Celebrating Bodybuilding in South Africa

Bodybuilding in South Africa is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle. From regional showcases to international pro qualifiers, South Africa hosts numerous events that highlight the dedication and prowess of its athletes. At Epicentre, we offer a range of blood tests to help bodybuilders manage their physique as well as optimal health- so that you can achieve peak performance.

Key Bodybuilding Competitions in 2025

Here are some of the major bodybuilding events scheduled in South Africa for 2025:

• IFBB President Santonja African Cup

📅 15–18 May 2025 | 📍 Johannesburg

An international event attracting top talent from across the continent.

• NPC African Open Pro Qualifier

📅 6–7 December 2025 | 📍 Johannesburg

A prestigious competition offering athletes the chance to earn their IFBB Pro Card. IFBB Pro+2Champagne Productions+2IFBB Pro+2

• Muscle Mulisha Grand Prix IX

📅 6–7 December 2025 | 📍 Johannesburg

A regional qualifier showcasing emerging talent in the bodybuilding arena. Champagne ProductionsIFBB Pro+3IFBB Pro+3Instagram+3

• IFBB South African Championships

📅 11–13 September 2025 | 📍 Kloof, KwaZulu-Natal

The national championship event, bringing together the country’s top competitors. ifbbsa.co.za

Epicentre: Your Partner in Health and Performance

At Epicentre, we understand the unique health considerations of bodybuilders. Our services are designed to support your journey, whether you’re preparing for competition or maintaining peak physical condition.

Tailored Bodybuilding Health Packages

At Epicentre, we support bodybuilders by offering specialised blood test packages designed to monitor the effects of intense training, supplementation, and hormone use on the body. Our goal is to help athletes optimise performance while protecting their long-term health.

Regular testing allows bodybuilders to track key markers like hormone levels, liver and kidney function, cholesterol, and vitamin status — all of which can be affected by diet, supplements, or enhanced training regimens. By identifying imbalances early, we empower athletes to adjust their routines safely and avoid potential health risks. Most importantly, we provide a confidential, judgement-free environment where every athlete is treated with respect.

Our comprehensive health packages for bodybuilders include:

• Full Blood Count (FBC) and Platelets: Hormonal Profiles: This test monitors overall blood health by assessing red and white blood cell counts, haemoglobin levels, and platelets. It’s important for detecting infections, anaemia, or other blood disorders. Regular FBC testing helps ensure that the body’s blood system functions properly, especially with intense physical stress.

• Liver Function Test (LFT Panel): Liver function tests are essential for anyone using performance enhancers, as the liver processes many compounds, including oral supplements. This test checks liver enzyme levels to detect any strain or damage early.

• Lipid Profile (Lipogram Panel): Anabolic enhancers can affect cholesterol levels by raising LDL (bad cholesterol) and lowering HDL (good cholesterol). This panel is key for assessing cardiovascular risk.

• Kidney Function Test (U&E + Creatinine): The kidneys play a critical role in filtering toxins from the blood. This test monitors electrolyte balance and creatinine levels to assess kidney health, which certain supplements can compromise.

• Testosterone (Total) :Checking total testosterone levels is crucial for understanding how performance enhancers affect natural hormone production. Monitoring testosterone helps ensure hormone balance, especially after a cycle.

• Oestradiol (Estrogen Levels): Performance enhancers can sometimes convert to estrogen, causing unwanted effects like water retention or gynecomastia. Monitoring estradiol ensures that estrogen levels stay within safe ranges.

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Performance enhancers, especially fat-burning compounds, can disrupt thyroid function. This test helps ensure that the thyroid is functioning properly.

• Electrolytes (Calcium, & Magnesium): Maintaining proper electrolyte balance is critical for muscle function and overall health. These tests monitor calcium and magnesium levels, which can be affected by supplements.

Our packages are designed with the athlete in mind, offering insights that can inform training and nutrition strategies. These packages are also customizable, so we are happy to assist you in picking the tests that work for you.

