Bodybuilding has come a long way since its inception in the late 19th century. Originally, it was focused solely on aesthetics, with bodybuilders striving to achieve the perfect physique through rigorous weight training and restrictive diets. As time went on, the sport evolved to include elements of performance and athleticism, leading to the rise of functional fitness.
Flexing and Aesthetics
In the early days of bodybuilding, the focus was solely on aesthetics. Bodybuilders would train their bodies to create the most visually appealing physique possible, often using extreme dieting and workout routines to achieve this goal. Many bodybuilders would resort to using synthetic hormones such as steroids to enhance their performance.
Golden Age of Bodybuilding
In the 1970s, bodybuilding experienced a surge in popularity with the emergence of Arnold Schwarzenegger and other high-profile bodybuilders. This “Golden Age” of bodybuilding continued until the 1990s, with many competitors striving to emulate the large, muscular physiques of their predecessors. During this time, bodybuilding competitions became more mainstream, with the Mr. Olympia contest gaining a significant following.
The Birth of Functional Fitness
It wasn’t until the early 2000s that functional fitness began to emerge as a popular trend in the fitness industry. Functional fitness refers to exercises that mimic movements performed in everyday life, such as squatting, running, and jumping. The focus shifted from aesthetics to performance, as athletes sought to improve their physical abilities beyond just looking good.
CrossFit, a popular form of functional fitness, was founded by Greg Glassman in 2000. The sport combines weightlifting, cardio, and bodyweight exercises to create a high-intensity workout that challenges the body in new ways. CrossFit quickly gained a devoted following, with athletes from all over the world competing in the annual CrossFit Games.
The Rise of Bodyweight Workouts
As functional fitness became more popular, so did bodyweight workouts. These workouts require little to no equipment and focus on using the body’s own weight as resistance, allowing for increased flexibility and mobility. Many people prefer bodyweight workouts because they can be done anywhere, making them a low-cost and accessible way to get in shape.
Evolution of Bodybuilding Today
Today, bodybuilding has evolved into a more well-rounded sport that balances aesthetics and performance. While the focus is still on achieving a muscular and defined physique, many bodybuilders have incorporated functional training into their workouts to improve their overall physical abilities. Functional fitness has also become a popular way for people to get in shape in a safe, effective, and sustainable way.
In conclusion, the evolution of bodybuilding from flexing to functional fitness has brought about significant changes in the sport. The focus has shifted from pure aesthetics to performance and athleticism, and new workout trends, such as CrossFit and bodyweight training, have become incredibly popular. These changes have allowed bodybuilding to stay relevant and appealing to a wider audience while promoting holistic health and fitness.