Yes. Ask that question to a "bodybuilder" or a "weightlifter" and you might get a load of an response. While it is accurate that bodybuilders and weightlifters will train with weights - they are two distinctly different hobbies, with two very distinct goals to achieve, especially when we are relating to them on the professional or semi-professional competitive level.

A professional or competitive bodybuilder is chiefly concerned with look. Many are striving for an overall body image that displays off a hard and lean and defined muscle mass to its most visual appearance. A weightlifter on the other hand is chiefly with lifting weights to create muscle and increase strength. Now both sports involve weight and strength training and that is where these is crossover, and probably the argument for a large amount of the confusion. No matter which way an individual trains, and by working out we mean overall lifestyle, and especially as this relates to diet and nutrition, will be the most definite departure point between "weightlifters" and "bodybuilders."

Lose Weight

The primary goal in a bodybuilding competition is cut and lean muscles, and definition as described in the bodybuilding world means the greatest muscle and least amount of fat. Bodybuilders try for 0% body fat, and while that may not be achievable, lots of competitive bodybuilders have percentages of body fat in the 2 -4% area. However this is of a far less of a concern to a weightlifter. A weightlifter most particularly a competitive weightlifter wins his or her competition by lifting the greatest weight - that's it...period. So he will train specific muscle group to optimize increase the strength in the specific areas of their competition. In other words the muscles most important during a Snatch or Deadlift competition. For the competitive bodybuilder, participating a competition has nothing to do with your strength or how much you can lift, but your overall looks. All the muscles on a competitive bodybuilder should appear symmetrical, and proportional, so they should work out all muscle parts of the body equally.

Now if you are not planning on competing in either athletic sport the distinction may not be that critical to you. However, the discussion how substantial it is to clearly specify your ultimate goals as to the reason why you are lifting weights. Are you looking to improve your physique? Maximize your strength and stamina? Or maybe a little of both? If you don't plan on being a competitor, it really matters less what you identify with, then what you want to accomplish with weightlifting. When you decide what you want to get out of a weightlifting regimen you can then craft a series of routines, exercises and lifestyle changes to achieve those goals. Bodybuilding