History of Bodybuilding
Today, we can choose from the best bodybuilding and fitness federations. However, it took a long way to get here. So, let’s start from the beginning.
Weight training started in ancient Egyptian and Greek society as a way for men to gain strength and measure power. At the time, these men used stones of various sizes as weights to transform their bodies into more muscular figures.
Note
By the end of the 19th century, weight training had changed from lifting rocks to a completely new system.
The new physical culture emerged in Europe, and everyone was taken away by it. The main purpose of the physical culture was not to develop extraordinary physiques but to amaze the crowds with exquisite strength. This was when the first strongmen appeared, and the public loved to watch these men compete in practices such as lifting animals and pulling carts.
The Emerge of The First Bodybuilder
As the 20th century approached, one man emerged with the bodybuilders we know today and made history. Eugene Sandow was the first famous bodybuilder who instantly became a phenomenon thanks to his combination of strength and muscles. He has become a physical cultural icon and is still one of the greatest bodybuilders.
Sandow stood from the crowd with his symmetrical and densely muscular physique. He was the first to publish a bodybuilding magazine, Physical Culture. Moreover, he was the inventor of some of the first bodybuilding machinery and appeared in many books and postcards.
Important
The whole bodybuilding industry was created thanks to Sandow’s influence, and the sales of barbells and dumbells significantly increased.
The First BodyBuilding Competition
Staged in 1891, under the name The Great Show, the first bodybuilding competition was developed by Eugene Sandow. After making bodybuilding popular all across America and Europe, Sandow decided that it was time to set the first bodybuilding competition. He needed three years to promote and develop his idea until its final realization.
The first-ever bodybuilding competition was held in England in Royal Albert Hall on September 14, 1901. The prize money was 1,000 guineas, which is more than $5,000 in today’s money. In addition, the first, second, and third places would take home gold, silver, and bronze Sandow statuettes.
All competitors had to have placed in smaller regional shows to sign up for the competition show. A total of 60 competitors competed in displays such as wrestling, gymnastics, and fencing. They opened the competition by marching and wearing a required costume consisting of black tights, a black jockey belt, and leopard skins. The March of the Athletes became a total hit among the crowd, and the bodybuilding culture soon became increasingly widespread.
Note
Neither one of today’s best bodybuilding and fitness federations didn’t appear until 1948, when we can trace the establishment of NABBA.
How to Choose The Best Federation?
If you’re looking to compete for the first time, one of the biggest decisions to make is what type of federation you want to compete in.
Before deciding, consider the following things:
- What are your short-term and long-term goals?
- Do you do this as a hobby or want to become a PRO one day?
- How much money can you spend on the competition preparations?
The most popular federation is the NPC, where competitors must have at least five placings in a regional show and a win at a national show. NPC is among the most competitive, but also the title is one of the most desired in the bodybuilding world.
Do you feel unprepared for a big event, such as NPC, and want a smaller, less daunting option? Fortunately, you can start small and build your way up with the best bodybuilding and fitness federations, from a local competition, up to the stage of the iconic Mr. Olympia!
Avoid Following Trends
Although it might seem easy to enter a popular federation, it would be best not to follow the crowd. Trends come and go, so choosing a federation that fits your needs is important.
Look For More Categories
Some federations are happy to allow competitors to enter more categories, but others have strict rules and don’t allow entering multiple categories on the same day.
If you are still deciding which category to enter, the best option is to choose a federation that allows participating in more than one category. It will also increase your chances of winning.
Decide How You Want to Look on Stage
Do you want to look like an Olympia champion or see yourself more as a fitness cover model?
Most federations fall into the Fashion or Bodybuilding style, mainly judging on the bikini and posing. Note
Once you figure out what look you want to achieve on the stage, choosing your path and the right federation will be easy. Of course, you’re allowed to change your mind later, but it’s good to have a starting point, especially if you’re a beginner.
How Do You Want to Be Judged?
Bodybuilding shows and fashion-type federations judge completely differently. Before you choose a federation, consider how you want to be judged during your competition.
For instance, during bodybuilding shows, competitors are judged for their muscle tone, symmetry, and structure. On the other hand, in fashion fitness competitions, competitors are judged for posing, marketability, and overall appearance.
Are You Competing For Money Or Status?
Some competitors join federations only for the prizes, others to gain status, and some do it for pure pleasure and enjoyment.
All federations offer different prizes to the best, but we recommend this factor to be the last when choosing a federation.
Conclusion
The above-mentioned federations are the global leaders. So, whichever you choose, you won’t be wrong. They’re all formed and exist to support bodybuilders and athletes and give them a platform to show off their hard work and dedication.
Always remember, the federations are key and might be the starting point of your successful fitness career!
