Bodybuilding history can be broken down into three eras. The first was considered as the “Early Years” (1880-1930), the second era was “The Golden Age” (1940-1970) and lastly the “Modern Years” (1970 to present day). Bodybuilding originally was defined as developing ones physique with the intent of exposing body features for entertainment purposes. Bodybuilding has now evolved into a more elaborate sport that became a source of fascination and business in America and Europe.

Bodybuilding can be dated as early as the late 19th century, when the earliest proponent of the sport popularly named Eugene Sandow (born Friederich Wilhelm Mueller) showed his muscle prowess among a throng of audience as sideshow. Eugene was a minor attraction on stage shows early in his career as a bodybuilder who prospered through the influence of Mr. Showman Florenz Ziegfeld, who supported him. The “Early Years” of bodybuilding history was marked by several milestones. This era earned the firsts in the bodybuilding, competition exercise equipment, bodybuilding handbooks and the art of posing was introduced.

Bodybuilders in the early years were not too concerned about their appearance, the main objective of bodybuilders was to look more like Hercules, unlike in the Golden Years in the history bodybuilding (1940-1970). In this era, the aim of bodybuilding is to look artistically pleasing through proportional muscle tone, enhanced training, exercise techniques and healthier eating habits.

Several organizations have emerged and bodybuilding competitions were held in America and Europe. Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) organizes weightlifting and bodybuilding contest in the 1930’s for amateur players. After a decade, the International Federation of Body Builders (IFBB) was formed for the competition of professional athletes called IFBB Mr. America. In the 1950’s, National Amateur Bodybuilders Association with their sponsored competition called (NABAA) Mr. Universe.

The “Modern Era” from the period of 1970 up to the present saw a monumental change in the history of bodybuilding. Bodybuilding organizations continued to flourish with the creation of the most successful bodybuilding organization in America, the National Physique Committee (NPC) in 1981. In year 200, Supporters of bodybuilding however, were unsuccessful in their attempt to include the sport in Olympic events. This period featured the widespread fanaticism over a beautifully sculptured body that enticed men and women to workout in gyms. It was also in this period where Arnold Schwarzenegger, was considered an icon that led him into Hollywood and public governance.

The obsession for the “great” body and superior strength caused the proliferation of the anabolic steroids and drug tests in athletic competitions. Today, bodybuilding continues to recreate itself, with ever changing goals and achievements in the sports industry and has rewritten the history of bodybuilding totally.