University of Idaho - Gem of the Mountains Yearbook (Moscow, ID)

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An artist can leave a sculpture when he is done, but the bodybuilder must constantly work at Preserving the art odybuilding is not, as some might think, a relatively new aspect of the recent physical fitness craze. The classical greeks knew about it. Their art and society were centered around physical prowess. In Sparta the entire culture was based on the perfection of the minds and bodies of their men and women, enhancing their military prowess. Although our society is not based upon physical prowess, more and more in- dividuals have found a personal satisfaction in the discipline of bodybuilding. The discipline, however, was not easy to adjust to. Most bodybuilders spent one to three hours a day, six days a week, working out; building and toning muscle. “Its hard psyching myself up to go work out every day,” said Cathy Biggs, who won the women's competi- tion at the 1983 WSU Intercollegiate Body- building Champion- ships. You've got to be mentally ready to lift — you have to make yourself lift on your bad days,” said Kendall Bagnard, who is cur- rently working out with Biggs. Above all, body- builders have to be consistent to maintain their form. “Bodybuilding with- out consistency is worthless — you don't get anywhere, said Chris Major, winner of the men's heavy weight division of the 1983 WSU Intercollegiate Bodybuilding Cham- pionships. As well as a rigorous physical routine most bodybuilders find they have to follow special diets high in protein for building muscle Extending himself. Leg extensions are impor- tant in the development of the leg m uscles. Phil Cooper spots for his train- ing partner Ali Moayeri. and carbohydrates for quick energy. “I have a terrible sweet tooth, which I really have to watch. try not to eat after p.m., said Biggs. Usually just before a competition, body- builders must adhere to strict diets to reduce body fat. Bodybuilding is more than just pumping iron and looking good. Judges look for a well proportioned physi- que, with symmetry and well defined mus- cle mass. “The same way an ar- tist sculpts, you sculpt your body and present it for display — the music and the posing — it's almost a dance,” said Phil Cooper, the 1980 Mr. Teenage Idaho, and fifth runner-up for the past two years in the Mr. Idaho Contest. Stage presence mat- ters a lot, said Biggs. When you're out there, vou do it for the Ne audience, you get them to respond to you — look at me, I'm having fun.” Even though men and women compete in the same sport, bodybuilding, the two divisions are quite different. In men's body- building there is an emphasis on size and symmetry. “People who were uninformed about the sport often didn't think of bodybuilders as nor- mal people, said Ali Moaveri, fifth runner- up in the 1979 Mr. Teenage Idaho competition. People stop looking at vou as a person and start looking at vou as an object, said Cooper. On the other hand, women's bodybuilding isn't as specific in what is required. Some judges prefer the lithe, dancer-like look, while others prefer the heavier- » Curling. While lifting a 70 Ib. dumbell, Steve Biggs strains against the weight. Bicep curls are a major part of weightlifting. Bodybuilding 21

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20 Bicep practice. Women and bodybuilding to most people are like oil and water, they don't mix. Kendall Bagnard works out with her training partner Carter Wright. High point. While practicing her pos- ing, Cathy Biggs points for the ceiling showing off her biceps. Women in bodybuilding are still not accepted by most. Bodybuilding Flexing. Practicing his pectoral flexes, Phil Cooper strains for his best look. Judges looked for definition and symmetry. At the top. Heavyweight champion Chris Major struggles with his full squats. Ali Moayeri spots to make sure Major's legs don't buckel.

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Preserving the art muscled physique. However most favor the dancer-look that allows the muscle development without detracting from the female physique. I want to be ex- tremely feminine — I feel that lean muscle on a woman is very pretty, said Bagnard. Women body- builders are plagued with the old idea that women should be soft and feminine. Women's body- building is a sport that isn't accepted yet, Biggs. Many said feel that Helping hands. Straining to lift a 70 lb. dumbell set, Terryl Guilory is spotted by his training partner Therin Goth. 22 Bodybuilding women are trying to be masculine by develop- ing their bodies. “I don't want to be masculine,” said Bagnard. “I can be strong, I can be soft and I can be feminine.” Bodybuilding, like any other sport, is not for everyone. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. “I am just now star- ting to admit to myself that I'm a bodybuilder — before I was afraid to make the commit- ment,” said Bagnard. Until people have competed they don't really realize how Major muscle. Chris Major shows off his winning physique. Bodybuilding demands consistency to maintain top form. much goes into it; it's expensive, Biggs said. “It's too intense of a sport for everybody.” Demanding though it may be, bodybuilding is more than just a sport. “I like it a lot because it gives me a personal satisfaction. It's a hob- by, a sport and a way of life, said Biggs. “It's a way of life — it's what I need to sur- vive — I need it for an emotional release, said Bagnard. Though body- building is not for everyone, weight train- ing is recommended as an excellent stay fit. When vou look good vou feel good and when vour feel good you look good; they go way to hand-in-hand, said Bagnard. Bodybuilding has more to offer than just physical strength. It provides a means for students to express themselves physically and emotionally. It is a way to build con- fidence in their abilities and to feel good about themselves. Julie Reagan E