Bodybuilding is often synonymous with images of heavily muscular men or women displaying superhuman strength and agility. This is a modern image, conjured in an era influenced heavily by the introduction of anabolic steroids. However, to truly appreciate the evolution of this sport, we need to delve back into the realm of bodybuilding before steroids.
Prior to the introduction of anabolic steroids in fitness and bodybuilding, the industry was about promoting health, wellness and the ideal physique was characterized by balance and symmetry rather than just sheer size. Fundamentally, it involved a deep understanding of body mechanics, self-discipline, and respect for the body’s natural limitations.
The Early Era
The origins of bodybuilding date back to ancient civilizations, particularly the Greeks who valued physical perfection and strength. Developing a strong, muscular body was seen as an indication of discipline, control and was a source of aesthetic pleasure. Exercising to gain strength, lose fat and tone the body was a common practice among the Greeks, Indians, Egyptians, and Romans.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the advent of modern bodybuilding techniques ushered in an era where people began to sculpt their bodies in the pursuit of the ‘perfect physique’. Bodybuilders like Eugen Sandow, often considered the father of modern bodybuilding, endorsed control and moderation in training. Bodybuilding was a slow process where the body would gradually adapt to the stress of weight lifting.
Emergence of Steroids
The advent of steroids drastically transformed the landscape of bodybuilding. Anabolic steroids, synthetic variations of the male hormone, testosterone, were introduced into the game in the 1960s. The promise of quicker muscle gains and accelerated recovery times was too enticing for many to resist. The image of the bodybuilder morphed from one promoting balance and elegance to one associated with extreme muscle mass and size, making the ‘steroid era’ an entirely different beast.
However, it is crucial to remember and honour the principle of bodybuilding before steroids: a sound understanding of nutrition, meticulous training and absolute determination. The descending superficiality of enormous muscle mass should not eclipse the essence of bodybuilding rooted in balance, skill, and overall health.
Alternative to Steroids
Today, there’s a growing trend of athletes returning to the basics and focusing on enhancing their body’s potential naturally due to the long-term health complications associated with steroid use. An increasingly popular alternative is selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs). These substances have been generating much buzz in the fitness community lately.
SARMs for bulking are seen as a healthier alternative because they selectively target the body’s androgen receptors—which control the body’s ability to gain muscle—rather than affecting the entire body system as steroids do. They offer a way to achieve muscle mass gains similar to steroids but with fewer side effects. However, it’s important to note that while they are a healthier alternative to steroids, they’re not entirely without side effects, and their use should be carefully managed under professional guidance.
Conclusion
Bodybuilding before steroids reminds us of the core principles of fitness: it is a journey of self-improvement and discipline, rather than an unfettered race towards extreme muscle mass. Whether it’s through disciplined workout regimens, careful dietary control, or safer alternatives like SARMs for bulking, the best way to build a body is to thoughtfully and respectfully work with our natural abilities, rather than against them.