Moderner Muskelkult

Bodybuilding polarizes: in bodybuilders, some see crazy freaks instead of athletes. Others, on the other hand, are excited by these extreme muscle fetishists. Internally, bodybuilders see themselves as true, thoroughbred athletes; and beyond this, as artists, ascetics and heroes. By way of bodybuilding techniques, the body becomes an instrument of distinction - to the point of becoming a meaningful entity. But how should the development of bodybuilding be categorized against the backdrop of modernity? Mischa Kläber shows that the social history of bodybuilding - together with its spillover effect into other sports - is at least as fascinating as the bodies of its protagonists.

Mischa Kläber (Dr. phil.) arbeitet als Ressortleiter für Präventionspolitik und Gesundheitsmanagement beim Deutschen Olympischen Sportbund. Zudem ist er Lehrbeauftragter für Sportsoziologie an der Technischen Universität Darmstadt.