SELF-REPORTED TRAINING STRUCTURE OF BRAZILIAN AMATEUR BODYBUILDING ATHLETES – AN EXPLORATORY STUDY

Abstract

Abstract: Bodybuilding athletes use strength training (ST) to maximize muscle hypertrophy, following competitive standards evaluated by criteria such as proportion, symmetry, definition, and conditioning. However, there are gaps in the knowledge regarding the specifics of ST aimed at competitive bodybuilding. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate, through interviews, the methodological organization of training among Brazilian amateur bodybuilders of both sexes and to compare these practices with current scientific knowledge. The study included 29 amateur bodybuilders, consisting of 17 male and 12 female athletes. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. It was observed that most athletes follow periodized programs (96%), track their training with a workout spreadsheet (51%), and make adjustments after one month or more of training (72%). Regarding training characteristics, most respondents reported performing five training sessions per week (65%), structuring sessions by muscle group (48%), executing 8–12 repetitions during the off-season (86%), more than 12 repetitions in the pre-contest phase (82%), and not controlling the rest interval between sets (86%). Overall, the results indicate that the methodological organization of training among Brazilian amateur bodybuilders largely follows the practices recommended by scientific literature.