The Golden Age of Bodybuilding

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 04:19 PM

Although my current training has been going on 5 years steady, I have followed the sport since my early teen years (mid 60's). I bought all the magazines and aspired to be like my heroes. Unfortunately, I didn't have the perseverence until I hit age 50. I'de like to share some of those memories and great athletes that were the pioneers of our beloved endeavor. Feel free to ask questions and add input as we explore the History of Bodybuilding. I'm going to start with one of the greatest of all time, Mr. Bill Pearl who in 2003 won the "Lifetime Achievement" award for the sport of Bodybuilding.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 04:20 PM

More.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 04:21 PM

Another.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 04:23 PM

Again.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 04:23 PM

And again.

Testosterone · 05-13-2005, 04:30 PM

Thanks for the pictures Al. Where steroids around at that age (I mean, I know they were already used, but I am asking more whether they were commonly used among pro bodybuilders)?

I notice that the golden-era bodybuilders did not seem to flex their abdominals but rather sucked them in

.

Testosterone · 05-13-2005, 04:31 PM

It's also interesting to notice that leg developement increased at an incredible rate from then till today, to the extent that contemporary pro bodybuilders' legs look nothing like older bodybuilders' legs. In contrast, arms did not change as drastically.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STRENGTH

Thanks for the pictures Al. Where steroids around at that age (I mean, I know they were already used, but I am asking more whether they were commonly used among pro bodybuilders)?

I notice that the golden-era bodybuilders did not seem to flex their abdominals but rather sucked them in

.

The vacuum is a lost art. Most pro's now cannot do it because of their "bloated gut" syndrome caused by GH use. I know steroids were used in the early 60's, and probably in the 50's to some extent, but certainly not to the extent today. You can tell by the quality and the "look" of the muscles. Even into the early 70's when the athletes would cycle off until contest time.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STRENGTH

It's also interesting to notice that leg developement increased at an incredible rate from then till today, to the extent that contemporary pro bodybuilders' legs look nothing like older bodybuilders' legs. In contrast, arms did not change as drastically.

You're absolutely right. Freaky leg development became popular when Tom Platz (a former Mr. Michigan) hit the scene. Many athletes had excellent leg development, but not the "Freaky" look we all love.

Another of Bill Pearl.

Testosterone · 05-13-2005, 05:10 PM

Ahhh excellent information Al!

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 06:13 PM

Thru the 1960's, there was a man who at 5'5" had the most impressive arms I had ever seen, and they still have to rank up there with the very best, both in size, shape, and just complete development. His name is, Freddy Ortiz. Tell me what you think.

Testosterone · 05-13-2005, 06:28 PM

Those are some great arms! Good forearm balance.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 06:59 PM

Probably my favorite Bodybuilder was Chris Dickerson. He was born in 1939, and didn't start bodybuilding until he was 27. Blessed with an already great set of calves from playing soccer, he took to bodybuilding like a duck takes to water (his own words). He was the first black man to win the official AAU Mr. America title in 1970. He won the NABBA pro Mr. Universe title in '73 & '74, and after a string of pro victories, and two consecutive runner up's in the Mr. Olympia 1980 (when Arnold came back), and 1981 (when Franco came back), he successfully won the Mr. Olympia title in 1982 at the age of 43.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 07:03 PM

When one thinks of aesthetic physiques, the name Chris Dickerson has to be at the top of the list. He was an extremely dramatic poser.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 07:04 PM

Here is an earlier contest photo (I think it is the Mr. America 1970). The other two pictured are Casey Viator (on the left) and Ken Waller (on the right).

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 07:36 PM

Although the official Mr. America title was the AAU version, the IFBB also had a Mr. America contest. After several black competitors failed to win the AAU Mr. A title, they jumped to the IFBB. With that in mind, after placing 2nd in the 1962 & 1963 AAU Mr. America contest, Harold Poole jumped to the IFBB and won the 1963 Mr. Universe contest. He came back in 1964 and won the IFBB Mr. America contest. He placed 2nd to Larry Scott in the first Mr. Olympia contest in 1965, and duplicated that placing in 1966. His physique was ahead of it's time IMHO as evidenced on this cover shot from 1964.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 07:37 PM

I was always impressed with Harolds muscularity and his awesome trap development.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 07:38 PM

Here is another cover shot.

Testosterone · 05-13-2005, 07:48 PM

I agree with you, his physique seems far ahead of his time.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 07:48 PM

Another great who, fed up with AAU politics (after losing the 1966 Mr. America title to Bob Gajda) jumped to the IFBB. In the IFBB, he won the '66 Mr. World, the '67 Mr. universe, and the 1967-1969 Mr. Olympia titles. Sergio Oliva was known as "The Myth" for good reason.

MotorcityAl · 05-13-2005, 07:52 PM

Another shot of Sergio.

Testosterone · 05-13-2005, 08:03 PM

IMO, Sergio has one of the most proportional arms in bodybuilding history. His forearm/bicep/tricep proportion is spot on! A great bodybuilder.

05-13-2005, 04:30 PM	#6
Testosterone Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Probably eating oatmeal Posts: 235 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	Thanks for the pictures Al. Where steroids around at that age (I mean, I know they were already used, but I am asking more whether they were commonly used among pro bodybuilders)? I notice that the golden-era bodybuilders did not seem to flex their abdominals but rather sucked them in . __________________ Formerly S.C.

05-13-2005, 04:31 PM	#7
Testosterone Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Probably eating oatmeal Posts: 235 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	It's also interesting to notice that leg developement increased at an incredible rate from then till today, to the extent that contemporary pro bodybuilders' legs look nothing like older bodybuilders' legs. In contrast, arms did not change as drastically. __________________ Formerly S.C.

05-13-2005, 05:10 PM	#10
Testosterone Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Probably eating oatmeal Posts: 235 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	Ahhh excellent information Al! __________________ Formerly S.C.

05-13-2005, 06:28 PM	#12
Testosterone Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Probably eating oatmeal Posts: 235 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	Those are some great arms! Good forearm balance. __________________ Formerly S.C.

05-13-2005, 07:48 PM	#19
Testosterone Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Probably eating oatmeal Posts: 235 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	I agree with you, his physique seems far ahead of his time. __________________ Formerly S.C.

05-13-2005, 08:03 PM	#22
Testosterone Pro Stature Join Date: May 2005 Location: Probably eating oatmeal Posts: 235 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 6	IMO, Sergio has one of the most proportional arms in bodybuilding history. His forearm/bicep/tricep proportion is spot on! A great bodybuilder. __________________ Formerly S.C.