“Bodybuilding is a subjective sport”
While this statement is undeniably true, it doesn’t mean that bodybuilding incorporates no degree of objectivity.
Subjective: “Influenced by or based on personal beliefs or feelings, rather than based on facts.”
Objective: “Based on real facts and not influenced by personal beliefs or feelings.”
Come show day, physique competitors will step on stage and showcase their best package, which is then subjectively scored by a panel of judges. This does infer that achieving “a look” is what matters MOST. However, in order to build and present a physique of a highly-competitive caliber, a combination of subjective AND objective measures must be utilised to ensure an athlete is progressing over time.
The above infographic illustrates different forms of measuring progress in both a subjective and objective manner. As coaches, we utilise and encourage using a wide variety of these tools to ensure our clients are progressing toward their personal health and fitness goals.
Doing so allows progress to be made on a global scale and emphasises that it is multifactorial. For example, just losing weight, just eating vegetables, just having visible abs or just hitting a PB in the gym is not always the best indicator of OVERALL progress!
Let us know, what are you favourite forms of measuring subjective and objective progress?