The early 1980’s saw a huge growth in the popularity of female bodybuilding. Lisa Lyon, an early pioneer, was starting to get national exposure but there was still an uncertainty around the sport.
The fact is, when it comes to men’s bodybuilding, we had traditions of “maleness” to fall back upon – the statues of the ancient Greeks, legends of strong and muscular heroes. But there is no such agreement when it comes to feminine beauty.
Many men (and women) thought muscles were the exclusive attribute of men. Therefore, any real development of strength and muscularity on the part of women was somewhat frowned upon.
So what should women’s bodybuilding be? Does it involve mass, muscularity, lack of body fat- or some of the more accepted ideals of voluptuous curves, full bosoms and behinds, and a pretty face?
These were the questions being asked back in 1980. In my eyes the pinnacle of Woman’s Bodybuilding!
Source: Muscle and Fitness (July 1980)
