Two very different kinds of monster face off.

Bodybuilders focus on building muscle and creating a powerful and massively muscled physique. Obviously everyone knows that fact, but sometimes it boggles the mind a bit when athletes looking to get shredded, look powerful and imposing, yet don’t care to focus on building their strength. The whole thing can be counter intuitive. Sure, the goal of being a bodybuilder is obviously to look like the ultimate alpha, the definition of strength and superiority. Yet the fact that athletes who compete in powerlifting and strongman competitions can be far stronger than a bodybuilder brings up a fundamental issue: is it enough to look strong?

Of course a massive bodybuilder is going to be strong to some extent. You can’t pack on a ton of muscle by simply lifting ten pound weights your whole life. It’s possible for lighter weights to do the trick and shape your muscles, but after awhile your muscles will get used to the light weight and crave stimulation. Therefore it’s only natural that a bodybuilder will have to lift heavier and heavier weight which in turn means they’ll be growing in strength.

Not all bodybuilders focus purely on aesthetics however. Many bodybuilders instead choose training programs that will have them focusing on building both aesthetics and strength. These powerbuilders are individuals that have the best of both worlds. They’re as strong as a powerlifter yet have the physique of a bodybuilder.

Despite the fact that a bodybuilder can focus on power as well, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they can match a powerlifter or strongman in strength. Or can they? This is the concept behind many of the videos the YouTube channel BodybuildingRev posts up from time to time in their strength war series. Is there a bodybuilder out there that can match a strongman in shear strength? Take a glimpse at the video below to find the answer.

Are you a bodybuilder or a powerbuilder?

Let us know in the comments and follow Generation Iron on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.