Nobody had imagined that what started at the Muscle Beach in Venice California in 1950 would go on to become a revolution in the sport of bodybuilding. Decades later, we call it the Golden Age of Bodybuilding. Back then there were less supplements, more heart. Fewer excuses, longer workout hours. Less talk, more sweat. This resulted in the rise of the greatest bodybuilders the world would ever see. Here are 38 photos that will take you back in time, and make you say, ‘They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!’
A vintage shot of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, photographed during the 1960’s!
Francis Benfatto
Steve Reeves
Master of Aesthetics: Bob Paris
Two champions. Two friends. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu.
Franco Columbu & Arnold Schwarzenegger
Mike Mentzer & Joe Weider
“The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bodybuilding is not only a sport but first an ART. – Serge Nubret
Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Sergio Oliva Mr Olympia 1972
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu
Serge Nubret
Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger & Jim Haislop
Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane & Lou Ferrigno
Arnold Schwarzenegger & Serge Nubret
Serge Nubret
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Bob Paris
This is a man who’s been considered one of the greatest posers ever, and his name is Ed Corney! This classic shot of Corney was taken at the 1975 Olympia in Pretoria, South Africa!
Franco Columbu & Arnold Schwarzenegger
Larry Scott
Serge Nubret, Franco Columbu & Arnold Schwarzenegger
Franco Columbu, Jusup Wilkosz & Arnold Schwarzenegger
Tom Platz & Lou Ferrigno
Serge Nubret
Lou Ferrigno
Bob Paris
Arnold Schwarzenegger & Lou Ferrigno
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Franco Columbu “The Sardinian Strongman”
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu
Don Ross and Serge Nubret
Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, Lou Ferrigno & Arnold Schwarzenegger
“The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I’d hate that.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Jusup Wilkosz, Reid Schindle & Mike Mentzer
Robby Robinson, Joe Weider & Lou Ferrigno
“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” – Frank Zane
Final Thoughts
The reason why the bodybuilders of the Golden Era are still admired to this day is because their overall shape and their attention to detail were right on point, which captivated the attention of the inspired and others that supported the sport. Most of all, they invested their time and effort in the work that needed to be done in order to attain what they dreamed of having. Their actions have made The Golden Era recognizable. Those years are and will continue to be unforgettable.
