While bodybuilding today may be defined by steroids, excessive spray tans, and whatever the heck happened at the end of 'Love Lies Bleeding,' there was a time long before the tiny speedos and strange posing we've come to either know and love or know and really hate. 

Since 1901, bodybuilding has served as a challenging pastime for those interested in pushing the limits of the human form ... one that led to some insane portraits along the way.

From OG Eugene Sandow to unknown strongmen who captivated audiences around the globe, here are 20 vintage photos of bodybuilders from back in the day.