Author Topic: bill pearl in 71.  (Read 7391 times)

funk51

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bill pearl in 71.
« on: December 01, 2020, 12:57:22 PM »
Here’s a page from Bill’s training log in Jan., 1971, 8-months before the contest:
CHEST, DELTS, ARMS, ABS:
(20 leg raises between each set)
Incline laterals, 3 sets x 75,80,85 pounds, 10 reps
Bent-arm laterals, 1 x 75
Decline laterals, 1 x 75
Feet elevated pushups, 1 x 25 reps
Standing laterals, 3 x 30,35,40
Smith machine press, 4 x 70,75,80,85
Incline rear delt raise, 3 x 25,30,35
Press behind neck, 5 x 50,55,60,70,75
Incline curls, 3 x 45,50,55
High pulley curls, 3 x 9, 9½,10
Incline inner curls, 3 x 40,45,50
Machine curls, 3 x 70,75,80
One-hand French press, 2 x 40,45
High pulley triceps extension, 3 x 90, 90½,100
Machine triceps extension, 3 x 70,75,80
Dips, 1 x 20 reps
BACK, LEGS:
12-10-8-6 rep super sets
Lat pulldown, 4 x 150,160,170,180
Long-bar rows, 5 x 75,85,95,100,105
Machine pullover, 4 x 100,175,200,225
High lat pull-in, 3 x 60,70,75
DB shrug, 5 x 70,75,80,85,90, 5-8 reps
Standing calf raise, 6 x 150,185,190,195,200,205, 10-15 reps
Universal calf raise, 6 x 300,310,320,330,340,350, 10-15 reps
Free-hand squat, 3 x 30 reps
Squats, 6-4-2-1 reps with 20# jumps
    3 x 250,265,280
    3 x 255,270,285
    3 x 260,275,290
Leg extension, 3 x 150, 20 reps
This is just a snapshot of what he was doing that particular January. The body adapts to stress very quickly and as soon as your body “learns” a routine it stops responding, so Bill changes his exercises and routine every 4-5 weeks. This is one of his keys to success. To work his muscles hard without getting injured, he starts each exercise “light” and adds a little weight each set. He never trains to failure. “You can’t build success from failure.” This is how he has always trained and still trains to this day.
During his year of preparation for the contest, another hostile “competitor” showed up and started harassing Bill—the infamous Arthur Jones, inventor of the Nautilus line of exercise machines. Bill had had extensive contact with Jones over the years and had even made helpful suggestions as Jones designed his new machines. But along with the machines Jones promoted a rigid training philosophy of one exercise per muscle group, one set to failure, three times a week. Jones saw Bill’s traditional and proven training style as a threat to his radical new system, so he hired Sergio Oliva to train exclusively in the Nautilus style for a year and enter the Universe in order to “prove” the Nautilus system (never mind that Sergio was already “The Myth” before Nautilus ever came along). He would periodically send photos of Oliva to Bill in an attempt to psych him out. Bill sarcastically but gently pushed back and just carried on.
Joe Weider heard what kind of shape Bill was getting in and probably decided not to risk a loss, so he instructed Arnold not to show up (if the decision had been left to Arnold, he probably would have been there).
At age 41, Bill came in more muscular and bigger than he had ever been before. He won the Mr. Universe title for the fourth time at the Victoria Palace in London. He beat Sergio, Reg Park, Chris Dickerson, Tony Emmott, Kassem Yazbek, Roy Duval, Frank Zane, and about 120 others.
The contest was not a pleasant process for Bill. His posing routine was classic and spectacular, but he hated the prejudging where he had to stand at attention for over an hour and act like a trained pony while his calves cramped up painfully. Reg Park and Sergio Oliva continuously razzed each other like grade schoolers. Chris Dickerson seemed to be the only one acting in a sportsmanlike manner. Of course Bill had known all this was coming. “When am I ever going to learn?” He vowed that this would be his last contest, and it was.
“My competitive bodybuilding career had gone full circle from being elated at winning the 1953 AAU Mr. America contest to wanting to forget the 1971 NABBA Mr. Universe contest. Competitive bodybuilding had changed into a sport that I no longer wanted to be a part of.”
Even so, Bill Pearl has continued to be involved in bodybuilding as a judge, writer, teacher, and example for us all. He’s just the best. I’m preaching to the choir, I know (Tom McCormack).
F

funk51

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #1 on: December 01, 2020, 01:00:33 PM »
the result
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funk51

