bodybuilding movie

The 10 best bodybuilding movies that inspire us

Bodybuilding enthusiasts find constant inspiration in bodybuilding movies. Many actors from peplums or more recent movies started out as bodybuilders.

Pumping iron: the very first film

pumping iron

"Pumping iron", was released in 1977. The actors are probably not unknown to you and are called Arnold Schwarzenegger or Lou Ferrigno (the first hulk), and prepare prestigious contests, including the Mr Olympia contest. Won several times already by Arnold at that time. They followed their preparation in a documentary way. He describes the training and the bodybuilding exercises of very high level athletes.

This film had a great influence on the bodybuilders. Indeed, it is the very first full-length film in connection with the medium of the body-building.

It is this work that made Scwarzenegger famous. He also contributed to popularize the practice of bodybuilding. His infatuation with the cult of the body, and his desire to build muscle through appropriate training, was far from being as successful then as it is today. But it is thanks to them that today some people start bodybuilding.

Conan the Barbarian

Released in 1982, "Conan the Barbarian" gives Arnold Schwarzenegger his first major film role. The film of John Milius, which is inspired by the works of "heroic fantasy" of Robert E. Howard, places the hero in a violent and cruel world, imagined by the author as an era marked by savagery.

Conan sets himself a mission: to avenge the death of his parents, killed by members of a fanatical cult. All in muscles and biceps, Schwarzenegger makes here an impressive composition. In the space of one film, the superb athlete, body-builder, becomes one of the best action actors of the moment.

Rambo

Rambo

It is certainly "Rambo", with its release in 1982, which, with its interpretation of the boxing champion Rocky Balboa, made the glory of Sylvester Stallone. Ted Kotcheff's work, the first of many, depicts the trials and tribulations of a Vietnam veteran at the mercy of a small town sheriff.

A body-builder from an early age and a regular in the gym, Stallone was well suited to play this powerful role

Bloodsport

Released in 1988, "Bloodsport" is an American film, directed by Newt Arnold. It stars the Belgian actor Jean-Claude Vandamme. Reconverted in the cinema at the beginning of the years 1980, JCVD had initially illustrated himself in the martial arts and the bodybuilding.

bloodsport

This experience is very useful for him to play Frank Dux, another martial arts specialist, who also invented a famous fighting technique.

The lead actor's impressive musculature and impeccable abs are a sensation in this action film, for which he did most of the stunts himself.

Generation Iron 1

The following 3 films were inspired by Pumping Iron.

Released in 2013, "Generation Iron 1", directed by Vlad Yudin, features the most renowned bodybuilders, including Phil Heath who, competing in the IFBB, has repeatedly won the coveted title of Mr Olympia.

The film, which features Arnold Schwarzenegger, is about the preparation for the 2012 edition of the famous competition. We see how the physical preparation of these athletes allows them increase their muscle volume and then define their musculature.

Iron generation

You will also see Rich Piana, Kai Greene, Calum Von Moger and many other famous bodybuilders.

Generation Iron 2

In 2017, director Vlad Yudin gave a sequel to his 2013 work. This second opus allows us to meet younger bodybuilders, who are the rising stars of their generation. This is the case of Calum von Moger, who was Mr Universe, or Kai Greene, who won bodybuilding competitions, such as the "Arnold classic". Once again highlighted by the saga, you will also see Dana Linn Bailey, a female bodybuilder who won Olympia in 2013.

Generation Iron 3

This sequel of bodybuilding movies continues with the release of a third installment in late 2018. Bodybuilding fans will still be interested in the daily life of these bodybuilders. No doubt indeed that, in the gyms, people will closely follow the bodybuilding program of these high-level athletes.

"Generation Iron 3" is also an opportunity to get to know better bodybuilders and Youtubers like Bradley Martyn, who gives, on the Internet, wise advice to build muscle and sculpt his body, or CT Fletcher, who combines the careers of actor and bodybuilder. It is in this documentary that we will see for the first time a French Stanimal installed in Los Angeles and IFBB Pro classic physique.  

These 3 parts also gave several bodybuilders the idea of turning them into autobiographical documentaries, including: 2015 - CT Fletcher: My maleficent obsession 2018 - Ronnie Coleman : The king    

Bigger

bigger

Directed by George Gallo, and released in 2018, "Bigger" traces the career of Joe and Ben Weider. These brothers created the biggest bodybuilding federation in the world: the IFBB. They contributed to popularize the practice of bodybuilding. Founders of the international federation of bodybuilding and fitness, they are at the origin of several emblematic competitions of bodybuilding.

Ben Weider also launched the career of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Afterwards, the two Canadians gave the torch to Jim Manion who today continues to take care of the federation as president. They also contributed to the creation of magazines such as Flex or Muscles and Fitness among others.

The famous actor Arnold appears in "Bigger", as the bodybuilder Calum von Moger. Baseball champion Tyler Hoechlin brings Joe Weider to life on screen.

No pain no gain

Released in 2013 and directed by Michael Bay, "No Pain No Gain" tells the true story of a rather unusual gang. Comprising a fitness trainer and his accomplices, this gang of burglars is distinguished by the physical fitness of its members.

One of them is played by Dwayne JohnsonThis is a great way to get in shape and build muscle, and it's all down to regular weight training. Following each session of this very physical program is the assurance of a real muscular reinforcement.

The other is embodied by Mark Wahlberganother actor with a passion for bodybuilding.

Bodybuilder: the French film

bodybuilder

Directed by Roschdy Zem, and released in 2014, "Bodybuilder" tells the story of a young man who discovers that his father has become a bodybuilder.

To play him, the director called on Yolin François Gauvin. Vice-Monsieur Universe and French bodybuilding champion, this accomplished sportsman, who now runs a weight room, was the ideal choice to play this muscular character.

Today, with the arrival of new films like the Expendables, which brings together all the best action actors of the time despite their advanced age is a hit. And what is even more popular now with the new generation are the superheroes.

Playing a superhero on screen

To play the Avengers on screen, the superstars who play these demanding roles must undergo intensive physical training. To bring all the power of Iron Man or the superhuman strength of Thor to the screen, Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Hemsworth have made sure to strengthen their muscle mass with adapted programs such as the following one: PHYSICS PRO MASS

Accustomed to gyms and weight training sessions, all these actors have been able to gain muscle to play their roles.

With these films, everything is done to keep our motivation and set new goals. To achieve your goals and strengthen your muscles, you can be inspired by the amazing physical condition of these athletes who, in the movies, combined their talents as actors and bodybuilders. On your own, or as part of a sports federation, regular exercises, imitating their example, will allow you to gain muscle mass.

superheroes

Other articles to read :

I met Arnold: My experience

Captain America's training program

All about bodybuilding competitions 

Do you know about bigorexia?

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4 Comments

  1. there are plenty of others like teddy bear...
    I'm surprised you didn't put the perfect physique where all the great physical men of your category are in pro

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