Getbig Bodybuilding, Figure and Fitness Forums
Getbig Main Boards => Gossip & Opinions => Topic started by: funk51 on December 23, 2021, 10:41:31 AM
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Some Very Slim Tireless Legs on Vince !!
Charles Atlas would be Proud.
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arnold was lucky in 2 ways had great skin tone on or off or clean lol'his muscle while in that video he was small but still had traps and some thickness that could still looked pumped,strange that his best bodypart chest looks so deflated.like delts the upper chest loses that 'pop'look when on..he still had great genes to start and went from there with it.
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H.I.T is dead because it is an inferior way to train.
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bodybuilding in video games.
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H.I.T is dead because it is an inferior way to train.
Inferior to what- doing set after set in the gym?
I started HIT 20 years ago and eventually plateaued, as you would any lifting method. I am happy where it got me- I currently workout twice a week using dumbbells and maintain all that I have achieved- doing 1 set per exercise. I weigh 210 at 5'9', and am super lean at 190. I couldn't ask for anything more.
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Inferior to what- doing set after set in the gym?
I started HIT 20 years ago and eventually plateaued, as you would any lifting method. I am happy where it got me- I currently workout twice a week using dumbbells and maintain all that I have achieved- doing 1 set per exercise. I weigh 210 at 5'9', and am super lean at 190. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Every program stalls after a few weeks. Stagger different programs. Louie Simmons does this with his powerlifters in Conjugate training.
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I never bought into that Mentzer bullshit....tried it for a hot minute and dropped it like a hot potato.
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I never bought into that Mentzer bullshit....tried it for a hot minute and dropped it like a hot potato.
At least back then they didn't have the studies to prove it was not optimal. Now numerous studies have proven it very inferior to other training set and rep schemes. It's funny arguing with those who still swear by it.
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At least back then they didn't have the studies to prove it was not optimal. Now numerous studies have proven it very inferior to other training set and rep schemes. It's funny arguing with those who still swear by it.
Yup some harcore advocates still claim it`s the only way to train.............IDIOTS . ;D
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the key is to get your HR elevated with methamphetamine - toots mcgoots
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At least back then they didn't have the studies to prove it was not optimal. Now numerous studies have proven it very inferior to other training set and rep schemes. It's funny arguing with those who still swear by it.
OLD TIMER 1 HERE DOES IT.
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Never understood PHA training either. Instead of chasing the pump you are running away from it.
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https://fitnessvolt.com/bodybuilder-physique-sparks-controversy-2021-npc-nationals/?fbclid=IwAR2nsGDDlzhdPkXv26p6sCZZCgKxqcB5jEHInFP5syFPbRx45Xk23pY0M58 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ??? ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
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Every program stalls after a few weeks. Stagger different programs. Louie Simmons does this with his powerlifters in Conjugate training.
Louie Simmons lifters are all on the gas. A natural bodybuilder can put on about ~30 pounds of muscle in his lifetime. There was a longitudinal study years ago of non drug using college athletes and how much muscle they could put on. 40 pounds was in the 99.99% percentile after 4 years. The average person put on 20 and then it stalled out. You can cycle through all the routines in the world and that isn't going to change.
I went from roughly 160 to 190 using HIT over 3 years (sophomore to 1st year grad school in college). It definitely works. My typical routine ended up being 1 warm-up set, 1 heavy set just short of failure, 6-10 reps. Twice a week. I stuck to the basic movements and got reasonably strong for my body type (moderately ectomorphic then): 255 bench/405 dead lift/405 squat. My goal was never to be a power lifter. I just wanted to build up because I was sick of being a skinny geek.
Going to failure was too much for me- my nervous system fried. Every 4th week I would go very light or take it off. I then ramped up again the next 3. I think it is pointless to do volume training, but that's me. I'd much prefer to exercise outside than in a gym. My goal was to become a national level bicycle racer and I hit that target.
I'm well aware of the General Adaptation Syndrome and Hans Selye. I became a 4:20 miler in college because I knew how to cycle intense periods with easy periods. Hormonal exhaustion is real.
I am also aware of the PED syndrome, where people think you can get stronger and bigger indefinitely, haha. At my college gym there was a Junior Mr America and a number of monstrous guys who had trained also with Pete Grymkowski and Danny Padilla. Of course they used drugs- duh.
At the end of the day some people like lots of volume and some people like short and intense. It's all personal preference. But to say HIT doesn't work is inaccurate.
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I never bought into that Mentzer bullshit....tried it for a hot minute and dropped it like a hot potato.
I like your style of posting Wes- spit it out and move on, haha
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I liked the idea of how Dorian trained. Ultimately, I felt like I need more so for me it's always 2 working sets per exercise. Abs I do 3 sets and calves only 1 set per exercise.
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Louie Simmons lifters are all on the gas. A natural bodybuilder can put on about ~30 pounds of muscle in his lifetime. There was a longitudinal study years ago of non drug using college athletes and how much muscle they could put on. 40 pounds was in the 99.99% percentile after 4 years. The average person put on 20 and then it stalled out. You can cycle through all the routines in the world and that isn't going to change.
I went from roughly 160 to 190 using HIT over 3 years (sophomore to 1st year grad school in college). It definitely works. My typical routine ended up being 1 warm-up set, 1 heavy set just short of failure, 6-10 reps. Twice a week. I stuck to the basic movements and got reasonably strong for my body type (moderately ectomorphic then): 255 bench/405 dead lift/405 squat. My goal was never to be a power lifter. I just wanted to build up because I was sick of being a skinny geek.
Going to failure was too much for me- my nervous system fried. Every 4th week I would go very light or take it off. I then ramped up again the next 3. I think it is pointless to do volume training, but that's me. I'd much prefer to exercise outside than in a gym. My goal was to become a national level bicycle racer and I hit that target.
I'm well aware of the General Adaptation Syndrome and Hans Selye. I became a 4:20 miler in college because I knew how to cycle intense periods with easy periods. Hormonal exhaustion is real.
I am also aware of the PED syndrome, where people think you can get stronger and bigger indefinitely, haha. At my college gym there was a Junior Mr America and a number of monstrous guys who had trained also with Pete Grymkowski and Danny Padilla. Of course they used drugs- duh.
At the end of the day some people like lots of volume and some people like short and intense. It's all personal preference. But to say HIT doesn't work is inaccurate.
Every thing works but HIT is not as efficient as staggering systems. You are right about naturals only gaining 30lbs of muscle in a lifetime. I would say 10-20 for most.
A person who is already an adult can come close to their maximum muscular size within 1-2 years. Most start as teenagers and have a skewed view of how much the weight training actually made them gain. If they started at 90lbs and now weigh 180 as an adult they attribute half of their bodyweight to weight training as if they would have stayed 90lbs had they never started lifting.
They have done numerous studies with naturals that show multiple sets worked to fatigue but not failure are the best way to train to make the most gains. A person does make most of their gains off the 1st set but they also gain with a 2nd and 3rd set. Once a person reaches their near max in muscle doing 1 set is probably enough to maintain.
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H.I.T is dead because it is an inferior way to train.
I don't know if it's inferior or not. Weight lifting isn't rocket science. Overload your muscles, eat , sleep etc. It really is that simple. Drugs and discipline "seperates one from being a champion and one from not being a champion. "
Here's my take on it though: when it's fun or enjoyable then its more worth it. Maybe 2 or 3 warm up sets and 2 or 3 working sets are superfluous prior to your final set or two to failure. Maybe just the 1 or 2 sets to failure is all you need to stimulate growth. But I actually enjoy working out. I like going to the gym. I plan on an hour or hour and a half most days. 2 hrs is too long but ive done it. Because I enjoy being at the gym and working out.
I tried HIT for about a year or two and actually got a little bigger but it wasn't fun and overall I started to get smooth, fat. I just wasn't doing enough. I went from spending maybe 10 hrs a week working out to about 2 hrs a week. Plus it wasn't fun. I just didn't enjoy working out as much. Just my 2 cents.
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Mediation ordered for Ferrignos
Area business owner sued by onetime "Hulk." Misuse of name alleged.
Thursday, May 18, 206
By TOM QUIGLEY
The Express-Times
GREENWICH TWP. | A federal magistrate has ordered Andrew Ferrigno and his television star brother Lou to settle their legal dispute over Ferrigno Fitness.
The Route 57 fitness store, which Andrew Ferrigno owns, is at the center of a federal lawsuit brought by Lou Ferrigno against his brother in early January.
On Wednesday, a federal magistrate ordered the brothers to seek an out-of-court agreement through a court-appointed mediator. Andrew Ferrigno's wife, Janie, is also a defendant and co-owner of the fitness shop.
"Mediation is a good idea," Phillipsburg attorney Scott Wilhelm said. "It's worth the effort in this case."
Wilhelm -- who represents Andrew Ferrigno, 52, of Bethlehem -- said it's a good opportunity for both sides to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the trademark rights case.
Lou Ferrigno, 53, of Santa Clara, Calif., claims in the suit his brother and sister-in-law are unlawfully trading on the name and image of the former action star, featured in the 1970s TV show "The Incredible Hulk."
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Trenton, claims the store has a green awning, portions of the interior are green, and one green wall is covered with photos of Lou Ferrigno in bodybuilding poses, as well as in his trademark green makeup for his role as the Hulk.
The lawsuit asserts that the "defendants deliberately chose a trade name incorporating the Ferrigno name in an effort to profit from the reputation and renown of Lou Ferrigno."
"On numerous occasions, Lou Ferrigno and members of his family have been contacted or approached by strangers or acquaintances who believe that Ferrigno Fitness is 'Lou's store,'" the complaint reads.
"We just think it's ludicrous and ridiculous," Andrew Ferrigno said Wednesday. "I've been in business more than 20 years."
Andrew Ferrigno said he and his brother have always had "a great relationship."
The Ferrigno brothers worked out together as young boys in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn years ago.
He said his brother Lou called him a couple of days before the suit was filed.
"His comment was it's strictly business and don't take it personally," Andrew Ferrigno said. He said he initially felt ashamed about the whole thing.
"Now I'm adamant," he said. "This is costing me money."
He said the photos of Lou Ferrigno in his shop were signed by the former actor and presented to his family.
"Those pictures were signed to my children," said Andrew Ferrigno, the father of one daughter and two sons.
The lawsuit also accuses the Warren County business of cybersquatting by registering the Internet domain name www.ferrignofitness.com. Lou Ferrigno says he has been using that corporate name for his own business ventures.
Andrew Ferrigno said he offered to change the Web site to settle the suit and his brother refused.
"He's very hard-nosed about this," he said.
Wilhelm has said Lou Ferrigno wants to shut down his brother's store and described the lawsuit as "bullying."
Newark attorney Anthony P. Callaghan, who is among the attorneys representing Lou Ferrigno, could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
Andrew Ferrigno said he and his late father, Matthew, moved the business from Brooklyn to Greenwich Township more than 20 years ago.
The mediation is not binding and the case could still go to trial.
Reporter Tom Quigley can be reached at 908-475-8184 or by e-mail at tquigley@express-times.com.
http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/nj/i...&thispage=1
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I don't know if it's inferior or not. Weight lifting isn't rocket science. Overload your muscles, eat , sleep etc. It really is that simple. Drugs and discipline "seperates one from being a champion and one from not being a champion. "
Here's my take on it though: when it's fun or enjoyable then its more worth it. Maybe 2 or 3 warm up sets and 2 or 3 working sets are superfluous prior to your final set or two to failure. Maybe just the 1 or 2 sets to failure is all you need to stimulate growth. But I actually enjoy working out. I like going to the gym. I plan on an hour or hour and a half most days. 2 hrs is too long but ive done it. Because I enjoy being at the gym and working out.
I tried HIT for about a year or two and actually got a little bigger but it wasn't fun and overall I started to get smooth, fat. I just wasn't doing enough. I went from spending maybe 10 hrs a week working out to about 2 hrs a week. Plus it wasn't fun. I just didn't enjoy working out as much. Just my 2 cents.
summed up well...
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Mediation ordered for Ferrignos
Area business owner sued by onetime "Hulk." Misuse of name alleged.
Thursday, May 18, 206
By TOM QUIGLEY
The Express-Times
GREENWICH TWP. | A federal magistrate has ordered Andrew Ferrigno and his television star brother Lou to settle their legal dispute over Ferrigno Fitness.
The Route 57 fitness store, which Andrew Ferrigno owns, is at the center of a federal lawsuit brought by Lou Ferrigno against his brother in early January.
On Wednesday, a federal magistrate ordered the brothers to seek an out-of-court agreement through a court-appointed mediator. Andrew Ferrigno's wife, Janie, is also a defendant and co-owner of the fitness shop.
"Mediation is a good idea," Phillipsburg attorney Scott Wilhelm said. "It's worth the effort in this case."
Wilhelm -- who represents Andrew Ferrigno, 52, of Bethlehem -- said it's a good opportunity for both sides to look at the strengths and weaknesses of the trademark rights case.
Lou Ferrigno, 53, of Santa Clara, Calif., claims in the suit his brother and sister-in-law are unlawfully trading on the name and image of the former action star, featured in the 1970s TV show "The Incredible Hulk."
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Trenton, claims the store has a green awning, portions of the interior are green, and one green wall is covered with photos of Lou Ferrigno in bodybuilding poses, as well as in his trademark green makeup for his role as the Hulk.
The lawsuit asserts that the "defendants deliberately chose a trade name incorporating the Ferrigno name in an effort to profit from the reputation and renown of Lou Ferrigno."
"On numerous occasions, Lou Ferrigno and members of his family have been contacted or approached by strangers or acquaintances who believe that Ferrigno Fitness is 'Lou's store,'" the complaint reads.
"We just think it's ludicrous and ridiculous," Andrew Ferrigno said Wednesday. "I've been in business more than 20 years."
Andrew Ferrigno said he and his brother have always had "a great relationship."
The Ferrigno brothers worked out together as young boys in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn years ago.
He said his brother Lou called him a couple of days before the suit was filed.
"His comment was it's strictly business and don't take it personally," Andrew Ferrigno said. He said he initially felt ashamed about the whole thing.
"Now I'm adamant," he said. "This is costing me money."
He said the photos of Lou Ferrigno in his shop were signed by the former actor and presented to his family.
"Those pictures were signed to my children," said Andrew Ferrigno, the father of one daughter and two sons.
The lawsuit also accuses the Warren County business of cybersquatting by registering the Internet domain name www.ferrignofitness.com. Lou Ferrigno says he has been using that corporate name for his own business ventures.
Andrew Ferrigno said he offered to change the Web site to settle the suit and his brother refused.
"He's very hard-nosed about this," he said.
Wilhelm has said Lou Ferrigno wants to shut down his brother's store and described the lawsuit as "bullying."
Newark attorney Anthony P. Callaghan, who is among the attorneys representing Lou Ferrigno, could not be reached for comment late Wednesday.
Andrew Ferrigno said he and his late father, Matthew, moved the business from Brooklyn to Greenwich Township more than 20 years ago.
The mediation is not binding and the case could still go to trial.
Reporter Tom Quigley can be reached at 908-475-8184 or by e-mail at tquigley@express-times.com.
http://www.nj.com/news/expresstimes/nj/i...&thispage=1
Even Lou's family hates him.
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I like your style of posting Wes- spit it out and move on, haha
HA HA HA HA LOL ;D
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I used to do a 5 X 5 routine for added power.....when I plateaued,I went to a 3 X 3 or back to higher reps for a while then back to 5 X 5.....got pretty strong for a beanpole.
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I used to do a 5 X 5 routine for added power.....when I plateaued,I went to a 3 X 3 or back to higher reps for a while then back to 5 X 5.....got pretty strong for a beanpole.
Good method.
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I used to do a 5 X 5 routine for added power.....when I plateaued,I went to a 3 X 3 or back to higher reps for a while then back to 5 X 5.....got pretty strong for a beanpole.
I trained 3-2-1 for a year and then all singles for a year. I was the strongest concentration camp survivor in the world. Weighed 135 pounds and joints ached like Hell.
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Mike had a great look.
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I trained 3-2-1 for a year and then all singles for a year. I was the strongest concentration camp survivor in the world. Weighed 135 pounds and joints ached like Hell.
HahahHah
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NEWS
SERGIO OLIVA JR. GETS CANDID ABOUT HIS LEGENDARY FATHER BEING “ONE OF THE WORST PEOPLE I’VE EVER MET”
Oliva Jr. opens up about the worst year of his life, competing at the 2018 Mr. Olympia, and his turbulent relationship with his father, three-time Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva Sr.
By Angelica Nebbia
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Sergio Oliva Jr. Gets Candid About His Dad, His Wife's Affair, and His Olympia Goals
Every bodybuilder in the IFBB Pro League dreams of one day appearing on the Olympia stage. Sergio Oliva Jr. accomplished this feat at just 2 weeks old, when his father, three-time Olympia champion (1967–69) Sergio Oliva Sr., proudly raised him up to the world at the 1984 Olympia. Fast-forward 34 years to Sept. 14, 2018, and Oliva Jr. made history, becoming the first son of an Olympia winner to compete on the O stage. And despite placing 16th in the contest, Oliva Jr. is still regarded as one of the industry’s most promising bodybuilders, thanks in large part to a couple of runner-up finishes in 2018 at the highly competitive Chicago and Tampa pro shows.
The road to the Olympia stage is never an easy one for any competitor, but as you’ll read below, Oliva Jr.’s path has been bumpier than most. In the following Q&A, he shares his heart-wrenching story with brutal honesty, demonstrating, above all else, his determination, resilience, and ability to forgive.
FLEX: What is it like prepping for the Olympia as the son of a bodybuilding legend?
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Sergio Oliva Jr.: I had to get ready for that show as two different people. I had to do it as the athlete who needs to do well and suffer, and also as the biggest fan of bodybuilding. I thought it was really cool that older fans of the sport could come up to me and say, “I also saw your dad compete at the Olympia. I saw him hold you up onstage.” It sounds weird, but I think the fact that I knew I wouldn’t win the Olympia kept it from being very stressful. It was the hardest I’ve ever worked and the best I’ve ever looked, but as far as expectations go, it was the least stressful prep I’ve done.
sergio-sr-jr-1109
Courtesy of Weider Health & Fitness
Courtesy of Weider Health & FItness
Did you have a specific goal going into this Olympia?
I just really wanted to finish this year strong. This was the worst year of my entire life, but I got that Olympia qualification, so I just kept telling myself, “If I can step onstage and be one of the 19 best bodybuilders in the world, during the worst year of my life, then next year I’ll automatically be better.”
What made 2018 the worst year of your life?
My wife had an affair. Around the time I won the 2017 New York Pro, she was stuck in Australia due to immigration. When it was almost time for us to get approved, my wife started acting really weird. She was very distant. I thought maybe she was scared and didn’t want to leave her family. So in February 2018, I moved to Australia to be with her until the process was done. Then it got really bad. She kept disappearing. It caused a lot of problems, because I was trying to start my prep for the Chicago Pro. I decided to go back to the States to finish my prep. Then I got a message from a woman in Australia, letting me know that her husband and my wife had been having an affair for at least a year. Her husband had run off with my wife, leaving this woman eight months pregnant. I was devastated. I got off social media and stopped prepping. I needed to get things together.
But you competed at the 2018 Chicago Pro. What changed?
During all of this, the woman in Australia would call me every day. We’d FaceTime, and she’d tell me, “Hey, I’m eight months pregnant, and if I can do this, then you can do it.” I got my heart broken, and I spent a lot of money, but I don’t have this child that I now have to take care of for the rest of my life. She does. It really made me man up. This stranger that I never met got me back on prep, and I competed in Chicago. It was close, too. I only lost by a few points. After the show, one of my old friends suggested we go skydiving. I swear to God, if I had won or none of this had happened with my wife, I would have said, “No way.” But instead I said yes, and I jumped out of a plane a few days later. As I landed on the ground, I looked at my friend and said, “I’m doing the Tampa Pro.” I came in second and got that Olympia qualification, and it made everything else not matter anymore.
You portray your father in the movie Bigger and have expressed mixed emotions about being compared to him on social media. What was it like to play him in a film?
My dad was very unsupportive of my bodybuilding career and pretty much of anything that I did, but I think that he would have gotten a kick out of this. He was a big movie buff. Nothing justifies how my dad treated my mother or me, but I think my dad would be proud and maybe even have hopped onboard with my career. In the movie I look like him, but really I’m not like him at all. My dad was one of the worst people I’ve ever met. A lot of people love my dad, and that’s a big thing that I struggle with in this sport. Sometimes you want to talk about your life, you want to tell the truth, but it kills people’s dreams of their heroes.
Sergio Oliva Jr.
Chris Nicoll
Chris Nicoll
What did your dad want you to do for a living?
He’s Cuban—so a baseball player, lawyer, or doctor. And look, I’m older now, so I understand things a little bit differently. When I started out as a bodybuilder, I was 6′ tall and 145 pounds. I looked like the used car lot balloon things. He’s looking at me, going, “Kid, what are you thinking?” My dad escaped from Cuba when he was 18 years old. Castro tried to kill him, and the United States put him in protective services and moved him to Chicago, where he got into bodybuilding and met my mom. He never finished school because he had to work on the farms. And I can’t even imagine what he dealt with in the ‘60s as a black-skinned, Hispanic bodybuilder. He also had this bad falling out with bodybuilding, so he was probably saying to himself, “I went through so much, there’s no way that my son’s gonna struggle and go into this sport that screwed me over.”
So I’m sitting here telling you that I’m not my dad, but here I am. And look how well I’ve done in just two years of being a pro. He didn’t want me to be like him, but I guess I am like him, in a way.
Are you able to forgive him for the way he treated you?
I can forgive my dad for what he did to me, but not for what he did to my mother. [Editor’s Note: According to a 1986 article in the Chicago Tribune, Oliva Sr. struck his wife twice during an explosive altercation.] My mom’s the best person ever, but she’ll be dealing with long-term medical issues, including memory loss, because of him for the rest of her life. My dad was the complete opposite with my sister. It is a Latino thing. The daughter is the princess. I remember that my sister would get gifts on my birthday. But now she still doesn’t have a real job. She’s a deadbeat. Maybe that’s how I would be if he hadn’t been so hard on me. Whether that’s the truth or not, I don’t know, but that’s what I tell myself to be able to forgive him.
So what’s next for you?
It’s crazy because now I’m friends with the wife of the guy who was having an affair with my wife. I am gonna be in her life, and her kid’s life, forever. But not in a romantic way at all. We’re friends, and somehow we got each other through this whole thing from the other side of the world. I’ve gone through stages where I blame myself, and she’s done the same thing, but the baby is so innocent. I know what it feels like to grow up without a father and to have someone who’s just toxic in your life. So now I’m gonna help her raise this kid.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
You know, in bodybuilding, if you open up about something after you place badly at a show, it’s like, “Oh, you’re just using that as an excuse.” Maybe after reading this, though, people will say, “Wait, he went through this whole entire year, didn’t tell anyone about this, and was dealing with all these demons on his own—and he was still top 19 in the world? Wow, what’s gonna happen next year?” I really believe in myself now, a lot more than I did before. Now that this toxicity is out of my life, I’m excited for what’s to come.
Topics:
BODYBUILDERS
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https://picclick.com/DOYLE-WASHINGTON-muscle-bodybuilding-ORIGINAL-Gene-Mozee-photo-153848183439.html treasure trove of gene mozee pics. safe link.
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https://ext.theperspective.com/the-largest-athletes-of-all-time/28/?ifs=true&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=bc-p-vv10-s13-13162-0302-16-164389794&tr=0.1&fbclid=IwAR3CJvKKFaojktmx7tT7C2JzvmzNvbzydR47-lB0wOK7R8VHc2ikkVS5MfQ&fbc=1
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https://www.arsenalathletics.com/product/mammoth-deadlift-bar?fbclid=IwAR16bVRfkW6xxPQR5opL5gUXZyl8WqjGG8AJHf9QKXx2o1sEtg8ecINFlcI
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'ends'?
'bb related'??
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'ends'?
'bb related'??
definitely on both counts, also a bit odd. ;D
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Steve Reeves Wins the 1950 Mr. Universe with Only 4 Weeks of Training
Updated: May 17, 2019
Steve Reeves has always been a legendary figure in the world of bodybuilding. What he accomplished naturally will never be repeated. The stories of his life are so incredible it can be difficult to distinguish myth from fact. Perhaps the greatest legend associated with Reeves are the events that surrounded his training for the 1950 NABBA Mr. Universe contest where he defeated Reg Park and brought the original bronze Sandow from the 1901 Great Competition home to America. With so many stories surrounding these events they must be investigated thoroughly.
Who can be trusted when it comes to Reeves’ training for this event? Reeves drove from California to York, Pennsylvania to train for the contest at the York Barbell Company. John Grimek was an employee of York Barbell and witnessed Reeves’ workouts firsthand. Grimek wrote a famous article titled, “How Steve Reeves Trained”, that was printed in the November 1964 issue of Muscular Development. Grimek’s words can be trusted over other articles and interviews as this article was only written 14 years after the events took place. Grimek was known for having an incredible memory of which prolific iron game writer, Terry Todd, described as, “remarkable for faces and names”, “prodigious”, and “elephant-like.” If Todd trusted Grimek’s memory we can also.
According to Grimek, Reeves arrived at York on Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 30th (until it was made an official holiday in 1971, Memorial Day was always on May 30th). He states that the next day, Wednesday, May 31st they arrived at the gym a little before noon and got their first workout in. Reeves was adamant about getting three full-body workouts in a week and would typically get a workout in every 60 hours. According to Chris LeClaire’s superb biography on Reeves, Worlds to Conquer, Reeves flew to London on June 22nd. The NABBA Mr. Universe reception and dinner was held on June 23rd and the contest was on June 24th so his workout schedule would have looked something like this:
Based on this calendar it appears Reeves got in around 10 full-body workouts if he stuck to his typical workout protocol. Reeves mentions in Dynamic Muscle Building that while in London before the contest he only performed lighter exercises with cables to give him more definition. It is truly phenomenal that Reeves could go from an extended layoff of not working out to Mr. Universe winner so quickly. The last time Reeves had seriously trained for a bodybuilding contest was in March 1949 before the Mr. USA contest. This was about 15 months before the NABBA Mr. Universe.
Now that we have a good idea of how long Reeves trained before the contest, we can dive into the next legend associated with this event, how much weight he gained during this training. This is harder to quantify since Grimek only commented on Reeves’ change in physical appearance during the training but did not comment on his weight. Sources are tougher to come by as Reeves makes no mention of the weight he gained in Building the Classic Physique: The Natural Way or in his interviews with Chris LeClaire for Worlds to Conquer. In unspecified interviews contained in Dynamic Muscle Building, Reeves claims to have gained 17 pounds of muscle during his training and in another interview in the book claims he started at a weight of 198 pounds and the day of the contest weighed 217 pounds for a 19-pound gain. The interviews are not sourced so we cannot be sure when these statements were made. In a 1981 interview with WABBA contest promoter Tony DeFrancisco, Reeves states that his weight went from 190 pounds to 225 during his training at York for a 35-pound gain.
