You're Dead to Me
Victorian Bodybuilding (Radio Edit)
Sep 30, 2023
Dr Vanessa Heggie and comedian Darren Harriot join Greg Jenner to explore the fascinating history of bodybuilding in the 19th and 20th centuries. They discuss the rise of fitness culture during the Industrial Revolution, anxieties about health and physique, the pseudoscience of eugenics, and societal expectations. An intriguing dive into the surprising societal and intellectual currents of the time.
28:51
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Quick takeaways
- Bodybuilding in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was influenced by gymnastics, circus performances, and figures like Eugen Sandow, and played a significant role in the pursuit of physical and national identity.
- The growth of bodybuilding was supported by the development of gyms and training equipment, such as those opened by Hippolyte Triat, which became popular as theatrical spectacles and spaces for exercise, entertainment, and societal display.
Deep dives
The Origins of Bodybuilding
Bodybuilding can be traced back to ancient Greece, with notable figures like Milo of Croton, who practiced progressive resistance exercise and showcased impressive feats of strength. In the modern era, bodybuilding gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gymnastics and circus performances were influential, and figures like Eugen Sandow, known as the father of modern bodybuilding, became iconic. The rise of industrialization, social changes, and the pursuit of physical and national identity played significant roles in the growth of bodybuilding.
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