People have an unabashed love for those burly jocks who chase balls or ripped comic book superheroes who fight crime but many folks don’t quite know what to make of those athletes whose goal is to be the biggest baddest muther f*ckers on the stage: bodybuilders.

By taking what nature gave them and through the sheer force of lifting heavy-ass weights, bodybuilders create a physique that inspires some and bewilders others.

Today we look at bodybuilding, the impact of muscle building on popular culture, from the early days of circus strongmen, to gay erotica and all the way up to modern day superhero blockbuster films.

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➤ A look at bodybuilding pioneers from Eugen Sandow to Jack LaLanne, from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Internet troll Zyzz.

➤ Bodybuilders’ contribution to film and the critically acclaimed documentary Pumping Iron.

➤ All your favorite Instagram hunks who continue the journey to building muscle.