Why Are Bodies Painted Brown In The Bodybuilding World? The Explanation

Why are the bodies painted brown in the world of bodybuilding? There is an explanation for this to happen and it even makes sense.

Bodybuilding is a sport that requires a lot of dedication, discipline and a very great muscular aesthetic. There are several practices to enhance physical appearance on stage, so much so that body painting with brown color has become a norm in bodybuilding these days.

Body painting in bodybuilding has its origins in the 20th century. Before that, the competitors performed on stage without any painting or coloring. With the advancement of lighting technology in this type of events, it began to be realized that the muscular definition of the competitors was not so evident. This is where body painting comes from.

Initially the color used was baby oil, which was applied all over the body to increase the brightness of the skin and highlight the muscles. Over time, this technique has evolved with the addition of dyes, such as iodine dye and dihydroxyacetone (DHA)-based dye, which provide a uniform and lasting brown color.

Brown paint helps to create shadows and enhance the contours of the muscles, making the muscle definition more evident under the intense lights of the competition stages. Body painting also has a psychological benefit, as it increases the feeling of confidence and physical preparation.