A visual exploration of how far the “freaky” size metric has advanced.

Bodybuilding is undoubtedly a far cry from its past iterations. Not that there’s anything amiss with that, of course, but the physiques from the revered Golden Era to the present day have undergone significant metamorphosis. Many enthusiasts often hold the Golden Era in high esteem and criticize the current condition of the sport’s physical standards. However, the truth remains that progress is inevitable, and regardless of the industry, people crave evolution. Witnessing the same repetitive norm can become, well, monotonous. This isn’t a slight against the retro physiques, but the modern audience yearns for extremes, and athletes’ physical developments reflect this desire.

In these times, instead of observing large men with robust shoulders and a narrow waist, there’s been a shift towards competitors boasting colossal muscle mass over nearly every inch of their bodies. These so-called mass monsters are unlike anything the sport experienced before the 90s. Now, it has become the standard, and anyone aiming to secure a Sandow trophy and all the associated prestige must acknowledge that the classic physique doesn’t appeal anymore. Today, it’s all about cultivating that vast musculature.

But when exactly did the shift from classic physiques to today’s mass monsters occur? That’s anyone’s guess, but the most accurate answer suggests the change happened when Dorian Yates clinched the Mr. Olympia title, proving that size truly matters. However, Yates isn’t the sole individual who transitioned from the traditionally larger build to a gargantuan mass monster. Kevin Levrone was one of the most proportionally balanced bodybuilders of his era, blending muscle, size, and definition. He consistently ranked high and is often regarded as one of the best athletes who never claimed an Olympia victory.

Yet, despite all this, Levrone remained a formidable competitor for over a decade. The notable aspect of his career was the transformations he underwent in his physique to adapt to the evolving times. Think his changes weren’t that drastic? Then check out the videos below showcasing the bodybuilder competing in 1992 and then ten years later in 2002.

Examine the comparison on page 2!