In 1977, moviegoers were presented with images of sweaty, oily, and extremely muscular men wearing as little clothing as possible. Many cultural observers believed this was the dawn of what is now a multi-billion-dollar industry as members of the general public started working to make themselves “healthier” and more fit…by pretty much any means available. How did this low-budget documentary featuring relative unknowns Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno helmed by a first-time director become the top documentary the year it was released? We invited Dean Saddoris to break it down with us: Were the conflicts real? Who were the best and worst characters? If steroids were still legal then, why didn’t anybody talk about them? Would the film have had any impact at all without Arnold? Why do these guys look so different than top bodybuilders do now? How did the extreme look – and training – of bodybuilders fuel a desire for regular people to become more healthy and fit? Some factual updates from random topics that popped up in the episode: Studies since the 1940’s have shown that cigarette smoking can cause cancer. Jack Lalanne was indeed born in San Francisco in 1914. He is often cited as another major influence in the creation of the fitness industry. Arnold’s first film was Hercules in New York (1970). His character’s voice was dubbed over by another actor. Spray tan had been around since the 1950s, but tanning beds and spray tans didn’t become popular until the 1980s. Actor Bud Cort was indeed in Harrold and Maude (1971), Dogma (1999), and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004). Coca-Cola first tried mixing Coke and coffee back in 2006 with Coca-Cola Blåk. You can find Dean on Instagram @deansaddoris.ck Subscribe for updates about our new gym (Third Street Barbell) and apparel line at 3sb.co! Local memberships and international fresh fits! Get early access to our next drop! Hosted by Mike Farr (@silentmikke) and Jim McDonald (@thejimmcd). Produced by Jim McDonald Production assistance by Sam McDonald. Theme by Aaron Moore. Branding by Joseph Manzo.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/50-facts--5538735/support.