Pumping Iron Turns 45: Why This Classic Docudrama Is a Must Watch

Pumping Iron, the seminal docudrama about the world of bodybuilding, celebrates its 45th anniversary today. Released in 1977, Pumping Iron focuses on the competition between two bodybuilding heavyweights at the time, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno. Even though they were not unknowns in the bodybuilding world, Pumping Iron was somewhat responsible for ensuring the two men would become household names that were synonymous with big muscles.

On its release, Pumping Iron gave the bodybuilding subculture a big shot in the arm, increasing the popularity of the Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia competitions, and going on to inspire the fitness craze of the 1980s. Although it wasn’t clear at the time, Pumping Iron was in fact, not actually a documentary all. Many scenes were either completely fabricated, or played up emotionally, for the good of the story.

It’s fair to say that the reason Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach is so popular now is because it was so heavily featured in Pumping Iron. Despite having fallen onto hard times recently, Gold’s Gym is still considered a landmark of sports and a Venice Beach landmark.

Did You Know…

• Although Arnold Schwarzenegger was already acting in Hollywood prior to Pumping Iron’s release, the docudrama and his subsequent retirement from professional bodybuilding, lead to his breakout role as Conan in 1982’s Conan the Barbarian.

• Arnold Schwarzenegger auditioned for the role of the Hulk in CBS’ The Incredible Hulk TV series. He wasn’t given the role because producers felt he was too tall. The role went to his Pumping Iron co-star, Lou Ferrigno.

• Despite having fallen on hard times, the popularity of Gold’s Gym as a fitness brand is undeniable. In 2008, ESPN named the original Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach as one of America’s 100 most important sport venues.

• In recognition of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s role in popularising professional bodybuilding, the IFBB, the international governing body of bodybuilding and fitness, created the IFBB Arnold Sports Festival in 1989. The event is an annual multi-sport competition that encompasses professional bodybuilding, strongman, fitness, figure, and bikini competitions.