bodybuilding.com

December 2, 2025

What is Bodybuilding.com

Bodybuilding.com started in 1999 (though its precursor began in 1997) as one of the first online stores selling creatine and other fitness supplements. (Wikipedia)

Over time it grew into a major e-commerce platform focused on fitness and nutrition. Today it offers a wide variety of products — from protein powders and pre-workouts to vitamins, workout accessories and clothing. (Bodybuilding.com)

It also provides other services like training plans, nutrition guides, workout calculators, and a fitness app with workout tracking and community features. (Google Play)

Offerings: Products, Content & Tools

Supplements & Nutrition: Wide selection — whey protein, creatine, BCAAs/EAAs, pre- and intra-workouts, vitamins, and more. The site even has its own in-house “Signature” line aiming to balance quality and price. (Bodybuilding.com)
Fitness Content & Guidance: Articles, workout programs, calculators for nutrition/recovery, training tips. Good for beginners and advanced lifters alike. (Bodybuilding.com)
App & Digital Tools: Their app allows you to track workouts and health metrics, follow structured routines, and also shop for supplements — combining training and nutrition in one place. (Google Play)
Community & Media: At various times the platform also offered forums, podcasts, coaching resources, and community-driven content, aiming to support people’s fitness journeys beyond just selling products. (Wikipedia)

Company History & Some Controversies

The founder, a young web-marketer named Ryan DeLuca, started the original store (focused on creatine) back in 1997. Over time, the business scaled and rebranded into Bodybuilding.com. (Wikipedia)
In 2006–2008, ownership changed: first a private investor group, then a controlling stake by a larger media company. (Wikipedia)
The company claimed 450 employees and several distribution centers around the U.S. by 2014. (Wikipedia)
But not all has been smooth: in 2012, the company (and its leadership) was fined US$7 million for selling “misbranded drugs” — certain supplements sold were found to contain undeclared substances. (Wikipedia)
More recently: the forum/community section that once drew a lot of loyal users was shut down in September 2024. That move triggered criticism, with many longtime users feeling the brand had drifted away from its roots. (Wikipedia)

Strengths — What the Platform Does Well

Comprehensive selection: you can find almost every type of supplement, nutritional aid, and fitness gear there. Convenient if you like one-stop shopping.
Offers more than products: nutrition content, training plans, calculators, community resources — useful for someone trying to build a structured approach, not just “take a pill.”
Accessibility: the site and app cater to casual gym-goers, beginners, and more serious athletes alike. Flexible use whether you want to bulk, cut, or just stay fit.
In-house product line: their “Signature” line tends to give a balance between cost and quality, which can make supplementation more affordable without necessarily sacrificing effectiveness.

Weaknesses / Criticisms & What to Watch Out For

Past regulatory issues: the 2012 misbranding fine raises a caution about supplement purity. The broader supplement industry — including this — has had instances where products may not match labels. (Wikipedia)
Customer service concerns: some user reviews complain about long delays for shipments and poor support responses. (Trustpilot)
Community changes: with the shutdown of the forum back in 2024, some of the social & communal aspects that attracted fans were lost — that may reduce the sense of community for some users. (Wikipedia)
Supplements ≠ guarantees: even with good products, supplementation isn’t magic. Training, nutrition, rest — fundamentals of muscle growth — still matter more than powders and pills.

Key Takeaways

Bodybuilding.com began as a pioneering online supplement store, evolved into a large fitness-oriented e-commerce and content platform.
Today it offers a broad product lineup (protein, creatine, vitamins, gear), a fitness app with workout tracking, and training/nutrition content — useful for many levels of fitness journey.
There are benefits: convenience, variety, accessible pricing especially via in-house products, and tools for planning beyond supplements.
But there are tradeoffs: past issues with supplement labeling; occasional customer service complaints; less community vibe after forum shutdown; and still the reality that fitness results depend largely on training, diet, and consistency.

FAQ

Q: Is Bodybuilding.com only for bodybuilders or serious lifters?
No. While the name suggests bodybuilding, the site’s tools, content, and products cater to a wide range — from beginners wanting basic fitness to more serious athletes aiming for muscle gain or performance.

Q: Are supplements from Bodybuilding.com safe and effective?
They can be useful — especially standard ones like whey protein, creatine, vitamins. But supplements are not magic. Also, in the past the company faced regulatory issues related to mislabeling. It’s wise to treat supplements as part of a broader plan including proper diet and training.

Q: Can I use Bodybuilding.com globally (outside U.S.)?
The site and app are global-facing in theory, but whether you can order or get reasonable shipping depends on your country. Also, import regulations vary.

Q: What happened to the Bodybuilding.com forum/community?
As of September 2024, the forum was shut down. That means a loss of peer-to-peer community support and exchange that some longtime users valued.

Q: Is their “Signature” line worth it compared to big-brand supplements?
For many people — yes. Their in-house products aim to offer a balance: decent ingredient profile, reasonable price. Especially if you’re budget-conscious or just starting out, the Signature line is a practical entry point.