Watch Pumping Iron II: The Women

Pumping Iron II: The Women is a documentary film from 1985 that follows the journey of female bodybuilders as they prepare for the inaugural Women's World Bodybuilding Championship in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The movie features three main competitors: Bev Francis, Rachel McLish, and Lori Bowen Rice. Bev Francis is an Australian bodybuilder who has been competing for several years and is known for her exceptional strength and power. Rachel McLish, on the other hand, is an American bodybuilder and actress who won the first-ever Ms. Olympia title in 1980. Finally, Lori Bowen Rice is a newcomer to the sport, and the film follows her as she trains and prepares for her first major competition.

Pumping Iron II: The Women shows the women's physical and mental preparations for the championship, including their intense workout routines, strict diets, and personal struggles. The film also provides insight into the world of bodybuilding and the challenges female competitors face in a historically male-dominated sport.

Throughout the movie, the women discuss their motivations for bodybuilding, which range from personal goals to societal expectations. Bev Francis, in particular, discusses her desire to prove that women can be just as strong and powerful as men. She lifts weights that many male bodybuilders cannot, and this challenges the common perception of women as physically weaker than men.

Rachel McLish, meanwhile, represents a different side of female bodybuilding. She is more interested in muscle tone and aesthetic appeal than in maximum strength. McLish discusses the importance of balancing beauty and strength, and the expectation that female bodybuilders should always look their best.

Lori Bowen Rice, as a newcomer to the sport, provides a fresh perspective on the world of female bodybuilding. She discusses her initial reluctance to compete and the challenges she has faced in preparing for the championship. However, as the competition draws near, she becomes more confident and focused, and her determination to succeed is inspiring.

Overall, Pumping Iron II: The Women is a fascinating glimpse into the world of female bodybuilding. Through the experiences of Bev Francis, Rachel McLish, and Lori Bowen Rice, the movie highlights the physical and mental strength required to succeed in the sport, as well as the unique challenges faced by female competitors. The film is an important addition to the history of bodybuilding and a celebration of the women who have worked to make the sport more inclusive and diverse.