Our Bodybuilder Packages

  • Cardiac Package

    Includes: Troponin I, CKMB, Myoglobin, LDH, AST

    Lab results in 2-5 working days. No referral required

  • Annual Bodybuilder Package

    Includes: FBC, LFT, Lipogram Panel

    Lab results in 2-5 working days. No referral required

  • Comprehensive Bodybuilder Package

    Includes: FBC, Lipogram Panel, LFT, TSH, U & E and Creatinine, Calcium, Oestradiol, Magnesium, Testosterone

    Lab results in 2-5 working days. No referral required

A Judgment-Free Testing Environment

We pride ourselves on creating a supportive, inclusive atmosphere where athletes can access health services without fear of stigma or judgement. At Epicentre, we understand that the bodybuilding community faces unique physical and mental health challenges — from managing performance-enhancing substances to maintaining hormonal balance, organ function, and overall wellness under intense physical strain.

Our team is specifically trained to work with bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts, ensuring every client receives personalised, respectful, and confidential care. Whether you’re prepping for competition or simply want to keep your body in peak condition, we’re here to walk alongside you — supporting your goals with science, integrity, and zero judgement.

How Epicentre Walk-In Lab Supports Bodybuilders on Their Health Journey

At Epicentre Walk-In Lab, we understand the unique needs of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts. Our service is designed to make hormone and blood testing easy and accessible:

• No doctor referrals needed: You can simply walk in during trading hours to have your estrogen, testosterone, and other hormone levels tested.

• Tailored testing packages: Explore our specialised packages for bodybuilders on our website, designed to cover key markers for muscle health, recovery, and hormonal balance.

• Comprehensive health monitoring: In addition to hormones, test cholesterol, liver function, and other important blood parameters to optimise your wellbeing.

• Ongoing support: Monitoring your levels regularly is a crucial step toward prevention and performance. We support you throughout your health journey with reliable, patient-friendly lab services.

Take Control — Monitor and Prevent

Managing your hormone levels proactively protects your gains, mood, and overall health. Whether you use anabolic steroids or want to optimise natural hormone balance, regular testing combined with holistic lifestyle choices is key.

Visit Epicentre Walk-In Lab to monitor your estrogen and other hormones conveniently — no referral needed. Your health journey matters, and we’re here to support it every step of the way.

Meet The Author

Inge Fourie is a Medical Bioscience Honours graduate and Project Manager at Epicentre Health Research. Passionate about science and public health, she brings a strong academic foundation and hands-on research experience to her work.

Inge is committed to empowering individuals through accessible health solutions, with a special interest in wellness, diagnostics, and community health.

Our Popular Packages

  • Complete Gut Profile

    Includes: Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium genus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus genus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Roseburia hominis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bacteroides fragilis, Escherichia coli, Prevotella genus, Bacteroides genus, Candida albicans, Clostridium difficile, Enterococcus faecalis, Haemophilus influenzae, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Campylobacter spp., Clostridioides difficile, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Salmonella spp., Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio spp., Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC), Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC), Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), Shiga-like E. coli (STEC), Shigella/ E. coli (EIEC), Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora cayetanensis, Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Helicobacter pylori.

    Lab results in 5-7 working days. No referral required

  • Gut Essentials Test

    Includes: Akkermansia muciniphila, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium genus, Bifidobacterium lactis, Bifidobacterium longum, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus gasseri, Lactobacillus genus, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus paracasei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Roseburia hominis, Streptococcus thermophilus

    Lab results in 5-7 working days. No referral required

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Package

    Includes: E. coli, E. faecalis, C. albicans, C. albicans, C. dubliniensis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. lusitaniae, Candida parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, S. aureus S. agalactiae

    Lab results in 5 to 7 working days - No referral required

  • Cervical / Vulvo-Vaginal Large Sexual Health Package

    Includes: Atopobium vaginae, Bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria 2 (BVAB2), Candida spp, Chlamydia trachomatis, Escherichia coli O18, Gardnerella vaginalis, Herpes simplex virus, Human Papilloma virus (HPV), Lactobacillus spp, Mobiluncus spp, Mycoplasma genitalium, Mycoplasma hominis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Prevotella bivia, Trichomonas vaginalis, Uncultured Megasphaera spp, Ureaplasma urealyticum

    Lab results in 5 to 7 working days - No referral required

Bibliography

• https://ifbb.com/events/

• https://champagneproductionsafrica.com/npc-african/?

• https://www.ifbbsa.co.za/images/2024/12/2025%20IFBB%20Event%20Calendar.pdf?

• https://epicentre.org.za/packages/