Exercise has been around for centuries and bodybuilding is no exception. In today's age, going to the gym is as trendy as owning the latest cell phone. However, something that hasn't changed much throughout the years is the view society has of female bodybuilders.
Bodybuilding began as a "man's sport". In the 1900's, when Eugen Sandow was known for his sculpted chiseled body, there were no women training with weights at all. As bodybuilding became more popular in the late 70's, 80's and 90's, muscle began to change and female muscle slowly started to become a new phase of beauty. Even though women were not building humongous bodies in those days, just the sight of muscle and women seem to tread lightly as to not "cross the feminine line". Interestingly enough, as time passed, entering into the year 2000 and beyond, building a muscular body as a woman has now become almost as natural as building a muscular body as a man. However, the issue remains the double standard that competitions and society hold when it comes to the bodies of the male/female genders.
So in bodybuilding, just what is the draw? Why do men and women want to build huge muscles, in the first place, and then display them for sport? The answers will vary from bodybuilder to bodybuilder. Although, for most, it's about being the best they can be. This not only drives them to compete and win but it drives them to outshine every other body on that stage. Building the body is also a great tool toward self esteem. Learning that you have control over your body and that you are responsible for the success in recreating it is surely to boost your confidence a bit. Having the ability to transform your body through sheer persistence, discipline and training is worth every sacrifice it takes to reach this level of success. For some, just the accolades alone is enough to keep them going strong and wanting more.
While a great majority of women desire to lose excessive amounts of weight and become petite in size, the other vast number of women desire to pack on size and muscle. The sharp contrast in behaviors usually causes quite the stir, creating many differences of opinions and judgment. Society often judges women who build muscle as going to far, too much, crossing the line! Question is, too much for whom? Crossing the line for whom? Who really cares if a woman wants to build muscle? And why does it matter to those who choose not to? Why is it more acceptable to want to get as close to a size zero, than to want to add size, muscle and shape? Is that not crossing the line as well? Really, it's all a matter of taste to each individual. What one person likes verses what the other does not like is neither wrong or right. It's just how we're wired.
Sometimes, the more focus placed on something "hated", becomes an even bigger focus. Female muscle is a personal choice. It is no more strange than pencil thin models who are chosen to walk the runway. Muscle is just a different type of acceptance and as in anything else, it won't be accepted by all. But for those who wear a muscular body, it is a way of life that stands out physically but is first created with a decision.
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Female muscle: Having the courage to stand out and stand alone;
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