Nobody had imagined that what started at the Muscle Beach in Venice California in 1950 would go on to become a revolution in the sport of bodybuilding. Decades later, we call it the Golden Age of Bodybuilding. Back then there were less supplements, more heart. Fewer excuses, longer workout hours. Less talk, more sweat. This resulted in the rise of the greatest bodybuilders the world would ever see. Here are 38 photos that will take you back in time, and make you say, ‘They don’t make ‘em like this anymore!’

A vintage shot of a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, photographed during the 1960’s!

Francis Benfatto

Steve Reeves

Master of Aesthetics: Bob Paris

Two champions. Two friends. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu.

Franco Columbu & Arnold Schwarzenegger

Mike Mentzer & Joe Weider

“The mind is the limit. As long as the mind can envision the fact that you can do something, you can do it, as long as you really believe 100 percent.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Bodybuilding is not only a sport but first an ART. – Serge Nubret

Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Sergio Oliva Mr Olympia 1972

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu

Serge Nubret

Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger & Jim Haislop

Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane & Lou Ferrigno

Arnold Schwarzenegger & Serge Nubret

Serge Nubret

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Bob Paris

This is a man who’s been considered one of the greatest posers ever, and his name is Ed Corney! This classic shot of Corney was taken at the 1975 Olympia in Pretoria, South Africa!

Franco Columbu & Arnold Schwarzenegger

Larry Scott

Serge Nubret, Franco Columbu & Arnold Schwarzenegger

Franco Columbu, Jusup Wilkosz & Arnold Schwarzenegger

Tom Platz & Lou Ferrigno

Serge Nubret

Lou Ferrigno

Bob Paris

Arnold Schwarzenegger & Lou Ferrigno

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Franco Columbu “The Sardinian Strongman”

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu

Don Ross and Serge Nubret

Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, Lou Ferrigno & Arnold Schwarzenegger

“The worst thing I can be is the same as everybody else. I’d hate that.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Jusup Wilkosz, Reid Schindle & Mike Mentzer

Robby Robinson, Joe Weider & Lou Ferrigno

“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” – Frank Zane

Final Thoughts

The reason why the bodybuilders of the Golden Era are still admired to this day is because their overall shape and their attention to detail were right on point, which captivated the attention of the inspired and others that supported the sport. Most of all, they invested their time and effort in the work that needed to be done in order to attain what they dreamed of having. Their actions have made The Golden Era recognizable. Those years are and will continue to be unforgettable.