Part 5/11:

Where did this crisis originate? A look back reveals that competitive bodybuilding gained traction in the 1940s, but it was the introduction of anabolic steroids in the 1970s that catalyzed an unprecedented expansion in the expectations of male physiques.

The Golden Era and Pop Culture's Influence

During bodybuilding's “Golden Era,” figures such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Frank Zane became icons, showcasing body types that were previously unimagined. This era marked a shift in perceptions, with bodybuilders transitioning from seen-as freaks to symbols of aspiration for countless young men. Strikingly, the portrayal of masculinity in media has evolved, often favoring increasingly muscular ideals.