Bodybuilding The “Early Years” of Western Bodybuilding are considered to be the period between 1880 and 1930.Bodybuilding did not really exist prior to the late 19th century, when it was promoted by a man from Prussia (Germany) named Eugen Sandow, who is now generally referred to as “The Father of Modern Bodybuilding”. He is credited as being a pioneer of the sport because he allowed an audience to enjoy viewing his physique in “muscle display performances”. Although audiences were thrilled to see a well-developed physique, those men simply displayed their bodies as part of strength demonstrations or wrestling matches. Sandow had a stage show built around these displays through his manager, Florenz Ziegfeld.In those times Sandow really believed in “the Grecian Ideal” (this was a standard where a mathematical “ideal” was set up and the “perfect physique” was close to the proportions of ancient Greek and Roman statues from classical times) and that`s what he tried to achieve. The first Bodybuilding Contest was in 14 September 1901, and it was called the “Great Competition” and held in the Royal Albert Hall, London, UK. The trophy presented to the winner was a bronze statue of Sandow himself sculpted  by Frederick Pomeroy. In our days the most prestigious contest is Mr.Olympia and since 1977, the winner has been presented with the same bronze statue of Sandow that he himself  presented to the winner at the first contest.

Pictures With Eugen Sandow