According to Reeves’ official entry form for the 1950 NABBA Mr. Universe contest he weighed 214 pounds although we cannot be sure when that measurement was taken. We can be highly skeptical of the DeFrancisco interview as Reeves was never known to be much heavier than 215 pounds as he considered that his top form measurement. Reeves was known to keep in contest shape year-round and did not believe in bulking up and slimming down for contests as is commonly done today. The Dynamic Muscle Building interviews are more believable as they credit Reeves with a weight gain between 17-19 pounds. If done starting at 198 pounds this would have put him in the 215-217 range which is much closer to what his entry form lists.
Another legend associated with Reeves’ training for the Mr. Universe contest is that he contracted pneumonia during his time at York, PA and trained through it for the contest. In Building the Classic Physique: The Natural Way, Reeves states that he, “caught pneumonia halfway through my training. That temporarily weakened and demoralized me somewhat – but surprisingly, it also served to increase my muscular definition!” Chris LeClaire, through his interviews with Reeves states, “What others in the gym didn’t know was that two weeks after he arrived in York, Reeves had contracted the flu.”
The only one who could be completely trusted on this issue is Grimek and he makes no mention of Reeves contracting any sort of illness during his stay in York. For this reason, we can eliminate pneumonia as it is doubtful Reeves could have hidden something like that from Grimek. The flu does not seem like something Reeves could have trained through successfully either. Grimek significantly added to Reeves’ legend with his article, so if Reeves would have contracted something that would have substantially affected his ability to train Grimek certainly would have let the readers know how incredible a feat that was. For this reason, we can conclude that no significant illness occurred.
Based on articles, interviews, and our knowledge of Steve Reeves, a few legends surrounding his training for the 1950 NABBA Mr. Universe contest can be distinguished as closer to fact than myth. Reeves training probably consisted of around 10 full-body workouts from May 31st until he left for London on June 22nd, the weight he gained during this training was probably in the 17-19-pound range, and his training was not affected by serious illness.
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Muscle memory exists.
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Muscle memory exists.
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The Story Of John Grimek, The Renaissance Man Of Fitness
Grimek was considered a true pioneer in the early 20th century for mixing aesthetics and performance.
Written by Conor HeffernanLast updated on February 11th, 2022
John Grimek is one of the greatest athletes to ever touch a barbell. That is a big claim, but one which the “Monarch of Muscledom” most surely deserves. Born in New Jersey in 1910, Grimek represented the United States at the 1936 Olympics in weightlifting before becoming a two-time Mr. America winner in 1940 and 1941. So impressed were the Mr. America judges with Grimek’s physique that they changed the competition’s rules to prevent winners from re-entering the contest.
Much like Bill Kazmier, who was banned from entering the World Strongest Man contest in the 1980s owing to his dominance, Grimek was effectively banned from the Mr. America contest. Undeterred, he won the 1948 Mr. Universe title and then the Mr. USA title in 1949. Grimek retired from bodybuilding soon after having never lost a competition.
Discussing Grimek is a challenge. Not because he was a difficult personality — if anything he was known for his friendliness — but because he accomplished so much across so many different fields. He helped pioneer barbell lifting in the United States, inspired millions to train, and remained as a key figure in American fitness until his death in 1998.
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When the highly-respected bodybuilding entrepreneur Earle Liederman saw Grimek on stage in 1940, he wrote: “I must confess my eyes opened a bit wider, for seldom have I seen such a highly developed body. Criticism cannot find one weak spot.” (1)
In a touching obituary for Grimek, famed bodybuilding promoter and founder of Muscle & Fitness magazine Joe Weider wrote, “From the 1930s through the 1960s, John Grimek was the most dominant force in the world of bodybuilding.” (2) Bill Starr called him “the most admired man in all of physical culture.” (3)
Grimek was at the forefront of American fitness in the twentieth century. What follows is a detailed look at his life and legacy.
The Early Years
John Grimek was born in New Jersey in 1910 to George and Maria Grimek. Somewhat oddly given his successes, Grimek’s interest in weightlifting was not innate, but rather something he developed thanks to the mentorship of his older brother George. (4)
As retold by David Chapman, George was consumed by his growing interest in physical culture. He was a reader of prominent health magazines at the time like Physical Culture and Strength. (5) More importantly, he bought nearly every fitness device advertised in the back of these publications. George earnestly used the equipment, encouraging John to do the same. When the iron touched his hand, John found “an intense desire to build a magnificent physique, and he had a magnificent foundation on which to build.” (6)
At the age of 19, John began sending photographs of himself to muscle magazines which, as David Chapman explained, caused a stir in the fitness industry. Posing outdoors and often wearing headbands, loincloths and other costumes, the young Grimek was praised for his posing ingenuity and abilities. It was clear, even from this age, that he possessed the potential to build a truly remarkable physique. (7)
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It was for this reason that Mark Berry, the editor of Strength magazine, eventually contacted Grimek about the possibility of the two training together. During the early 1930s, Berry was one of the foremost experts in American weightlifting. He coached the Olympic weightlifting team, was the editor of Strength, and published multiple books on training.
Living with Berry, Grimek gained both strength and size. Under Berry’s methods, Grimek brought his weight up to 250 pounds. (8) Although he trained like a bodybuilder, and was presented as such during this time, Grimek displayed a much greater affinity for weightlifting than with muscle posing.
In 1936, Grimek was selected for the United States Olympic Weightlifting team alongside other stars like John Terry, John Terpak and Tony Terlazzo. Terlazzo was the only American to come home with a medal (he won America’s first Olympic gold in weightlifting), but Grimek’s presence was still celebrated in American fitness magazines. Going into the tournament as the AAU Heavyweight Champion, Grimek finished ninth with a 788-pound total across the clean, snatch and military press.
Notably, Grimek was originally scheduled to compete as a light heavyweight. He was bumped up to heavyweight and still managed to finish ninth despite being the lightest competitor. (9) Grimek continued to train with Berry after the Olympics and did so until 1938 when his coach, and his fortunes, changed.
Creating “The Glow”
Grimek moved to York, Pennsylvania in 1938; he was invited to train with Bob Hoffman’s York Barbell Club. Entering weightlifting contests under Hoffman’s tutelage, Grimek was encouraged to take part in the 1939 AAU Mr. America competition. This was one of the first bodybuilding shows to come to the United States.
At that time, informal bodybuilding shows were usually held at the end of a weightlifting meet. After the lifters had completed their lifts, whoever was willing and able to compete in a posing competition was invited to do so. Grimek was routinely asked by his fellow competitors and coaches to take part, owing to his amazing physique. (10) Grimek was capable of rippling the muscles around his body like a wave, could do one-handed handstands and strike unusual but powerful poses. He was a force to behold.
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In 1939, Grimek competed in his first ever physique competition, the York “Perfect Man Contest,” which he won. The following year, Grimek took part in the Mr. America contest against future winner Frank Leight and former Olympic team mate Tony Terlazzo. Grimek was far and away the best competitor. He won the most muscular award and the overall prize. (11)
Even more impressive was his lifting performance. Although weightlifting was not required in the contest, Grimek lifted and managed a total of 860 pounds across the snatch, clean and press all while wearing his street shoes. (12)
In both the strength and bodybuilding worlds, Grimek’s legend was growing. It was around this time that Strength & Health writer Harry Paschal began calling Grimek “The Glow,” owing to his radiant skin.
When Grimek won the Mr. America contest the following year, the AAU was faced with a serious problem. They simply couldn’t see how another bodybuilder could beat Grimek in competition. So, they decided to ban winners from re-entering the contest. This gave Grimek the distinction of being the only elite bodybuilder banned from competition for being too successful.
All was not lost. In 1948, Grimek was invited to compete in the Mr. Universe competition organized by the National Amateur Bodybuilding Association (NABBA). The Mr. Universe was held in Philadelphia in 1947, but none of the competitors made the trip to London for the NABBA show the following year. Held in conjunction with the 1948 Olympic Games, this show pitted John Grimek against the new up-and-coming star in bodybuilding Steve Reeves.
Writing for the British Amateur Weightlifter and Bodybuilder, Ron Chifney praised Reeves before acknowledging that Grimek was still the pinnacle. Indeed, he went so far to state that, “the man has not been born who could have followed Grimek’s great display without suffering a little by comparison.” (13)
The below video gives a rare, but amazing, example of Grimek’s posing in action:
Grimek actually beat Reeves again the following year at a newly-created AAU Mr. USA competition, in what proved to be his last competitive event. It added another title to his undefeated competitive record.
Retired from competition, Grimek became a figurehead as an editor with both Strength and Health magazine and Muscular Development. He became Senior Editor of Strength and Health in the early 1940s and was given full control over Muscular Development after its creation in 1964.
For the next 20 years, Grimek strove to produce a factual bodybuilding magazine while simultaneously encouraging the next generation of bodybuilders. He passed away in 1998 at 88 years old. He was physically active until the very end. (14)
How Grimek Changed the Fitness Industry
Aside from being a prestigious competitor, Grimek helped to challenge the stereotype of the muscle-bound lifter. A single look at an Olympic weightlifter or CrossFit champion is enough evidence that weight training does not make you inflexible, slow, or uncoordinated.
Remarkably, there was a time when the myth prevailed among the medical community. In 1940, Professor Peter Karpovich of Springfield College was one particularly strong proponent of the idea that athletes must avoid weight training. Karpovich believed one of his jobs was to “fight against the muscle-builders” of his era. (15)
Such was Karpovich’s demonization of weight training that one of his graduate students wrote a letter to Bob Hoffman of York Barbell asking for help. The student helped organize a forum for Dr. Karpovich, at which John Grimek appeared.
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Facing Karpovich head-on, Grimek proved his flexibility by scratching between his shoulder blades. Next, he did the splits to display beyond any doubt that he was not restricted by his physique and that weight lifting was actually beneficial. (16)
This may seem like a small victory but it completely changed Karpovich’s opinion. He became a crusader for fitness, began producing academic studies on weight training and even helped to write one of the first academic books on weight lifting (Physiology of Muscular Activity). Grimek’s physique, character, and feats of fitness helped drive medicine’s acceptance of resistance training.
Building John Grimek
Grimek was blessed with several genetic advantages. He was known for his training intensity and consistency, but even his contemporaries agreed that Grimek’s body was made for bodybuilding.
Professional bodybuilder Bill Pearl tells a story of traveling to a competition with John Grimek. At that time, Grimek was the experienced veteran and Pearl the young protégé. As the journey continued, Grimek offered Pearl some food.
Anxious to discover what secret food the great John Grimek ate before competition, Pearl was shocked to see his hero eating a Hersey’s chocolate bar. Grimek’s diet was primarily made up of whole foods, but it was clear that he was able to eat what others couldn’t. Grimek’s wife once remarked that John ate anything she put in front of him. (17)
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When it came to training, Grimek was very much a Renaissance lifter. He spent periods doing Olympic lifting, circuit training and full-body workouts. According to fitness historian Brooks Kubrick: (18)
What matters is how he built his foundation: heavy barbell exercises, including lots of squats, cleans, snatches, military presses, and one-handed lifts. Simple, but effective.
Conclusion
How does one summarize Grimek’s career? Was he the bodybuilder who was banned for being too successful? The Olympic lifter turned bodybuilder? The man who proved weight training was beneficial? Or the man who inspired generations to take to the iron? Perhaps he was all of it and more.
Grimek was a true Renaissance man. He was proficient in multiple fields and, through his passion for lifting, made an impression wherever he went. Yes he was genetically gifted but he was talented and passionate in equal measure. When that was combined with an indefatigable work ethic, magic happened.
References
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https://barbend.com/1980-mr-olympia-controversy/?fbclid=IwAR38hphmaFRLclRloWFXgdbYtvA4kh5gnXETJ0buFzupZvYYJMmCqlC3y5Y
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BODYBUILDING
Why The 1980 Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Contest Was So Controversial
Arnold Schwarzenegger's swan song from competitive bodybuilding wasn't without a heap of criticism.
Written by Conor HeffernanLast updated on April 10th, 2021
Since emerging on the bodybuilding scene in the late 1960s, Arnold Schwarzenegger has become one of the most influential and inspiring athletes in bodybuilding. What bodybuilder, or even general fitness enthusiast, doesn’t know of Schwarzenegger? Even if you’ve never picked up a weight, you probably know of the Austrian native — as a bodybuilder, movie star, politician, or environmental activist. He’s so popular that you can refer to him as just “Arnold” and most people know who you’re talking about. Since retiring in 1980, Arnold has cast a long shadow and is still revered for his importance in helping to popularize bodybuilding among the masses.
Arnold’s appearance in the 1977 film Pumping Iron, the George Butler and Charles Gaines’ documentary centered on the 1975 Mr. Olympia, helped propel both Arnold and bodybuilding into mainstream culture. (1) Fans and competitors owe him a great deal. Few people would dispute his legacy.
From 1970 to 1975 Arnold won six Mr. Olympia titles. After the sixth win, he retired to focus on his then-burgeoning movie career (which includes hits like Conan The Barbarian, Twins, and the Terminator series). He moved to greener pastures, or so it seemed. In 1980 Arnold shocked fans and competitors alike when he announced, the day before the Mr. Olympia contest, that he was making a comeback. (2)
The reactions were mixed. Competitor Mike Mentzer was furious and even tried to attack Arnold at a pre-contest press conference. Other athletes like Frank Zane and Boyer Coe, expressed pity that Arnold was going to return, lose, and tarnish his legacy. On the night of the show, many were shocked at Arnold’s conditioning. (3) The “Austrian Oak” failed to compare to a new generation of stars. When Arnold was announced as the winner, the audience booed, competitors stepped off stage and some retired from the sport in disgust.
Fans and competitors were outraged. Television networks separated from the competition. New rules regarding judging were set in place. Arnold’s 1980 victory isn’t just controversial — it changed the trajectory and perception of bodybuilding forever.
[Related: Every Winner of the Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Competition]
After the Austrian Oak
When Arnold retired from bodybuilding in 1975, it ushered in a new age for the sport. Arnold had won the previous six competitions. His retirement meant that others could now compete for the Mr. Olympia title. Taking over Arnold’s place was his training partner and close friend the late Franco Columbu, who won the 1976 Olympia. From 1977 to 1979, Frank Zane took the honors.
Although two men shared the title over four years, the time after Arnold’s victory was competitive. With Arnold out of the way, newer bodybuilders began to gain attention — competitors like Boyer Coe, Mike Mentzer, and a young Tom Platz. There was excitement in the sport. Arnold had previously been the athlete with the most sponsorships and magazine covers who monopolized all the media attention. (4) Now fans could choose from a variety of different athletes and body types. If Arnold represented the ideal physique of the 1960s and 1970s, these newer athletes were progressing the standard of bodybuilding further.
Illustrative of this were the careers of Frank Zane and Mike Mentzer. Zane’s reign, for example, marked a stark difference from Arnold’s era. Compared to Arnold’s approximate competition weight of 235 pounds, Zane weighed 185 pounds on stage. He was smaller, but also much leaner. His physique, by many, is considered to be the most aesthetic ever.
Challenging Zane at that time was Mike Mentzer, one of bodybuilding’s most controversial characters. Mentzer was known for going against the grain at the time. Whereas many bodybuilders opted for two-hour-long training sessions with high volume per body part, Mentzer trained using the high-intensity training principles of Arthur Jones. He’d perform just three exercises per body part, working up to just one or two sets for each exercise to absolute failure. As for his diet, Mentzer was a proponent of calorie and macro-counting before diets like If It Fits Your Macros were a fad. He’d eat protein-rich meals, but also consume treats like ice cream and pancakes, even close to a competition. (5)
[Related: The Best Protein Powders for Vegans, Weight Loss, and More]
In 1978 Mentzer won the Mr. Universe contest with a perfect score — the first time this happened in bodybuilding history. In the 1979 Mr. Olympia, he finished in second place to Frank Zane. When Zane, Mentzer, Chris Dickerson, Boyer Coe, and Tom Platz traveled to Australia in 1980 to compete in that year’s Mr. Olympia contest, few individuals could predict a winner. None could have predicted Arnold’s entry.
The Road to the 1980 Olympia
At this point in the timeline, Arnold had two separate careers. He became a movie star, appearing in films like Stay Hungry or Pumping Iron, and he promoted bodybuilding shows. (6) Alongside Jim Lorimer (who is also Arnold’s partner for the Arnold Classic), Arnold helped to organize the Olympia shows from 1976 to 1979. The 1980 show was organized by Australian bodybuilder Paul Graham who, author John Fair found, was Arnold’s good friend. (7)
Arnold had retired from bodybuilding but his influence was still felt. This does not explain why he decided to return to competing. The reason for that came from his movie career — specifically his role in Conan the Barbarian. Released in 1982, Conan told the story of a young, muscular warrior (played by Arnold Schwarzenegger) who avenges the death of his parents.
Starring in Conan required Arnold to transform his body from ‘a lean young warrior of about 215 pounds to a full-bodied, robust king of about 230’ pounds. Arnold set to training and began using his old bodybuilding routines to build a Conan body. Somewhere along the way, his training partners encouraged him to enter the Olympia. (8)
But did he listen? Initially no. Although Arnold continued to ask the opinion of bodybuilding coaches and athletes about whether or not he should enter (including Joe Weider and Franco Columbu), he publicly dismissed rumors that he was competing. Instead, Arnold signed up as a commentator for the Olympia.
The then-reigning Mr. Olympia, Frank Zane, even asked Arnold’s advice as to whether or not he should enter the 1980 contest. Early in 1980, Zane suffered a freak accident that interrupted his training. (9) Arnold encouraged him to enter despite this disruption. Zane was worried about competing against Menzter, Dickerson, Coe and Platz. Arnold, it seemed, reassured him.
So when did Arnold actually enter the Contest? One day before the event! He traveled to Australia to commentate for CBS, who had planned to film the contest. When he announced his decision to enter, there was confusion and anger in equal measure.
[Related: What to Know About Strength Training for Bodybuilders]
At that year’s press conference, Arnold belittled competitors, disrupted discussions about the rules, and attempted to bring the spotlight onto himself. Mike Mentzer was so enraged by Arnold that he tried to attack him at the conference. As Mentzer was pulled away from Arnold, other competitors began to worry about what Arnold’s involvement would mean the following day. (10)
One factor that appeared to reassure competitors not to worry was that Arnold’s conditioning was worse than previous Olympias. Although his chest, back, and biceps were back to former glories, his legs, triceps, and midsection all lagged in definition and size. Some put him at 90% of his former glory. Others put him at 80%. (11) The general consensus among fans and competitors was that Arnold was no longer a threat.
Arnold at the Olympia
The following day, at the Mr. Olympia contest, Arnold lined up against Zane, Mentzer, and the other stars of the day. What he lacked in muscularity and leanness, he made up for with charisma. Arnold told jokes to competitors on stage to break their concentration and then jumped out of line to strike poses. (12)
The crowd at the Sydney Opera House showed their approval for the ‘Austrian Oak.’ Although few expected him to win, the sight of seeing Arnold back on stage prompted warm applause and cheering. Remember that his return was unexpected for competitors. It was an even bigger shock for those in the audience.
Surprises continued as the judges ranked the competitors. The two finalists chosen were Chris Dickerson and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Frank Zane, the reigning champion, Mike Mentzer, the favored challenger, and Boyer Coe, sporting supreme conditioning, all failed to impress. It seemed incredible that Arnold, who many said didn’t deserve a top-five finish, placed in the final two. (13)
[Related: 10 Bodybuilding Poses — What They Are and How to Do Them]
As the two men ran through their poses, many agreed that Dickerson would take the title. He was leaner, had more muscle, and presented a better visual package. Arnold, on the other hand, tried to hide flaws through clever posing and rely on his stage presence to win the day.
At the end of the night, Arnold was declared the winner. The judges awarded Arnold 300 points to Dickerson’s 292. The crowd, competitors, and even bodybuilding entrepreneurs like Ben Weider, were incensed. It is estimated that as much as 40% of the 2,000 seated spectators booed Arnold. Several competitors walked away in disgust as Arnold accepted his trophy and quickly disappeared to avoid the audience. The competition had descended into a farce. What happened? (14)
The Aftermath
In bodybuilding and fitness magazines, Arnold’s victory was instantly criticized. Iron man magazine had to edit testimonies from fans to remove all the explicit language used to describe the decision. In public and private, Ben Weider claimed Dickerson had been robbed of the title. Even Arnold kept relatively quiet. (15)
There were larger ramifications at play, too. In 1979 CBS agreed to broadcast three Mr. Olympia contests beginning in 1980. When the CBS film crew returned to the United States, they refused to produce the recordings because, in their view, the contest had been rigged in Arnold’s favor. CBS Executives even showed Chris Dickerson the footage of the 1980 contest to prove the judges’ poor decision. (16)
CBS’s relationship with the Olympia show disappeared. The decision also hurt competitor relations. Immediately after the contest, Mentzer retired from bodybuilding. Zane and Coe withdrew from smaller competitions in the immediate aftermath, and Dickerson was heralded by many as the real champion. When Ben Weider introduced Dickerson at a training seminar months after the contest he referred to him as the man who should have won the Olympia. (17)
Across the board, it seemed that Arnold’s victory was wrong. What happened? Of the seven Olympia judges, four were, in John Fair’s words, ‘arguably predisposed towards Arnold, owing largely to personal considerations.’ (18)
Some, like former bodybuilder Reg Park, were Arnold’s close friends. Others like Albeti Busek helped Arnold break into American bodybuilding in the 1960s. Even the contest organizer, Paul Graham, was Arnold’s close friend. This put others at a disadvantage including Chris Dickerson whose own mentor, Bill Pearl, had excused himself from judging owing to his friendship with Chris. (19)
Due to his close ties to the show’s promoters and his status, many folks chalked up Arnold’s victory to politics.
[Related: The Best Supplements for Bodybuilding]
Fair never claimed the contest was rigged but illustrated that Arnold was given the most favorable conditions to win, that the crowd reacted negatively to Arnold’s victory, and the media was shocked. The most damning reaction came from the IFBB (now the IFBB Professional League) which attempted to overhaul judging protocols after the show. (20)
At the November 1980 IFBB Congress in Manila, a resolution was made which forbade contest organizers from choosing the Olympia judges. Instead, an independent judging director would choose the panel. It was a clear sign that the IFBB was angered by the circumstances surrounding Arnold’s victory.
To avoid any controversies Ben Weider, IFBB President, met with Oscar Slate, the federation’s general secretary, to choose judges for the 1981 show. (21) While they hoped this would prevent further upsets, Franco Columbu’s victory at the 1981 Mr. Olympia furthered suspicions that the contests were being rigged. (That, however, is a different story.)
There is no denying the cultural and sporting impact that Arnold had on bodybuilding. Through Pumping Iron and his Olympia victories, Arnold (and his magnetic personality) propelled bodybuilding into the mainstream. He is still an influential voice in the sport, provides support and inspiration to millions, and is rightly viewed as a bodybuilding ambassador.
Summing up Arnold’s 1980 victory, John Fair suggests that Arnold’s charisma likely won him the contest. (22) It is this same charisma that means few people dispute his seven Olympia victories. Due to a combination of legacy, fortunate judging policies, and experience, Arnold won the 1980 Olympia. It is and will continue to be one of the most disputed and contested victories in all of bodybuilding.
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The Comeback video ~ I have the original on VHS tape
Why is the Music Changed in that Video
It isn't Franks / Tom's or Arnold's Posing Music 🤔🤷🏻♂️
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The Comeback video ~ I have the original on VHS tape
Why is the Music Changed in that Video
It isn't Franks / Tom's or Arnold's Posing Music 🤔🤷🏻♂️
copyright issues maybe.
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copyright issues maybe.
No Doubt. ::)
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Would the Real Joe Weider Please Stand Up
OCTOBER 8, 2018 / PHILLIP CHIPMAN
A reoccurring phenomenon when researching the IFBB or the Weider brothers is the presence of controversy. As previously discussed in a different post, the establishment of the International Federation of BodyBuilding was not without its conflicts and controversies.
Naturally, it seems, as founder of the federation and as, we must acknowledge it, kingpin of bodybuilding, Joe Weider himself would not be without controversy. This post in particular will discuss Weider as a representation of himself. Put more clearly, the way Joe Weider displayed his own image in magazines and across the bodybuilding scene was, while risking being repetitive, controversial.
The Weider Brand
joe-weider_1
I’m sure many of our readers have come across the Weider brand either by accident, when shopping for supplements, or when actually researching this stuff.
As seen on the image, the Weider brand features Joe Weider (looking swole if I do say so myself) with his arms crossed.
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This very logo is taken from a bust of Joe Weider that was on display in his office. Devised in 1976, was revealed to a crowd shortly after and then featured in a 1979 issue of Weider’s Muscle Builder along with the caption: “Famed Sculptor of Indian Chiefs renders mighty Woodland Hills chief Joe Weider in Bronze.”
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If you do not know what’s coming next…hold on to your protein shake.
The bust of Joe Weider, is not Joe Weider.
While the head and the mustache is, without a doubt, Weider, the body belongs to Robby ‘the Black Prince’ Robinson. Discussing with author Randy Roach, Robinson reveals that following a Mr. Universe win in 1976, he was approached by Weider claiming that the former should be immortalized in bronze, and that the cast would sit in the Weider lobby “alongside the paintings of the other greats like Larry Scott and Arnold.”
The-Black-Prince
At a special ceremony, to which Robinson was personally invited, Weider revealed the bust (Weider head added) and presented it as “the new Weider bust to be used on all our products and advertisements throughout the world.”
Additional Accusations
This was not the first time Joe Weider falsely represented himself. In the 1940s, francophone business competitor Adrien Gagnon writes that the Weiders were liars and charlatans who either represented themselves wearing suits with padded shoulders or in painting. According to Gagnon, the Weiders did this because they had no built and were afraid to show it.
In this case, Gagnon was referring to the November 1947 cover of Your Physique, featuring a painted Joe Weider, arms crossed, and looking fit.
Nov. 1947
Yet, other accusations.
This came up again in a 1960s issue of Dan Lurie’s Muscle Training Illustrated.
mti008
As noted on the cover of the January issue of MTI, Dan Lurie was challenging Joe Weider to “an open physique contest” to prove that the latter was lying about his body. This occurred after Weider was accused of pasting his head on Clarence Ross’s body decades prior. It is possible that this is referring to the same image Gagnon scrutinized in 1947.
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Nov. 1947
While Joe Weider never discussed these accusations, it is difficult to disregard the evidence.
It is important to note that Joe Weider had a developed physique when he began his publications. Being an advent weight-lifter early in his life and being surrounded by big names in the bodybuilding business, it would be surprising that Weider never abided to the various routines or did not have a body that represented his teachings. It is noteworthy as well to emphasize that, while having a developed body, the 1947 representation is exaggerated, as noticeable in the following picture of Weider dated to the late 1940s, 1950s.
joeweider-posing
As a businessman and entrepreneur, it comes to no surprise that it is highly plausible that Joe Weider represented himself in such a way to increase sales and to ensure that the belief of the success of his practices remains, well, immortalized.
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It turns out the old interviews are popular. Lucky, because I have a lot of them. In fact, I'm thinking of a summer project; we'll see how that goes. Here's one from Shawn Perine that was never published. Shawn, who died in 2017, was a wonderful guy. I, like everyone, have nothing but great things to say about him.
