Bodybuilding is all about aesthetic muscles and creating a body that prominently shows off every muscle striation. It is about being as huge as Titans and Olympians and showing off a goliath, muscular body. So big muscles have always been appreciated in the bodybuilding world. However, the late Mr. Olympia winner, Larry Scott pointed out that people during his era used to build muscles naturally, and gaining extremely huge muscles in a completely natural way was not possible because genetics would not permit that from occurring. Yes, there were champions like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sirgo Oliva, who had massive physiques. However, still, they would fall short if they competed with modern bodybuilders, who are behemoths in size and who compete in the modern Mr. Olympia.

After the high-intensity workout was introduced by mass monsters like Dorian Yates, Lee Haney, and Mike Mentzer, the bodybuilding world did see a surge for huge men in the 90s and 80s. Then came Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler, who had a huge competition with their more than 200lb bodies. What changed in the bodybuilding world that such huge mammoth-sized athletes, were starting to crop up and compete? Is it the reason for anabolic drugs? Is it performance-enhancing drugs? is it superior genetics? Let’s discuss some of the reasons which might be why modern bodybuilders are so huge. 

Genetics

One major reason might be because of genetics, because now physically bigger, and more mesomorphic, individuals are being drawn to the career of bodybuilding. Bodybuilding did not use to give proper earning sources, even five years ago, but now, since the competition has grown and categories have increased, even the prize money has increased in those competitions. This means that modern bodybuilders have more icons to look up to. 

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There is also the reason for social media and a consciousness towards fitness, which makes everyone exercise. If a person starts exercising and weightlifting and genetics permit them to grow huge size, they will automatically realize that they have potential in bodybuilding. This is the reason more, gifted athletes, are starting to get drawn to this career and taking it up as a full-time job. Young athletes, like Sam Sulek, and Chris Bumstead, are some of them.

Evolution of the bodybuilding method

Another reason for the huge muscularity and size that we witness in bodybuilders now is due to the change in exercise methods. Bodybuilding exercises were hardly created by experts but were found through trial and error. Dorian Yates was one of the pioneers who found the benefits of high-intensity training. Another icon was Mike Mentzer who found the mind and body connection of bodybuilding.

Some machines that are still used and stood the test of time are Smith Machines among all other modern bodybuilding equipment. Now in the modern era, most of the gym equipment is high-end and more technical which isolates specific muscle groups to give maximum hypertropy. Jay Cutler however noted that training methods are going back to the times of Dorian Yates, Kevin Levrone, and Flex Wheeler.

According to him, the current bodybuilding physiques have gone back to the 90s and the current athletes have a lot of potential like the veteran icons in the 90s. Another reason that is getting light is PED usage.

Use of PEDs

Another reason for huge physiques in modern bodybuilding is PEDs. Modern science and technology have improved more and this is why there are synthetic PEDs, hormones, and supplements to enhance the body’s already innate potential.

Young bodybuilders are exposed to more TRT and other PEDs which coupled with diet and exercise give a bigger body. However, too much of it can cause harm and even death. Many coaches like Jeff Cavaliere of Athlean-X, Greg Doucette, and more, have given their opinion on PED use in young bodybuilders today. 

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They have spoken about the side effects of PEDs and are worried for young athletes. The consensus is that too much of synthetic dr** will lead to more bad conditioning than good. The bodybuilding world has a lot of revamped and new ways to become bigger physically but ultimately the main thing is diet and exercise according to most professionals.