Fitness
The
dif
fer
enc
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Fitness modelling
and bodybuilding both
stem from the human
by:
desire to push physical
limits and reach ones
Pieter Du Plessis mate potential; thus bothultiof
these branches of fitness are
essentially of the same tree. Their
primary variance is how they train
and their ultimate reason for training.
Bodybuilders’ primary objective is to gain muscle mass. Muscles
must be large and lean, so that they will “pop out” during competitions. As such, bodybuilders’ workouts generally consist of a low amount of reps with a high
amount of weight.
Fitness models and athletes’ goals are to look healthy and in shape. They are not overly concerned with having large muscles as they are with looking in shape in front of the camera or
at physique competitions. Fitness models spend more time crafting the major muscle groups
throughout their bodies.
When it comes to the annual Body Beautiful Competition in South Africa, physical appearance
would place a competitor into one of these two categories.
First off we take your height into account. If you are 6kg or more you fall into a Model Plus or
Body Building category (e.g. 1,70m; take the 1 away; 70+6 = 76kg). This, however, does not mean
that if you are overweight and never been in a gym you are now a body builder. This means when
you are stage ready and over that particular weight, you could be classified as a fitness model or
a body builder.
One is often asked about the career possibilities for both body building and fitness modelling.
Body Building can be a successful career if you do it professionally and you’re reckoned as the
best in the country. You also need a sponsor to back you. Another option is to open you own
gym or to become a personal trainer.
The Fitness Model / Athlete category has endless opportunities. I can only talk about this from
my own perspective as a fitness athlete. Many corporates and companies are keen to make use
of ambassadors that have the fitness look rather than the body building look. If you for example sport the Men’s Health look, you could enter for competitions such as Mr South Africa.
The modelling industry also has more money and you could venture intro presenting, workshops, personal training and many more.