Here's Dave writing about the interview, followed by the interview:
Shawn Perine, writer-at-large for Flex magazine and creator of the informative and entertaining website IronAge requested a telephone interview for an upcoming article. We would set up a date for the conversation; Shawn would ask a series of exciting questions to which I would respond with equally exciting answers, all to be completed in 90 exciting minutes. Any sane person would have said, “Sure.”
Not me. Instead, I sent the following letter:
It’s a compliment to be interviewed and I appreciate the exposure and attention and the thought that someone might be interested in what I have to say. Truth is, I’ve read too many over-the-phone taped dialogues in which I sound as provocative and enlightening and entertaining as an old plowhorse snortin’ in the barn. Try as I might, no expression or passion is conveyed without voice inflection, gestures or the use of the right words.
Bright spontaneity is what you hope for and redundancy is what you get. “That’s what I said, yeah, but that’s not what I meant to say” is my agitated reaction to statements I throw out on tape. The truth hurts, I guess, and my on-the-spot articulation is for the birds. Plus, I am not fond of the phone and the anticipation of phone calls -- gives me hives, very itchy. Jeez, alright already, Bomber. With this in mind, let me mess with my keyboard instead.
Hardcore muscle-builders are a strange lot.
Shawn’s a cool guy, knows how to deal with the mentally disadvantaged and emotionally challenged, and said, “Whatever.”
The short background he requested: Born in Secaucus, N.J., in April of ’42; moved to Santa Monica in early summer ’63, 21 years later. Worked for Weider Barbell Co during that time until 1969 and also did some work in Hollywood and began working in heavy wood. I won Jersey in ’63, America in ’65, Universe in ’66 and World in ’70, generally competing at 230, plus or minus, at six feet.
Q) Dave, you and Governor Schwarzenegger were friends and training partners during his first few years in America. How did that come about?
a) What was your early impression of him?
b) Are you surprised by his latest achievement?
I met Arnold in Miami a week after he arrived in the New York area in the fall of ’68. He was competing in the Mr. Universe contest, which Frank Zane won and in which I was appearing as a guest poser. We met backstage amid the mass of busy contenders as we prepared for the evening show. Dimly lit, crowded, confusing, oily and hot, I made the best of the introduction. Arnold was bright-eyed, smiling broadly, at ease with the excitement, eager to please, child-like -- a very large and pulsating sponge soaking up every bit of his surroundings. I noticed immediately this tall and muscular fellow was aware, astute, a step ahead and to the right of the guy next to him and, indeed, very clever. I noted, too (thank God), that he was lovable.
He’s now the governor of California and I’m not surprised. In the 1980s, when there were early signs of his political interests, I thought, “But, of course. That’s what Arnold does best. He governs.” The race was interesting, fun, nuts and I hoped he’d win, thought he would, was glad he did and trust he’ll do a good job, better than anyone else could do.
Q) How did you first come to meet Joe Weider? So there was no Gold's when you first came over? What was it like training at the Dungeon?
My first set of weights consisted of a 16-inch bar and four 10s, 7.5s, 5s, 3.5s and 1.25s. They sat on the sidewalk in front of our house, my father and brothers peering over my shoulder as I tried to make sense of them. I was 10, the iron weighed a ton and the family fan club quickly lost interest. Who remembers the details of discovery, but I pushed and pulled and rolled that iron in all directions over the years, in the basement on an old mattress, in the corner of a bedroom occupied by me and two bigger brothers and in the yard under a rotting maple. Over time, by accident and luck and the grace of God, I grew, and my high school gym teacher began calling me “Arms.” Time for more weight and another bar or two.
Oddly enough or wouldn’t-ya-know-it, the weights were made by Weider and his offices, foldout couch and shower, showroom, research clinic (an imaginary space) and warehouse -- the whole catastrophe -- was in Union City, only a bus ride and long walk from where I lived. I found myself on the doorstep of Weider Barbell Co. making purchases with my teenage fortune. Leroy Colbert, slick as a panther, made sure I got what I needed -- bars, collars and plates -- and gave me a heart full of inspiration based on a knowing grin and huge and powerful muscles. I later measured his arms at 20 and a half, cold as ice.
One day while struggling toward a bulky 220 pounds or whatever and adding a pair of 35s to my collection, I met Joe Weider at the loading platform, who asked me how he looked -- what can ya say? -- and did I want a part-time job. The answer to the second question was easy. Sure; it’s me and Leroy and seated dumbbell alternate curls in the stockroom.
Six months later, after winning Mr. N.J., I transferred to the other side of the world… California. The Beach Boys were singing “Surfer Girl.”
California has a bad rap today because the world is full of dumb people, but remains the land of wonder and plenty. Santa Monica was the Garden of Eden after 21 years in the Garden State and pig farms and swamps and dirty rivers. The Dungeon was a palace where the original kings and princes and knights and warriors met to play noble games -- my gym and I’m proud of it, bub.
It was also dark and dank and crumbling; it was broken down and fixed and broken again. It was a large, awful space dug out of the ground on the corner of 4th and Broadway upon which sat a century-old hotel and its faulty plumbing. But, oh, the atmosphere oozed from every rusty bent bar and pair of rattling dumbbells, every clang of steel, every heated set and burning rep.
The 2x4s held together by carpenter’s nails to suggest a bench supported the back of George Eiferman as he slowly did his perfect reps with 425. Peanuts West moved mucho iron from that power rack of oversized beams in the middle of the puddle of diluted beer dripping from the upstairs time-warped tavern, a watering hole for the old and inebriated.
Atmosphere doesn’t come from a paint brush or a wall decoration or an expensive carpet; it comes from the passing of time over a place or a thing, the heavy impression of memory, the lingering breath and experience of original characters who live once and forever: Reeves, Eiferman, Gene Shuey, Zabo, Joe Gold, Artie Zeller, Chuck Collras, Chuck Pendleton, Dick Dubois, John Tristram, Hugo Labra, Danny Vafiadis, Steve Merjanean, Chuck Ahrens.
Environment can supercharge the air or it can bury you alive. The Dungeon, once the Muscle Beach of sand and sea and finally displaced to the Muscle Beach Gym on 4th, became the launching pad of the greatest era of bodybuilding for the world’s greatest bodies.
In the middle of the 1960s the Dungeon ironically offered itself up as a sacrifice to the growing population and man’s hungry needs; as Joni Mitchell predicted, “They put up a parking lot.” The subterranean castle became a five-story parking garage.
Enter Joe Gold’s Gym. Talk about solid, bold and mighty.
Q) What was it like training in Gold's back then?
a) Who else was training there with you?
b) Is it true that you were its first member? If so, how did that happen?
I don’t know how it is for you, but changing gyms in the middle of life is like trading your faithful old dog for a new one. No way, no thanks; I like the way he drools.
I sat there on ground level with the bright light of day pouring through the windows and skylights of Joe’s first muscle emporium, surrounded by walls of mirrors and Olympic bars that weren’t bent and dumbbells that weren’t cracked and steel machinery that purred and hummed. I sat, then stood and walked in a circle and sat again. I didn’t know what to do.
The mirrors were immediate enemies. That I couldn’t hide in dark, shadowy corners was uncomfortable, almost miserable. But there’s a clean, working toilet at the top of the stairs -- the relief, you have no idea -- and there’s a huge spotless shower. I lay down and proceeded to knock out reps with a straight, well-knurled and rust-free bar without picking up a splinter in the backside. I can get used to this.
Joe put together a first-class hardcore gym with rugged steel benches of varying dimensions and degrees of incline, oversized pulleys for smoothness, sturdy racks for curling, pressing and squatting and platforms for powerlifting and Olympic lifting. The place was charmed. No crowds, no music, no hustle, no hassle, long hours, and Joe said, “It’s free, Draper.”
I had no money so I agreed.
The year was 1966 and it was the beginning of The Golden Era of Bodybuilding. Frank and Christine Zane and Arnold and Franco and Giuliani and Chet Yorton and big Mike Katz showed up in those months throughout ‘65, ’66, ’67 and ’68. The fever had begun in ’62 with Larry Scott and Don Howorth and Bill McArdle out of Vince Gironda’s gym and coincided with Bill Pearl at his gym in East LA and Chuck Sipes bending spikes in Northern California, Boyer Coe in Louisiana dueling it out with Casey Viator over the new-rage of Nautilus contraptions, Sergio in Chicago spreading his wings like an eagle, Dennis Tinnerino and Chris Dickerson in NYC with more to come from under rocks and out of trees.
And, you know what was weird? They all trained like animals; they all liked each other and they all looked different.
Different bodies with different minds, chemistry, genes and motives groped about with differing results. Some trained harder than others; some cruised, many were good and a few were great. I hooked up with a Mr. California Muscle Beach original, Dick Sweet, who pointed me in the right direction and I haven’t veered more than five degrees since: straight ahead, around the strains and hurts, with intensity, volume, focus and form. Superset and keep your eye on power, use common sense and depend on your intuition, rest only when you’re certain you’re fatigued, and watch out for the devils of procrastination, laziness, carelessness and disorder.
I adopted the precepts as my credo, chiseled them onto my forehead, the blood dried and the scars remain.
Q) So what was your training split like back then (late ‘60s)? The current vogue is less frequency, more rest between workouts. But you guys weren't so concerned with overtraining back then, were you?
a) Arnold has said that you were an intense trainer, which is why he liked you for a partner. What was your experience training with him like?
b) Did you ever partner up with any other big names?
One thing has changed over the years: I’m older. I’ve altered my training a bit here and there to accommodate for recuperation (same intensity, but down from six days a week to four) and injury (groove modifications, exercise substitutions, abbreviated ROM). But the supersets and volume in sets and reps remains high and intense and the same bodypart groupings follow me everywhere: chest, shoulders and back, bis and tris, and legs. I always include squats and deadlifts in my schemes, midsection every day and aerobics in emergency only.
I’m old-fashioned like the wheel. I don’t believe in the training philosophy and techniques distributed today. They match the times and are suitable for the new mentality and are better than nothing. Train hard has become train hardly. One bodypart a day, once a week works okay for the intermediate guy or gal trainee, but not for the beginner. Overtraining has frightened the pants off most under-muscled athletes and they take layoffs in search of growth. The secret patch, lotion, pill, drink, powder or stack for leanness and might is sought like the winning Lotto ticket or the Holy Grail.
It’s the gym; it’s the hard work, the smart eating and the right attitude, stupid. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)
There is no philosophy in today’s bodybuilding community and the deep information comes from researchers and pseudo-researchers, schooled page-turners with pencil necks, the advertising world with dollar signs in their eyes, heavily certified yet lightly muscled personal trainers and knurly guys loading up their system on this and that from the skull-and-crossbones pharmaceutical underground.
I had three training partnerships in the dungeon days, each enduring a year. They were strong, reliable and complementary -- we motivated and learned from each other. You wouldn’t know them; I don’t know where they are today and I miss them. Arnold and I hooked up our training frequently, but not regularly. We would meet at Joe’s in the early evening and collaborate, merge our routines where and when they accented one another and encouraged and motivated each other as we pushed the iron. This became a favorite method of training as there was no obligation or dependency or disappointment. Our strength and motives were corresponding and we blasted it side by side when the time was right, thus assuring super energy and enthusiasm. Arnold trained like a workhorse and I lifted like a crane, nothing fancy, nothing pretty, and not short n’ sweet.
Frank Zane and I met at the original Gold’s Gym as the sun came up during 1970 to guarantee consistent and rigorous midsection and calf training in preparation for the many events to follow in the fall of that year. A solemn team, we were on a mission with compulsion in our blood.
Every evening, as the summer weeks rolled by, a gang of us would convene to gorge ourselves on the iron and steel: Arnold, Franco, Zane, Big Mike Katz, Corney, Waller, Padilla and me. In the fall of that year, Arnold won the Olympia, Zane the Universe in London, Katz the Mr. America in NY, Franco the Universe in NY and me, the World title.
Artie Zeller, the world’s greatest candid physique photographer, caught us in action in a series of almost-alive B&Ws that remind us why we train, should we forget. I’ll bet one or two of his picture stories are displayed in the nearby pages to accompany this article. Thanks, Artie.
Q) What was your knowledge of nutrition back then?
a) How was your diet comprised?
b) Did you use Rheo Blair products? Were they as amazing as many claimed?
Though I wrestled with the iron for years growing up in Jersey, I didn’t really learn anything till I moved to Muscle Beach. It was there in all its unconstrained simplicity that lifting weights and building muscle became clear. The basics in nutrition and exercise were discovered, established and practiced. Why fix what works and ain’t broke, it was agreed: Train hard, eat right and grow.
The diet information I acquired in the early ‘60s, the basic bodybuilder’s diet being restored today for all of mankind, came from the struggling Muscle Beach and Screen Actor’s Guild members who didn’t work much beyond studio calls and made every penny count: high protein, low carbs and medium fat -- meat, milk, eggs, fruit and salad, and don’t forget your vitamin and mineral supplements and some protein powder. They knew this menu built muscle and provided energy and kept the bodyfat low. Why? ‘Cuz, that’s why. Ask anyone. Try it. Today, 40 to 50 years later, there are stacks of books that have made the subject of nutrition no clearer or more appealing -- just lots of research, study, facts, data and confusion. What are we, nuts?
One fine spring afternoon I hopped on the 405 freeway and sped merrily to Long Beach to visit with Rheo H Blair, my new friend through my good friend Larry Scott. The vehicle was my hopped-up jewel-blue dune-buggy and the passenger was my hopped-up in spirit, muscle and might 21-year-old Austrian companion in a torn T-shirt, now the governor. Zoom Zoom.
Rheo, a self-made nutritionist whose specialty was building lean mass, considered it a life-or-death matter to meet Arnold and offer him a basket of his popular food supplements as a welcome-to-America gift. How could I refuse?
“Thanks, Rheo,” in broken English, “You are American champion. We must go.”
The fiberglass dune buggy was topless and reminded me of a freeway surfboard. It skidded about as I weaved my way home through traffic at what seemed like incredibly high speeds; nothing was in focus but the setting sun.
Arnold sat in the back seat, which was raised like a throne to accommodate the screaming engine below, clutching a chrome roll bar for support. More than once he stood up and roared at the cars to the left and the right with a clenched hand raised high punching the air, his hair straight out, eyes squinted and tearing and a grin as big as his biceps pumping up his face -- a warrior commanding his chariot.
A generous supply of Blair’s protein, choline and inositol sat on the floor beside us, our booty, the secret stuff of muscles in a box. Thank God life is made up of moments such as these. Let someone else govern California, the lad’s busy. We made it home unscathed in time for squats.
Q) You were known for having a great back before having a great back was required. Did you put extra emphasis on back? There was a heroic aspect to physiques back in the ‘60s and ‘70s that included a huge upper body tapering down to a slim waist and muscular but streamlined legs. Was this part of the plan?
The field was less crowded in those days and each guy stood out (it was mostly guys in the gym back then). The iron was applied vigorously, the protein consumed generously and the muscle grew according to an internal blueprint. Katz had the ribcage and chest, Zane the perfect symmetry, Arnold stood tall with magnificent arms, Franco had awesome rock-hard power and muscularity, Sergio contrasted a wasp-waist and with incredible thickness, Tinnerino was a large chiseled stone, Pearl displayed mass and might with perfection, Rick Wayne was flowing hot lava, Howorth brought on the shoulders, Scott was a pile of rocks and I, some say, had a back. Heavy bent-over barbell rows, dumbbell rows, wide-grip chins and pulldowns, seated lat rows, pullovers and deadlifts will do that to a guy if he keeps it up. Back power and vitality serves a lot of good purposes for a long time, I always thought, and pulling is just plain fun.
My first training partner -- a slick Mr. California in ’64 -- and I looked at Reeves and said, “He da man.” Taper was sought by most early bodybuilders and legs were trained enough to serve as platforms for the lean V-shaped upper body -- the sweet look. The “sweet look” has left the building.
Q) What are your thoughts on the development and balance of today's physiques?
b) If you had a say, what would be a change you would like to see in today's version of the sport?
I’m awestruck, but not jealous. I’m largely impressed, slightly intimidated and sufficiently understanding. The grand size and bursting muscularity has exceeded the bounds of the eye and human comprehension. Thus, I suggest pro bodybuilding has become an extreme sport, like spiraling off cliffs on snowboards, dirt bikes or skateboards: daring, not forgettable, but not inspiring either. Who among the crowd can identify with or strive for the proportions of the creatures on the stage or magazine covers before them? Like the Terminator, Isis and Batman, they are heroes, but how does a young man or woman live with them in their hearts?
The XXX-extreme culture will live on, as long as it draws the crowd and provides the buck. The rest of us will look on, shake our heads and curl our clunky dumbbells, hoping for some muscles from our blood, sweat and tears. There’s real gold in that body of yours, not the fool’s gold we see glittering in the mountains.
Q) What is your training like today?
Like yesterday’s, only I love it more. Briefly, the same fundamental techniques (supersets mixed with power and singles, five sets of this or that x12, 10, 8, 6, 4 reps, max intensity based on risk and abuse factors, modifications in groove to accommodate limitations from 60 pushy years on a rocky planet).
And oddly, or not so oddly, the same motivations: be strong, have big muscles and good shape and lift the iron repeatedly. Smart as ever, never learn.
12. If you could go back in time and tell yourself dos and don'ts based on your bodybuilding perspective today, what might they be?
Honestly, I’d do it the same, mistakes, injuries and the wasting of time. Muscle building, is specifically but not solely about building muscle. It’s about building your life and character and person… your body, mind and soul.
You want to learn? Pay attention to your mistakes, be willing to make them and don’t punish yourself or feel guilty because of them.
Are you seeking growth? Waste some time.
Need a crash course in character building? Embrace the injury and listen to the pain. Impatient? Persevere! Bored? Persist!
Doubtful and lack confidence? Be strong and courageous; it’s there and a whole lot more to come. Lost direction, in the gym, at home, on the job, in relationships -- go back to the gym, now. Things get worse if you don’t and better when you do.
It would be a cool world if everyone trained hard and ate less sugar.
Above all, go with God.
The End
Or is it just the beginning?
The Bomber
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Great stuff as always Funk....gonna` definitely take out some time of my otherwise busy day on here to read some of it.
Thanks
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American War Hero & Coal Miner Charles Dennis Buchinsky:
In 1943, Buchinsky left his job at the mine and decided to serve in the United States Army, responding to his America’s call to arms with World War II already in full swing.
Originally known as Charles Dennis Buchinsky, Charles Bronson was born on November 3, 1921, into a Roman Catholic family with Lithuanian ancestry. He was born in Ehrenfeld, Pennsylvania, within the coal region of the Allegheny Mountains, an area that stands to the north of Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Bronson was one of 15 children in a very poor family. In some stories that have been told about him, it was said that his family was so impoverished that one day he went to school wearing one of his sister’s dresses because he had no clothes of his own that were fit to be worn.
As a teenager, Bronson learned the English language, having already been introduced to Lithuanian and Russian. He made family history as the first person from his family to graduate from high school.
Bronson’s father died when Bronson was ten years old. During the following years, he had to labor in the coal mines to keep himself and his family afloat. At first, he worked in the mining office before he transferred into the mine.
Bronson was paid a dollar for every ton of coal he successfully mined, which was very little, even at the time. However, he worked at the mines for eight years.
In 1943, Bronson left his job at the mine and decided to serve in the United States Army, responding to his America’s call to arms with World War II already in full swing. He was 21 at the time, and the army would mark the beginning of new things for Bronson.
Some sources insisted that Bronson never flew as a bomber gunner in WWII but rather drove a delivery truck for the 760th Mess Squadron in Kingman Arizona. However, his colleagues and people with information came out to defend him saying that he flew as a nose gunner and not a driver in the squadron, leading to apologies from US newspapers.
The late war veteran was a private man who rarely spoke about his war experiences. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Forces and first served in the 760th Flexible Gunnery Training Squadron.
It was in 1945, when Bronson served as a Superfortress aerial gunner with the 61st Bombardment Squadron in Guam, that he was involved in combat missions against Japan. The 61st Bombardment Squadron was within the 39th Bombardment Group, and while serving with this unit, Bronson flew 25 missions, many of them fraught with danger.
On one of those missions, he was involved in combat and sustained injuries to his arms. The aftermath of this engagement altered the course of his life. He earned a Purple Heart for the injuries he sustained in service, and eventually retired from the Armed Forces.
Bronson was not what you might consider a star of WWII. He was just a soldier doing his duty, a duty into which he may have been pushed by the lack of many other options in his life.
But he did the best he could, and the Purple Heart he received attested to the fact that he put his country before himself in his three years of service.
After the war, Bronson decided to make the most of the opportunity he got from the United States Army. Using the funding he got from the GI Bill, he studied art and decided to move into acting.
Bronson’s first movie roles were uncredited ones. One such movie in 1951 was You’re in the Navy Now, directed by Henry Hathaway, in which Bronson played a sailor.
The name “Charles Bronson” would have not come into being if not for Senator Joseph McCarthy and the Second Red Scare of the 1950s.
The Red Scare followed on from the end of WWII. There were increased fears of espionage activities from communist nations, particularly the Soviet Union.
The situation was aggravated with several known people in the US government confessing to being spies for the Soviet Union. To save his career from getting caught in the crossfire, Charles Buchinsky changed his name to Charles Bronson.
Bronson would go on to become one of the highest paid actors in the industry in an inspiring “from rags to riches” style. Despite his war injuries and the trauma he dealt with, he still went on to pursue his dreams.
Bronson died when he was 81 years old in 2003 after undergoing hip surgery five years beforehand. The causes of his death were cited as respiratory failure and metastatic lung cancer. He was buried at Brownsville Cemetery, in Vermont.
Although the tough man actor Charles Bronson is deeply missed by his many fans, the real story of Charles Dennis Buchinsky will always be an inspiration to those lucky enough to hear it.
The Giant Killer book & page honors these incredible war heroes making sure their stories of valor and sacrifice are never forgotten. The book which features the incredible life of the smallest soldier, Green Beret Captain Richard Flaherty (101st Airborne & 3rd SF Group 46th Co.) and several of the other heroes featured on this page is available on Walmart & Amazon. God Bless our Vets!
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Great stuff as always Funk....gonna` definitely take out some time of my otherwise busy day on here to read some of it.
Thanks
;D
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The Legend Of Chuck Ahrens: Fact Of Fiction?
Joe Roark
May 21, 2020 • 16 min read
Discover the history of quite possibly the strongest man in the world. Journey through a chronological history of the legend, Chuck Ahrens.
Probably no one in the modern world of strength is more mysterious and perplexing to place properly in terms of relative achievement than is Chuck Ahrens. He on no occasion competed in any official contest of strength, nor in any official display of physique. Indeed he most always wore long sleeved shirts even when on the beach in California's sunshine. Most photos show him from behind, and I have seen- and know of- only a single photo that displays his bare arm in anything resembling a flexed pose.
Further, I am unaware of any photos of him performing the one arm lifts for which he is famous. There is, in short, little documentation to present except in the form of witnesses, who unfortunately do not voice a uniform report. Even some who describe the extant photos misreport what the photo clearly presents; to wit, the photo where a 75 pound young girl is being supported on Chuck's outstretched arm, has been described as the girl standing on his WRIST, when clearly she is standing astride his elbow joint, and for those who do not understand the importance of those few inches is where such descriptions particularly stumble.
In addition, Chuck worked none at all on leg development, but that little detail did not prevent one writer assuming Chuck could squat with 800 plus pounds. He also neglected his back during workouts, so that really all he worked was arms and shoulders, and depending on the reliability of reports, perhaps some chest. Perhaps. This lack of leg and back strength may explain why, during his heavy overhead one hand lifts he sometimes held on to a pole or upright bracing.
The very lack of leg and back exercise makes one wonder how those body parts could even stabilize some of the lifts credited overhead.
Below, not exhaustively, but representatively, I have presented some quotes in chronological order over the course of his gym lifting career. I have refrained from intertwining commentary with the quotes except where confusion would have resulted. A summary of lifts may be presented later, and I leave to the reader the decision on merit of those claims.
Some of the claims ascribed to Ahrens border on the fantastic - beyond what would be or could be expected from others in his era. I give more weight to Wilhelm and Merjanian and others who actually witnessed some feats and who are themselves very strong and can therefore interpret what was involved - indeed they used some of the same bars and plates as did Ahrens, so substitution seems unlikely.
But please keep in mind these guidelines as you read what follows:
Who is reporting and is the reporting firsthand, or rumor.
How do the claims compare to other known strength feats from ANY time period? (For example some doubt Arthur Saxon's 370 pound bent press, but accept Ahren's three reps one arm push press with 375 pounds?)
Later, were any retractions necessary because of incorrect reporting?
Notice the discrepancies of height, arm size, etc. some of which could be evolving progress- except for height, or could have been simple guesswork!
The History Of Chuck Ahrens
MUSCLE POWER (May 1955, p 64) - Age 20, 6', 230 lbs chest 51", arm 19".
MUSCLE POWER (Oct 1956, p 63) - Now at 245 lbs bodyweight, age 22, claims he has never been defeated at arm wrestling, and now that Mac Batchelor has retired, he is claiming to be world champ.
Peary Rader in LIFTING NEWS (May 1957, p 8) - "Another real sensation we met out at Muscle Beach the other day was Chuck Ahrens, a 6', 280 lb. giant who has specialized on upper body work until he must have about the strongest arms in the world. With a 57 inch chest and 21 inch arms he has performed a dumbell press with two 170 lb. dumbbells simultaneously and hopes soon to do this with two 200 lb. dumbbells. He does reps in the triceps extension on bench with 355 and swing curls with two 165 lb. dumbbells. He promises to go into Olympic liftingwhen he can press the two 200 lb. dumbbells. He has done very little leg work and will need a lot of this to be a great Olympic lifter. When and if he does start leg work his bodyweight will probably go up to well over 300 lbs. but what a big fellow he will be then. He has the broadest and heaviest shoulders we have ever seen on any man."
Peary Rader in IRON MAN (Jul 1957, p 22) - Photo of Chuck facing camera, caption: "Here is Chuck Ahrens. Iron Man is proud of the fact that they have introduced to the public for the first time such men as Doug Hepburn, then Paul Anderson, and now Chuck Ahrens, among many other great firsts. Chuck has the broadest shoulders of any man we have ever seen. He is simply unbelievable. When he was standing next to Anderson someone remarked that he was the only man to ever make Anderson look small. Chuck weighs 280 at 6 ft. tall, and has a 57" chest and 21" arms. He does a two dumbbells press together with 162 in each hand for 4 reps!
He has pressed two 170 pound dumbbells simultaneously for one rep. He does the dumbell curl 3 reps with a pair of 165 pound dumbbells with a little swing to start them. He has made 3 reps in the triceps press on bench with 355 pounds!! No other man in history has ever performed so much in these lifts. We saw him almost succeed with a one arm press with 210 approximately, which would have been close to military, though he did hold to a post with his free hand. His favorite exercises are curls, and presses with dumbbells and the triceps press on bench with barbell. He specializes on these with heavy weights and rather low reps. He has done almost no leg and back work. He says he will work on the three Olympic Lifts when he can do a press simultaneously with two 200 pound dumbbells, and we believe he will succeed with this soon. We will keep you posted on further progress of activity of this new, fabulous strong man." [So, in 1957 Rader witnessed him almost succeed (that is he witnessed a failure) with 210 lbs]
IRON MAN (Sep 1957, p 28) - Photo of Ahrens performing a triceps press: Chuck Ahrens of growing fame is shown as he drives in 345 in this method. He started this from the bench behind his head and as I recall he did this two reps rather easily and has done considerably more in training. This photo was taken at Muscle Beach by Tom Humphrey, himself a man of considerable lifting ability. We have received a lot of requests for more information on Ahrens and will provide it as often as we get it."- Rader
Peary Rader in LIFTING NEWS (Sep 1957, p 5) - About Ralph Bass: "Ralph recently made a set of calipers to measure certain bodily proportions with and found that the shoulders of Chuck Ahrens had an unbelievable span of 26-5/8". Most of the other musclemen at the beach range from 20 to 21 inches. He [Ahrens] is doing some unbelievable training such as one arm curls with 165, forward raises with 150 while holding an upright with the other hand. He is doing one arm dumbell presses for reps with 280 (hard to believe isn't it?).
