10 Heaviest Golden Era Bodybuilders
We look back at the legends of the Golden Era and rank them from heaviest competition weight to lowest.
Workouts & Articles
Kings Of The Stage: Bodybuilders Who Made a Successful Leap into Acting
The world of bodybuilding has not only produced some of the most impressive physiques but has also given rise to several talented actors who made a successful transition from the gym to the silver scr
A Brief History of Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding has come a long way since its inception, evolving through various eras to become the popular sport and fitness culture phenomenon it is today. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the different eras of bodybuilding history, from the early beginnings to the modern era.
The Early Years: 1800s - 1920s
The origins of bodybuilding can be traced back to the 19th century when pioneers like Eugen Sandow, known as the “Father of Modern Bodybuilding,” began promoting physical culture and strength training. During this time, bodybuilding was primarily focused on developing a balanced, symmetrical physique and showcasing feats of strength.
Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Sergio Oliva: The Austrian Oak & The Myth
Discover the iconic rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sergio Oliva, two of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, as they battled for supremacy on the world's most prestigious stages.
Frank Zane vs. Franco Colombu: The Battle of Aesthetics
Explore the fascinating rivalry between Frank Zane and Franco Colombu, two of the most iconic bodybuilders of their time, as they vied for dominance in the world of competitive bodybuilding.
1980: A Pivotal Year for Arnold Schwarzenegger
Journey back to 1980 and explore the landmark events that defined a remarkable year in the life of Arnold Schwarzenegger, the bodybuilding legend and future Hollywood star.
Muscle Beach: The Birthplace of Bodybuilding Legends
Explore the captivating history of Muscle Beach, the iconic destination where fitness legends and bodybuilders have gathered to showcase their prowess since the 1930s.
How Do Bodybuilders Pass Drug Tests?
Anybody who has seen the Mr. Olympia stage knows these bodybuilders aren’t natural. Every year they pack on massive amounts of size and come back leaner and more vascular.
Whilst WADA and the IFBB have pretty strict rules and regulations around drug testing, athletes use a number of techniques to avoid detection. You can read the rule & regulations here: IFBB & WADA.
It is important to note that using banned substances in professional sports is both unethical and illegal. While we do not condone or promote the use of banned substances, it is worth understanding the methods that some individuals might employ to avoid getting caught:
Drug Testing in Professional Bodybuilding
Drug testing in professional bodybuilding is a crucial component of the sport to ensure fair competition and maintain the health and safety of the athletes. Various organizations such as the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB), National Physique Committee (NPC), and World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) implement stringent drug testing policies to prevent the use of banned substances.
Process:
Drug testing typically involves two stages: in-competition and out-of-competition testing. In-competition testing is performed during or shortly after a bodybuilding event, while out-of-competition testing can occur at any time during an athlete’s training period without prior notice (IFBB, n.d.).
10 Most Famous Bodybuilding Gyms
We always talk about the most influential bodybuilders in history. Those who brought the sport into the mainstream and influenced the way we train and diet. Whilst the impact of key bodybuilders has been massive, it’s important to discuss the influence of particular gyms on shaping the sport.
Here’s our ranking of the 10 most influential bodybuilding gyms in the world (both past & present):
Gold’s Gym (California, USA)
Often referred to as the “Mecca of Bodybuilding,” Gold’s Gym Venice is where many bodybuilding legends, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, and Frank Zane, trained during the golden era of bodybuilding. The gym’s influence is due to its long history, iconic members, and role in movies like “Pumping Iron.” You can get the full story behind Gold’s Gym here.
Frank Zane Books
Frank Zane is a renowned bodybuilding legend, best known for his incredible aesthetics and outstanding physique. Born on June 28, 1942, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Zane is a three-time Mr. Olympia winner (1977-1979) and has been hailed as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. With a combination of symmetry, definition, and proportion, he earned the nickname “The Chemist” for his meticulous approach to training and nutrition.
Over the years, Zane has authored numerous best-selling books, sharing his wisdom and experiences in bodybuilding, fitness, and personal growth. Some of his most popular works include:
Vince Gironda's Lacto-Vegetarian Diet
Vince Gironda, also known as the “Iron Guru,” was a renowned bodybuilder and trainer known for his innovative training methods and nutrition advice. One of the diets he promoted was the lacto-vegetarian diet, which is a vegetarian diet that includes dairy products but excludes eggs, meat, poultry, and fish.
The primary focus of Vince Gironda’s lacto-vegetarian diet was on consuming whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods to support muscle growth and overall health. Although individual recommendations could vary, here are some general principles of his lacto-vegetarian diet: