Dark History Episode 175: How Bodybuilding Went from Freak Show to Fitness Empire
Released on July 9, 2025 by Audioboom Studios, "Dark History" is hosted by Bailey Sarian. In Episode 175, Bailey delves into the intriguing transformation of bodybuilding from a sideshow attraction to a global fitness phenomenon.
1. Introduction: The Rise of Muscular Celebrities
Bailey begins by observing the modern obsession with muscular physiques among celebrities:
"Why is Jim from the office looking like he's training for the Olympics?" ([01:10])
She sets the stage for exploring the historical journey of bodybuilding, questioning when society became so fixated on muscle and whether it’s a healthy trend.
2. Ancient Roots: The Greek Obsession with Strength
Bailey traces the origins of bodybuilding back to ancient Greece, highlighting their passion for physical fitness and the creation of the Olympics in 776 BC. She notes how muscles and strength were once highly valued but fell out of favor as intellectual pursuits gained prominence.
"They invented the Olympics, so they were kind of obsessed with working out and, like, lifting and being strong." ([01:45])
3. The Shift to Intellectualism: Muscles as Brutish
As society advanced, particularly in Europe and America, intellectual achievements began to overshadow physical strength. Muscles became associated with manual labor and lower social status:
"Muscles were seen as brutish and kind of tacky." ([03:20])
This perception lasted for centuries, making bodybuilding an unfashionable pursuit among the educated elite.
4. Victorian Era and the Era of Strongmen
In the late 1800s, strongmen became part of circus and traveling shows, often labeled as "freaks." These performers showcased incredible strength through feats like bending steel bars and breaking chains:
"The strongmen would tour around and put on these insane performances to show off their strength." ([05:15])
5. Louis Attila and the Birth of Scientific Bodybuilding
Enter Louis Attila, a German strongman born in 1844, who sought to transform bodybuilding into a more disciplined and scientific endeavor. Attila mentored Eugen Sandow, emphasizing aesthetics alongside strength:
"Attila started treating lifting and getting bigger like a science. He had a formula." ([08:30])
Attila's innovations included resistance exercises and adjustable dumbbells, laying the groundwork for modern bodybuilding techniques.
6. Eugen Sandow: The Father of Modern Bodybuilding
Eugen Sandow, mentored by Attila, became a household name by promoting the idea that bodybuilding was not just about strength but also about physique and symmetry:
"Yujin's whole motto was essentially, why lift in the shadows when you can flex in the spotlight." ([11:50])
In 1901, Sandow hosted the first-ever bodybuilding competition at the Royal Albert Hall in London, where participants were judged on both strength and aesthetics.
7. Katie Sandwina: Breaking Gender Barriers
Bailey introduces Katie Brombach, later known as Katie Sandwina, a formidable female strongwoman who challenged gender norms by outperforming male competitors:
"When Katie hoisted the £300 barbell, she officially outlifted Eugen." ([17:25])
Her victory not only catapulted her into fame but also proved that women could excel in bodybuilding, paving the way for future female athletes.
8. Muscular Christianity: The Moralization of Strength
Muscular Christianity emerged as a movement advocating that physical strength was a sign of moral and spiritual virtue. Charles Kingsley, a proponent of this ideology, linked athleticism with godliness:
"If being physically strong was a sign of godliness, then obviously Jesus had to have the best physique of all." ([20:50])
This movement influenced institutions like the YMCA, promoting sports and exercise as means to build character and spirituality.
9. The Evolution of Bodybuilding Competitions
The establishment of competitions like Mr. America in 1939 marked bodybuilding's transition into mainstream culture. Figures like Charles Atlas capitalized on this by creating iconic workout programs and advertisements:
"The Atlas Program became known as the Bible for bodybuilders." ([22:10])
These competitions and programs fueled the public's growing interest in fitness and muscle development.
10. Women in Bodybuilding: From Exclusion to Empowerment
Initially, women were excluded from bodybuilding competitions and faced societal pushback for pursuing muscular physiques. Trailblazers like Lisa Lyon, the first women's world bodybuilding champion in 1979, redefined female strength:
"Lisa Lyon was the first woman's world bodybuilding champion, inspiring photographers and redefining female hotness." ([23:40])
Modern advancements, fueled by social media and fitness movements like CrossFit, have seen a significant increase in women embracing strength training.
11. Modern Bodybuilding and Societal Reflections
Bailey reflects on the cyclical nature of societal trends in fitness, drawing parallels between the rise of muscular Christianity and today's fitness obsessions:
"It feels like it's circling back to being thin again. It's a mess, isn't it?" ([24:00])
She contemplates how current societal roles and insecurities may be driving the renewed focus on bodybuilding and physical fitness.
12. Conclusion: From Circus Sideshow to Fitness Empire
Bailey concludes by summarizing bodybuilding's remarkable transformation over 200 years, from being perceived as a circus act to becoming an integral part of global culture:
"Working out went from a circus act to a mainstream part of our culture in less than 200 years. It's come a long way." ([23:50])
She emphasizes the importance of fitness for personal well-being and societal belonging, celebrating the inclusive nature of modern bodybuilding.
Notable Quotes:
- Bailey Sarian:
"Muscles were seen as brutish and kind of tacky." ([03:20])
"Yujin's whole motto was essentially, why lift in the shadows when you can flex in the spotlight." ([11:50])
"It feels like it's circling back to being thin again. It's a mess, isn't it?" ([24:00])
Expert Contribution:
Special thanks to Natalia Melmond Petruzella, Professor of History at the New School, whose insights and book "Fit Nation, the Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession" provided valuable context to the episode.
Final Thoughts:
"How Bodybuilding Went from Freak Show to Fitness Empire" offers a comprehensive look at the cultural, social, and historical factors that shaped bodybuilding into the popular and respected discipline it is today. Through engaging storytelling and thoughtful analysis, Bailey Sarian unveils the complex interplay between societal values and the pursuit of physical excellence.
For more enlightening episodes, subscribe to Dark History on Audioboom and join Bailey Sarian as she explores the untold stories that shaped our world.