The Anabolic Evolution of Modern Bodybuilding

Since the early days of physical culture, modern manbodybuilders experimented with 'stacking' the latest in
has been searching for the elusive ''Fountain of Youth''.designer muscle enhancing pharmaceuticals. Magazine
The promise of radiant health, enduring strength and aand ticket sales were at a peak and bodybuilding
Herculean physique has drawn millions on this quest forcompetitions were seen regularly on network TV. The
physical perfection.popularity of the sport was soaring high. Then, what
Through the early decades of bodybuilding, thecould have been mostly prevented by not promoting
forefathers of physical culture established basicand rewarding individuals whose physiques were
guidelines for the muscle enthusiast to follow. Naturalchemically altered became a reality as the widespread
foods, resistance training, plenty of rest, and a positiveuse of drugs in the sport became relevant.
outlook in life were the primary ingredients forWords such as steroids, cycling, and growth hormones
achieving ones goals. The demand for knowledge onbecame common place in our gyms, and juicing no
'how to' reach the stars would result in millions oflonger meant enjoying your favorite health drink.
booklets being sold by mail order, while magazineReports of bodybuilders on dialysis and with heart
stands and bookshelves were continually restockedailments became a frequent occurrence while the
with the latest 'muscle building secrets'. Tons of steeleventual death of several competitive pros hit home
and exercise equipment would find its way into thehard. What had been a dark cloud in a sport with such
homes of thousands of Americans all across ourgreat potential turned into a storm that spread its vast
nation. Health clubs and iron gyms would sprout up inshadow on a culture that once shined.
local neighborhoods and towns, while physiqueOrganizations dedicated to natural bodybuilding and a
competitions were held to determine whom the best inhealthy lifestyle would soon respond to the call for a
the land was. The strong roots of physical culturereturn to the ideals set forth by the forefathers of
were taking grip in our society, and the mighty oak ofphysical culture. Physique promoters throughout the
bodybuilding would soon branch out through every cityland created natural bodybuilding competitions so
in America.athletes could compete on a level playing field without
A new 'way of life' became a reality for many as therunning the risk of ruining their health. Publications
'body beautiful' movement swung into high gear. Forfeaturing natural bodybuilders began to spread the
decades the much traveled road to muscledom keptgospel of healthy living through proper nutrition and
its promise, then by the mid-60's what seemed pureexercise. The televised media developed new
and natural took a wrong turn setting the course ofbodybuilding and fitness programs to inspire future
modern bodybuilding down a dead end. Thegenerations of natural iron pumpers. And as the age of
introduction of anabolic steroids into the sport ofcyber space came upon us, the Internet became a
bodybuilding would usher in a new era of super sizedresource of concepts and opinions for bodybuilders to
and equally strong muscular physiques that wouldlearn and express their views with other physique
attract millions of young men with a desire to achieveartist throughout the World. The new millennium is here
the same naturally unattainable goals.and those dedicated to physical culture have begun to
Along with the growth of the sport, the physiquesprevail as the radiant beacon of light from the torch of
continued to become bigger and more vascular asnatural living begins to shine through the storm.