Hurley et al (1984) found that the total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) levels of bodybuilders were less than that of runners, and that their high density lipoprotein value was greater than that of runners. This indicates that bodybuilders may enjoy a lower risk of heart disease than runners do. Hurley et al also reported a better lipoprotein profile in bodybuilders than in power lifters.

Recently, Wallace et al (1991) may have found a plausible explanation for this. These researchers suggest that positive changes in lipoproteins from resistance exercise are related to the total volume of exercise performed. So it seems logical that bodybuilders (who train with great volume) would have lower serum lipid levels than power lifters (who train with heavy weight and less volume).

Nutrition Practices

The nutritional knowledge and practices of bodybuilders appear to be at least as good as, and probably better than, those of athletes in other sports. The non competition diets of bodybuilders are surprisingly healthy, meeting or exceeding the recommended number of servings per day from each food group.

Bodybuilders typically eat large quantities and varieties of food. This helps ensure that vital nutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) are ingested in sufficient quantities. These issues of nutrition knowledge and practice are critical considering the link between nutrition and certain forms of cancer. Bodybuilders are keenly aware that what they eat eventually affects not only their performance, but how they look. Since muscular size and definition are what bodybuilders strive for and are judged upon, this is likely the reason bodybuilders seem to eat better and know more about food than other athletes.

Avoiding Structural Problems in Bones

Bodybuilding may be the best way to increase bone strength. Women bodybuilders have greater bone mineral content than swimmers, runners and non exercisers. Other descriptive studies show that bone sites under the most stress from weight lifting activity, exhibit the greatest bone mineral content. These findings suggest bodybuilders may have a lower risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture than individuals involved in other activities.

Joints

In bodybuilding, joint integrity is enhanced as muscles around the joint become stronger. Take a good look at the musculature surrounding a bodybuilder's knee or shoulder. Not only is the area heavily muscled but, assuming a good range of motion, the joint can better withstand the stress of a blow. Other activities, especially those that only train muscles in specific movements, do not strengthen joints to this degree.

Psychological Well Being

There is no question that individuals involved in any type of regular exercise enjoy the stress reduction benefits of physical activity. However, bodybuilders seem to experience this relaxation state to an even greater degree than other athletes. This may occur due to the noticeable decrease in muscular tension that is possible after an intense muscular contraction.

Working together, our minds and bodies impact upon our health daily, though we often take our psychological health for granted. It is because of this relation between mind and body that body image, which effects our self concept and psychological well being, is so important.

The Bodybuilding Lifestyle

Bodybuilders are very much in tune with their bodies. And they have to be. In order to gauge their progress and monitor delicate balances (between over training and under training, over eating and under eating, etc.), bodybuilders must be keenly aware of how they feel and how they look on a daily basis.

So it's not surprising that the bodybuilding lifestyle appears to be one of prudence and moderation, conducive to proper nutrition, adequate sleep, moderation in the consumption of alcohol, cessation of drug use, etc. I firmly believe that while other activities may encourage a healthy lifestyle, bodybuilding demands it.