Sixty-five years ago, Muscle & Fitness was born. Over the ensuing decades, the magazine took root in the hearts and minds of millions. Join us as we look back at the history of this great publication and celebrate the 20 most incredible physiques the world has ever known.
By Shawn Perine
*This article appeared in the July 2004 issue of MUSCLE & FITNESS and is reprinted here with the kind courtesy of
Peter McGough, Group Editorial Director, Muscle & Fitness and FLEX.
15 Comments to “The 20 Greatest Physiques Of The Past 65 Years”
good but we forget one of the best bodybuilder all the time his name Mohamed Makkawy.
By najeeb on Jul 3, 2008 at 1:50 pm
The 1st Mr.Universe 1947 Steve Stanko is missing from top 20, o boy.
By Louis Pol on Jul 6, 2008 at 7:16 am
Where’s JCG (John Grimek)?
By rfd on Jul 6, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Arnold and Sergio were the best in my opinion.
By Angel Oliva on Jul 24, 2008 at 9:47 am
Steve Reeves was the best of all. An ancient Greek statue.
By Simeon Dermentzidis on Jul 30, 2008 at 1:57 pm
no dexter? you tellin me bill pearl was better than lebrada? who’s the dumbass who did this?
By giuntoli on Oct 15, 2008 at 5:48 am
oh and one more thing ronnie’s the most dominant body to ever walk the stage and you have him behind arnold.. don’t get me wrong i love arnold but you take away his name and look at his body and he’s by far not numero uno..
By giuntoli on Oct 15, 2008 at 5:49 am
dorian yates please have a bitter look to him in mr olympia 1993
By shady on Feb 24, 2009 at 6:21 am
You forgot to add Bob Paris.
By Ken on Nov 27, 2009 at 3:38 am
I can not believe this!! What about Mike Mentzer? It is obvious that Weider could not stand Mike for a Minute. This is unbelievable!!
By Bill on Nov 28, 2009 at 9:45 am
Steve Reeves is the best forever!
By Alan Azevedo on Dec 2, 2009 at 8:47 pm
(kevin levrone is best)
By oveis on Dec 3, 2009 at 5:09 am
Would Arnold have been #1 if after his bodybuilding career his life would have been quiet, not a famous actor nor a politician? What if for example Mike Mentzer would have been a famous Hollywood actor after his bodybuilding career? Would he still not be on the list? I smell conspiracy!
By RVijn on Dec 4, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Arnold was without a dought the greatest, IN HIS DAY, if everyone will be honest, they know that today, Arnold would not even place in the Olympia, even if he was at his best ever.
By GlenC on Dec 9, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Ronnie & Dorian Yates would preferably be in #1 & 2 positions.
By Bharath on Dec 29, 2009 at 1:10 am