Introduction to Bodybuilding

Today we have an expression for a bodybuilder with a symmetrical physic “X-Men” while back in the day most were x-men and the most famous of all was Steve Reeves. Before Steve Reeves every bodybuilder was after mass (somewhat like today) no one had ever thought to combine natural symmetry with mass to develop the idea body. And to this day he is still the most famous of all the X-Men typebodybuilders.

It would not be fair to mention symmetry without saying the name of Frank Zane, at 180 lbs was and still is one of the most amazing thinkers of the sport of bodybuilding. Just like everyone in his time Frank Zane had another job teaching math and chemistry so for him bodybuilding was a hobby! In 1968 this little guy with great lines did the unthinkable he beat the great Arnold Schwarzenegger for the 1968 Mr.Universe one week after winning the Mr. America now everyone had to take Frank serious so serious in fact he went on to win the 1977, 78 and 79 Mr. Olympia and be known today as one of the greatest bodies of all time.

For many people the Golden Age of
Bodybuilding (1940 to 1970 was what bodybuilding was all about. The competitors were huge, and Strong and still could relate to the everyday person. Some bodybuilders like Steve Reeves and Reg Parks (seen here with Fay Span in 1961 Hercules and the Captive Women) could also become movies stars because of their natural good looks. but for the most part many
of the great bodybuilders of history will never been known to you and I.

Everyone knows the story of Joe Weider how he came to the
United States with less than 10 bucks and in pocket and
formed the multibillion dollar business now known as the
IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilders) and the
Weider publishing company. During the golden Age there
may not have been anyone that has done more for
bodybuilding the Joe Weider. He sponsored the great Arnold
( no last name needed) and together they created this
physical fitness rush that we see today. Even though you
may not know him I think you should thank him for the
knowledge you will get from this book.