History of body building
The early years (1880 - 1930)
- Body building was first promoted by Eugen Sandow of Prussia, who is generally referred to as 'The Father of Modern Body building'.
- Sandow gave 'muscle display performances', as well as inventing and selling the first body building exercise equipment, including dumbbells, spring pulleys and tension bands.
- He also organised the first ever body building contest, at the Royal Albert Hall in London, on 13th September 1901.
The 1950's and 60's
- During these years, body building became more popular, as strength and gymnastics champions began to join the sport.
- It's popularity was increased further by advertising campaigns from people like Charles Atlas (internal link), and newly created titles and competitions like Mr. Universe.
Image Source: TomHeroes.com
- There were also new magazines on the topic launched at this time, with a focus on body building nutrition and exercises. Strength and Health, and Muscular Development were two popular titles at this time.
- Towards the end of the 60's body builders began to get title roles in movies. Steve Reeves was one of the first to make this transition, playing Hercules, Samson, and other legendary heroes.
1970's onwards
- This was the decade when body building really came into the public eye in a big way, helped by the release of the 1975 film 'Pumping Iron'.
- Unfortunately, increased popularity led to increased competitiveness and increasing use of anabolic steroids by competitive body builders. Those who used steroids had the edge when it came to building muscles, and so the newly formed National Physique Committee introduced doping tests for all major competitions.
- Body building has definitely benefited from the banning of steroids, and the International Federation of Body Builders has recently been lobbying for it to be included as an Olympic event.
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