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #2 on: December 01, 2020, 01:01:48 PM »
Mr. Universe Contest
By Oscar Heidenstam
THIS WAS OUR 23rd Universe contest and it will go down as one of the best even if only for the historical clash in the professional contest between Bill Pearl, Sergio Oliva and Reg Park. Both Park and Pearl put their NABBA Universe titles on the line, both of whom are past 40. The only other name missing in this contest was Arnold Schwarzenegger who has also won the title four times. Arnold has been saying right along that he will be there, and even hurling challenges to Pearl and Park. However, at the 11th hour he did not show, being barred by the Weider organization with whom he has some sort of a contract. Arnold sent me the two letters he received from Weider, directing him NOT to compete, and I feel with all due respects to Arnold the facts should be known. In any case Arnold was not in this great contest.

We had a total of 38 in the amateur contest, and 11 in the professionals. The amateur contest was competed in three height divisions; the professionals in two. We also had two separate judging panels: one for the amateurs, and another for the pros. . . all of international reputation and high integrity. Each and every one has had long experience in dealing with physiques, and most have been physique competitors themselves. Many of the judges came from France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Jamaica, Singapore, Syria and, of course, Great Britain. . . so the judges were well represented.

As usual the judging took place the day before and was attended by over 700 people who were unable to get to see the show next day because the house was a sell-out since July!

Twelve entries from 10 different countries were on hand. This class had real international flavor and was of high standard. The welcomed return of Chris Dickerson, the former Mr. America who was over last year and won his height class, was back again for a second try.

The sensation of this class, however, was Elias Petsas, of Greek origin and living in South Africa. He has entered twice before but his improvement this year was incredible. Frank Colombera, who placed fourth last year, stayed in Britain through the year to compete again. Frank has a really fantastic physique that keeps improving each time we see him. Another American was Chuck Collras who came in as a last minute entry and added strength to this class along with two British lads: John Holt and Michael Baker, both outstanding physiques.

It was a pretty decisive victory for Dickerson, thus overcoming the first step for the title. Second was Elias Petsas. In third was Frank Colombera, and fourth went to Chuck Collras. Fifth was Jack Holt, and sixth was Michael Baker.

Class-2-Medium height

This was the largest class with 17 competitors. We all had been expecting Casey Viator to compete in this class, and after sending him entry blanks to four different places, we did not hear from him. . . nor did he show up-too bad.

In this class a big clash between AI Beckles, the Mr. Britain titleholder, and Roy Callender was expected. At their meeting two years ago Ron won over Al, but it turned out differently this time. Also competing was the huge Norwegian, Lars Lunde, who took third last year, although other Scandanavians in the contest were equally impressive and dominated the votes. But it was a clear victory for Ken Waller, with Paul Grant taking second. Third place was a battle between Dennis Wilkins of England and Clement Wisdom of Jamaica, who could carry more overall size; an East Indian who has been living in England and a man with a big future in the physique world, and the current Mr. South Africa titleholder, Chris Keyser. They placed in the order given, but many variation of judging resulted from such a large panel of judges. Nevertheless the winners had to be decided, so the judges called the men back several times. Finally the title was decided from the three first place class winners, giving Ken Waller 1st, Chris Dickerson 2nd, and third went to Al Beckles, so Ken Waller added his name to the long list of NABBA winners!

THE PROFESSIONAL CONTEST

I wonder if there will ever again be such an electrical atmosphere the predominated the judging and at the show the next day as it was this time. This surely must have been the greatest contest of all time, with two of the main contenders, both in their 40s, and both having already won three Mr. Universe titles. The first and last person, up to this year, to do this was John Grimek, and for the first time a man in his 40s won the title.

Actually, Bill and Reg were unbelievable for their age. Then if you add Zane and Oliva to this list you can imagine the amount of muscle that dominated the hall. Only the absence of Schwarzenegger prevented a contest the likes of which will never again be possible. No fault of Arnold's, but his attachment to the Weider organization prevented him from entering.

