In the world of bodybuilding, there’s some essentials for avid gym goers –– a high-protein diet, tight-fitting workout clothes, electrolytes for hydration, and of course, a motivational playlist of tunes. (In fact, today’s generation of gym bros are apparently bumping Lady Gaga to get that extra dose of inspiration for perspiration.)
But the most important gym accessory, above all else? The best bud. You know, that guy you call out for when you “need a spot, bruh.”
While developing one’s beefcake physique seems like it would be a solitary hobby, these muscular hunks couldn’t push themselves to the limit without a partner to cheer them on, hold down their legs, and occasionally wrestle.
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PHOTOS: 25 vintage pics of male bodybuilders that’ll have you thirsting for protein
Competition was in the air for these beefcakes, and modern-ish bodybuilding was born.
Thankfully, it seems the #GymTok generation is keeping this time-honored tradition of male companionship ––which dates back to the inception of bodybuilding –– alive.
And after taking a dive into archives from the late 19th century era of bodybuilding, we found many examples of dudes being bros together, in the spirit of lifting heavy things.
So, as a wise woman once said, “Let’s get physical.” And rest in peace, Olivia Newton-John. We know these guys would’ve loved listening to her while powerlifting.
Click through for some vintage muscle men –– and their best bros –– joining forces to break a sweat.
dali
Sorry. I don’t seen any bromances here, as suggested by the title. Perhaps, a little with the piggyback ride photo. But that’s it.
abfab
You must have missed the Venice Beach photo where naked men are flirting with and drooling all over each other or could it be you are cursed with a total lack of imagination.
SteveInQueens
@abfab
That’s the original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, not Venice. You can see the top of the carousel building on the Santa Monica Pier at the upper left of the photo.
abfab
Thank you! Yum and yum!
desertguy
I see nothing at all that represents even a hint of …ahem… bromance. Once again, another reach for Queerty. Next……
abfab
And that’s okay that you don’t. Sad, but okay.
KissBananaPeels
abfag is having a bad life
monty clift
Number five is boxer Jake LaMotta. I don’t recognize any of the others. Wasn’t he a nasty piece of work?
jonkeka
Best portal to find a boy for a night out
visit:> gsex.gay
abfab
For tonight’s set list in every Gay bar, on every drag stage in the SUNSHINE STATE! We bring to you…………..a Sing-a-Long!!!!!!!!!!! Sing it QUEENS!!!! LOUD AND PROUD!
Vivace con giocoso! Adesso! Tutti!
There’s a sad sort of clanging from the clock in the hall
And the bells in the steeple too
And up in the nursery an absurd little bird
Is popping out to say “cuckoo”
(Cuckoo)
(Cuckoo)
Regretfully they tell us (cuckoo)
But firmly they compel us (cuckoo)
To say goodbye (cuckoo)
To you
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, good night
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu
Adieu, adieu, to yieu and yieu and yieu
So long, farewell, au revoir, auf Wiedersehen
I’d like to stay and taste my first champagne
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
I leave and heave a sigh and say goodbye
Goodbye
I’m glad to go, I cannot tell a lie
I flit, I float, I fleetly flee, I fly
The sun has gone to bed and so must I
So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
nm4047
not too many pretty boys amongst this collective. Equally, not packing much.