bulking require time, discipline, and determination.

Bodybuilders and resistance training can focus on what's called hypertrophy to build muscle. Hypertrophy refers to the growth of muscle, organs, and cells.

Bodybuilding focuses more on medium reps and weight, unlike strength training's low reps with more weight.

If you engage in this type of training, you'll need to modify your diet with comprehensive meal prep and planning.

Good Bodybuilding Workouts

Some great workouts for aspiring bodybuilders include:

  • Deadlifts
  • Flat bench fly
  • Dumbbell lateral raise
  • Incline press

And, as with strength training in Irvine, you'll need to improve and tailor your workouts to keep seeing results.

Strength Training Vs. Bodybuilding: Which Is Better?

woman lifting weights in irvine private gym

There is no objective 'better' form of workout. Both depend on your personal fitness goals and what you're attempting to get out of a workout in the gym.

If you're not in the gym often, you might want to focus on strength training in Orange County first. Resistance training is an excellent gateway to healthier habits, workout routines, and overall well-being. Who doesn't want to feel better?

Weight training in Orange County allows everyone to start to change their life, encouraging pushing it to the limit.

With Irvine personal trainers at Hideout Fitness, we use experience and proven methods that work to improve your body.

Working On Strength Training In Irvine

You can tackle your fitness goals with private trainers in Irvine.

These experts will help you determine your strength training goals and how you approach them.

They'll also give you some expert fitness tips you can't find online.

We'll help you spend meaningful time in the gym, tailoring your workout sessions with our fitness coaches to your liking. Our Irvine personal trainers have military training, so they know how to be efficient and get the most out of a strength training program.

Want to build muscle? 

Are you looking to improve your health and get active?

Enrolling in private and semi-private training sessions in Irvine allows you to stay motivated, healthy, and active in 2023 and beyond.

For more information on building muscle, exercising, and staying fit, contact Hideout Fitness today and unlock the hero in you!

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