The Evolution of Gym Culture and IPEDs: A Transformative Odyssey

Gym culture and the use of Image and Performance Enhancing Drugs (IPEDs) have undergone a remarkable evolution over the decades. Today, the fitness industry stands as a global powerhouse, catering to individuals of diverse backgrounds and fitness aspirations. While modern gyms offer state-of-the-art equipment and expert guidance, they also grapple with the pursuit of extreme body ideals and the prevalent use of IPEDs, which encompass steroids, human growth hormones, insulin, and more.

Understanding the contemporary landscape of IPED usage necessitates a deep dive into the historical roots and values that underpin gym culture. In this two-part series, we will embark on this journey of exploration.

The Genesis of Physical Culture

The origins of gym and fitness culture can be traced back to the early 1900s. Influenced by the gymnastic movements of Denmark, Sweden, and Germany, American scientists redirected their focus towards physical education and methods to enhance health and strength. It was during this era that figures like Eugene Sandow and Robert Collins "Bob" Hoffman left their indelible mark on shaping this culture. Although the early years predominantly focused on male physique development, the inclusion of women slowly began to take root.

The Advent of IPEDs

The late 1950s and 1960s witnessed the introduction of IPEDs into the realm of bodybuilding. What is intriguing is that the medical community, at the time, did not strongly oppose their use; instead, they viewed these substances as technological advancements. This period of exploration ultimately led to the creation of drugs like Dianabol, which gained widespread popularity among bodybuilders. It was an era characterized by the iconic slogan: "Dianabol, breakfast of champions."

Muscle Beach and the Steroid Era

In the late 1930s and 1940s, the stretch of beach in Santa Monica known as Muscle Beach became an iconic hub for bodybuilding culture and lifestyles. Enthusiasts flocked to this beachfront, where they could marvel at the physiques of bodybuilding icons, including the legendary Steve Reeves. However, the ideals that catapulted Reeves to fame gradually underwent a transformation. The early 1960s marked a cultural shift when Muscle Beach relocated to Venice Beach, with bodybuilders adopting diuretics to enhance definition and placing even greater emphasis on mass. This transformation was partly fueled by the emergence of anabolic steroids.

The 1970s witnessed the flourishing of gym culture and bodybuilding. A pivotal moment was the release of the 1977 documentary film "Pumping Iron," which followed bodybuilding legends such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, and Frank Zane as they prepared for the 1975 Mr. Olympia and Mr. Universe competitions. Schwarzenegger's victory in the Mr. Olympia contest and the film's success propelled him into mainstream culture.

Schwarzenegger's triumph had a profound impact, making working out and building muscle a norm, especially among American men. Simultaneously, the health club industry flourished, aiming to promote physical exercise as a means to reduce the risk of heart diseases and improve overall health. Schwarzenegger embodied the American dream, inspiring many with his message that hard work and determination could lead to success. However, his ascent also pushed the boundaries of bodybuilding toward extremes in terms of physique, size, and vascularity.

During this era of growth, bodybuilding also embraced steroids. While experimental use of synthesized testosterone had occurred in some US gyms in the 1950s (Yesalis & Bahrke, 2007), the 1970s saw the emergence of new, customized drugs with fewer side effects. At this time, the medical community viewed IPED use in a relatively positive light. Steroid use was not just legal but also widely accepted, especially within bodybuilding culture.

The Rise of Women Bodybuilders – Breaking New Ground

Although men's weightlifting and bodybuilding began much earlier, women's bodybuilding was primarily established in the late 1970s (Fair, 1999). Initially, only a handful of women engaged in weightlifting, and competitions for women were more akin to beauty pageants than bodybuilding contests (Klein, 1993). It's essential to note that women's participation was not actively encouraged by the predominantly male-controlled bodybuilding competition organizers. However, the 1980s and 1990s witnessed the emergence of highly muscular and defined female bodybuilders like Debbi Muggli, Lenda Murray, and Iris Kyle. A significant milestone for women in bodybuilding was the release of the documentary "Pumping Iron II" in 1985, which followed four women bodybuilders preparing for the Caesar's Palace World Cup Championship.

The inclusion of women in bodybuilding, a domain that had been predominantly male, marked a transformative phase in the development of physical culture. Researchers began taking a keen interest in female bodybuilders in the 1990s, recognizing their unique and avant-garde qualities. However, the perception of women's bodybuilding remained somewhat ambiguous in public discourse. It was seen as a potential challenge to traditional gender roles, raising questions about boundaries between male and female, natural and unnatural, with or without the use of IPEDs. Nonetheless, the ascent of women's bodybuilding as a phenomenon reflected the broader movement toward gym and fitness as a mass leisure activity.

Conclusion

The history of gym culture, bodybuilding, and IPEDs reflects societal shifts, evolving fitness practices, and changing attitudes toward the body. From its early days rooted in physical culture to the advent of IPEDs, this journey continues to evolve, promising an intriguing future.