Eugene Sandow

 

While performing feats of strength in front of the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1883, Sandow realized that the crowd was more fascinated with his massive muscles than with his strength. After that, he began what he called, "muscle display performances," and the sport of modern bodybuilding began. From there he went on to open an early bodybuilding gym, and publish a monthly fitness and bodybuilding magazine. Indeed, Sandow was the first person to bring muscle-building culture to the masses. (And we’ve been more than happy to improve on his methods.)