Class-#2: Medium height

We had only six entries in this class and the lack of real opposition, so Frank Zane took first without trouble. A close fight for second took place between the Syrian Kassem Yazbek and Tony Emmott from England, who has entered the professional ranks as a health studio owner. But it was Yesbek who took second, and Tony taking third. Fourth place went to Ludwig Ingebregtsen, a Norwegian, and fifth to Britain's Bill Hemsworth, with sixth going to Darren Langman of South Africa.

Class-#1: Tall men

Never in my life did I hear such applause as resounded when Pearl, Park and Oliva came out and posed in that order. Each man was called out again and again for comparison, and each was allowed to pose as much as he liked. Someone had to lose, and someone had to win . . . it was a hard decision for the judges to make. Judging must always be a matter of opinion, and whatever the results no one can ever please everyone. . . but a winner had to be chosen, and after some deliberation, the winner and runners-up were selected.

Pearl looked amazing, and his posing was without par. His symmetry, for such a big man, was excellent. Park, trained down had an incredible midsection, somewhat lighter in bodyweight than usual. . . but could he really be 43 years of age?

Oliva--the impact was unbelievable, incredible size with muscularity not seen in his pictures, all three winners in their own right but it was Pearl with 10 firsts, Oliva with four firsts. So Bill took his fourth Mr. Universe title, and we doubt if there well ever be another Mr. Universe contest like that again. We doubt it.

THE OPEN MISS BIKINI CONTEST

With our annual universe contests we hold a Miss Bikini contest, which is growing in popularity each year and, as far as we know, this is the only contest of this type that is held in Britain.

There were over 20 entries in this contest and this included some of our top figures. The current Miss Britain, Lynda Ann Thomas, has won a number of national contests this year, including second place in the Miss United Kingdom, a contest that is held in Britain to select Britain's entry for the fabulous Miss World event. Lynda, of course, is weight trained and has been entering our contests ever since she was 15. However, all girls are weight trained or attend some sort of keep fit classes.

The Miss Bikini winner this year was the attractive Lynda Thomas, and this was her third try for the title. In second place was Pat Wheeldon, a former Miss Britain titlist, and third place went to Brenda Sell, winner of the Miss Britain title twice. She's the wife of Len Sell who is a double Mr. Universe winner. Brenda is the mother of two children so this victory speaks well for her. And fourth place went to Monika Griffiths, a wife of a man who enters our NABBA competition regularly, which means we have a number of husbands and wives who train together and enter our contests. . . we're proud of this achievement and it speaks well for us!

But next year we'll have another contest, with more attractive girls who will train more enthusiastically with hopes of winning the title. We wish them all luck!
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AbrahamG

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #3 on: December 01, 2020, 01:31:56 PM »
the result

A bulge that would make Levrone proud?

harmankardon1

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #4 on: December 01, 2020, 02:05:34 PM »
It was a good presentation... Reg was past it by then even in the context of the era..

oldtimer1

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #5 on: December 01, 2020, 04:38:54 PM »
One of the best of all time. Arnold might have lost to Pearl in 71.

Body-Buildah

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #6 on: December 01, 2020, 04:43:05 PM »
Pearl, quite the guy. Loves the iron game probably more than anyone, ever.

mphgrove

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #7 on: December 01, 2020, 04:45:06 PM »
A bulge that would make Levrone proud?

Yes respectable for 1970s classic trunks. Trying to focus on non election related here. Mentzer also from that general era. He did not give a shit about elections.


https://www.mikementzer.com/images/mike_hercules_bob_gardner_big.jpg

Fortress

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #8 on: December 01, 2020, 04:55:32 PM »
Friendly, charming and sentimental man.

Met Bill and very much enjoy his company.

(Of course, I don’t for one second believe he was natural, for the entirety of his career, but whatever.)

Mr. Pearl is a man’s man. A dying breed.

His kind made America what it once was. Sad later generations are OK to see it deteriorate into a third-world multicultural shithole absent of civility, decency and sophistication.

Hail to Bill. 

hazbin

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #9 on: December 01, 2020, 05:43:33 PM »
Friendly, charming and sentimental man.

Met Bill and very much enjoy his company.

(Of course, I don’t for one second believe he was natural, for the entirety of his career, but whatever.)

Mr. Pearl is a man’s man. A dying breed.

