Recently there’s been a shift in the way women approach exercise. It used to be the case that women were obsessed with being skinny but now there’s afocus on fitness and strength. Social media platforms have highlighted that the fitness revolution that has arrived. Women no longer fear that lifting weights will make them look bulky, masculine and unattractive. In fact, the sport has been praised for encouraging women to combat obesity and fight eating disorders.
Rachel McLish was one of the first female bodybuilders of the modern era. Lisa Marie Varon, also known for her professional wrestling career, won her first title in 1997 on ESPN2’s Fitness America Series, followed by the Miss Galaxy title in 1998.
In more recent times, TV personality Jodie Marsh began her bodybuilding career in 2009. She has competed in the Natural Physique Association Bodybuilding championships, finishing 5thin 2011, and then went on to win gold at the INBF Bodybuilding Championships in 2012.
Modelling has been revolutionised by sport and fitness. Bodybuilding has parted the way for fitness modelling. Whilst the ‘bikini body’ has been something all women have strived for the ideal bikini body has evolved.
Resistance training and a calorie deficit diet is the most popular routine for extreme muscle development.Squats and dead lifts, previously avoided, are now in vogue. As attitudes have changed, weightlifting has become a thing of the present and future for females, with abs, biceps and glutes now attractive on the female body.
There’s less stigma surrounding women in the gym in recent years. Women now go to the gym to get fit, building muscle and strength as opposed to just ‘getting skinny’. A lot of the progression in attitudes towards female fitness and female bodybuilding can be attributed to the power of social media.It has become an influential platform for public figures to show their followers what they are up to. Fitness gurus and enthusiasts can become fitness influencers and in turn guide guide their followers towards their goals.
Social media apps have provided a platform to showcase fitness modelling and bodybuilding achievements that have become appealing. The use of hashtags has meant that people who are looking for bodybuilding-related posts can be directed to influencers, professionals and amateurs.
Influencers encourage fitness enthusiasts and offer advice on the best training techniques, sharing everything from their favourite protein shakes to the supplements that help them reach their goals.