Women’s approach to exercise has changed. From a time when many women were obsessed with being skinny, the focus now seems to be set on getting fit and increasing strength. Social media platforms have certainly helped by highlighting the popular trends of fitness modelling and female bodybuilding.
Bodybuilding is now becoming increasingly becoming popular among women too – who no longer fear that lifting weights will make them look bulky and , masculine and unattractive. Instead, the sport has been praised for encouraging women to combat obesity, fight eating disorders and get help women get into the best shape of their lives.
If your aim is to build strength and muscle then you don’t need to compete to have a bodybuilding title.
Rachel McLish was one of the first female bodybuilders of the modern era, winning the first Ms. Olympia in 1980 and again in 1982. She ran a competitive career in bodybuilder for around five years, also appearing on magazine covers, bringing female bodybuilding further into media attention.
Lisa Marie Varon, also known for her professional wrestling career, won her first title in 1997 on ESPN2’s Fitness America Series, followed by the Miss Galaxy title in 1998.
In more recent times, TV personality Jodie Marsh began her bodybuilding career in 2009. P She has competed in the Natural Physique Association Bodybuilding championships, finishing 5th in 2011, and then went on to win gold at the INBF Bodybuilding Championships in 2012.
Six packs, sculpted curves and the rise of the ‘booty’ have led to a different kind of bikini body ideal. Resistance training and a calorie deficit diet is the most popular routine for extreme muscle development.
A lot of the progression in attitudes towards female fitness and female bodybuilding can be attributed to the power of social media. It has become an influential platform for public figures to show their followers what they are up to. It’s meant that fitness gurus and enthusiasts can become fitness influencers guiding their followers towards their goals.
Influencers now use social media to encourage other fitness enthusiasts and offer advice on the best training techniques, sharing everything from their favourite protein shakes to the supplements that help them reach their goals. With advice more readily available, women are no longer scared to lift weights.
It’s the likes of Instagram photos and videos from popular public figures that have revolutionised the way people think about female bodybuilders and fitness modelling. The use of clever hashtags has meant that people who are looking for bodybuilding-related posts can be directed to influencers, professionals and amateurs that are posting about it.