His kind made America what it once was. Sad later generations are OK to see it deteriorate into a third-world multicultural shithole absent of civility, decency and sophistication.

Hail to Bill.

he admitted it in muscle and fitness

Fortress

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #10 on: December 01, 2020, 06:09:25 PM »
he admitted it in muscle and fitness

Oh. Okay. Good.

hazbin

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #11 on: December 01, 2020, 06:30:08 PM »
Oh. Okay. Good.

claimed only orals i believe. 

equivalent to 'my daughter is the least pregnant in her class'

times were different back then. Like when people were amazed at
Manfred's arms.

hazbin

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #12 on: December 01, 2020, 06:32:42 PM »
damn, i was only 25 years too late.

and i am actually taller than these two.

sorry for the blurry pic. taken from video and enlarged,
and my potato was rotten.

oldtimer1

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #13 on: December 01, 2020, 07:10:04 PM »
Bill Pearl when he won the 1953 Mr. America he was a  natural in my opinion. He looked like he weighed 200lbs max. For the 1971 contest he was over 250lbs and leaner. Where there is smoke there is fire.

On a side note his life was incredible. If you want to read a good biography on him read, Beyond the Universe.  The guy lived 5 lives with his one life and he's still going. His other book Keys to the Universe is a keep sake. Wish I had the hardbound edition. One of the few guys in bodybuilding that made money off the sport.  Last time I talked to him I asked him if he was still training. This isn't an exact quote but he said in effect, " At this age I'm training to be strong enough to wipe my own ass."

Vince B

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #14 on: December 02, 2020, 01:55:19 AM »
Bill Pearl when he won the 1953 Mr. America he was a  natural in my opinion. He looked like he weighed 200lbs max. For the 1971 contest he was over 250lbs and leaner. Where there is smoke there is fire.

On a side note his life was incredible. If you want to read a good biography on him read, Beyond the Universe.  The guy lived 5 lives with his one life and he's still going. His other book Keys to the Universe is a keep sake. Wish I had the hardbound edition. One of the few guys in bodybuilding that made money off the sport.  Last time I talked to him I asked him if he was still training. This isn't an exact quote but he said in effect, " At this age I'm training to be strong enough to wipe my own ass."

 ;D

funk51

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #15 on: December 02, 2020, 09:17:30 AM »
F

Humble Narcissist

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #16 on: December 02, 2020, 10:09:47 AM »
That Bill Pearl workout is insane!  I had to take a nap after reading it.

AbrahamG

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #17 on: December 02, 2020, 07:33:36 PM »
damn, i was only 25 years too late.

and i am actually taller than these two.

sorry for the blurry pic. taken from video and enlarged,
and my potato was rotten.

Is that you on the far right?

hazbin

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #18 on: December 02, 2020, 08:14:31 PM »
Is that you on the far right?

lol  middle

Body-Buildah

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #19 on: December 03, 2020, 02:39:38 AM »
When Bill admitted Orals, I think he said he only tried Nilevar for one month, then stopped for good.  ::)

https://steroid.to/nilevar-norethandrolone

harmankardon1

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #20 on: December 03, 2020, 03:03:15 AM »
damn, i was only 25 years too late.

and i am actually taller than these two.

sorry for the blurry pic. taken from video and enlarged,
and my potato was rotten.

Delusional...

oldtimer1

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #21 on: December 03, 2020, 08:41:22 AM »
Delusional...

Completely delusional.  Compares himself to a top five bodybuilder of all time. 

Humble Narcissist

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #22 on: December 03, 2020, 10:24:31 AM »
Hazbin looks pretty damn good there.

funk51

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #23 on: December 03, 2020, 10:42:47 AM »
claimed only orals i believe. 

equivalent to 'my daughter is the least pregnant in her class'

times were different back then. Like when people were amazed at
Manfred's arms.
   pearl talked about it in his book getting stronger , but later editions edited the mention of steroids out. I think the first mention of a bodybuilder using steroids was Freddie Ortiz in the mag i have pic'd, but he said they made him sick so he discontinued their use.
F

Humble Narcissist

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Re: bill pearl in 71.
« Reply #24 on: December 03, 2020, 10:45:36 AM »
Sure he quit, ha, ha. ::)