He will soon be ready for his simultaneous press with two 200 lb. dumbbells and then will take on dead lifts and squats to build up for Olympic lifts." [Yes, it is hard to believe that though he failed to get 210 earlier in the year, he now is getting 280 for reps]
IRON MAN (Nov 1957, p 38) - Photo: "Here is big Chuck Ahrens doing some warm up dumbell presses at Muscle Beach recently with some very light 115 lb. dumbbells. He pressed these like they weighed nothing, for he uses 165 for reps after a good warm up and soon expects to be doing it with two 200 lb dumbbells. Photo by [Tom] Humphrey."
Then page 39: Rader: "A lot of interest has been created by the advent of Chuck Ahrens, and one of his friends sends us some amusing information about the fabulous fellow. He tells us that his arm is the hugest he has ever seen, as well as the hardest, and it is as dense as most fellows forearms. Chuck is fond of jokes likes to drive his car with his arm resting on the sill of the right front window, making it appear no one is driving the car. One day while doing this he misjudged and ran into a little old lady. Of course the little old lady was in a car so there was little damage, but
Chuck got a good going over from the little old lady, which was probably well deserved. He likes to eat six large steaks per day to maintain his bulk and size (that is one way to get your protein, fellows, if you can afford it). He plans to reach 330 lbs. bodyweight and wanted to remain out of the limelight until he reached that poundage but you can't hide those huge shoulders. He does an overhead triceps press with a 305 barbell and throws it up like nothing.
Our friend guesses that Chuck could do a snatch with 330 right now and without splitting. He does very little leg work but should he ever decide to get serious on leg work he should make records in the superheavy class. We will try to keep readers informed about Chuck and his progress but he is very much against publicity."
MUSCLE POWER (Nov 1957, p 45) - Liederman finally 'secured a photo of him' 6' tall, 270 lbs, age 22, arm 21.5". "He can do standing presses for four reps with a pair of 160 lb. bells, do seated cheating curls with the same 160 pounders, and also one arm rowing exercise with 350 pounds! He owns 21 inch arms too." [note: apparently during that paragraph, Ahrens lost a half inch in arm size.]
Peary Rader in LIFTING NEWS (Dec 1957, p 2) - "Chuck Ahrens is still in heavy training and heavy as ever. He is no longer with Les Stockton (Les now has his gym operating on a key basis- members having keys). Chuck is training at the 'Cave', Tanny's 4th and Broadway gym in Santa Monica. So the roof may come in any day when he drops those monster dumbbells."
Peary Rader in LIFTING NEWS (Jan 1958, p 3) - Includes a photo of Ahrens: "Chuck Ahrens is still training hard and getting stronger and is now doing alternate curls with 160 lb. dumbbells if fairly strict style. He says he will start squatting soon in preparation for the Olympic Lifting. However,
Chuck is not too interested in the Olympic lifts so it is not certain how well he will do, for it takes a lot of hard work and a driving interest to make an Olympic champion. With his immense power he ought to find it fairly easy to approach the world records with a short training period on lifting technique. He is now weighing around 300 pounds."
Then three paragraphs later: "Ernest Anderson just writes that Chuck Ahrens did NOT lift the two 200 pound dumbbells in the dumbell press but that Chuck says he could do it in two weeks training. Wish our reporters would get these things straight. Anyhow we will await the moment when he does this outstanding feat. Wonder if Paul Anderson couldn't do this stunt rather easily?"
LIFTING NEWS (Feb 1958, p 5) - Photo of Ahrens at 290 lbs and Paul Anderson at 355, with Chuck looking much more impressive than Paul.
STRENGTH & HEALTH (Feb 1958, p 54) - Ray Van Cleef: "Ralph [Bass] measured the immense shoulder width of Chuck Ahrens with a special pair of calipers. Found the bi-deltoid measurement to be 26-5/8" (?). This means that this Titan will be needing oversized doors to walk through. Chuck's unequaled dumbell exercise lifts are well known in iron game circles. His present aim is to work up to where he can press a pair of 200 lb. dumbbells overhead standing."
IRON MAN (Mar 1958, p 34) - Rader: "We have just recently received news that big Chuck Ahrens is now doing his two dumbbells simultaneous press with two 200 lb. dumbbells. In other words, he is doing a dumbbells press with 400 lbs. He also does a 300 lb. press with one arm for three reps. This press is mostly a one arm cont. press as he is not an accomplished bent presser. He is now weighing around 300 pounds."
MUSCLE BUILDER (Mar 1958, p 68) - A 270 pound "one arm overhead erect press."
MUSCLE BUILDER (Dec 1958, p 46) - Is down to 270 pounds bodyweight, hopes to gain to 350 pounds to make some world records
IRON MAN (Jan 1959, p 35) - Photo of Ahrens and Paul Anderson - Rader: "HE DID IT! Remember when we reported that Chuck Ahrens, the California giant, was pressing two dumbbells simultaneously and that he expected to do the same with 200 lb. dumbbells? Well, many thought this was humanly impossible, and probably gave it no more thought.
The other day we received the following letter from a friend of Chuck's. 'I am a close friends (sic) of Chuck Ahrens. In the gym last week, during a workout, I saw him press a PAIR of 204 POUND DUMBELLS TOGETHER'. He said this was the first time in the past 3 months that he had done any pressing together but that he has been doing one arm presses with 310 for 3 reps. His body - photo at right we show three of the strongest men in the world, Paul Anderson and Chuck Ahrens with backs to us and Dave Ashman facing us. Note the very broad back of Ahrens in plaid shirt). [note: the text is typed as presented, though confusing] We have been unable to get a physique shot of Chuck, and as far as I know, he has never had such a photo taken and refuses to take off his shirt.
We will keep you posted on future lifts of this great giant. I think he has the broadest shoulders in the world. It occurs to us that if Ashman had the upper body power of Ahrens and Ahrens had the lower body power of Anderson, what a pair of world beaters they would be."
IRON MAN (March 1959, p 45) - Liederman: "Chuck Ahrens the massive powerhouse of California is now down to a mere 280 lbs. and tells me that he is to very soon get right back into hard training again. He wants to surpass his marks of 315 lbs. in a one arm press for three reps, and curl 180 lbs. twice with right arm and once with left. Not bad, eh?"
MUSCLE BUILDER (Jun 1959, p 36) - 225 pounds triceps curls; 135 pound extended arm, then curled it, witnessed by Charles Coster.
MUSCLE BUILDER (Jul 1959, p 58) - At age 25 now and 290 pounds, three reps dumbell press with 315 pounds. Delt width is claimed as 28", chest 60", and he cleaned and pressed a pair of 205 pound dumbbells.
IRON MAN (Jul 1959, p 51) - Bob Hise: "P.S. I bet the cops had a hard time riding (sic) Chuck Ahrens up. Seems as though he had loaned his car to a friend who received a ticket for traffic violation but failed to let Chuck in on the secret. Bruce Conners came to Chuck's rescue and Chuck is once again lifting everything in sight at the Physical Services Gym."
MUSCLE BUILDER (Oct 1959, p 17) - Photo of his back p 47: Seated dumbell curl with 180 pounds, slight cheat, bodyweight 300 pounds.
IRON MAN (Jun 1960, p 31) - Bob Hise "Have heard that Chuck Ahrens can do an almost military one arm press with 300."
STRENGTH & HEALTH (Aug 1960, p 26) - Photo with Bert Elliott, caption: "Massive Chuck Ahrens, the California giant who never shows his muscles, and Bert Elliott, the former national weightlifting champion who is pound for pound one of the greatest bent pressers in the world. The 201-pound solid dumbell at their feet is Bert's pet training bell. They say Ahrens can handle it as easily as an ordinary strongman tosses around a 100 pounder. Wouldn't Dave Ashman's legs under this guy's upper body make some man?"
IRON MAN (Mar 1961, p 56) - George Redpath: "A note on the fabulous Chuck Ahrens tells us that the writer has recently seen Chuck curl 200 lbs. WITH ONE ARM. He does a one arm push press with 350. We hope someone on the west coast will keep us posted on what Chuck is doing."
IRON MAN (May 1961, p 35) - Rader: "Much has been written about Chuck Ahrens and I am sure that many of you Iron Man readers find what you see printed hard to believe. I have seen Ahrens and assure you that he is a very strong man. I think the greatest biceps feats ever performed by man are: right hand curl 185, left hand curl 175, and get this- a forward leaning semi concentration curl with a barbell loaded to 150 pounds. Needless to say, all these feats have been executed by MR. CHARLEY AHRENS and before bona fide witnesses."
STRENGTH & HEALTH (Jun 1961, p 62) - Staff: "Comes now a fresh news item from a California reader who has enigmatic CHUCK AHRENS up to 300 pounds bodyweight and pressing a pair of 270-pound dumbbells ten reps! Same source says AHRENS can press 340 pounds with one hand, Why oh why doesn't this guy get an A.A.U. card and win another world record for Uncle Sam by exerting some of his power in public?"
STRENGTH & HEALTH (Aug 1961, p 9) - A letter to the editor from Steve B. Safran of Englewood, New Jersey: "Dear Sirs: Just finished reading your always interesting and informative 'Iron Grapevine' column in the June edition of Strength & Health. I can literally say that I was stunned by the 'facts' you revealed about a California bodybuilder called Chuck Ahrens. If the prodigious feats of pressing 340 pounds with one hand and handling a pair of 270-pound dumbbells for two reps in the press are true, it would qualify him as by far the strongest man in the world.
I'm sure S&H readers would like to know more about Chuck Ahrens and why he doesn't compete in A.A.U. weightlifting contests. It seems to me that he's a sure bet to qualify for the U.O. Olympic team. I hope we can see some photos of this superman in action!" editor's reply: "The muscle world at large probably never will know exactly how strong Chuck Ahrens is inasmuch as he apparently has no desire to perform in public. What's more, he's reluctant to have his photograph taken, absolutely refusing to pose at all unless full (sic) clothed, including a long sleeved shirt. Ed."
IRON MAN (Jan 1962, p 10) - Bob Hise: Hise mentions in an article about Bruce Conner's Physical Services Gym, 10830 Santa Monica Blvd in west Los Angeles, California, that Ahrens trains there.
Peary Rader wrote in LIFTING NEWS (Oct 1964, p 25) - "We continually receive requests for information about Chuck Ahrens, but unfortunately this is hard to come by for it seems he will not perform lifts on request but only as the whim strikes him and not at any authorized contest or event. An unbelievable report comes second hand from Dave Sheppard that he saw Ahrens clean and press two dumbbells of 550 lbs.(sic) He cleans these from a dead hang, we understand, and probably boosts them up with hip swing. This lift is too fabulous to believe. We wish several fellows could vouch for some of his lifts, weighing them and giving an accurate and factual account of what he does.
It is also said that he never practices sissy lifts like the bench press, but recently bench pressed 400 lbs for 28 reps (he calls them sissy, not me!). We also hear he presses two 185 lb. dumbbells while seated. Now will someone please get together and give us the story on this myth of California. I personally have seen him do some unbelievable lifts some years ago but nothing like this. 550 lbs. is too far above what any other man can press with barbells to make it believable. In fact it is too far above anyone else's jerk. There is your bedtime story for this month."
Now the correction from LIFTING NEWS (Mar 1965, p 8) - Rader: "For those power lifters who have been following our reports of various men around the country, we now hear that the report attributed to Dave Sheppard about Chuck Ahrens' fabulous feats may have been in error. Latest report is that Ahrens hasn't done any bench presses since his high school days and certainly never cleaned and pressed two 250 lb dumbbells.
He is doing dumbell bench presses with 225 on an incline bench that is very steep-almost 90 degrees. He is now weighing 330 and his arm measures 22-3/8. Unfortunately, accurate information on Chuck seems very difficult to come by. He has been seen to do a triceps press with 400 in 1956. We don't know what he has done since then."
MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT (Dec 1966, p 32) - Photo: "The fabulous 350-pound Chuck Ahrens who is reputed to have 24-inch biceps." Then on page 55 "CHUCK AHRENS was mentioned in our November issue as weighing 350 pounds and having a 66-inch chest and 24-inch biceps. We also said there had never been a physique photo of him published but at least we got one with his sleeve rolled up. Our old friend Terry Robinson sent it and it was taken by Chuck Connors at whose gym Ahrens trains." [note- Bruce Conners?] [same photo appears in Feb 1989 p 27 of MD]
IRON MAN (May 1969, p 47) - Rader: Just a mention that 'big Chuck Ahrens is down to 275' in bodyweight.
In PLUSA (Mar 1983, p 74), to begin his series The Pioneers of Power, Pete Vuono selected Chuck Ahrens, and the following info is culled from the one page article: 6', 330 pounds, chest 58", arms 22-3/8", bi-delt width 28". Strict one arm press for three reps with 310 pounds. Standing, with 235 lbs. in each hand, he pressed five reps. Incline board at 90 degrees, 5 reps with 225 in each hand. Lying triceps extension, down to behind the head then back up, in 1956 got a rep with 400 lbs. Standing behind neck press 390. Bench press 28 reps with 400 lbs.
MILO (Apr 1994, p 30) - By Bruce Wilhelm, claims: Herb Glossbrenner, described by Wilhelm as 'a somewhat enthusiastic author', 'has listed him [Ahrens] in the 800-plus squat category, and 600-plus bench category'. Imagine that, no one else, that I have been able to find writing about Ahrens, ascribes any degree or amount of weight to Ahrens in the squat- everyone else who mentions his legs bemoans the fact that he did not work his legs very hard, if AT ALL. So not training legs is the key to an 800 plus pound squat. Mark me down for it too, then.
Then Wilhelm spoke to Paul Magistretti who offered the following info:
Ahrens was 6'1-1/2" tall, optimum weight was 320 lbs, weight in 1994 was 200-210 lbs. Paul claims to have witnessed Ahrens, in good style, 'do a forward one armed lateral with a 200-pound dumbbell'. Other feats: 375 lying triceps extension for two reps from the forehead. Standing triceps press 305 for two reps- all these without warm-ups. Paul says sometimes Chuck would stop training for a while and his weight would drop considerably.
Pat Casey, at age 19, trained with Ahrens and saw Chuck sit on the end of a bench, and do alternate curls with a 200 lb. dumbbell in each hand. One arm press 320.
Randy Strossen offers that Paul Anderson told of seeing Ahrens do a one arm press with 300.
MILO (Apr 1995, p 20) - Steve Merjanian measured Ahrens arms at 23-1/2". Loaded a bent 1" diameter bar with plates, best effort for three reps was 375 lbs. "Charlie could take 150-pound dumbbells and hold them in a crucifix." Steve was born Jul 29, 1935 and says Ahrens was a year older than he, so born 1934? Once benched 405 for 20. Did no leg work. Says Chuck hurt his shoulder in 1960, and Steve doubts that Ahrens reached his potential.
IRON GAME HISTORY (May 1998, p 20) - By Steve Neece.
Steve tells of witnessing Ahrens curling an Olympic bar with a 35 lb plate on each side, no collars. (115 lbs): "He bent down and lifted it clear of the floor with one hand so it was hanging from his hand with his arm fully extended downward. He was bent over with his free hand braced on his knee. No part of the arm holding the weight touched any part of his body. He then curled the weight up to his chin without any body movement.He may have been the strongest curler in the history of the sport."
There you have a summary, without a conclusion. More on him later.
For the best discussion on the net for Iron History visit the IronHistory forums at http://www.ironhistory.com. Joe also writes a weekly IronHistory column on cyberpump.com.
Bill Piche,
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BADDEST MOTHERFUCKERS EVER- ERIC PEDERSEN, THE MOB LEG BREAKER WHO “INVENTED” THE BODYPART SPLIT, PART 1: THE TLDR AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF HIS INSANE LIFE
PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 8, 2020BY JAMIE CHAOS
8 year old Mr California Eric Pederson, flexing for the cops and press while under arrest for car theft.
One of the questions I’ve never thought to ask in my pursuit of training knowledge was “who invented the bodypart workout?” as I natually assumed that to be as genuinely unknowable as the first time a human created fire for cooking. It’s as unknowable as the logic that supports being pro-life at the same time as pro-death penalty and anti-mask, or what sort of universe a white hole would deposit the USS Enterprise into, and as such I never gave it a single thought. That said, I would hardly say that I wasn’t curious, as there seemed to be no real watershed moment in bodybuilding that hearkened the change, but I just figured the progenitor of that iconic workout was forever lost to history.
You might imagine my surprise, then, when I randomly saw a pic of an adonis named Eric Pedersen so Germanically beautiful I’m sure his existence caused some messy underpants in Nazis the world over and discovered multiple claims that his workout was the first bodypart workout ever published in a magazine. And yet, I’ve never heard his name and I almost guarantee you haven’t either, because this strapping young blond Hercules once had a pimple on his ass. That, and he was far too interesting to find himself mired in the banality of conformity or to wrap himself in the American flag like it was a blanket that dispensed money and handjobs, so after his pimple sent him packing, Eric Pedersen went on about living the life basically every single high school bro with a love for the iron.
Meet Eric Pedersen, the ultimate bro.
This is the Chevrolet Fleetline, the most popular car in America in 1947. It takes twice as long as a Toyota Yaris to get from zero to sixty (over a third of a minute) and had a top speed of 30mph less than the Yaris. That said, there was only one paved highway in the US, so it’s not like you were going anywhere fast anyway. Plus, when you got where you were going, about the only recreations available were wife beating, hunting for communists (that was the year the proto-Red Hatted creationists began the Red Scare, and it was only months until those pussies ruined comics as well), random racism (that was the first year the kind whites of the South allowed the negroes they so graciously freed to play baseball among whites starting in 1947! The liberal agenda had TAKEN OVER AMERICA!), or America’s old standard, drunkenness.
The United States of 1947 was a considerably different place than it is today. The fastest car on the road would get outrun by your grandma’s Prius, as it topped out at 110 miles an hour and had a zero to sixty of eleven of the longest seconds of anyone’s life (at least if you were trying to merge onto a highway with actual cars on it, rather than livestock and horses or whatever the hell has the gall to move that slowly. The hottest broad in the country was Mae West, a combination of Nikki Glaser, Lady Gaga, and Pink, who travelled the country with her Revue in the company of a stable of bodybuilder “bodyguards” who protected her from the right wing psychopaths who threatened her every action with bullets and hellfire. Well, at least the part with the gaggle of illiterates with extra floppy cocks trying to tell useful people how to live their lives is relatable, but the rest of America was indistinguishable from a developing European nation like Moldova- crime was out of control, people claimed that they were noble but were mostly amphetamine-addicted shitbags with brain damage and mental illness from the lead in their gasoline, air, and paint. It was not, as idiots like to assert, when “America was great” or any such anti-historical, rosy-glasses nonsense.
Mae West was also where Rodney Dangerfield obviously drew most or all of his inspiration, because every line he delivered in Caddyshack sounded suspiciously like lines I’ve seen West deliver in documentaries, just as a short, sexy, platinum blonde thick chick in 10″ platform heels rather than what I’d imagine Joe Biden is like when he’s coked up. Not only that, the chick balled out harder than Puffy- she was the highest paid person at Paramount Pictures and the second highest paid person in the United States (to publishing magnate William Hearst) in 1935; went to jail for ten days for obscenity (which gave her Martha Stewart-esque street cred) and was such a beloved star the warden and his wife took her out to dinner nightly; and was the first seriously badass broad/ sexpot in modern pop culture in spite of the fact she really wasn’t all that hot from a purely physical perspective and she could have easily fit into an airplane’s overhead compartment.
And because rustling the jimmies of social conservatives has always been the favorite pastime of the awesome, Mae West was a big LGTB rights activist before there was even such a thing, and she dated the world colored middleweight title holder “Gorilla” Jones, in what is the most oddly progressive thing that could be said in an otherwise racist-looking sentence. And when her apartment building refused to let him enter because it was a “white only” building, she bought the building and changed the rule, because she was a boss like that.
As for America, we’d dropped two nukes on Japan two years earlier and ended the “war to end all wars,” but the world was still a pretty messy place. Europe and much of Eastern Europe were in ruins, but life in the US was humming right along. It was that year that a blond-haired 19 year old named Charles Putnam who’d just won the Mr. California title got it into his head to win the prestigeous AAU Mr. America. The sole problem? The event was in Chicago, Pedersen lived in LA, and he had no car to travel the sole highway that would get him here- historic route 66, the first ever paved highway in the United States, had only existed as a means for America’s impoverished to reach the shores of California within the last decade. So, that teenager did was any other red-blooded American would do- he stole a car so slow it’s almost certain you could outrun it so he could take the only highway in America to Chicago.
8 year old Mr California Eric Pederson, flexing for the cops and press while under arrest for car theft.
Upon being arrested, Pedersen did what any of us would do- he popped his shit off and immediately started posing for the photographer working at the station.
As the picture indicates, Pedersen and his buddy didn’t make it out of LA in their stolen car, but Pedersen did make it to the Mr. America stage in time to win the Most Muscular, making him the youngest bodybuilder to ever win a major title at that time (the winner of the most muscular was the best bodybuilder- the winner of the overall was essentially the winner of a beauty pageant of which bodybuilding was a part). Pedersen lost the overall in that contest by a half point to Steve Reeves, who went on to become Hercules in the movies, due to a single zit on his leg (Fair 207), but he was crowned the most muscular man in America (and likely the person with the most serious criminal record to ever cross the Mr America stage). While Reeves wowed crowds onscreen with his flexing and wooden acting, Eric Pedersen went on to become a prolific professional wrestlers and then a collector for the mob in Las Vegas, all before succumbing to throat cancer (which was slaughtering people in that era because of the horrific air pollution when they were growing up- Sammy Davis Jr died of it that year, my dad nearly died the previous year of it, and bombshell Lana Turner, Beatle George Harrison, and a few other famous people all croaked of the same shit within a decade of each other).
Holy shit, what a Hercules that man would have been.
You might think that none of this historical shit matters, but when you consider how hard it is to build a 19″ lean arm with all of the steroids, supplements, convenience, gyms, medical care, and amazing food choices we have, imagine how goddamn hard it was to do when a simple trip to get groceries meant in 1947:
In a best case scenario, you were taking a car so slow it’s hard to conceive of its lack of forward progress, inhaling the horrendously noxious, lead-bearing CO2 it belched from every orifice, banging your spine to pieces over mostly dirt roads to three separate non-airconditioned stores (butcher, green grocer, and wherever you’d buy your dry goods) before returning to your dingy, un-air-conditioned abode to get drunk and beat your kids while listening to the radio, because there were only twenty television stations in the entire United States.
We’re not just talking about someone who built a bunch of muscle using less than a tenth of the untold bounty of financial, transportation, food, supplement, and drug choices you have at your disposal, but a man who did so to the point that at nineteen he was the single most muscular person on the planet, and as such he is a man to whom you should pay attention.
This pic really shows off Reeves’ tiny little baby waist, as that 150lber seems to be leaner, but with the same size waist.
Bear in mind that at this point, there was no Mr. Universe (it wasn’t created until the following year) or Mr. Olympia, and bodybuilding was still in its infancy. The Mr. America title was for all intents and purposes the biggest bodybuilding title in the world, with the Mr Britain contest held by the Health and Strength League (which became NABBA, the guys who held the Mr Universe for years) in a rather distant second, as you can see from the pic above of 6’1″ and 195lb 1947 Mr America overall winner Steve Reeves, who dwarfs the Mr Britain winner of that year, Jim Elliot. So it’s understandable why Eric Pedersen, who was walking around at around 200 pounds at only 5’10”, might think it would be worth stealing a car to take a crack at the title, because he had the mass and the cuts to overpower just about anybody on the planet.
Sam Loprinzi will have his own short article next week, but his 17″ arms were the biggest arms I’ve ever seen on a tiny man.
That’s not to say, however, that everyone was going after the overall title in the Mr. America- in fact, it was quite the opposite. Although Pedersen’s first crack at the Mr America occurred when he was 16 (he didn’t place), the intervening year saw a watershed change in the Mr. America contest. In that year, a 5’7″ 160lb bodybuilder named Sam Loprinzi took second in the overall to the dude who introduced box squats to powerlifting, Alan Stephen. Stephen was thought to be the greatest thing since sliced bread (he was a highly accomplished Olympic lifter, cleaned up in odd lifting as a proto-powerlifter, had a squeaky-clean image, and he was pursuing a bachelors in something- he was the consummate “Renaissance Man”), and no one thought Reeves had a chance in hell of ever unseating him- that’s how fucking good he was. And yet lean-as-hell Sam Loprinzi flashed his carved-from-marble 17″ arms at the judges and they lost their goddamn minds, in spite of the fact that Stephen’s arms were an inch and a half bigger, if somewhat less lean.
Loprinzi had known going into the Mr. America that a short man stood absolutely no chance of winning that beauty pageant, because he’d seen Dan Lurie, the man who essentially invented the crab pose, take second and most muscular four years in a row because he was only 5’6″ and 168lbs. Lurie had spent his career going up against dudes who were much taller, and were thus more aesthetic and graded better for the overall, and when he’d attempted to prove he was the best on the planet the AAU circled their wagons and deemed Lurie a professional (and thus ineligible to compete) to prevent him competing against Grimek.
So after winning his class in the other big bodybuilding contest in 1946, Bob Hoffman’s Most Muscular Man in America (the contest inspired by the Lurie-Grimek beef), Loprinzi entered the Mr. America simply to win the title of Most Muscular Man in America (and basically the world), and was public in his announcement that the Most Muscular was the title that really proved who the real bodybuilders were. And that was the environment that the gorgeous and jacked thug (at that point he had at least one assault conviction under his belt as a juvenile, plus the car theft at a bare minimum) named Eric Pedersen entered the fray for the best built man on the planet.
“I firmly believe in individual muscle work besides group movements, for it again reaches the state of concentration – watching that biceps move and contract with all the force the weight, the thought, and the eye can furnish during each movement.”
Eric Pedersen Essential Facts
Born: 17 Aug 1928 (born Charles Roland Putnam in Newport Beach, CA)
Died: October 13, 1990 aged 62 (Bacliff, TX, United States of throat cancer)
Height: 5’10
Weight: 200-225lbs
Arms: the measurements are mostly immaterial because his arms were so damn pretty. at 19 years old, they were 18″ (cold) and 18.5″ (pumped); as he grew older he stretched them to 20″+ (which matched his calf measurements)
Best Lifts: interestingly, I could find almost nothing about his strength beyond the fact that he was seriously strong. By one account, he once tied a rope to a boat motor and swam across a bay towing the motor (Flammannelli), which sounds preposterous, but I am not a buoyant man and thus am no authority on towing boat motors even across a kiddie pool.
