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Would you like to know more about the bronze era of bodybuilding? The bronze age of bodybuilding was a time of immense growth and innovation in the fitness world. During this period, bodybuilding, as we know it today, began to take shape. This era is credited with introducing modern bodybuilding training methods that are still used today.
The 3 Stages of the Bronze Era of Bodybuilding
Significant events and people shaped the bronze era of bodybuilding. Specific names, places, and events are synonymous with this era. Here are some key innovations and changes that occurred during this era.
Bodybuilding Techniques
It started with Joe Weider, the founder of Weider Health & Fitness. Joe was one of the most influential figures in American bodybuilding history. He was responsible for popularizing two different styles of training for bodybuilders.
First, Joe popularized high-volume training and pyramid sets. High-volume training involved working out with high reps and light weights. While pyramid sets involved gradually increasing weight as you went from set to set.
These two types of training were revolutionary at the time. They allowed bodybuilders to work their muscles more efficiently than ever before. The bronze era would shape the training philosophy of Mike Mintzer, Arnold Schwarzenegger, the God Father of Bodybuilding, and many more.
Pre-Steroids Era
Another fundamental change during the bronze age of bodybuilding was the introduction (and subsequent proliferation) of steroids into the sport.
While steroids had existed since the 1950s, they didn’t gain widespread popularity until the early 1970s. Then, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s documentary Pumping Iron introduced steroids to the American public. The film depicted Schwarzenegger’s intense steroid use. Also, it helped popularize steroids among aspiring bodybuilders everywhere.
While steroids have since become a controversial topic in bodybuilding due to their potentially harmful side effects, they remain an integral part of many professional athletes’ regimens today.
Competitions And Magazines
Finally, another significant development during this period was the emergence of professional bodybuilding competitions and magazines. Both featured content about nutrition, supplementation, and more for aspiring bodybuilders.
These magazines and competitions helped introduce a whole new generation to fitness culture by providing detailed information on dieting, exercise routines, supplementation tips, and more. They also served as an advertising platform for companies looking to promote their products and services related to fitness culture.
The Last Word on A Look Back at the Bronze Era of Bodybuilding
The bronze age of bodybuilding ushered in many changes to the fitness world. They are still being felt today, from Joe Weider’s revolutionary high-volume training techniques to the proliferation of steroids and professional competitions and magazines.
These changes laid the groundwork for modern-day fitness culture as we know it today. While much progress has been made since then regarding nutrition science, exercise science, supplementation protocols, etc., it is essential to remember where we came from to continue pushing forward toward a healthier future!
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