Hi guys im writing up a piece of coursework for media studies and i chose to write about bodybuilding, and where better to have it read than right here...
Introduction
For those who are dedicated, commitment and determination is an everyday must in the world of bodybuilding. Bodybuilders take themselves on a journey which is a long and an enduring process of muscle hypertrophy, which is increasing the size of muscle cells, may sound simple, but it?s not as easy as it looks.
Competitive bodybuilding is where it gets even more complicated; bodybuilders plan in accordance to the date of the competition. The general approach adopted by most present-day competitive bodybuilders is to increase muscle for the most part of the year (off season). This is where competitors will be mainly training to increase size by lifting heavier and consuming a higher number of calories. Then 3-4 months from competition date they attempt to lose body fat (cutting) while trying to maintain muscle mass. This involves reducing calorie intake and increasing aerobic exercise while monitoring body fat percentage.
Their aim is to develop and maintain an aesthetically appealing physique. They show off their hard earned achievements by performing a number of posedowns and it is incredibly important to get them right as it effects the judges? decision on points awarded.
All of this preparation is for the one day on which they appear on stage to display their physiques to a panel of judges, who award points based on their aesthetic appearance, and later crowning a competitor with 1st, 2nd, 3rd place and so on.
The early years of contemporary bodybuilding are considered to have started around 1880 ? 1930. Prior to this it was practically non existent. A man named Eugen Sandow, who is now labelled as "The Father of Modern Bodybuilding" is seen as a pioneer of bodybuilding. Performing strongman feats in front of audiences and allowing spectators to enjoy viewing his physique in ?muscle displays?.
From there on bodybuilding has developed hugely. The first major international bodybuilding competition was held in America and took place in Madison Square Gardens on Dec 28th 1903. From then on there have been many notable bodybuilders each making their impact on the sport. In the 1970?s bodybuilding received immense publicity due to Arnold Schwarzenegger and the film Pumping Iron which is a 1977 documentary film about the pre contest build up and the 1975 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition. It showed audiences the bodybuilding world like it had never been seen before.
Phenomenal athletic physiques are consistent in the film, the appreciation of their hard work and determination to achieve a ?perfect? build for some either inspires or suggests to men that they should be like this. Big, muscular and powerful. The appearance of looking super human was appealing to many, drawing the masses to the contests and making bodybuilding very popular. But also putting a pressure on males to be like this. During this period a number of other, non bodybuilding films also portrayed muscular men in films such as Rambo, Rocky and Terminator, which are just a few of them. Each of these starring men with bodies to aspire. They are represented as very muscular masculine men and as media representations of masculinity start targeting audiences with product promotion and profits in mind, men are encouraged or even forced to be like the ?role models? they see in many forms of media such as films and magazines. A majority of the time it is an unrealistic target, and the use of these products helps people to achieve their goals, or at least make them think as if it will.
its not finished, discuss, criticise, improve. thanks
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