[I attempted to interview Flammannelli about Pedersen, but the man is a fossil and had his Boomer turned all the way up, so he wasn’t rational enough for me to get anything useful out of him. He insisted, for instance, that Pedersen never had kids, which he did and with whom I’ve been in touch. The man was a dickhead to boot, and I don’t need beefs with the nearly dead, so I abandoned him as a source of information lest I kill him for his insolence.]
Yeah, my money is on this man having the best golden age physique- just on abs alone he was unmatched.
Reasons to Know His Name
either invented or popularized bodypart workouts. If nothing else, he was the first person to push them in the magazines
was voted most muscular man in America over Steve Reeves (and essentially the world, because at that time the United States (and by extension our little bronation Canada) was essentially the only developed nation untouched by war
won the NWA tag team title with Classy Freddie Blassie
spent his retirement in Las Vegas, where he was an enforcer for the mob. As his son Eric Putnam stated, “legs broke quick around dad.”
was considered the youngest bodybuilder to win a major bodybuilding contest when he was competing in 1955, and should still stand among guys like Harold Poole, Casey Viator, Lee Haney, and Branch Warren as one of the best teenage bodybuilders of all time
was considered the most popular wrestler in the Pacific Northwest in 1953. Regionally, he was Roman Reigns for a year, but the wrestling scene was way too fractured for there to be a better direct comparison with the modern industry
had a speaking role in a movie designed by the Coast Guard to make it look cool to the populace called Fighting Coast Guard. It didn’t work worth a shit, as the film wasn’t well reviewed, but the man had a speaking role in a wide release film.
Jump to Part 2 for Pederson’s wide-ranging and lengthy “almost was a champ” careers in both wrestling and bodybuilding, or
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ADDEST MOTHERFUCKERS EVER- ERIC PEDERSEN, PART 2- AN ALMOST GOD-TIER LEGEND IN TWO “SPORTS”: HIS WRESTLING AND BODYBUILDING CAREERS
PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 11, 2020BY JAMIE CHAOS
Eric Pederson looking completely unhinged and being held back by two cops after an intense match.
Eric Pedersen’s Bodybuilding / Wrestling / Acting Career (1946-1961)
Following the 1947 second place showings, everyone thought Pedersen was going to dominate bodybuilding, but like 1946 Mr America Al Stephans, Pedersen faded from the stage, which was packed with big name lifters from what was then the old school starting to really battle it out with the beasts of the new (Sig Klein, who spend most of his career in an old-timey strongman singlet, had won the biggest bodybuilding contest in the world in 1946, but only because he and John Grimek, a younger but still old school bodybuilder, were in entirely different classes and never took the stage together). Pedersen dipped his toe in the water a bit, but he was already wrestling full-time by 1946, which meant constant travel in shitty cars on dirt roads and nightly matches all up and down the West Coast.
You’ve seen the pic of “perfect” Steve Reeves standing half flexed next to a relaxed Pedersen, but look at how peeled the man was in 1947. He looks flat because the AAU thought that bodybuilding was way too gay, so they refused to allow competitors to oil up or wear anything but plain trunks for a couple of years. In spite of that fact, my man looked to have been carved from cold, hard granite.
For all but the first year of his eleven-year bodybuilding career, Pedersen was a professional wrestler based in the LA area but travelling throughout the contiguous United States and Hawaii (which is insane considering the total lack of a highway system in the United States at the outset of his career- travel was certainly not easy). From 1946 to his retirement in 1961, Pedersen bodyslammed his way through opponents in over 1000 matches, which left little time for the other shenanigans the big dudes from the gym he called home in Hollywood got up to, and those motherfuckers were living the dream.
The owner of that gym, 1938 Mr America and Hollywood stuntman Bert Goodrich, utilized his position to staff Mae West’s scandalous travelling review with lifters from his gym, all of whom became either somewhat wealthy and famous or just marginally so from their time with the ultimate diva of the 30s and 40s, but somehow Eric Pedersen didn’t join the likes of 1948 Mr America George Eiferman, shredded pothead and Gold’s Venice mainstay Irvin “Zabo” Koszewski, rags-to-riches pretty boy phenom and 1954 Mr. America Dick DuBois, hypertalented handbalancer and Mr Muscle Beach Dominic Juliano, founder of Gold’s and World’s Gym Joe Gold, raw meat scarfing sultan of shred Armand Tanny, sword and sandal actor Gordon Mitchell, and Jane Mansfield’s eventual husband and 1955 Mr Universe Mickey Hargitay. Given the licentious nature of Mae West’s review, one would think it would have been right up Pedersen’s alley, but he was apparently more interested in breaking bones than busting nuts at the time (either that, or he really didn’t want to dye his hair black for her show, which was a requirement).
These dudes made bank working for Mae West. As kind of a proto-Chippendales male chorus line, these dudes pulled in $250 a week ($2700 in modern cash) for basically just getting drooled over by an aging sex symbol/comedianne for which there’s no real modern equivalent. Basically, these dudes were singing fuckdolls in the employ of a hilarious but over-the-hill sex symbol.
Though working for West would have been the perfect day job from which a person could pursue a career in bodybuilding, bodybuilding was barely even a sport at that point (and it’s a questionable sport even to this day) and Pedersen clearly didn’t have it at the top of his list of priorities. Reflective of his hilariously dismissive nature towards a sport for which he seemed naturally suited, Pedersen’s competition history begins with a preposterous entry into the most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world at the age of 16. Even in bodybuilding’s infancy this must’ve looked idiotic, but he was a damn good looking kid.
Mae West was famous for telling dudes in movies to “come around sometime and see her,” and that meant she wanted to invite them into her wandering eye, if you get my drift. She wanted to fuck, and that was a literal standing open invitation to every male bodybuilder on the planet. It was basically like Jenny McCarthy just making her three holes available for activity at all hours by any IFBB pro, CrossFitter, or pro wrestler who wanted a crack at her increasingly less taught vaginal and anal canals.
1945 AAU Mr America
Did not place (he was 16)
1947 AAU Mr. California
Tall Class & Overall Winner
1947 AAU Mr America
Runner-up in the overall (to Steve Reeves), won Most Muscular
1947 AAU Mr Pacific Coast
Runner up (to Steve Reeves again, in another hotly contested competition)
1947 FIHC (now the IWF) Mr Universe
3rd. This was the first year of an attempt to make an international contest to follow the Mr. America that would be associated with the AAU and the international weightlifting championships. Pedersen lost a tie-breaker for second to 1950 Mr America John Farbotnik (1925-1998) in a contest skewed heavily in favor of our weightlifting Olympians (Steve Stanko mysteriously won it in spite of having no legs due to a horrible injury that made it impossible for him to train them). Pedersen did place above his buddy 1938 Mr America and 1962 Mr Universe George Eiferman, who also owned the gym at which Pedersen trained, as well as shredded-to-bits 1943 Mr America Jules Bacon.
As no one I’ve seen has any information on this, the FIHC stands for “Federation International Halterophile et Culturiste.” For those of you who recall, “halteres” were the dumbbells invented by the Romans and used for the long jump and lifting. The name, then, is just French for “dudes with a hardon for lifting,” and they were the Frenchies behind the removal of the continental from weightlifting because the French and English weren’t strong enough to compete with the Central Europeans on true brute strength tests. In any event, the fed that eventually became the International Weightlifting Federation ran their bodybuilding meets in just as dull a fashion as their lifting meets- almost the entire competition was the competitors standing relaxed, with only a 90 second posing section in which they were actually allowed to flex.
This is, I think, left to right: Floyd Page, Steve Reeves, Alan Stephens, Clancy Ross, Eric Pedersen, and Walter Marcyan (inventor of the first multi-stage lifting machine, the Marcy machine beloved by Bruce Lee). I might have Stephens and Ross confused there- I have horrific facial blindness and am comparing them by their abs.
1948 Mr USA
4th. The event was won by 1945 AAU Mr America and 1946 Pro Mr America winner Clancy Ross, followed by Steve Reeves and 1946 AU Mr America Al Stephens. Legends like Leo Stern and Jack LaLanne failed to even place in this thing.
Bert Goodrich, Clancy Ross, Eric Pedersen, Steve Reeves, Floyd Pages & Alan Stephan. Pedersen was the same height as Goodrich but at a heavier weight, so this is a case of a jacked prettyboy getting out-angled like crazy.
1956 Mr USA
did not place. This was essentially the best of the best from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. It was won by the inimitable Bill Pearl (Pearl and Reg Park were the two men to beat in the 60s), with Clarence Ross (he was one of the big three bodybuilders of the 40s, alongside Grimek and Steve Reeves) in second. Zabo, the abtastic maniac who ran Gold’s Venice, came in third, while Timmy Leong (Hawaii’s version of Joe Gold, who had to take a 9 hour prop plane flight just to get to San Francisco. We forget how hard travel was then) took fourth. Bob Shealey took fifth (one of the earliest black competitors in the Mr America, he won the most muscular basically because his arms were ridiculous, pushing 20″). Along with the insanely ripped Vince Gironda, an actor who travelled from Hawaii named Rex Ravelle, Pedersen didn’t place. Pedersen had bulked up and lost cuts as a wrestler over the previous decade, and just couldn’t stand next to the biggest names in the game as a tourist from an entirely different sport.
If you’re thinking that Roman Reigns has no excuses for not being in bodybuilding shape at any time, you’re probably right, but the wrestling of Eric Pedersen’s day and the modern gymkata-style shenanigans that typically go on are about as far apart as the Republican party and verifiable scientific fact. Pedersen fought in the era in which wrestling was transitioning from carnival shootfighting matches to “worked” matches, and Pedersen trained under arguably the hardest of the old school, hardcore carnival sideshow psychopaths- Ed “Strangler” Lewis. Lewis fought in over 6000 verified matches, most of which were bloody free-for-alls against jacked farmers trying to make a payday by beating the circus’s ringer, and they’d try to do so by maiming the ringer nine times out of ten. Lewis lost fewer than 70 of his matches, and he continued winning even after being declared legally blind, because he was that kind of bad guy.
As you can see, their training was like live submission fighting with some goofy shit thrown in. Kinda fun to watch, actually.
Ed Lewis was partnered with a wrestler named Toots Mondt, the man responsible for the transition from the old school to the new, as he saw Ed as the only man on the planet who could impose his will on anyone and make the idea of scripted bouts work. If someone wouldn’t follow the script they were given, the “Strangler” would live up to his namesake, wrecking both the wrestler and their career enough that the other wrestlers joining his stable would never think of double-crossing the boss. Pedersen picked up Lewis’ catch wrestling “hooker” style from the carnival and became a terror on a circuit that included notable wrestling maniacs like catch wrestler Lou Thesz (who likely would have given Randy Couture a headache in the octagon even without any modern training). Pedersen’s matches at that time were a mix of shoot fights (as in real) and works, in the biggest wrestling federation in the world at that time, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). And I realize that nothing that isn’t the WWE means shit anymore, but the NWA was far bigger on the world stage than the modern WWE before it broke apart into the WCW, All Japan PW, New Japan PW, and what’s now become Impact!…
so the fact that Pedersen was trained by the man who invented modern pro wrestling but was the most feared catch wrestler of the early 20th century isn’t just notable- it’s proof in and of itself that Eric Pedersen was one of the baddest and hardest motherfuckers about whom I have ever written, nevermind the fact that when combined with his unique training methods he becomes one of the most important people in both the evolution of modern bodybuilding and modern professional wrestling.
Eric Pedersen’s Known Wrestling Titles
NWA Pacific Northwest Tag Team Title (with Henry Lenz)- 1958/07/03 – 1958/09/05
NWA Pacific Northwest Heavyweight Title– 1958/11/14 – 1958/11/21
WWA International Television Tag Team Title (with Henry Lenz)- 1959/05/06 – 1959/??/??
NWA International Tag Team Titles (Georgia Version) (with Freddie Blassie)- 1960/05/03 – 1960/??/??
NWA Gulf Coast Heavyweight Title– 1960/08/14 – 1960/09/07
If it helps the WWE marks out there, Pedersen also wrestled for the CWC , but the real reason he’s important to the pro wrestling narrative is that he was the first bodybuilding prettyboy in wrestling. Instead of being a hardened badass who just wrestles a lot, Pedersen was billed as a literal Hercules who was trained by the most evil wrestler in history as a sort of mad experiment to produce the perfect wrestler, and he caught heat for it. Lewis brought in a number of bodybuilders in an effort to create a stable of wrestlers that sort of mirrored the 1980s WWF lineup- muscleheads alongside the hardcore old school dudes. Interestingly, that must have made an impact on Vince McMahon, whose father ran the Capitol Wrestling Conference, a part of NWA for some time, because shortly after the CWC broke off from the NWA it was stocked with an entire stable of bodybuilders transplanted directly from a single gym in Minnesota into the WWF.
Speaking of gyms that produced ridiculous numbers of jacked people, Eric Pedersen’s home gym was Bert Goodrich’s flagship location, which was the first true modern gym with leather and chrome equipment. Steve Reeves, Bert himself, most of Hollywood’s stars, all of the guys in Mae West’s revue, and all of the crazy-ass handbalancers you’ve ever seen pics of from muscle Beach, as Bert and his guys were all into that stuff as well. Another guy who trained with them was Pepper Gomez, a bodybuilder-turned-wrestler whom Pedersen accidentally made a star by failing to show up for a title match (Gomez filled in and took the strap). Pedersen and the bodybuilders-gone-wrestlers often travelled together from venue to venue (construction of the highway system had barely begun by the time Pedersen retired in 1961, so travel was a unmitigated nightmare), and would thus train together, just like the wrestlers of today.
That’s not to say they were particularly well received by either society or wrestlers- bodybuilders and weightlifters were generally assumed to be cock-hungry ass pirates (the guy who popularized bodybuilding in the US was insanely sex positive for the Victorian/Edwardian Era and was very vocal about it), who would prey on children at night and lure people into dangerous worlds of seedy people hopped up on “the marihuana” and committing indecencies that would curl the pages of this article if it were actually in print. As NWA legend Dick Steinborn (who trained George Eiferman briefly) put it,
“As far as the feelings about body builders entering wrestling in those days, it was a resentment by the boys. The promoters saw muscles captivating new fans, especially with the onset of TV, but it was the boys who could wrestle, that had to carry their opponents, because of lack of talent. The wrestling business had always gone to a turmoil time over the years” (Steinborn).
That said, Pedersen was absolutely no jobber- in fact, he was an insanely vicious heel just outside of the inner circle of old-time wrestling badasses like Lou Thesz, Ed Lewis, Verne Gagne, Buddy Rogers, and his tag team partner Classy Freddie Blassie. Whether due to his missed title shot (which made Pepper Gomez a star) or some other reason, Pedersen was never quite able to capture the nation’s attention fully on the wrestling scene either. That said, wrestling had only just hit television and the various wrestling promotions were, like the bodybuilding promotions of the day, in their infancy. As such, it might just have been a case of Pedersen arriving on the scene about five years too early to really make a splash in either.
By the accounts of his friends, Pedersen wasn’t terribly social, nor was he quick to make friends. That likely hurt him in everything from casting for the Mae West review to wrestling and bodybuilding, but it did make him an ideal candidate for what he did after he hung up his trunks- collect debts for the mob in Las Vegas. Pedersen had all of the tools one would need for the job- superlative strength, he looked great in a suit, and he was trained in the arts of small-joint and large-joint manipulation and destruction by one of the most dangerous fighters in history, carnie-turned-pro wrestler Ed “The Strangler” Lewis. Lewis was the man who initially taught Judo Gene LeBell, one of the first modern mma fighters, how to break large humans into bite-size pieces.
Eric Pedersen was so good at breaking bones until money popped out of their marrow that according to his son, he took his future wife on the Deadpool-esque first date of watching him break legs. On that occasion, the man’s children ran out, begging him not to break dear papa’s legs, so Pedersen relented so as not to do it in front of the kids. In doing so, he won that woman’s beautifully black heart and gave that man one more evening with two working legs.
As I said, Eric Pedersen was the unmitigated shit.
Up next, which will be either today or tomorrow as the third part is pretty much complete, I’ll detail Eric Pedersen’s workouts, in which you will discover that
Arthur Jones, and by extension any HIT advocate, ripped off his training methodology entirely from Eric Pedersen.
Eric Pedersen was the first bodybuilder to publicly promote bodypart workouts (and possibly the first to do them, though that is impossible to state with certainty)
Bert Goodrich’s way of running the rack might be the easiest way to bring up shitty arms in history, but it will suck to do.
Jump to Part 3
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BADDEST MOTHERFUCKERS EVER- ERIC PEDERSEN, PART 3: THE REAL INVENTOR OF HIT AND THE (POSSIBLE) INVENTOR OF THE BODYPART SPLIT HITS THE GYM
PUBLISHED ON NOVEMBER 11, 2020BY JAMIE CHAOS
Eric Pedersen is perhaps the most foundational and influential bodybuilder and professional wrestler of whom you’ve never heard, likely due to the fact that he sued Joe Weider early in his career, which hurt his publicity considerably in the magazine. Additionally, he failed to win the Mr America Overall, and because historians have failed to inform the world that the winner of the Most Muscular was the winner of the bodybuilding portion of that contest, we’ve all been looking at the wrong Mr Americas the entire time and ignored guys like Pedersen, who was the first to have bodypart routines published, the progenitor of Art Jones’ high intensity training techniques, and one of the biggest wrestling draws of the 1940s and 1950s.
Eric Pedersen fucking rules. Recognize.
Part 1
Part 2
Eric Pedersen’s Training Methods
Pedersen kept his reps higher than Tommy Chong has ever been in his life, for no reason I can ascertain other than it’s what he enjoyed. It’s unlikely that Tommy Chong even used a rep scheme like this when he worked the desk at Gold’s Venice, because Chong was a disciple of Gironda, and Gironda loved short rests and 8 rep sets. Pedersen, on the other hand. used sets of 10-15, 15-20, or 40-50 depending on the bodypart, resting 3-4 minutes between sets and up to five between exercises. Also unlike Gironda, Eric Pedersen had no set program of any kind. He would decide what he was training that day, prior to going into the gym, so as to avoid too much fiddle-fucking around at the gym. Like E-Town Concrete said, Pedersen was there to win, not to make friends, and stated as such in an article about his training methods:
“Don’t allow anyone to talk to you, nor you to them, while you are training. Work alone as if you were the only one in the gym. If you train at your own home with your barbell outfit, so much the better as far as your concentration is concerned. I prefer a gym for company’s sake, for I like to meet a lot of other fellows and exchange ideas with them. but I often work out at home.”
He seemed to have a base workout he would do every time he hit the gym, at least at first, and then would add sets to the bodypart on which he wanted to focus that day. As time progressed, it seems he moved more towards bodypart workouts to train for contests and then used a very basic full body routine on the road wrestling. What didn’t change, however, is the part that Arthur Jones misunderstood and ripped wholesale from Eric Pedersen- training to absolute failure using reps with increasingly smaller ranges of motion.
That’s right- it looks like Arthur Jones stole his two sets of each exercise to maximum muscular failure with a moderately heavy weight and absolutely perfection for form from Eric Pedersen. Or he borrowed it and simply forgot to fucking tell everyone.
The basis for Eric Pedersen’s workouts He’d add or drop sets or exercises as he saw fit by checking his progress in the mirror, and would adjust accordingly. What he never did was go easy in a workout, and would do progressively smaller ROM partials until he could barely move the weight, at which point he’d do a few cheating reps.
The cheating reps were pretty new at the time, and are not credited to Pedersen- I’ll be throwing that dude’s name into an upcoming book about the unsung heroes of lifting. Feel free to look for the guy’s name yourself, though I struggled even with most of the original search parameters I used to find it again- this one is a fucking nugget of lifting wisdom I shall always cherish. Your hint: he trained at York but didn’t compete in Oly, and he built 19″ arms using cheat curls and a cheated bent press in particular. [I didn’t even know you could cheat at a bent press]
Reeves, Pedersen, and I think Bill Trumbo and Bill Cantrell. This looks like part of the lineup of the 1947 Pacific Coast.
Eric Pedersen’s Base Routine
The basis of the entire program was a full body routine he likely did between three and five times a week, doing two sets per bodypart (at a minimum), with psychotic attention to perfect form, and to absolute, utter, and catastrophic failure. Before he would enter the gym on any given day, he would make an honest assessment of his physique and determine what to add or subtract. Over time, that morphed into him training arms one day, shoulders another day, back another day, legs another, etc.
Handstand Dips Between Benches– 2xAMRAP, lowering himself until his chin was below the benches. This was his tricep/shoulder warmup.
Behind the Neck Chins– 2xAMRAP. Pedersen did both chins to the front and the back as a warmup, but he was very vocal about his idea that behind the neck pullups conferred greater gains.
Behind the Neck Press– 2×15-20
Concentration Curl-2×10-15
Dumbbell Overhead Extension– 2×10-15. Slow and controlled, focusing hard on flexing every inch of the muscle as you stare intensely at each triceps during your sets. After your triceps tire, go to half-extensions, then from a half-extension, do a few reps to full extension.
Squat-As I’ve mentioned, he liked to go to total muscular failure, like a psychotic barbell wielding Mike Mentzer. He said that for these he preferred to do more reps than find out how much he could squat, so he’d take between 200 and 300 pounds and do ass to grass squats until he couldn’t do another full rep. He’d then proceed to do progressively shorter stroke reps until he gassed out with quarter squats. He made no mention of a number of sets or reps. he just went until he decided he was fucking done, but initially he did do 2×40-50 with 150lbs, so it’s likely this was sort of a pre-Platz leg blitz that may have influenced Platz himself.
Dips– 2xAMRAP
Good Morning– 2x25x125lbs, done extremely slowly and with feet together.
Weighted Incline Situps– 2-3×25
Eric Pedersen’s Arm Specialization Routine
For both of these exercises, he would do as many full reps as he could, then would cut them to three-quarter reps, then half reps, then quarter reps, until he finally cheated two last full reps. After eight sets of that insane level of intensity, he’d move on to another exercise- he seemed to lead with the bodypart(s) on which he wanted to focus. I would assume the eight set limit was influenced by Vince Gironda, who was famous at the time for his 8×8 set and rep scheme that produced the leanest and densest physiques on the bodybuilding stage and in film at the time.
Unilateral Concentration Curls– 8×10-15x35lbs (going for squeexe and slow, controlled reps, using partial reps and cheated reps until you can’t move the weight)
Single Arm Overhead Tricep Extensions– 8×10-15
Wrist Curl– 2×10-15
Reverse Wrist Curl– 2×10-15
Like I say below, it was an unholy combination of a kickback and a rear lateral, but it is worth giving a shot.
Eric Pedersen’s Shoulder Routine
This is cobbled together from three separate articles- one was a recommendation for beginners, then the other two mentioned that as a wrestler his primary movements were the behind the neck press and arms. As with arms, he focused more on the actual contraction than the weight lifted, and was adamant about staring at the muscle being worked as you work it.
Behind the Neck Press– 2-8×15-20
Front Raises (taking the bell all the way overhead before descending)- 2×15-20
Dumbbell Laterals– 2×15-20
Rear Laterals– 2×15-20 (these were described as a sort of combo of a rear lateral and a tricep kickback, or you could think of it as a stiff-arm pulldown done bent at the waist, starting with the bells hanging below you and bringing them up and back towards your hips
DB Overhead Tricep Extensions– 2×15-20 (the electromyograph was invented in 1890, but the oscilloscope you needed to interpret those signals didn’t exist until the 1930s, so slow your role before you shit-talk a dude with arms bigger than you for including a tricep exercise in for shoulders.
Pedersen’s Routine While Wrestling
When Pedersen was on the road travelling and wrestling, he was getting a shitload of exercise between practice and fights anyway. He did assure the readers of Muscle Power that he was still lifting, though, and stated that the following comprised the mainstays of his barebones routine, done a couple of times a week.
Handstand Dips Between Benches– 2xAMRAP, lowering himself until his chin was below the benches. This was his tricep/shoulder warmup.
Behind the Neck Chins– 2xAMRAP. Pedersen did both chins to the front and the back as a warmup, but he was very vocal about his idea that behind the neck pullups conferred greater gains.
Behind the Neck Press– 2×15-20
Concentration Curl-2×10-15
Squat-As I’ve mentioned, he liked to go to total muscular failure, like a psychotic barbell wielding Mike Mentzer. He said that for these he preferred to do more reps than find out how much he could squat, so he’d take between 200 and 300 pounds and do ass to grass squats until he couldn’t do another full rep. He’d then proceed to do progressively shorter stroke reps until he gassed out with quarter squats. He made no mention of a number of sets or reps. he just went until he decided he was fucking done, but initially he did do 2×40-50 with 150lbs, so it’s likely this was sort of a pre-Platz leg blitz that may have influenced Platz himself.
Dumbbell Overhead Extension– 2×10-15. Slow and controlled, focusing hard on flexing every inch of the muscle as you stare intensely at each triceps during your sets.
Dips– 2xAMRAP
Pedersen’s face seems to say, “ehhhh, they do know I only have one dick, right?”
The Down The Rack Nuclear Option
Growing up, everyone had a different method of going down the rack, but it generally consisted of doing drop sets with 5 to 10 pound drops. The guys at Bert Goodrich’s gym had a system they called Up and Down training, and everyone at the gym swore by it. It consisted of running the up and down the rack doing singles on a given exercise, which doesn’t sound all that bad until you get to the details.
Most famously used for biceps and triceps, it was also in vogue for overhead dumbbell presses. To do them, you start with the 5s and increase by five pounds until you fail on a single, then do singles all the way back down to the fives. It’s a single set per bodypart, and the number of reps depends entirely on your level of strength.
Earl Liederman tried it for biceps, and he did singles all the way up to the 60s for biceps, which he claimed felt like 100s after doing 11 reps with progressively increasing weights. He also tried this for shoulders and said there was no way you could not grow using that sort of brutal method, so it’s one to keep in your toolbox.
Eric Pedersen’s Diet
Like all bodybuilders of that era, Pedersen just ate a fuckload of food and then trained hard as shit. Pedersen was obviously naturally lean, and you’re talking about WW2 era United States- food was rationed during his entire teen life, and prior to that America was struggling to get out of a depression- it wasn’t like they struggled to get lean. Pedersen was a voracious eater, as were all of the bodybuilders of that era, and was a big fan of eating a large steak with some veggies, brown bread covered in butter and honey, and a pint of milk an hour before training, so that he had enough energy for his training. Like all other lifters of the era, he was big on the basics- steak, eggs, milk, bread, and potatoes.
According to Thrillist, typical American dinners were nothing I would fucking eat.
“Overall, the ’40s weren’t nearly as dire as the previous decade (especially once that war production cash flowed in), but families weren’t whipping up five-course meals during the WWII ration years. Instead, they’d go with a centerpiece like liver loaf (it has “B vitamins that help keep you smiling with glowing health!” said an ad from that era) paired with veggies like buttered spinach. When dessert was an option, it might be a simple sherbet or banana drop cookies” (Hunt).
