Ever since the fitness craze in the 1980's, we have become a world increasingly aware of our health and physique. Millions of dollars are spent every year in the quest for a perfect body. gyms are big business, personal trainers are making a tidy living helping people stay fit, and bodybuilding supplements are at an all-time level of performance.
In actuality the sport of bodybuilding has been around for quite some time. In the late 19th century, the man known as the "father of bodybuilding", "The Great Sandow", Eugene Sandow was credited with inventing the sport by inviting people to view his body in muscle display performances.
Sandow built a stage performance around displays of strength and agility as well as showing off a "Grecian Ideal" physique which was considered the ultimate body. He became so successful that he created several businesses around his fame and was among the first people to market bodybuilding products bearing his name. As he became more popular, he was credited with the invention of the first exercise equipment marketed to the masses.
Sandow was also credited with beginning the first bodybuilding contest called "The Great Competition" which was held in London. This competition was the basis for many others to follow including the Mr. Olympia competition that remains the pinnacle of bodybuilding contests.
When World War II broke out, men were inspired to become bigger in their physique, stronger, and more aggressive in their behavior. Training techniques were improved, nutrition was focused on more than ever, and bodybuilding equipment evolved into effective means for working muscles in ways never thought of before.
It was around this time that many bodybuilding organizations came into being including the Amateur Athletic Union and the International Federation Of Body Building. In 1970, bodybuilding was taken to a new level when the film "Pumping Iron" was released starring "The Austrian Oak" Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Throughout the years, bodybuilding has grown in popularity becoming almost an obsession for many people. Women have started to take an interest in honing their bodies, and the sport continues to evolve year by year.
If you've always wanted to learn about how to build your body to that "Grecian Ideal" envisioned by Eugene Sandow, there can be a lot to learn. This Blog will help with just some of the basics, but nothing can quite compare to actually getting started with those weights. Take my advice though, and get the best advice available first before starting especially if you are a newbie. Begin by getting a thorough checkup at your Doctors Office first, making sure to tell him what you intend to do.
Till next time.
