Essay On Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding at an Early Age

When watching athletes such as bodybuilders one must wonder how such monstrous physiques are obtained. It was this very curiosity that allows humans to achieve such massive muscle gains by lifting heavy weights such as massive 220 pound boulders or pulling 747 airplanes. It was not until one gets older that they are able to understand that achieving a gigantic physique requires certain characteristics that must be obtained. Bodybuilding builds character in those that participate in it at a young age by developing focus, discipline, and dedication which carries into adulthood.

The ancient Greeks were the first athletes to train in gymnasiums for competition. “Olympic wrestling champion Milo of Croton who reportedly would carry a calf on his back every day until it became a bull, thus demonstrating progressive resistance as a means of developing strength” (Hayward). Even though these athletes were training and competing in the Olympics they were not training for muscular appearance but rather for performance. In the mid-19th century weight training became a “means of improving health and increasing strength” (Hayward). These athletes would entertain large crowds by “lifting and pushing massive weights” and were only seen as entertainers until one man known as Eugene Sandow would change the image of bodybuilding forever.

Bodybuilder by the name Friedrich Muller who was born in 1867 in Prussia also known as Eugene Sandow who later became known as "The Father of Modern Bodybuilding" (Hayward). Bodybuilding has not been around forever. In fact, Eugene Sandow was one of the first athletes to display his muscular physique. He was also the first to “organize a bodybuilding contest in England’s Royal Albert H...

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...ose that participate in it at a young age by developing focus, discipline, and dedication which carries into adulthood. Proper nutrition, exercise, attitude and discipline drive body builders to attain their massive gains. They are successful by maintaining their routines, diets, positive attitudes and hardworking personalities. “The resistance that you fight physically in the gym and the resistance you fight in life can only build a strong character” (Schwarzenegger). These athletes understand the sacrifice required to be the very best. The many attributes learned while training helps these athletes not only grow in muscle size, but allow them to grow as a person. Bodybuilding is not a sport or activity for everyone. Even the most disciplined athletes struggle with internal turmoil and doubts encountered in the gym and outside. Do you think you have what it takes?