Words can barely articulate my horror at the prospect of trying to build muscle in the 1940s, but Eric Pedersen not only did it, but did it as well as the best of them even into the early 1960s. And it’s not as though the food got much better in the 1950s, because if you were a typical American in that decade, here is the noxious bullshit you would be eating at dinner (bear in mind the scent of tuna makes me punch whoever the fuck is responsible for offending my nose with it):
“With the war rations and Great Depression officially behind us, the 1950s became a veritable casserole city. Tuna noodle was a signature, and since it had veggies, it sometimes spared kids from a common(ly reviled) side dish of the era: lima beans. If you got dessert, it was almost definitely gonna be a Jell-O “salad” with a whipped topping. In fact, these treats were so in vogue that Jell-O took things too literally and marketed gelatins with actual salad flavors, like celery. You don’t see them around today for a reason” (Hunt).
At that point, you didn’t have a lot of options for food, either in terms of different types of cuisine, fast food (there were only 7 McDonald’s in the world in 1955), sit-down restaurants, or places to buy groceries. As such, we could all stand to note that even when the above bullshit is about your only option for food, you can still build 19″ natty arms.
Eric Pedersen shows us that none of us really have any excuse for not being as big or strong as we like, other than the fact that we’re clearly not trying hard enough.
Liederman was no weakling, even if he was an old head at the time- he was a training partner and friend of Sandow’s.
And there you have it- the entire life and times of a bodybuilder of whom everyone should know, and yet very few do. he was the progenitor of what became the heavy duty training system, the first person I recall seeing mentioning the necessity of a good mind-muscle connection for proper growth, and possibly the first person to do a bodypart split outside of arm specialists ever in history. Throw on top of that the fact the man was a mob enforcer trained in various arts of savagery by one of the hardest men to ever throw a punch in anger, and you’ve got a solid recipe for one of the baddest motherfuckers who have ever lived.
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Steve Reeves Wins the 1950 Mr. Universe with Only 4 Weeks of Training
Updated: May 17, 2019
Steve Reeves has always been a legendary figure in the world of bodybuilding. What he accomplished naturally will never be repeated. The stories of his life are so incredible it can be difficult to distinguish myth from fact. Perhaps the greatest legend associated with Reeves are the events that surrounded his training for the 1950 NABBA Mr. Universe contest where he defeated Reg Park and brought the original bronze Sandow from the 1901 Great Competition home to America. With so many stories surrounding these events they must be investigated thoroughly.
Who can be trusted when it comes to Reeves’ training for this event? Reeves drove from California to York, Pennsylvania to train for the contest at the York Barbell Company. John Grimek was an employee of York Barbell and witnessed Reeves’ workouts firsthand. Grimek wrote a famous article titled, “How Steve Reeves Trained”, that was printed in the November 1964 issue of Muscular Development. Grimek’s words can be trusted over other articles and interviews as this article was only written 14 years after the events took place. Grimek was known for having an incredible memory of which prolific iron game writer, Terry Todd, described as, “remarkable for faces and names”, “prodigious”, and “elephant-like.” If Todd trusted Grimek’s memory we can also.
According to Grimek, Reeves arrived at York on Memorial Day, Tuesday, May 30th (until it was made an official holiday in 1971, Memorial Day was always on May 30th). He states that the next day, Wednesday, May 31st they arrived at the gym a little before noon and got their first workout in. Reeves was adamant about getting three full-body workouts in a week and would typically get a workout in every 60 hours. According to Chris LeClaire’s superb biography on Reeves, Worlds to Conquer, Reeves flew to London on June 22nd. The NABBA Mr. Universe reception and dinner was held on June 23rd and the contest was on June 24th so his workout schedule would have looked something like this:
Based on this calendar it appears Reeves got in around 10 full-body workouts if he stuck to his typical workout protocol. Reeves mentions in Dynamic Muscle Building that while in London before the contest he only performed lighter exercises with cables to give him more definition. It is truly phenomenal that Reeves could go from an extended layoff of not working out to Mr. Universe winner so quickly. The last time Reeves had seriously trained for a bodybuilding contest was in March 1949 before the Mr. USA contest. This was about 15 months before the NABBA Mr. Universe.
Now that we have a good idea of how long Reeves trained before the contest, we can dive into the next legend associated with this event, how much weight he gained during this training. This is harder to quantify since Grimek only commented on Reeves’ change in physical appearance during the training but did not comment on his weight. Sources are tougher to come by as Reeves makes no mention of the weight he gained in Building the Classic Physique: The Natural Way or in his interviews with Chris LeClaire for Worlds to Conquer. In unspecified interviews contained in Dynamic Muscle Building, Reeves claims to have gained 17 pounds of muscle during his training and in another interview in the book claims he started at a weight of 198 pounds and the day of the contest weighed 217 pounds for a 19-pound gain. The interviews are not sourced so we cannot be sure when these statements were made. In a 1981 interview with WABBA contest promoter Tony DeFrancisco, Reeves states that his weight went from 190 pounds to 225 during his training at York for a 35-pound gain.
According to Reeves’ official entry form for the 1950 NABBA Mr. Universe contest he weighed 214 pounds although we cannot be sure when that measurement was taken. We can be highly skeptical of the DeFrancisco interview as Reeves was never known to be much heavier than 215 pounds as he considered that his top form measurement. Reeves was known to keep in contest shape year-round and did not believe in bulking up and slimming down for contests as is commonly done today. The Dynamic Muscle Building interviews are more believable as they credit Reeves with a weight gain between 17-19 pounds. If done starting at 198 pounds this would have put him in the 215-217 range which is much closer to what his entry form lists.
Another legend associated with Reeves’ training for the Mr. Universe contest is that he contracted pneumonia during his time at York, PA and trained through it for the contest. In Building the Classic Physique: The Natural Way, Reeves states that he, “caught pneumonia halfway through my training. That temporarily weakened and demoralized me somewhat – but surprisingly, it also served to increase my muscular definition!” Chris LeClaire, through his interviews with Reeves states, “What others in the gym didn’t know was that two weeks after he arrived in York, Reeves had contracted the flu.”
The only one who could be completely trusted on this issue is Grimek and he makes no mention of Reeves contracting any sort of illness during his stay in York. For this reason, we can eliminate pneumonia as it is doubtful Reeves could have hidden something like that from Grimek. The flu does not seem like something Reeves could have trained through successfully either. Grimek significantly added to Reeves’ legend with his article, so if Reeves would have contracted something that would have substantially affected his ability to train Grimek certainly would have let the readers know how incredible a feat that was. For this reason, we can conclude that no significant illness occurred.
Based on articles, interviews, and our knowledge of Steve Reeves, a few legends surrounding his training for the 1950 NABBA Mr. Universe contest can be distinguished as closer to fact than myth. Reeves training probably consisted of around 10 full-body workouts from May 31st until he left for London on June 22nd, the weight he gained during this training was probably in the 17-19-pound range, and his training was not affected by serious illness.
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Jamie is still pissed pics of him having gay sex were posted on Getbig. This is why he rants about republicans, conservatives and Christians in almost every article.
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Jamie is still pissed pics of him having gay sex were posted on Getbig. This is why he rants about republicans, conservatives and Christians in almost every article.
And who is Jamie ??
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And who is Jamie ??
Jamie Lewis, the owner of Chaos & Pain and author of some of those articles above.
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Jamie Lewis, the owner of Chaos & Pain and author of some of those articles above.
Aaarrrrrggggghhhhh 😡😡😡. Disgusting Dirty Queer - May he catch Aids
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Many of the newer articles were more widely spread and you may have seen them recently. I'm digging deeper, looking for older material that might be more surprising or fun for you. Let's see what you think about this one.
From Dave as an intro to the interview:
I start slow and offer this as a preamble to make it clear I was not exactly the bodybuilding participant some expect I was or appeared to be. The early 1960s were a mild time in bodybuilding. I trained hard in the Dungeon and worked regularly for Weider in his pint-sized office and shipping department. I had a young wife and daughter, no dough, lots of promise and promises and was busy with daily survival. There was some TV, a few side jobs to pay the bills and I had some friends in both Vince's gym (Howorth, Scott, McArdle) and the Dungeon (Zabo and some neat local lifters). We had lifting in common; it was the bond, but we didn't talk about training or nutrition or muscles. There was no shop talk when we hung out or played and explored.
At the same time, there was a sharpening rise in bodybuilding interest as the '60s progressed. Three or four big Weider shows in New York smack in the middle of the '60s set things off: the Mr. Americas, Mr. Universe shows and the Mr. Olympia. The zealous NY audience started a stampede. Sergio arrived on the bodybuilding scene, Arnold was in California toward the end of the decade and the launching pads were ready.
In the '70s, we saw bigger magazines, more coverage, and greater participation in the gyms, contests and audiences worldwide. Musclebuilding became an industry overnight. Hello, Pumping Iron.
At the stir of this phenomenon, I resisted and returned to lifting for the same reasons I began 15 years earlier as a snot-nosed kid: for its calm truth and simplicity, pain and fulfillment, muscle and might. I was not the star type nor a muscleman groupie. Thus, I didn't submerge myself in the developing bodybuilding world of the 1970s. I performed my delicious musclebuilding out of sight of the crowd and crowd-pleasers.
To the questions...
Q: Describe a typical day at Gold's in the 1970s.
It was in the shadows of the Muscle Beach Dungeon's spare lighting that I learned all I know about building muscle and power. There the seed I brought from the streets of Jersey in 1963 took root, grew deep and bore a decent yield. I won Mr. America and Mr. Universe.
I joined Joe Gold's gym in Venice in 1966 and continued to lift the weights with quiet passion. But for an occasional burst of training when a special occasion prompted me to work out twice a day (posing exhibition, inner urges, the 1970 Mr. World), I was in and out of the gym by 8 AM. Those two hours, six days a week, were major events internally, but on the outside, they were as ordinary as toast.
In the middle and late '60s, Frank Zane made his home in Venice and our workouts conveniently overlapped. Arnold appeared in California, with Franco close behind him, and made his way to Joe's original Gold's in 1968. Ken Waller joined the group at a corresponding time, and various seasons of the year brought champs from the corners of the world for a plunge in the West Coast bodybuilding scene. Rick Drasin, Denny Gable, Bill Howard, Dan Howard, Chet Yorton, Bill Grant and Superstar Wayne Coleman are some of the tanned and sand-dusted faces I see fondly in my memory.
Zabo ran the place and became known as the Chief. Eventually, Eddie Giuliani headed the gym's secret service dept.
Q: What was the atmosphere like at Gold's in the 1970s?
I offer a narrow picture of "training at Gold's" during the 1970s. For all intents and purposes, competitive bodybuilding was behind me. In fact, I resumed the role I never left -- lifting weights for muscle and might and the fulfillment and pleasure it offered. In 'n out, like the hamburger, and off to make odd, oversized furniture from pier wood. That's me.
The best times I recall at the original Gold's were the summer days of 1970. There were a series of competitions in the fall and five of us were preparing for the shows: Frank, Franco, Arnold, Katz, Zabo, Holland's Serge Jacobs and me. We trained twice a day and at least one of those daily sessions were together.
The days were exciting yet serene. The workouts were focused and intense, yet loose and easy. The gym floor was some 2,000 square feet of benches and platforms, pulleys and racks, iron and bars. No radio. The sounds came from moving bodies, shuffling benches, jangling weights, groaning lifters and muted thuds. We conversed, no one chattered; we laughed, no one sniveled; we barked, no one bit. The weights moved in the direction they were urged, and we grew.
One July evening stands out above the rest. Artie Zeller, one beautiful guy, carried his camera around the gym like a stealth pilot. He was there, but under the radar, silently exposing film at just the right moment. The gym was simmering, each of us off in different directions. Frank was benching, Mike Katz was doing pulldowns, Franco was doing barbell rows, and Arnold and I were squatting. Not a false move was made. We appeared like moths around a nightlight; we moved tons of iron like cranes, and we encouraged each other with authentic and willful persuasion and a strong arm when needed.
And the best part -- besides the fact that it's in black and white -- we never viewed each other as competitors, challengers or rivals. No revolting egos. No one wore designer gear, carefully torn sweatshirts and look-at-me low-slung tank tops. We were all unique with strengths and weaknesses to overcome, aches and pains to endure, and hopes and dreams to realize. We were friends of an unusual cut. Not that we considered it a very special thing, but we were a rare breed of musclebuilders yet to be displayed, yet to be archived and yet to be imitated.
Time moved on, the gym's location and ownership changed and the core dispersed, lost cohesion and became diluted by the crowd, that which time, people and things do.
Q: What were the popular training methods back then?
The basic movements were applied with good order, repetition, force, and regularity. The methods were not yet analyzed, overly intellectualized and named. I guess the popular training MO among the original Gold's champs was volume training: three exercises per muscle group, reps in the 12, 10, 8, 6 range, with max-power reps thrown in when the urge was unstoppable; each muscle group was trained compatibly twice a week and the gym visited at least five of the seven days. Squats and deadlifts counted big time, and supersets were plentiful. Heavy dumbbells had a special place in our hearts.
One generally amped up training in the spring and summer, and powered it in the fall and winter.
Q: Describe the diet you used back in those days.
If you sat down with us after a workout at our favorite Marina cafe, you'd see us order hamburger patties and eggs, home fries and whole-wheat toast. Our diets were high protein with an accent on meat and milk products, medium carbs with plenty of salad and fresh fruits, and medium fats with no fried food or junk.
With me, some things never change.
Q: How long would bodybuilders train for back then?
There was a season for hard training and a season for harder training. The average time in the gym was 90 to 120 minutes, five days a week. When contest preparation loomed (spring, summer and early fall), training twice a day was a common practice. This added another hour to the total.
Q: Today people say you risk overtraining if you train beyond one hour, but back then, guys routinely lifted for two hours or more, yet got amazing results. How would you explain the progress that was made under these circumstances?
I don't see how one can make championship progress with much less. Overtraining can be a problem, and it must be monitored closely. Training to the edge isn't the healthiest method of training, but it's the only method for superior championship.
Q: Was cardio used as often as it is today?
You hardly saw cardio training in our neighborhood. There was no stationary bike to mount at the gym, no treadmill for miles and miles and the other swell
gadgets (ellipticals, stair masters, goofy gofers) were yet invented.
Q: What were some of the problems you encountered as a bodybuilder back in those times? Was it harder to be a top bodybuilder back then?
There was no problem with identity. I was impervious to the misunderstandings from the average folks around me. In the gym, I enjoyed the distinction from those to my right and left. There were so few top names in the 1960s, we knew them all: Howorth, Pearl, Scott, Gironda, Zane, Yorton, Zabe, the local guys and Ortiz, Poole, Ferrigno, Abbenda, Boyer. Each was a mystery, each an inspiration, each a friend.
Being a top bodybuilder was easier, once you got past discovering the sport, becoming fascinated with it, and engaging it with passion and zeal long enough to understand it and achieve some muscle and might. The rest was hard work, sacrifice, perseverance, time, patience, commonsense and luck.
Q: Who were some of the more entertaining Gold's members and why?
Each lifter was a character upon which a book could be written. That includes the mild nutsos no one ever heard about, the Joe, Bob 'n Amys.
Zabo, his workout complete by dawn, sat in his shorts and flip-flops with the sun on his back as he read an important paperback. "What's it all mean?" was his philosophy and answer to all questions. No one got past the Chief without a terse comment that summarized the day: Shut up and train.
Superstar Wayne Coleman strode into the gym with no bones to pick or bodies to toss. He specialized in heavy bench presses, dumbbell presses at the far end of the rack and an attitude as soothing a Tupelo honey. He was like quiet, distant thunder.
Arnold and Franco were a pair, two restless racehorses in the starting block with an absolutely fundamental approach to training and life. They seemed to ride their own wave, the crest I mean. Come on in, that water's fine. In fact, it's fantastic.
Frank Zane slipped in at daybreak and we supported each other with pullovers and presses and endless gut work. We spoke silently and incessantly, and the communication was ideal. What went on between our ears and minds is anyone's guess. We never missed a workout, seldom a set or rep.
Joe Gold cruised the gym -- his creation, his humble palace, his emerging empire -- and spoke little and said a lot. He observed the muscleheads in their passionate and aimless activities, devising ways to make them more productive and palpable. Bigger pulleys, deeper racks, thicker handles... whadaya think?
Q: How did the existing clientel respond to Arnold when he arrived at Gold's for the first time?
People in Venice in the '60s were not easily excited. The kicked-back nature of the stony beach community in a time of questioning and doubts influenced our reception of Arnold. And bodybuilding was yet a novelty, an anomaly remember, a half-pint in a rolled-up brown paper bag.
"Arnold, he's the big kid with muscles and an odd accent from Europe. He won bodybuilding contests over there, Germany, I think, and dresses funny. Looks like he learned to lift at Camp Munich."
We liked him, helped him, taught him by not teaching him, and watched him grow and grow.
The rumble you heard in the background was bodybuilding in its early stages of take-off. Five, Four, Three, Two, One ...
Q: What was Joe Gold like? Was he influenced much by the bodybuilders who trained at his gym?
Joe was 20 years my senior, the odd combo of hard work and the beach-life styled his activities. He lifted and played volleyball in the sun, and went out to sea as a merchant marine first mate when too much fun was too much fun. He was a leader in Speedos, an engineer in sandals and a solver of problems, personal and mechanical, wherever they sprang. The Gold was not a social hound; he stuck by his true friends and didn't take crap from anyone. He watched and listened, scored and toured, improvised and learned. Joe was smart and authentic and tough.
Q: I have seen some great photos of you and Arnold training together. How influential was Arnold on your training and bodybuilding progress?
Arnold was impressive then, almost as impressive as now. I was a loner who, like a wolf, knew and trusted and attended his own territory. I could live beside a good man without doubt, envy or antagonism. Arnold was a strong force and his energy and drive were infectious. His training at first was clumsy -- nothing to emulate -- and gained grace and meaning day by day.
He and I and the rest of the small mob fed upon each other generously. Our unity was evident as were our developing training styles and individuality. Intensity begets intensity and our wills to win rose to the surface like helium-filled life preservers.
Q: Given that bodybuilding was more of a lifestyle than a career back in those times, how did the guys finance their gym efforts? How did you balance a job with your bodybuilding endeavors?
Not very well. Making a buck was as hit and miss as clamming off the shoals of Nova Scotia. There were rare jobs in the film industry, cheapie jobs in the sparse neighborhood gyms, promises from pushy musclebuilding magazine tycoons, and occasional miracles. I resorted to crafting furniture (beats starving), Frank Zane taught high school science (serves intelligently), some guys delivered mail (gotta eat) and some guys had real jobs (engineer) or slept in their cars. Some guys had mysterious financiers.
Q: What was the training equipment like back then? Did it have many limitations compared to what is on offer today?
Joe Gold did a great deal to improve the then-current musclebuilding equipment: designing, engineering, enlarging, beefing up, broadening and thickening. Barbells and dumbbells did the trick and various improvisations of the basic benches and racks filled our needs. Necessity is the mother of invention and where there's a will there's a way. The earnest lifter will get where he's going, especially when it's over, around and through the limitations before him. Nothing like small obstacles to overcome the mountain. I find myself modifying my training groove and exercise performance regularly to accommodate age and injury or specific muscle engagement. If I'm not adjusting my set and rep, I'm not focused and in tune.
We could do with less nonsense and more guts and hard work and spontaneous invention.
Q: How big of a factor were nutritional supplements for building physiques back then? Which were used mostly? Which did you use and why? What were some popular supplement brands?
Quality supplements were important then and are important now. Nutrition plays a significant role in health, performance and development, but you don't want to go broke. Stick to the basics: a good protein powder, a good vitamin-mineral, extra C, antioxidants and EFAs.
Glandular proteins were my favorite. Blair's supplements were popular. Weider and Hoffman shared a large percentage of the market.
Q: What kind of clothing did you wear in the gym and on the street? Was there a specific dress style for bodybuilders back then?
Few of us were fancy dressers on the street and certainly not in the gym. Think t-shirt, tanktop, sweatshirt and flannel shirt and jeans. We wore our clothes hard and adjusted them to fit as needed and for comfort. The gear came later as the industry expanded.
We wore layers in the winter and shed them as the workouts warmed up; sweatshirts and t-shirts often lost their sleeves in the middle of a workout if needed. It was cool to see the bulk and muscle bulging through the well-worn clothes, but it was not the main source of entertainment. There was work to do.
Q: Back in the 1970s, bodybuilders training at Gold's seemed to encourage one another more and camaraderie between the athletes was more evident then it is today. How would you explain this different mentality?
The activity has become extraordinarily popular and busy, the sport sharply competitive and crowded, the diversion commercialized and usurped and the world swifter and tighter, more jaded and impersonal. Today, it's not who you are; it's who you are compared to him or her. It's not who you are; it's what you're worth.
Q: What was life like as a bodybuilder in general back in those times.
I never thought of myself as a bodybuilder, as if that was something to be. The term never rolled off my lips with affection. The early lifters from Muscle Beach were no fonder of the term than I. We were, we are, weight lifters -- people who lift weights. Bodybuilder has a connotation as likeable as "mercenary" when speaking of soldiers, or "camper" when referring to explorers or "star-gazing" when discussing astronomy.
Who knows? Maybe they hung at the beach and waited for life to happen. I don't know. I trained hard and slipped out the back door, applied myself to forming wood and lived a simple life.
Q: What would you bodybuilders do for fun after training? What was the social life like back then?
Though there were a dozen parties that brought us together over a two- or three-year period -– fun occasions with laughter, promise and cheer, good food and no drink –- we mostly went our own way. I was married, Frank was married and busy, Arnold and Franco had their interests and enjoyed the bodybuilding life as Joe Weider provided for their basic needs. We crossed paths for lunch or breakfast or trips abroad for competition or exhibition and promotion.
Life's a blur when you recall it 40 years later. It was fun, tough, heartbreaking, alive, fulfilling, energizing and exhausting. Some things never change.
Dave
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13 Behind-The-Scenes Stories From The Making Of 'Blazing Saddles'
Alex Kirschenbaum
Updated July 8, 2021
12.5k votes
1.7k voters
208.9k views
List Rules
Vote up the stories that make you appreciate the Mel Brooks classic even more.
Making Blazing Saddles (and then convincing Warner Bros. executives to actually let people see it) was not nearly as effortless and joyful an experience as one might expect after watching it. The production and post-production processes were not always smooth, but as you'll hopefully conclude for yourselves from this compendium of interesting and surprising behind-the-scenes anecdotes, it was a resounding success as a collaboration between several very funny people that has yielded one of the all-time classic comedies.
Writer/director/co-star Mel Brooks, of course, is naturally front-and-center in most of these stories. This is not the first time we have talked about some of Brooks's behind-the-scenes adventures - check out this recent piece for more fun Mel Brooks stories.
What are your favorite and least favorite Blazing Saddles behind-the-scenes stories? Vote below!
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Mel Brooks And Madeline Kahn Had A Rather Awkward Moment During Khan's Audition
Photo: Warner Bros.
Madeline Kahn turned in an iconic performance as sultry caterwauling saloon singer Lili Von Shtupp in the film, but she almost didn't get past the auditioning stage due to a bit of a faux pas from Mel Brooks.
"Her audition was one of the most awkward things I’ve ever had to experience, because … well, I told her, I love your work, but I can’t hire you unless you raise your skirt and let me see your legs. 'Oh, so it’s that kind of audition,' she said, and started to walk out," Brooks said to Rolling Stone.
"'No, no, I’m happily married, it’s not that at all,'" Brooks quickly explained. "'We’re doing a take-off on Westerns, and if you’ve ever seen Destry Rides Again, there’s the scene where Marlene Dietrich sings in the saloon. We’re trying to match that, and I know you can do it, it’s just that…' And she goes, 'Oh, I get it now,' and grabs a chair, hikes up her skirt, and straddles the chair just like Dietrich does in the original. I mean, like an exact match of the shot. I nearly fainted. It was her idea to hum the song out of tune as well, which seems like a small thing, but adds so much to the scene in the end. She was amazing."
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Mel Brooks Was Wary Of Including So Many Racial Epithets, But Pryor And Little Talked Him Into It
Photo: Warner Bros.
Mel Brooks was reticent to include so many epithets being uttered by white characters, but he was convinced to stay the course by co-writer Richard Pryor and star Cleavon Little.
"I don’t think you could ever get away with the ‘N’ word being done by so many white people so many times," Brooks noted in a conversation captured by NorthJersey.com.
"And I kept asking Cleavon and Richard, ‘Are we going overboard here? Is this too much? Are we going to be in trouble?’ You know, Richard said the most brilliant thing ’cause he was a very good writer and a realist. And he said, ‘You know, Mel, if the racists and the bad guys use it, then it’s perfect. But if good people use it, then you’re in trouble.’”
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Gene Wilder Stepped In At The Last Minute When The Original ‘Waco Kid’ Kept Vomiting On Set
Photo: Warner Bros.
Gig Young, then a recent Academy Award winner for They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969), had originally been cast by Brooks as the Waco Kid for Blazing Saddles (1974). "[If] you see some of the stuff he did earlier, like the Doris Day movies he was in, you’d see he had a real light comic touch," Brooks relayed to Rolling Stone. Unfortunately, Gig Young was accidentally a little too method in his performance preparation. "And the Kid is [an] alcoholic, and so was Gig. He knew how to do it. Then we have the first day of shooting, he literally started throwing up green stuff all over the set. I thought, 'We aren’t shooting The Exorcist, are we? I think something’s wrong here.' I sent him to the hospital and called Gene in tears."
Wilder had been best friends with Brooks since they first collaborated together on The Producers seven years prior. The duo had also worked together on Young Frankenstein (1974).
"I heard him sigh over the phone: 'I know, Mel, I’m the Waco Kid, you need me, I’ll be there,'" Brooks continued. "This was a Saturday; he flew out on Sunday, tried on the costume, tried on the gunbelt, tried on the horse … [laughs] it all fit. By Monday, he was shooting the scene where he’s hanging upside down next to Cleavon. It all worked."
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Richard Pryor Was Supposed To Play Bart, But The Studio Wouldn’t Agree To It
Photo: Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip/Columbia Pictures
Richard Pryor is also ranked #25 of 279 on The Greatest Stand-Up Comics from the USA
Co-writer Richard Pryor was originally supposed to portray Black sheriff Bart, the lead in Blazing Saddles. Because Warner Bros. balked at insuring Pryor - then coming off a recent drug arrest per a NorthJersey.com interview - Pryor bowed out, but convinced co-writer/director Mel Brooks to stay aboard the project.
"I almost quit the movie because the studio was scared of casting him," Mel Brooks told Rolling Stone in 2016. "He was the original Black Bart. But Richard said, 'Mel, don’t quit - I still have two more payments coming to me from the Screenwriters’ Guild, let’s make the movie. I have to get paid. We’ll find a good Black Bart, let’s just do this.'"
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Mel Brooks Cut One Joke At The Last Minute
Photo: Warner Bros.
While Blazing Saddles pushed the envelope in many regards, there was one joke Brooks decided to cut out in the editing stage. During the scene where Madeline Kahn's Lili Von Shtupp character seduces Bart the sheriff, she asks if a certain anatomy-related stereotype is true. She then shuts the lights out, and after an unzipping noise, she exclaims, "It's twue! It's twue!"
In the original cut, Brooks admits, Bart then replies "Excuse me, ma’am. I hate to disillusion you, but you’re sucking my arm."
