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The journey of Tony Pearson, an iconic bodybuilder from the 1980s, is inspirational for the display of hard work, perfection, and fighting against adversity. Despite facing challenges in childhood, Pearson achieved many milestones in the bodybuilding industry. Moreover, not the one to back down from challenges, Pearson was the first bodybuilder to pose with a female bodybuilder.

He made a guest appearance at the L.A. Bodybuilding Championship in the 1970s. Pearson posed with Lisa Lyon to the symphony of saxophone playing in the background. The duo became an instant hit amongst the audiences, paving the way for women’s and couple’s categories in bodybuilding. Tony recently wowed fans with his bulging biceps in a social media post.

Arnold Schwarzenegger acted as a mentor to Tony Pearson

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The ‘Michael Jackson of bodybuilding’ recently took to Instagram to post a reel. In the snippet, he performs many classical bodybuilding poses. He reminds fans of his legendary double front biceps that pop with an intense stomach vacuum. Additionally, the veteran bodybuilder also showed off his peak biceps. His striations and condition were visible through his summer blue t-shirt. Pearson looked gleeful and strong, an epitome of vitality and longevity. A voice in the background motivated the Jet man to flaunt his muscles. He said, “Big smile Tony, Come on bud. There you go. Woah, double Split Tony. I love it, Tony. You are right on point.” The wholesome video added a fun vibe to Venice Beach—gregarious and healthy.

The six-time World Mixed Pair champion has an old connection to Venice Beach, California. It is here that bodybuilding legend, the Austrian Oak, appreciated Tony for his hard work and physique in 1976. Thus, with encouragement from Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pearson started his journey into bodybuilding. He went on to win the 1978 AAU, Mr. America, Mr. USA, and many more.

Read More: “Sometimes, It Makes Me Cry”: Once Hailed as the Epitome of Human Physique, 75-YO Arnold Schwarzenegger Makes a Heart-Wrenching Confession

Although Tony never won Mr. Olympia, he cemented his position as one of the best. He graced many fitness magazines and appeared on TV shows like ‘Good Morning America’ and ‘NBC Sports World’. The personal coach recently went out of retirement and won the AAU Master’s Mr. Universe Contest in 2020 at 63 years of age. Pearson’s secret behind Tony’s peak physical condition is his training and diet. He belongs to the generation of bodybuilders who focused on symmetry, proportion, lines, and flow. In those times, bodybuilders focused on finesse rather than freakiness. Pearson has voiced his concern over changes in the men’s open category.

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Pearson thinks bodybuilding competition has changed over the years

Echoing the concerns of Lee Haney and Dorian Yates, the Michael Jackson of bodybuilding pointed to new standards set in bodybuilding. Pearson opined that in the yesteryears, the kitchen and gym were the Meccas for a bodybuilder to achieve greatness. However, athletes, today talk freely about using drugs and overeating to be muscular.

He argued that bodybuilding is more than just being huge. He added, “isn’t about size” in a podcast. Pearson, who competed with Lee Haney, Samir Bannout, and Tom Platz, was famous for his muscle quality and incredible waist-to-chest ratio. Although the bodybuilder retired in 1994, he returned to the sport repeatedly. He was also inducted into the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame in 2007. His undying love for the profession is a reminder of the golden generation of bodybuilders that catapulted the sport to its zenith. Have you seen Pearson’s pose? Let us know your comments below.

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