These Indian muscle-builders of the early 20th century were cut
Often, when we reminisce about legendary bodybuilders, we recall the Golden Age of the sport with icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sergio Oliva, Frank Zane, Franco Columbu, and many other champions who dominated the scene. Some enthusiasts might even go further back in time, citing figures such as Larry Scott. However, we seldom reflect on the nascent stages of the pursuit, when the practice of bodybuilding began.
Aside from Eugene Sandow, few individuals are mentioned in the context of early 20th-century bodybuilding. Nonetheless, Eugene Sandow wasn’t the solo figurehead in the bodybuilding domain. Indian fitness icons Gosh and Sen Gupta wrote extensively on traditional bodybuilding workouts and poses in the 1920s and 1930s.
Lately, Doctor Eric Helms highlighted the contributions of the Gupta brothers on his Instagram, portraying the Indian muscle-builders in a remarkable light. Their physiques were impressive and seemingly ahead of their generation.
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Muscle Control & Barbell Exercise was penned by Ghosh and Sen Gupta, physical culturists and trainers in India in 1930. The lifters pictured here are all featured in this text, circa 1930 or earlier. This fascinating work details how to execute various barbell and dumbbell movements, as well as how to isolate and flex muscles and strike poses. Physical culture was not solely a Western phenomenon; India has a long history of wrestling, yoga, and modern lifting practices. The authors later trained several champion Indian bodybuilders of the 1950s. This valuable publication, with illustrations and training instructions, is accessible online! The thought of people in a country I’ve never visited, nearly 90 years ago, embracing the same passion I have today is truly remarkable.
Exploring Mumbai and New Delhi, Fit Journey Now 3 documented one of the few official IFBB Pro bodybuilders from India, Varinder Singh Ghuman. His aim is to elevate India’s presence on the global bodybuilding stage. Ghuman, recognized as the vegan bodybuilder, is guided and coached by Sheru Aangrish, the founder and promoter of the prominent Sheru Classic bodybuilding events.
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