THE EFFECT OF EIGHT WEEKS OF STRENGTH TRAINING AND CARBOHYDRATE SUPPLEMENTATION ON THE PHYSICAL FITNESS OF MALE BODYBUILDERS

The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of eight weeks of strength training andcarbohydrate supplementation consumptionon physical fitness in male bodybuilders.Thirty-six young male bodybuilders, volunteered to participate in our randomly-divided three experimental, placebo and control groups. Subjects in all three groups were performing selected exercises for eight weeks, three sessions per week for 60 minutes with anintensity of 60-80 % of one repetition maximum strength. Experimental group consumed a carbohydrate supplement. The subjects in the placebo group used the placebo while thecontrol group did not take any supplement. Before and after eight weeks, physical fitness and muscle strength were measured. Data analysis was used by means of statistical analysis and ANOVA and post hoc Bonferroni test were performed. Between the values of aerobic power (p=0.01), anaerobic power (p=0.02), explosive power (p=0.01), maximal voluntary contraction of pectoralis muscle (p=0.01), quadriceps (p=0.01), hamstring (p=0.01) and gastrocenemius (p=0.00) group, significant difference was observed but the amount of agility, flexibility and speed difference were not significant. According to the results, it can be concluded that strength training combined with carbohydrate supplementation leads to an increase in aerobic capacity, anaerobic power, explosive power and strength of the local muscles and it is suggested that male body builders usethe carbohydrate supplement in their training program to improve their fitness benefit factors.

Strength Training, Carbohydrate Supplementation, Physical Fitness, Male Bodybuilder