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Mel Brooks Had To Contend With A Hesitant Warner Bros. Executive Who Didn't See The Potential Of 'Blazing Saddles'
Photo: Warner Bros.
Mel Brooks told Rolling Stone that, when a series of Warner Bros. executives were first shown the film, "They could not believe what they were watching: A person cold-cocking a horse? Farts? One of the guys got up and asked me. 'What did we spend on this?' 'I don’t know, $2.5 million?' So he turns to everyone in the room and says, 'Well, I suggest we eat the picture. Let’s bury this. The campfire scene, and the language ... it’s disgusting. I don’t want Warners’ name on this!'"
Brooks needed a true believer, an ally at Warner Bros., and thankfully he had one, in the form of Vice President in Charge of Production John Calley. "Calley, to his credit, said, 'Well, give it a weekend in L.A., Chicago, and New York. No critics, no marketing, no advance notice - we invite an audience in cold, they see the words "Blazing Saddles" come across the screen, and that’s it.' I don’t have to tell you - those three sneak previews we did were absolute riots. Suddenly, the same executives who wanted to kill the film saw gold coins floating in front of their eyes."
Those test screenings yielded uproarious audience reactions, and the film became a massive hit. Its $119.6 million lifetime domestic box office take (including re-releases) is equivalent to $592.6 million in today's dollars, making it the 56th most-seen film in US theatrical history, per Box Office Mojo.
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Mel Brooks And The Crew Spent A Day In The Editing Room Recording Fart Noises
Photo: Warner Bros.
For the infamously flatulent campfire scene, writer/director Mel Brooks and his post-production team logged a day in the editing room recording fart sounds through a variety of methodologies. What a way to make a living!
"I can tell you that we made the majority of the fart noises in the editing room," Brooks informed Rolling Stone. "Not actual farting, mind you - it was courtesy of soap, water, and our armpits. We did that for a whole day until we had a supreme volley of farts that I knew would work."
"'We have to get the bad guys to discuss getting [Mongo, played by Alex Karras] to go kill the sheriff. How are we going to do this?'" Brooks asked his team. "'I mean, cowboys don’t have offices, they don’t chit-chat with each other when they’re in the elevator … they’re out on the prairie. They’re talking about stuff around the campfire at night, right?' And someone else said, 'Right, they sit around drinking black coffee and eating beans and they…' I said, 'Let me stop you right there, I think I’ve got it.' You do that, there’s going to be a lot of noise. It’s biology." He's not wrong.
Brooks was systematic in determining just how many farts made the scene click, as he told Entertainment Weekly on the event of the flick's 40th birthday. "I had a rough cut, and maybe I had 16 farts. Things didn’t get exciting until the fourth or fifth one, and the laughter began to diminish around the 12th fart, so I said, 'Okay, cut it off at 12.' I did it kind of systematically. I do a lot of homework."
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Frankie Laine, A Legend Of Western Soundtracks, Recorded The Theme Song Earnestly Without Knowing It Was For A Comedy
Photo: Warner Bros.
Per a Goldmine piece, mid-century recording star Frankie Laine contended he "was not familiar with Mel Brooks's reputation" ahead of laying down the theme song for Blazing Saddles. He thus approached the performance earnestly, as if he was recording a song for a serious Western film. Laine was hardly a stranger to crafting the theme songs for serious-minded Westerns, having performed on the soundtracks of six Westerns in the 1950s prior to Blazing Saddles.
Like the Elmer Bernstein score for Animal House, this approach to the music made it even funnier.
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One Scene Features An Actual Bystander Whom Brooks Kept In The Movie
Photo: Warner Bros.
During the film's extremely meta finale, Sheriff Bart (Cleavon Little) is pursuing his adversary, the crooked mayor Hedley Lamarr (Harvey Korman) and his group of cowboy ruffians. Soon, the pursuit escapes the movie's sets and turns to the rest of the Warner Bros. studio backlot. In the scene, during a meta-on-top-of-meta moment, there appears to be a confused bystander in the shot, baffled by all the activity. In reality, that was an actual confused bystander!
"So the area in front of Warner Bros. was supposed to be absolutely clear," Brooks told Conan O'Brien during an appearance on Conan. "There was a guy in a kind of a brindle sweater walking up and down, and I said to the [assistant directors], 'Chase him, chase him away.' So they did." As they rolled, "everybody flew out of Warner Bros, onto the street... and he just wandered back in." Brooks enjoyed the moment so much, he made sure his crew got the man to sign a waiver green-lighting the use of his image for the movie.
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The Film Had Three Alternate Working Titles That Were All Scrapped For Fears They’d Confuse The Audience
Photo: Warner Bros.
Blazing Saddles was actually the fourth seriously-considered title for the comic Western. Three alternate titles were deemed too confusing. Mel Brooks explained the many prior monikers for Blazing Saddles in an informative Rolling Stone interview. When you hear what else they were considering, you'll probably come to the same conclusion that Brooks's Warner Bros. colleague did.
Originally it was called "Tex X," but [Warner Bros. executive] John Calley said, "No, sounds too much like a blaxploitation film." Then it was "Black Bart," which obviously had a double meaning - Black Bart was what you called a stock Western villain. Also our character’s name was Bart, and he was Black. Not exactly rocket science. But again, Calley said, "People will just think this is another Western … next!" So I waited a couple of weeks, so I said "I may have something that says Western and wacky …" And he says, "Whatever it is, it’ll never work." And I say, "Blazing Saddles." And he goes, "YES!" and jumps up and down.
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The Best 'Blazing Saddles' Quotes
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Mel Brooks's Catskills Training Led To The Count Basie Scene
Photo: Warner Bros.
Writer/director Mel Brooks explained to Rolling Stone that he is no stranger to breaking the fourth wall with weird meta moments if the comedy works. His adolescent experiences as a busboy in the Catskills were the origin of this mentality, which ultimately culminated in the Count Basie Orchestra's surreal desert cameo for Blazing Saddles (though he would do it in many other films, too).
"When I was 14 years old, I was a busboy up at the Catskills, and I was what you’d call a 'utility player' for the theater troupe - they’d call me in whenever they needed somebody to fill in, that kind of thing. So this guy who was playing a lawyer had broke his leg or something, and they needed me to do the part. They gave me a fake beard, they gave me a hunchback, they gave me a white wig - the whole thing. My big line was: 'There, there, Harry, take a seat … now, tell me in your own words, what happened on the night of January 16th. Have a glass of water,'" Brooks said.
"So my first time doing this, I’m onstage, I’m nervous, I go to pour the water into the glass for him - and the f**king thing drops right out of my hand, crashes onto the desk, and spills all over the place," Brooks continued. "I’m just standing there, everyone is in shock, it’s dead silent. So I walk down to the footlights, I take off my wig and beard, and I say to the audience, 'I’ve never done this before, I’m 14 years old!' The laugh I got out of that was huge. From then on, I thought, 'Okay, I’ve broken the fourth wall, and I’m never putting it back together. That’s how you get Count Basie and his orchestra playing in the middle of the desert in Blazing Saddles. That’s my whole method of working as a director in a nutshell. Find the fourth wall, then smash the hell out of it." This approach has served Brooks well over the years.
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Mel Brooks Never Expected 'Blazing Saddles' To Be A Hit
Photo: Warner Bros.
Blazing Saddles was an inordinate box office smash after Warner Bros. executives saw how it resonated with test audiences in key markets. But Mel Brooks never anticipated it to be such a universal hit.
"Actually, it was designed as an esoteric little picture," he told Playboy in a 1975 interview. "We wrote it for two weirdos in the balcony. For radicals, film nuts, guys who draw on the washroom wall - my kind of people. I had no idea middle America would see it. What would a guy who talks about white bread, white Ford station wagons, and vanilla milkshakes on Friday night see in that meshugaas?"
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Mel Brooks Wanted John Wayne To Play The Waco Kid
Photo: The Searchers/Warner Bros.
Mel Brooks confirmed in a 2016 conversation with Metro that John Wayne rejected the role eventually performed by Gene Wilder (after first going through Gig Young) in Blazing Saddles.
"I wanted him to play the Waco Kid, because the Duke was such a good actor," Brooks noted. "His reality is that he is the cowboy Western. We were in the commissary at Warners, I gave him the script, and he promised he’d read it overnight. The next morning I saw him and he says that he loves it - every beat, every line - but that it’s too blue, that it would disappoint his fans. He said, though, that he would be the first one in line to see it."
The idea of John Wayne cackling at the ribald absurdity of Blazing Saddles is quite an image. Here's hoping he made good on his promise to Brooks that he would check out the finished product.
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funk,
Fyi, George Eiferman was in a 1951 movie, The Devil's Sleep, in a small part as a gym employee. The movie is not a peplum, it's a crime drama.
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Work out in polluted air and you may miss out on some of the brain benefits of exercise, according to two, large-scale new studies of exercise, air quality and brain health. The studies, which involved tens of thousands of British men and women, found that, most of the time, people who ran and rode vigorously had larger brain volumes and lower risks for dementia than their less active peers. But if people exercised in areas with even moderate levels of air pollution, the expected brain improvements from exercise almost disappeared.
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The new studies raise questions about how to balance the undeniable health gains of working out with the downsides of breathing in bad air and underscore that our environment can change what exercise does — and does not do — for our bodies.
A large body of evidence demonstrates that, on the whole, exercise bulks up our brains. In studies, active people generally sport more gray matter in many parts of their brains than sedentary people. Gray matter is made up of the brain’s essential, working neurons. Fit people also tend to have healthier white matter, meaning the cells that support and connect neurons. White matter often frays with age, shrinking and developing Swiss-cheese-like lesions even in healthy adults. But fit people’s white matter shows fewer and smaller lesions.
Partially as a consequence of these brain changes, exercise is strongly linked with lower risks for dementia and other memory problems with age.
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https://plagueofstrength.com/baddest-motherfuckers-ever-john-grimek/
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The History of the Olympic Barbell
by Conor Heffernan
FEBRUARY 12, 2018
FILED UNDER:
RESOURCES
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A friend of mine recently made a very serious and from my perspective funny discovery. Having spent months training in a University gym replete with shiny new barbells, he decided to join me in my own gym for a catch up and quick training session. Ever the opportunist, he decided it was ‘Chest Day’ and first up was the Bench Press.
Engaging in some light hearted, at least he thought it was light hearted, joking we began loading up the plates. As his outbursts began to reach a crescendo, I made my way to the water fountain for some peace of mind. Hearing a squeal I turned around to see my friend pinned under the bar at a weight he assured me was ‘nothing.’ Thankfully his pride was the only thing injured and next time round he had me spotting him. The result? Still nothing.
Despite getting angrier and angrier my friend couldn’t move the weight. A weight he’d worked on for weeks in his own gym. A few days later he realised what had happened. His swanky new gym…well the barbells there weighed 15kg, the bar we were using was 25kg before adding weight. Now the point of this story is not to deter you from training with friends, which admittedly is always hit or miss, but rather to reinforce the importance of standardised weights.
This was a problem facing Olympic weightlifters in the early twentieth-century.
Olympic Weightlifting
Previously on this site, we’ve discussed the earlier iterations of Olympic weightlifting. In 1896, lifters contented themselves with dumbbells, the same was true in 1904. Similarly while a weightlifting competition emerged in London in the early 1890s, it wasn’t until the 1920s that we began to see lifts that were truly recognisable to what is performed today.
In the 1920, Games, which took place in Antwerp, Belgium, competitors were assessed in both one hand and two handed lifts. The latter being a two handed clean and jerk. The following games in 1924 saw the addition of a two handed snatch and a two handed press. Incidentally if anyone is interested in the history of the military press at the Olympics, John Fair’s article on the subject is just a joy to read.
This move towards two handed lifts was accompanied by the growing importance of weight lifting amongst the general populace. The 1920 games saw weightlifting as an Olympic event in its own right and with fourteen nations competing, the future seemed bright.
There was one small issue to contend with. Like my earnest friend discussed earlier, lifters across the globe were training with different barbells and prior to that dumbbells. It was proving difficult to train ‘in match conditions’ as it were as the standardised Olympic Barbell was proving hard to find, imitate and use. It’s at this point that our story really begins.
Enter the Olympic Barbell
Borrowing heavily from Jan Todd’s article on the subject, this website has examined the history of the barbell more generally but without delving into great detail. Having spent the better part of the day exploring the Olympic barbell, it’s possible to get a little more from the story at my own expense.
Previously I tracked the history of the Olympic Barbell to 1920s Germany but in light of more research it seems we can go back a little further. The late Mark Koyda’s thesis on weightlifting (I’d love to provide a link but I’m afraid it’s behind a paywall) had this to say about the Olympic Barbell’s origins
In 1908, German Franz Veltum produced a disc barbell. The prototypical “Olympic” revolving barbell with bearings was designed by Veltum and produced by the Berg company in 1910
Other sources link the Berg company’s production to the 1920s. For reasons which we will go into, I believe Koyda’s assertion was correct.
Similar to Elieko, the Berg company did not begin as a weightlifting manufacturer. The company was created in 1860 as an iron foundry and specialized with parts for bridge construction, iron constructions and the production of stable mechanisms. It was Wilhelm Berg who shifted the company’s focus towards sporting devices in the early twentieth-century, a decision that later earned him the title of ‘Father of the German Sports Industry’ (this information comes from the excellent Ironhistory website – if you’re not a member yet get over there!).
Soon after the Berg company began producing their barbell others took notice. A recent search through Alan Calvert’s Strength magazine from 1916 revealed Olympic barbells one the right hand side of the photograph. It is for this reason Koyda’s work seems closest to the truth.
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In 1928, Kaspar Berg introduced a new model barbell which caught the eyes of the weightlifting world primarily because of the ease with which they rotated during the lift. These bars were selected for the 1928 Olympic games in Amsterdam. After the games, the barbells both in terms of their weight and size were then copied by the likes of York Barbell Company, the Jackson Bar- bell Company, and nearly all other twentieth-century manufacturers.
Returning to the Ironhistory website, which I really cannot praise enough, it is possible to gain some insight into what the early barbell looked like – albeit in a crude drawing
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For actual images we can turn our attention to the excellent pictorial history of the 1924 and 1928 Olympics created by Frank Rothwell
The Berg barbell and its imitators were found in gyms around the world, only displaced in the 1960s and 1970s when the Eleiko barbell came to the fore. The history of which is available here.
As always… Happy Lifting!
V
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http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2017/08/the-unheralded-genius-of-john-bosley_17.html
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https://plagueofstrength.com/baddest-motherfuckers-ever-john-grimek/
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Looks like Ronnie is in need of Some oil in his Arms .
Good to see him lifting & Enjoying himself - Man is always smiling & Happy 👍🏻
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Stronger Muscles in 3 Seconds a Day
Men and women who briefly contracted their arm muscles as hard as possible once daily increased their biceps strength by up to 12 percent in a month.
Credit...Getty Images
Gretchen Reynolds
By Gretchen Reynolds
March 2, 2022
Could three seconds a day of resistance exercise really increase muscular strength?
That question was at the heart of a small-scale new study of almost comically brief weight training. In the study, men and women who contracted their arm muscles as hard as possible for a total of three seconds a day increased their biceps strength by as much as 12 percent after a month.
The findings add to mounting evidence that even tiny amounts of exercise — provided they are intense enough — can aid health. I have written about the unique ways in which our muscles, hearts, lungs and other body parts respond to four seconds of strenuous biking, for instance, or 10 seconds of all-out sprinting, and how such super-short workouts can trigger the biological responses that lead to better fitness.
But almost all of this research focused on aerobic exercise and usually involved interval training, a workout in which spurts of hard, fast exertion are repeated and interspersed with rest. Far less research has delved into super-brief weight training or whether a single, eyeblink-length session of intense resistance exercise might build strength or just waste valuable seconds of our lives.
So, for the new study, which was published in February in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports, scientists led by Masatoshi Nakamura at the Niigata University of Health and Welfare in Niigata, Japan, asked 39 sedentary but otherwise healthy college students to do three seconds of weight training every day. They also recruited an additional 10 students who would not work out to serve as a control group. The exercising volunteers gathered during the workweek at the lab for strength testing and weight lifting, of a kind. They sat at a machine called an isokinetic dynamometer, which has a long lever arm that can be pushed and pulled, up or down, with varying levels of resistance, allowing researchers to precisely control people’s movements and effort.
The volunteers manipulated the weighted lever with all their strength, straining and contracting their biceps to the fullest possible extent. Some of the participants slowly lifted the lever’s weight, like curling a dumbbell, producing what is called a concentric contraction, meaning the biceps shortened as they worked. Other volunteers slowly lowered the lever, creating a so-called eccentric contraction. You get an eccentric contraction when you lengthen a muscle, like lowering a dumbbell during a curl, and it tends to be more draining. A third group of volunteers held the lever’s weight steady in midair, fighting gravity, in a type of contraction where the muscle doesn’t change length at all.
And each of the participants did their biceps exercise for a total of three seconds.
That was it; that was their entire daily workout. They repeated this exceedingly brief exercise routine once a day, five times a week, for a month, for a grand total of 60 seconds of weight training. They did not otherwise exercise.
At the end of the month, the researchers retested everyone’s arm strength.
Those three-second sessions had changed people’s biceps. The groups either lifting or holding the weights were between 6 and 7 percent stronger. But those doing eccentric contractions, lowering the lever downward as you might ease a dumbbell away from your shoulder, showed substantially greater gains. Their biceps muscles were nearly 12 percent stronger overall.
These improvements may sound slight, but they would be biologically meaningful, especially for people new to weight training, said Ken Nosaka, a professor of exercise and sports science at Edith Cowan University in Joondalup, Australia, who collaborated on the study. “Many people do not do any resistance training,” and starting with very short workouts may be an effective way for them to begin a strength training regimen, Dr. Nosaka said. “Every muscle contraction counts” and contributes to building strength, assuming you lift a weight near the maximum you can handle and it lasts at least three seconds, he said.
The exercise routine is easy enough to recreate at home, Dr. Nosaka said, no dynamometer needed. Just find a dumbbell that feels heavy — you might start with a 10-pound version, for instance, if you are new to weight training. “Lift it with both hands,” Dr. Nosaka said, to start a biceps curl, then “lower it with one hand” through a count of three seconds to complete a short, sharp and draining eccentric contraction.
This approach, though, has some obvious limitations. While the volunteers in the study got stronger, they did not add muscle mass. “Strength is only one outcome” of resistance exercise, said Jonathan Little, a professor of health and exercise science at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, who has studied brief workouts but was not involved with this experiment. More traditional weight training typically also bulks up muscles, which has additional benefits for metabolism and other aspects of health and wellness over the long term.
The study also looked only at people’s biceps. Whether other muscles, especially in the legs, would strengthen after a few intense seconds of “lifting” is uncertain. More broadly, framing exercise as something that should be dispensed with as quickly as possible could make workouts seem like just another chore and maybe easier to skip.
Dr. Nosaka said he and his colleagues plan to study whether repeating three-second contractions multiple times throughout the day increases muscle mass, as well as strength. They are also exploring how to translate this approach to the legs and other muscles.
In the meantime, he said, we should probably think of three seconds of daily strength training as the least we can do. “It is definitely better,” he said, “to do one contraction a day than nothing.”
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Is the water fountain still broken? :D
The machine at 7 min, we have a similar one but the resting position is at 12 oclock instead of 6 oclock so you bring your arms downward against the resistance. I assume it's for lats? I don't use it.
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How Long Should a Workout Session Last?
A training session properly performed should never take much longer than 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. This should be adhered to regardless of the training endeavors (body building, powerlifting or training for a specific sport, etc.).
This time factor for training will allow for the maximum of 1 to 2 minutes rest between sets, two minutes rest between different bodyparts, and the average time of 1 minute (6 seconds to perform one rep) to properly perform 10 reps. Also taken into consideration is the time needed for sufficient warmups preceding the various exercises. Following brief and intense workouts in the manner we have discussed thus far will allow you to do as much as possible in the shortest amount of time, and you can fully recuperate while almost constantly stimulating your muscles into growth.
Best Time of the Day to Train
Scientific research indicates that energy and strength levels in the human body reach a peak around 3 to 4 p.m. each day. Society demands that we buy food and pay rent, etc., so in order to meet these demands we are obliged to seek employment. Due to our obligations in this area we find that the average body builder works on an average job from 8 to 5 p.m. daily five or six days per week. Unfortunately the vast majority of us can't train at this seemingly IDEAL TIME. The one and only suggestion I can make in this case is to "Train at that time which is at your convenience. Train either before or after your evening meal if this is your preference.
Some body builders who work on night shifts (graveyard -- midnight to 8 a.m.) find training time difficult. For you individuals in this situation may I offer these brief suggestions. The BEST plan is to take a nap of several hours and then begin your training session an hour after waking up. Now after your training session you might like to eat a meal, then you can get the rest of your sleep before going to work. If you are one of those who CAN'T break up the sleep in this way, I think the next best solution is to train IMMEDIATELY after work IF YOUR WORK ISN'T TOO STRENUOUS. Above all, you should never skip your training sessions while on this shift.
The Importance of Sleep
Our muscles grow when we are resting or sleeping. It is during this period of deep rest that the body's chemical processes are given a chance to supply the muscle cells with vital food components, obtained from proper nutritional habits, so necessary for building size and strength.
So one can immediately see the need for sound sleep and/or rest to make reasonable progress.
How much sleep is necessary? For the body builder or athlete a minimum of eight hours per night is a must. Depending on your daily expenditure of energy (job, family, workouts, involvement in sports, etc.) you could sleep as much as nine to 10 hours per night.
How to Warm Up Before Exercising
It isn't enough to do only one or two general warmup exercises (calisthenics, running in place, pushups, etc.) at the beginning of your workout schedule. You should warm up with each specific exercise that you will be using for a certain bodypart, before giving it everything you're got. The secret is to warm up the muscle without fatiguing it in the process.
A good warmup procedure to follow is to perform 1 or 2 sets, resting 30 seconds maximum between sets) per individual exercise using 2/3 of your maximum repetition poundage. For example, if your maximum poundage for 10 reps in the bench press is 200 pounds, you would use approximately 135 pounds for two warmup sets. Proper warmups will benefit you in many ways.
1) Warmups help to reduce muscle injury. When a muscle hasn't been warmed up sufficiently, it may tear or pull if it is suddenly required to contract against a maximum application of effort.
2) Warmups increase blood flow to the muscle area being worked.
3) Warmups tune up the nervous system. This opens up the nerve pathways between the brain and the muscle being worked.
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Last week we covered the first 10 questions from a 2005 OnFitness interview. Today I'll drop you off at the second set of 10. Here we go!
Q11) You often speak of weight lifting as glorious. What do you mean by this? Is weightlifting a spiritual experience for you?
Not exactly. It’s wonderful hard work; it hurts, it’s irritating and can be harmful if you’re not smart... and we're not smart all the time. It’s time consuming, obsessive and can be boring. You never seem to improve and are rarely pleased with the results. And no matter what you do, it’s either too much or not enough. That’s nothing: You miss a workout and get nervous; you miss two and you can’t talk civilly with anyone and if you miss three, it’s best if you don’t go out in public.
No, come to think of it, weight training is not a religious experience.
The strange thing is -- I’m not a lone maniac -- we love it. It’s absolutely amazing, soul energizing, irresistible and addictive, character building, mind clearing, stress reducing, actually muscle building, fat eliminating and bone strengthening. It’ll take a broken person, and fix that person, body, mind and spirit, and I’m not making that up or repeating what I heard or read. Lift long enough and arrogance is replaced by humility and fear by courage and selfishness by generosity and rudeness by compassion and caring.
Q12) What modality of lifting did you use when preparing yourself for contests?
Something like this: My routine would remain some variation of the basic bar, dumbbell and cable movements hitting each muscle group (3 or 4 different exercises per bodypart, 5 sets x 8 to 12 reps of each) twice a week over a 6-day week. At 8 weeks out, I’d lighten the weights used in each exercise, superset, be precise in form, gear up my training pace and increase the contraction of each rep. I’d tune in my training and exercise choice daily to accommodate my muscle-working needs. Urges, body feelings and instincts guide me here. I’d rest and relax more and stress less to ensure repair and well-being.
I’d tighten my already good eating plan by removing milk products the final month and lower the carbs to only salads, and increase my fish intake as I sought calorie reorganization. Thus, I’d sustain an anabolic environment with increased protein and sufficient carbs and good fats, being certain I didn’t sacrifice energy and muscle in the quest of fat loss and definition. To this, I’d add minimal salt, lottsa water, the usual vitamins and minerals, amino acids and positive thinking and visualizing, hope and prayer.
Q13) I love your philosophy of “train hard, eat right and be happy!" It is so true when you say, “what you eat is what you get.” Today, eating right can be a complicated thing. There are thousands of diet books and advice of how to eat right and it can be very confusing. You say, “Feeding yourself healthfully is a primary factor in preventing injury on the gym floor." What nutrition advice can you give to our readers?
Nutrition is an interesting and complex subject, yet what we need to know as muscle builders and lifters is simple and forthright. Keep it simple. Why tangle with the subject unless it absolutely fascinates you? Even then, don’t expect knowledge to take the place of hard work, discipline, consistency and common sense. There are no secrets, shortcuts or easy ways to gain fitness, lose fat and gain muscle size, shape and definition. There's only the true, challenging and fun way: Train hard, eat right and be strong, and be happy, and be positive, and be good.
The short list:
> Eat a well-balanced natural food diet with an accent on protein, an absence of sugar, low in carbohydrate and a medium supply of good fat.
> Eat six smaller, well-balanced meals evenly spaced throughout the day -- let’s say every three hours.
> As a weight-lifter and muscle-builder, reach for lean red meat, poultry and fish for your primary protein needs. Certainly include full-fat milk products (cottage cheese, yogurt, milk) and eggs. Nuts and beans are decent, minor sources of amino acids, but not the golden gems.
> Bring on the natural foods: vegetables, salads by the bowlful and some favorite fruit (high in sugar, so be careful).
> Ingest no fried foods, junk food, pop, sugary deserts, candy, cakes and the like.
> Serve yourself a pre-workout and post-workout protein shake (just before and just after is swell) similar to the breakfast shake to assure energy, endurance and a healthy pump, and for muscle repair and rebuilding. Don’t train on empty. Your body will seek fuel from your existing muscle mass. Have mercy.
> Drink water all day long.
> Add a high-quality vitamin and mineral to your diet and two tablespoons of essential fatty acids (EFAs).
> Be consistent, patient and certain.
Q14) What do you prefer, free weights or machines? Is one safer than the other?
I prefer free weights if I had to choose only one modality. As it is, I find cables important for the effective engagement of a variety of muscle groups -- pulldowns for lats, seated cable rows for back, cable crossovers for pecs, pushdowns for tris, etc.
Machines come into play as comfortable alternatives when limited by injury, isolating a muscle group or for a change of pace. As they follow a designated groove, they're limited in muscle recruitment, yet provide protection and direction for the novice and under-trained -- like training wheels for the first-time junior bicyclist. Some machines are more useful than others; some are no use at all.
“The weights are where it’s at, man.” Anonymous
Q15) In your opinion, what's the most dangerous information being taught today?
