Strength Comparison: Bodybuilders vs. World's Strongest Men

When comparing top professional bodybuilders and World's Strongest Men competitors, the difference in strength is often significant. Factors such as the natural strength of the individual, training focus, and type of competition can weigh heavily in this comparison.

Bodybuilders and their Strength

Bodybuilders like Lou Ferrigno, a renowned bodybuilder known for lifting one end of a 2,800 lb car in 1979, demonstrate incredible upper body strength. Ferrigno was matched only by a powerlifter who lifted a 2,600 lb end of the car. However, bodybuilders like Eddie Edwards, who finished 3rd and 4th in every event in Elite strongman competitions, showed that top bodybuilders can also excel in strongman events.

Franco Columbo, a heavyweight bodybuilder, also displayed exceptional strength with a record deadlift of 740 lbs, a squat of 720 lbs, and a bench press of 550 lbs—all without the aid of modern lifting supports. This illustrates that bodybuilders can be incredibly strong, but their training is primarily focused on muscle growth and aesthetics.

The World's Strongest Men

The World's Strongest Men (WSM) competition features some of the strongest humans on earth, including Benedict Magnusson and Mark Henry. These competitors are not bodybuilders but strongmen specifically trained for feats of strength. For example, Magnusson, the former WSM champion, is known for his remarkable strength beyond what is typical for a bodybuilder.

Thor Bjornson, a WSM competitor, is one of the world's strongest men. He can lift the weight of a small car and walk around with it, showcasing a level of strength that is often unmatched in bodybuilding competitions. This dramatic difference in strength and focus highlights the unique training and natural abilities required for each discipline.

YouTube Contests: Strength WARS

There is a YouTube channel dedicated to showcasing strength athletes from various disciplines in competitive settings. The channel, Strength WARS, pits weightlifters, powerlifters, calisthenics experts, bodybuilders, and strongmen against each other, adding to the dramatic flair of the shows. In these contests, bodybuilders may not be able to match the raw power displayed by weightlifters or strongmen in one-repetition maximum (1RM) strength tests.

While bodybuilders have a strong aesthetic focus, their muscle mass and conditioning can contribute to impressive strength levels. However, the lifestyle and training of a strongman, with its focus on functional and maximal strength, means that these competitors often outperform bodybuilders in direct strength tests.