
The concept of
bodybuilding
has been influencing many young men and women since the
last many centuries.
The thought of competing with the best and looking the best has been
more than just a motivation for these people. However, not all of us
are aware of the amazing
history of
bodybuilding.
It is believed that the earliest exhibition of
human musculature dates
back to the times of Ancient Greeks who were of the view
that the human
body reflected the beauty of the gods. This is evident from the fact
that many sculptures and paintings of these times.
Some researchers are of the view that the history of bodybuilding
traces back to the times of Indian rulers in the 11th Century. This was
the time when young men used to lift stone dumbbell
weights,
known as
Nals, to develop their bodies. They were motivated to indulge into
bodybuilding workout and weight lifting to have a well-refined
appearance. This was the time when the definition of bodybuilding
changed from a great-sized, muscular body to a great curved and
muscular body through resistance
training,
calculated nutritional
intake, and specialized guidance. Gymnasiums were commonplace in India
during these times and weight training was considered as the national
pastime by the 16th century.
In the following years, bodybuilders started to engage themselves to
participate in
competitive
bodybuilding. These were the years when
bodybuilding exercises and bodybuilding supplements were in much
demand. The Winner used to be selected on the basis of degree of
development and aesthetic outlook. The bodybuilders used to typically
display their well-curved bodies and physiques via a defined set of
compulsory poses set to music to get points from the respective judges.
Let us have a complete insight as to how, when, and from where
competitive bodybuilding
rose to unprecedented heights.
The Early Period (1890-1929):
The definitions of
Weight
training and bodybuilding changed by end of
the 19th century. People were keen to learn the lessons of
bodybuilding
and actively participation was seen almost everywhere.
During these times,
the
goal of bodybuilders and their coaches was not
to develop physique into a glorious spectacle per se but to amaze the
crowd with feats of strength. These feats used to catch
the attention
of the amused onlookers.
In the following years, the history of bodybuilding got revolutionized
by the arrival of one man. This one man changed the world of
bodybuilding and soon transformed part-time body builders to
professional
body builders. This man was Eugene Sandow, born as Friedric Muller.
Eugene Sandow was known as the father of modern bodybuilding and the
first famous bodybuilder. He was a champion bodybuilder and was
considered to be a style icon in his own unique ways. His beautifully
symmetrical and densely muscular physique was unrivaled. It was
Sandow
who published the first bodybuilding magazine with the name "Physical
Culture".
During these times, weight lifting contests and bodybuilding events
started taking place on a mass budget like never-before. Sandow became
a popular icon and "showstopper" for bodybuilding brands.
In order to promote bodybuilding like never before, Sandow developed
and promoted "The Great Show", which was the first bodybuilding show in
the year 1891. William L Murray from Nottingham (Great Britain) was
adjudged as "Winner of the World's First Big Bodybuilding Contest".
In the meantime, weight-lifting was introduced in the First Modern
Olympic Games in Athens (Greece) in the year 1896.
In the following years, Bernarr Macfadden sold his highly popular chest
expander and was regarded as the father of physical culture.
The Golden Era (1930-1970):
The period was 1930-1970 is regarded by many as the golden era of
bodybuilding. During this time, men were being attracted to the idea of
owning a well-curved and fully developed muscular body; this was the
time when bodybuilding contests were seen as the most popular events.
Bodybuilding competitions were soon becoming the first choice of all
and more and more bodybuilders were getting into competitive
bodybuilding at this time.
Young men were seen working hard in the gymnasiums and striking a pose
or two in front of the mirrors.
This was the time when amateur and professional body builders took
weight-lifting on the beach front on the coast of California.
In the year 1939, the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) introduced the Mr.
America Competition. The first and second year titles went to John
Grimek who became a celebrity and style icon in the world of
bodybuilding and physical development. Slow yet gradual improvements
took place from 1939-1966 and the world of bodybuilding was left amazed
by the most influential bodybuilders of all times in the form of Arnold
Schwarzenegger.
Arnold
Schwarzenegger won the Mr. America title by beating
Dennis Tinereno in the year 1967.
Arnold
Schwarzenegger and bodybuilding start
reaching every household and the world of bodybuilding start looking
bigger and better than ever. The followers of bodybuilders almost
idolize Arnold Schwarzenegger and started engaging themselves in heavy
workouts,
bodybuilding
exercises, and
bodybuilding
supplements with a
predefined aim to look big.
Recent History (1980-Till Date):
These were the years when bodybuilding went from local to global.
Bodybuilders,
athletes,
and actors started emphasizing on weight
lifting and bodybuilding to enhance their performance, outlook, and
marketability. Prizes, money, sponsorships, and endorsements entered
the world of bodybuilding motivating many a young men to enter the
sport.
In today's times, the
world
of bodybuilding is bigger and professional
than ever with no scope for second chances and thoughts.
The thought of
a well-defined, muscular body still motivates today's young men and the
game is getting bigger with every passing day.
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