Exercise Documentary Film Review: A Doctor of Chiropractic’s Viewpoint of “Pumping Iron”

By Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC

Las Vegas Informer

Pumping Iron introduced the sport of bodybuilding to the mainstream population. The 1977 film is mostly documentary and part scripted. Pumping Iron inspired millions worldwide to start lifting weights and exercising.

The behind the scenes look at the classic days of bodybuilding introduced the world to bodybuilding champions Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Franco Columbo, Mike Katz and Ken Waller.

Pumping Iron followed Schwarzenegger, Ferrigno and Columbo as they prepared for the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest and Katz and Waller as they prepared for the 1975 Mr. Universe contest.

Released in 1977 Pumping Iron propelled the sport of bodybuilding out of basement gyms into world class facilities, The movie turned Schwarzenegger, Ferrigno and Columbo into household names and role models to teenagers worldwide.

The physical and mental preparation of the contestants is a major part of the story. The incredible drive to excel and the hard work is displayed in high gear.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is the five time defending Mr. Olympia champion while Lou Ferrigno is the challenger. Both men’s personalities and charm are shown in full force as the experienced champion and hungry challenger prepare for their showdown.

The film is based on the book titled, “Pumping Iron: The Art and Sport of Bodybuilding” written by Charles Gaines and George Butler. The revised and updated version from 1982 states on the front cover, “The classic book that put Bodybuilding on the Map.”

The book put bodybuilding on the map but the movie took the small subculture sport of bodybuilding and placed it directly onto the movie and TV screens of millions worldwide.

The film showed the viewers that weight training builds strength and muscles but it also demonstrated that bodybuilders are dedicated athletes.

View the movie Pumping Iron to learn how classic bodybuilders trained and thought. Get inspired as you watch them work out. I recommend the movie Pumping Iron for entertainment and motivational purposes.

Take a journey back to the mid-seventies to see Schwarzenegger and Ferrigno as young aggressive rivals. Watch one of them win the contest but witness both men emerge as superstars in the sport of bodybuilding.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC is the owner and treating doctor at Championship Chiropractic. 2595 S. Cimarron Rd, Suite #100, Las Vegas, NV 89117.  His web address is Championship Chiropractic. He can be contacted at (702) 286-9040 andDrO@ChampionshipChiropractic.com.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello’s mission is to educate and inspire others to live healthier, fitter, more functional lives.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC proudly handles Standard Process Supplements and Foot Levelers Orthotics.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC writes a weekly health, fitness, exercise and nutrition column for The Las Vegas Informer. His is published in OnFitness Magazine, Livestrong.com, SpineUniverse.comand EHow.com.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC is an award-winning public speaker. He has spoken to numerous groups on the importance of health, fitness, exercise, ergonomics, nutrition and injury prevention.

Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC is a fitness enthusiast. Functional kettlebell training, bike riding and running are his favorite forms of exercise.

Before pursuing his career in Chiropractic, Dr. Donald A. Ozello DC served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bremerton, SSN 698.