It comes in waves. Crazy, mad techniques come from the gyms and garages of the diehards, and die hard they do. For the healthy fitness seeker and well-balanced muscle builder, weight training is straightforward work -- sets and reps, logical body movement and intensity of output that matches one’s personality. Train hard but not suicidal; push but don’t punish; exceed but don’t bleed; bomb it but don’t vomit.
There are some who have the notion that training furiously for 30 minutes every 7th to 10th day (whatever) is the true way of the real champion iron-and-steel muscle builder. Monster weight times monster reps equals monster muscles and power; keep the pail and smelling salts handy. I don’t know. I scratch my head and wonder, “Do they like to train; do their joints operate freely; do they do this forever?”
Q16) When asked, what's the one thing you'd change about mainstream fitness, you once replied, “The accent on aerobics.” Can you elaborate on this?
Aerobic exercise has been over-emphasized, a symptom of the run-and-get-fit mentality that broke out like hives in the 1970s. “Run, my child. It is the answer.” It was written and everyone believed.
In quick response, the Main Street assemblylines began turning out treadmills and stationary bikes like they were model Ts. We walk, we run, how about climbing? Stairmasters are for you. Wait, there’s more. Elliptical trainers, recumbent bikes, rowers and rooms packed with aerobic dancers. Jump and scream.
All other exercise -- namely, the weights -- was shifted to the back of the gym and people preferably ran their pants off while they watched TV and read People Magazine.
In time, the heart and lungs came out on top, some fat was lost and no overall muscles were built; no strength, little discipline, no creativity. Each year a new model aerobic machine came out like another BMW. The manufacturers grew rich and the users, for the most part already lacking in commitment and discipline, were misdirected, mislead, convinced of a half-truth and disappointed. This is boring and my knees and lower back hurt.
I’m not partial; I’m professional. Some aerobic exercise is good; too much is too much and the benefits the activity promises are an exaggeration, a misconception, and a self-elaborated deception. A person wants to believe it works because "they" said so and it’s simple, easy and hopeful.
An ordinary person who wants to build muscle, lose fat and get in shape needs at least 80-percent hardy resistance training (it’s wonderful) and maybe 20-percent high intensity interval training (HITT; it’s exhilarating). And then eat right and be consistent, positive and motivated.
Q17) What's your take on all these diet fads?
They're endless and confusing, also silly, frightening or absurd if one should examine them. Again, it’s the Main Street assemblyline at work to make a buck off the agitated, naive and seeking populace: sell a book, sell an article, sell a plan -- convince the consuming public they’re a professional, an expert, a guru.
We need to be more discerning as we gather information personal to self. This is simple stuff if we break out our common sense, stop and think.
Q18) What advice can you give personal trainers to be the best they can be?
Spend the next 20 years practicing this stuff and go out there with a big heart and a generous spirit and show your client passionately how it's done. If you don’t have 20 years, recognize who you are and apply yourself wisely and humbly according to your knowledge and understanding. You’re there to help people help themselves, to teach them, and make them better than ever. Listen to them, get to know them, appreciate them, ask the right questions and empathize with them as well as you can (that’s why experience is so important). Evaluate them and plan a routine that will begin slowly yet deliberately as you continue to observe their personalities and needs, and gain their confidence.
Most of all, encourage them and share your good energy. Motivate them and give them hope. Make them work hard in due time. Don’t pamper and thus weaken them; that's not good for either of you. Count to 10 when necessary, and be forgiving but be strong. And always be honest, be yourself.
If this doesn’t work, it’s back to bagging at Safeway. You need help out to your car with your groceries, m'am?
Q19) What are some of the most common mistakes you see personal trainers making?
Other than the occasional improper instruction and wrong information, socializing, chatting incessantly, losing focus, too much assistance and too little or too much energy top the list.
I know everyone wants another person’s approval, especially when the other person’s paying them. Being exceedingly nice and helpful goes a long way. I’d quickly establish a real and consistent work mode, a crisp and alert training atmosphere to earn their appreciation. A friendly and professional attitude in itself is commendable and rewarding: work hard, get the job done, understand the process and enjoy the fulfillment. Responsible seriousness can easily be sprinkled with persuasion and encouragement to soften its hard edge, and comic relief is an oasis amid tough sets and reps.
I’d avoid silliness, chatting too much and any distractions from the wonderful task at hand. No sport talk, no politics or dirty jokes, and for crying out loud, don’t hand them the weights as they sit on the bench and don't become their workhorse or minion. Be strong and in charge. This is weight lifting, not breakfast at Tiffany’s. You’ll both be more productive and grateful and still be friends.
Q20) What are your current training exercises and nutrition intake?
The condensed answers to the huge questions are as follows:
Training -- I train with the weights four days a week for two hours a workout. With form, focus and a steady pace I practice the basic movements, which include squats, deadlifts, flat and incline presses with barbells and dumbbells, wide-grip pulldowns, seated cable rows, cable crossovers, barbell and dumbbell rows, assorted barbell and dumbbell curls, dips, lying triceps extensions, stiff-arm pullovers and farmer walks. I train for maximum muscle intensity each set with a keen eye on overload, overtraining and injury. I perform supersets in assorted push-pull combinations; train each bodypart twice a week, hit five sets of each exercise commonly for sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 reps. And I practice single-set power training for one or two training sessions every three weeks.
For cardio, I currently do 20 minutes of vigorous, nonstop midsection work, which includes crunches, rope tucks, hanging leg raises, incline leg raises and hyperextensions at the start of each workout.
Nutrition -- I eat six meals regularly, every three hours throughout the day. I start with a protein shake of full-fat milk, two raw pastured eggs, three scoops of Bomber Blend, banana and a glob of peanut butter. The water bottle follows me everywhere I go.
Twice a day, late morning and mid-afternoon, I have a 6-8 ounce portion of skirt steak, 12 ounces of milk, a scoop of cottage cheese, some sliced vegetables and a couple of baked red potatoes the size of silver dollars.
A can of tuna is opened at any off-guard mealtime, eaten out of the can and accompanied with some handy vegetables, cottage cheese and lots of water. It works.
Baked chicken is an evening meal when one more skirt steak is one too many. I love salad, and broccoli and beans and spinach are big at my house. Add milk products again.
Special note: Thrown in prior to my mid-day workout and upon its completion are 16 ounces super-duty protein shakes with a teaspoon of amino acids and creatine.
Before bedtime, it’s a full-fat yogurt with mixed nuts or a quick protein shake if I'm stuffed, plus my dose of Super Spectrim vitamins and minerals. Good night...
There you have it, typos, poor grammar, inanity and all.
God’s speed... Dave draper
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https://www.thebarbell.com/the-blond-bomber-the-life-of-dave-draper-1942-2021/
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Dave Draper, the blond icon of the ’60s bodybuilding lifestyle, died November 30 at 79. This is his story.
When he had saved up enough from delivering groceries, a teenager rode two buses and hiked six blocks from his Secaucus, New Jersey, home to the Weider headquarters in Union City to buy weight plates for the barbell he had previously purchased there, and then he hauled the weights back those same six blocks and two bus rides. Each time, he rang the buzzer inside the building’s small lobby and an opaque window slid open, revealing the smiling face and gargantuan arms of the loquacious Leroy Colbert. Eventually, in 1962, that local kid had grown enough to attract the attention of the boss. In Dave Draper’s recollection, they met on the loading dock where Draper was adding a pair of 35-pound plates to his collection, and Joe Weider, ever the bodybuilder, always fishing for a compliment, asked the kid how he (Joe) looked. The boss hired the 20-year-old as a part-time shipping clerk. Draper was mystified by what Weider saw in him because, “I was big and strong but covered in fat.” Weider said the blond, six-foot Dave Draper “looked like the kid next door and people could identify with him.” On their lunch hours, that kid trained with Colbert in the warehouse.
Dave Draper biography
Smooth Draper’s first cover, Dec. 1963
In 1963 Weider opened a West Coast product distributorship near Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, California. Draper agreed to relocate, with his wife and young daughter, to work there with 1962 Mr. Universe George Eiferman. He recalled his first day when Eiferman drove him from the airport to Zucky’s Deli, a popular bodybuilders’ hangout in Santa Monica: “There were clean streets and palm trees, blue skies and warm breezes, the lush Pacific palisades and a sense of hope. George was an old friend before we finished our first cup of coffee, and I remembered New Jersey no more.”
The Beach Boys were serenading on transistor radios, Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon were shimmying in the sand on big screens, and Dave Draper was smiling and flexing on and in Weider’s magazines. “I made Dave Draper a big part of my push,” Joe Weider explained. “Big and blond and outdoorsy-looking, he was like the world’s best-built beach boy and the perfect California icon.” By the time Draper won the 1965 Mr. America and 1966 Mr. Universe, he was a staple on Weider magazine covers. He appeared on 25 between 1963 and 1971 and in countless ads (many in comic books) and upon countless products: candy bars, vitamin bottles, weight sets, training courses, etc., all without being directly compensated. His very nickname, “The Blond Bomber,” was based on Weider hyperbole about “bombing” muscles with Weider workout techniques. (He hated it at first but later embraced it.)
Dave Draper life story
Typical cover: Dave Draper on the beach, Sept. 1968
As David the Gladiator, he hosted a sword-and-sandal movie show on a local Los Angeles station from 1964-65. He also acted in such popular TV shows as The Beverly Hillbillies and The Monkees and in such movies as Lord Love a Duck and, most memorably, Don’t Make Waves, as a Cali beach bodybuilder—the persona attached to him that came to define him. He sold the bodybuilding lifestyle (beach, bikini babes, muscles) and the endless summer of Southern California to a generation of young bodybuilders around the globe (including Arnold Schwarzenegger in Austria), growing so iconic that, decades later, GQ magazine published a feature article about him and the E! Network aired a one-hour documentary. “That I was a West Coast beach boy to a world of bodybuilding fans eluded me,” Draper wrote. “Jersey hung around my neck like a sweaty tank top, and I never mounted a California surfboard. Here’s some possible irony: The only time I went to the beach was in the twilight to remove timber with a saw from beneath an obsolete pier a stone’s throw from Muscle Beach.”
Arnold and Dave Draper
Arnold and Draper, circa 1970, Gold’s Gym, Venice, CA / photo: Artie Zeller
Dave Draper had fame but not fortune, and he was never comfortable with the fame. Bodybuilding titles didn’t motivate him much (he won his last, the Mr. World, in 1970), which frustrated Joe Weider. “Joe is a star builder,” Arnold Schwarzenegger said. “If you let him, he will create you and turn you into something special….But Dave wasn’t that interested in being in front of five thousand people and saying, ‘Look at my naked body. Isn’t that great?’ Why did he train in dark dungeons in the early morning with all those shirts on, never showing his body and not running around the beach like the photographs showed? That wasn’t Dave’s reality. That was Joe’s reality.” He appeared in fewer ads and on fewer covers as the ’60s morphed into the ’70s, and then none at all, supplanted by Arnold, the new Weider superstar. (He sued Weider in 1972, but settled for only enough to cover his attorney fees. What he gained was the rights to his own image.)
Away from stages, he built and sold his own furniture (that’s why he was removing timber from a pier). And, for the most of the ’70s, he frequently got lost in vodka and Angel dust. He gained sobriety in 1983. In the beach town of Santa Cruz, California, he owned and managed a World Gym for 15 years until 2004. He married his second wife, Laree. He never stopped training.
Dave Draper at 63
Draper at 63 in 2005
Dave Draper was always shy, but his personality shined in his excellent and prolific writing in magazine columns (he was the rare champ who wrote his own), on his website, in email newsletters, and in such books as Brother Iron, Sister Steel and Iron On My Mind. He was the reluctant icon, the inspiration to a generation, the Jersey boy in Cali who never stopped loving the individual challenge of a barbell and the next set. The Blond Bomber was a true original who did it his way. Our condolences to his family, friends, and many fans.
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https://www.thebarbell.com/dougs-gym-the-oldest-old-school-gym/ DID ANYONE EVER GO TO THIS PLACE ???
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https://www.thebarbell.com/dougs-gym-the-oldest-old-school-gym/ DID ANYONE EVER GO TO THIS PLACE ???
Cool!
Nope. But I did train at "Stern's Gym" which opened on May 13th, 1946.
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Cool!
Nope. But I did train at "Stern's Gym" which opened on May 13th, 1946.
you can't beat old school.
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https://www.thebarbell.com/dougs-gym-the-oldest-old-school-gym/ DID ANYONE EVER GO TO THIS PLACE ???
I drove by this gym a few times.I wish I would have took the time to stop and check it out.Many times I have made this same mistake.See something interesting but since I’m in a hurry I don’t stop.Fuck me.
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5 percenters
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Bill Barad Bodybuilder
Last Updated on Sun, 06 Mar 2022 | Muscle Pumping
In answer to your recent letter, I'm not at all adverse to being quoted, so long as I'm not quoted out of context. However, I would much prefer that this letter not be cut or condensed in any way, reprinted in its entirety.
First, I'd like to make my position clear, concerning the anabolic hormones or 'tissue drugs', as you call them. I'm neither-for-or against their use, as far as the general public is concerned. Each individual is a complex combination of innumerable factors, both physical and psychological, and certainly no one can say truthfully that anything is good for EVERYONE. These hormones are contraindicated in certain diseased conditions of the prostate and liver. However, under normal condition, I feel that they are very useful and beneficial for the average bodybuilder when used with discretion.
Most of the arguments I've heard against the use of these substances have revolved about the theme that it isn't natural to take hormones or drugs. I would answer by simply stating that neither is it natural to drink milk, eat bread or cooked food of any kind, use salt, imbibe wheat germ oil, take vitamin, mineral or concentrated protein supplements in any form. It's even unnatural to bathe daily as we do, and exercising with weights on a regular or a strenuous basis is not natural. Yet, who condemns these practices because they are unnatural? I'd hate to be forced to live in a strictly natural manner. I would then necessarily be uncivilized and, I am convinced, quite unhealthy.
Another argument is that great 'authorities' Hoffman and Weider are against using them. This I can answer simply by pointing out that hormones cannot be sold legally by these self-styled authorities. Since no profit is in it for them, as there is in the products they peddle, it isn't difficult to see why they're against them. After all, if bodybuilders turned to effective hormones, how would the health food boys stay in business?
There have been some adverse reactions due to misuse of these substances, to be sure. However, these reactions have been extremely rare and almost always associated with over dosage in individuals who were being treated medically for various conditions of poor health affecting the metabolism of these hormones. Besides, all known side effects of these substances are completely reversible upon reduction or withdrawal of dosage. There are far more people whose health was damaged by milk, eggs, wheat, vitamin supplements, etc. In fact, there is hardly a food or drink which hasn't been harmful to someone.
Would anyone condemn the use of insulin, because it's unnatural? Or thyroid extract or cortisone and its derivatives? If individuals must use these substances, nothing can convince them not to take their daily dose, because it's unnatural or because a few persons may have had an adverse reaction from taking too much. They know that their daily doses are all that stand between themselves and death.
My experience with anabolic hormones has been very fruitful. I've been using them for almost ten years now and I can honestly say they have benefited me greatly. I will soon be 46 (1966) and I find my physical development and total vitality to be on a higher plane with much less effort than it was, ten years ago. I firmly believe that aging is chemical and that some day, via hormone therapy, we'll be able to extend the prime of life far beyond what it is today. Meanwhile, I'll not be twiddling my thumbs waiting^ I'll take advantage of every trick at my disposal, natural or unnatural, to extend my prime as long as I can; for I've found the anabolic hormones do much more than merely enhance muscular size - they have a toning effect on practically all my bodily functions.
To explain how these hormones accomplished their actions, would take volumes to delve into the many faceted and intricate workings involved and then it would only be theory. The only thing you can say as certain is that they work and, in some cases, are life saving.
I could tell you more about the history of anabolic hormones - how they are derived, etc. - but it would make too long a letter. I would, however, like to bring one more item to your attention. I know of three Mr. Americas and at least one Mr. Florida, also several movie stars who rose to glory when taking these hormones. In fact, one of the greatest and best known of all bodybuilders became Mr. America in the 1940's, after taking testosterone - the parent hormone from which the more recent anabolic hormones have been derived. He later became Mr. Universe and even today, twenty years later, he is still considered by many, to be the greatest of them all. In closing, I look forward to seeing this letter presented to your readers. - Bill Barad
Donne Hales Responds
Donne at his store, Hales Health Foods, in Miami, Florida in 1966
Donne at his store, Hales Health Foods, in Miami, Florida in 1966
Bill Barad is the only man I know who used tissue drugs successfully, for so long. His case is encouraging but certainly not conclusive evidence. Favorable results such as weight gain, size, more energy, power, increase of hardness in muscles have been reported. Others have had reactions such as a bleeding from nose and rectum, chest pains, loss of sexual drive, nausea, upset liver, appearance of puffiness. It is obvious that much is to be learned and results vary due to body chemistry or other factors.
The building up phase of metabolism is anabolism, thus giving its name to this type of drug. A hormone, of course, is an "exciter" in the system; it takes only an infinitesimal bit to vastly effect body chemistry, as they are so powerful. Here is one theory of how the anabolic hormones work - the cell's membrane acts like a sieve, permitting some elements to enter the cell, rapidly, others slowly and some, not at all. A molecule of growth hormone may drape itself over the membrane, thus changing the nature of the "sieve". Maybe it lets more amino's enter, giving the enzymes more to work with and forming more protein, which accelerates the cell growth and multiplication. If this action takes place in the body's billions of cells, rapid growth will result. Common sense should indicate that changing normal metabolism as they do, tissue drugs MUST be considered dangerous. Read this, from THE BODY, by Nourse, "...hormonal activity must remain in delicate balance - like salt in a stew - or the entire body will be thrown out of kilter." Does this make you think?
Anabolic hormones are used following surgery or a long illness, with people who do not metabolize properly; they were intended for therapeutic use and nothing else! Their labels specifically warm that lengthy use is not recommended and advise supervision by a doctor while taking them. Does that sound as if they are NOT dangerous? Don't kid yourself that they are like penicillin, insulin or other drugs that have known side effects. Those medicines are used in cases of desperation, with the patient willing to risk the bad effects. This is not so with a tissue drug - if you're using one, it's due to vanity. If you ask me, that's a foolish reason for taking serious risks!
It is unfortunate that there isn't yet definite evidence of serious harm from these hormone drugs. Side effects from chemicals don't usually show up until years later and if the product isn't widely used, reports are slower. Sulfonamides were lauded as a safe, wonder drug in 1957; in 1964, it was proven they caused severe blood disease or ulcerations. A flu vaccine popular for ten years was pinned down in 1965 as causing tumors. Because you don't drop dead when it is taken, doesn't mean a chemical is safe!
Another mistake is to assume that these anabolic hormones must be safe, or they could not be sold. The Food & Drug Administration is notoriously lax in protecting the public from the powerful drug monopolies. That office has continually passed drugs as safe that were later proved dangerous; just as often, they have failed to act against products known to be harmful, allowing them to remain on drug shelves, with a change in the label. In recent years, they have passed chloromycetin, orabilex, parnate, enovid and others; all have caused drastic results - even death, in some cases. Physicians can not be relied upon for protection, even if sincere. The AMA says that 90% of the drugs known to a doctor when he begins practice, will have replaced during his career. They also add that less than 20% of the new ones will have received adequate testing! Drug companies are tremendous businesses; I do not find it strange to think they might place profits ahead of public welfare! No, the best protection is still common sense.
Modern society is ruled by a slap-happy way of thinking - it blissfully accepts poison sprays, chemicals in food and yes, hormone drugs, without question. They smugly quote "After all, we're healthier than ever". And I say, the Hell we are! Juggling statistics makes it appear we live longer, but we can not ignore the alarming increase in all degenerative diseases, like cancer. In my mind, this brings us back to tissue drugs. In A MATTER OF LIFE & DEATH by Bailey, this appears, "...all cancers share a basic similarity: uncontrolled, spreading growth". If you recall the way in which the anabolic hormones probably react on metabolism, does that sound comforting? And then this, "the law says that cells should grow, but only enough to benefit the whole organisms". Some will accuse me of using "scare tactics". I am, and with good reason - if you're toying with the tissue drugs, you SHOULD be scared!
Most men who use anabolic hormones do so in ignorance; they believe they must use then to get a top physique and they do not have any idea of their evil potential. Some of the greatest physiques in history were developed BEFORE the hormone crazy, including the immortal John C. Grimek. Today, we still have stars who have never touched them.
Although tissue drugs do seem to stimulate growth, they do not always produce desired results. Immediate ill effects often appear and, in the light of scanty knowledge about hormonal effect on bodily processes, there is a definite risk of possible later side effects. In the face of all this, if being big is your only objective in life, if it is more important to you than possible danger to your health, I have no further arguments to offer. After all, it IS your life. - Donne Hale
A Dennis B. Weis Capsule Comment
I was in 100% agreement with Donne's response to Bill Barad and on a personal note I would say that, unless you are a pituitary dwarf or 99 years old and weight 60 pounds, you shouldn't ever risk the use of anabolic steroids (or thyroid drugs for that matter).
Closing Comments
This program-neither the diet nor the workouts are NOT recommended for beginners or for bodybuilders age 40 and beyond as it might cause side effects (and blowback) of Central nervous system shock, Adrenalin gland exhaustion, Rapid testosterone and growth hormone depletion or high levels of the catabolic hormone "Cortisol". Remember that recovery must always precede muscle growth!
There is no easy way, no shortcuts in bodybuilding. Learn to workout hard, eat well, get enough sleep, don't consume alcoholic beverages or smoke. Pay your dues.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about the physical force protocols and nutrition that one man (Richard Simons) used to MAKE A
REMARKABLE METAMORPHESIS 25 POUND WEIGHT GAIN IN ONLY 21 DAYS!
Bonus Report No. 1
Mind Power Doctrine
of an Iron Warrior By Dennis B. Weis "The Yukon Hercules"
There is an old adage that says, "Think big, act big, to get big." It is therefore very important to learn about mind doctrine management if you want to become bigger and stronger.
The mind power doctrine of an iron warrior can be broken down into three simple but inseparable factors: Belief, Vision, and Method.
Belief is the degree of self-confidence (trust) a person has in himself or herself. The difference between an iron warrior bodybuilding champion and others is the size of his or her belief.
A mediocre bodybuilder might express his belief like this: "I'd like to be an iron warrior bodybuilding champion some time, maybe, if it's not too hard." Lee Haney, eight-time Mr. Olympia, puts it this way: "I want to be a champion. That's what I see Lee Haney as, a Champion. There's nothing wrong with having a healthy ego. That's why there are sheep and there are shepherds." Notice the difference between the two beliefs?
Vision is the appropriate and attainable short- and long-term goals. Adding 1/2 inch to the arms in one day is a short-term goal.
Method is the process used to fulfill the vision. For example, the process for fulfilling the vision of adding 1/2 inch to the arms in one day can be achieved by following the advice in my SPECIAL BIG ARMS REPORT (available at: www.dennisbweis.com).
It is important that you begin thinking like an iron warrior bodybuilding champion by adopting the mind power doctrine of Belief, Vision, and Method. Doing this will help you access the reservoir of untapped strength within your body. This is vital, especially if you are into the advanced stages of, say, German Volume Training (read about this unique training protocol in issue #118 at www.t-mag.com), where the program becomes such a bully that you may begin to experience self-imposed limitations of frustration, doubt, and indecision. You may even begin to question your energy, endurance, sanity, and willingness to carry a program such as German Volume Training to its completion.
Such self-imposed limitations are indeed major barriers of the subconscious mind and, as a result, can cause temporary lapses of mental concentration. It is absolutely paramount that you let go of disruptive influences such as frustration, doubt, and indecision and focus on the light of total awareness or laser concentration (metaphysical) needed to complete a program such as German Volume Training or others.
Bill Pearl, a multi-Mr. Universe, has stated at a number of his superseminars that "you can't take anything negative you are doing in the sport of bodybuilding and turn it into positive results. It won't work." He goes on to say that "You must condition your subconscious mind to think that you are getting bigger and training with more intensity and your body will respond accordingly."
To condition the subconscious mind in the manner that Bill Pearl described requires the implementation of a couple of self-actualization resources.
First, begin reprogramming your subconscious mind with some very precise, measurable, and powerful motivational affirmations. Here are some examples: Mentally or audibly with full force and conviction, say (to yourself):
"I will train each occurring set of the exercise at hand (of say the Standing Two-Hands Barbell Curl or the Standing Barbell Press Overhead etc.) with focused intensity."
"I will conquer and dominate each set with an unchained will to triumph and succeed."
"I will prevail in the moment and take myself to absolute physical levels that surpass and rival previous ones."
I will conquer and dominate every single rep of the upcoming set and get progressively stronger while doing so."
"I will masterfully succeed in the gym."
"My upper arms will grow bigger by ^ inch."
"Today I will perform the most intelligent, rigorous, and locked-in priority workout of my life."
Notice the emphasized words in each of the motivational affirmations. They are called "trigger words" and serve as a mental stimulus to unite the muscle fibers in your being to respond to their fullest potential. You can choose other trigger words and specific and concise positive reinforcement phrases if you wish.
Specific and concise positive reinforcement phrases (motivational affirmations) should personally reflect an unchained power and commanding dominance to master the direction of your thoughts. Here are some examples:
• Weak reinforcement - Make my legs stronger.
• Specific/concise reinforcement - to squat 400 pounds slightly below parallel with perfect form for a big triple.
• Weak reinforcement - to eat better or really zone in on my diet starting next week.
• Specific/concise reinforcement - to consume no more than 3,000 calories a day with a ratio of calorie intake to be 40% complete protein, 50% complex carbohydrates, and 10% unsaturated fats, beginning next Monday morning.
• Weak reinforcement - to lose weight.
• Specific/concise reinforcement - to weigh 210 pounds and have 10% bodyfat or lower.
• Weak reinforcement - to get my bench press up.
• Specific/concise reinforcement - to increase my maximum single effort in the flat bench press from 300 to 300 pounds in the next 10 to 12 weeks.
Specific/concise reinforcements are measurable, meaning that two independent people should be able to agree within acceptable limits that the reinforcements occurred or did not occur. Weak reinforcements are less defined and much more difficult to measure in terms of results.
The motivational affirmations or reinforcements that I have been discussing are an important power of the mind power doctrine. The subconscious mind cannot distinguish between what is real and what is not. You must therefore, with a commanding dominance, deeply, fully, thoroughly, and completely convince your subconscious mind of your belief in the motivational affirmations. Only then can you create your own realities.
So, with a burning inner conviction, emotionally, with all of the force, all of the drive, and all of the desire (desire is the font of will power) that you are capable of feeling, mentally or verbally repeat 10-15 times your favorite precise, measurable, and powerful motivational affirmations. As you continue to repeat these phrases, you will begin to feel absolute sensations of unchained power flowing, pulsing, and surging through you both mentally and physically.
The second Self-Actualization Resource is mental imagery-rehearsal of any training protocol you are currently following (e.g., German Volume, Titan Training System, etc.). It is said that what the mind can conceive and believe, the body can achieve. And so it is with this thought that I'll begin with an explanation of mental imagery-rehearsal by borrowing some of the commanding and dominant insights and expressions of mind doctrine techniques that many world champion bodybuilders use to access peak performance in the gym.
Mental imagery-rehearsal and its application to the iron athlete is a thoughtful and intelligent two-stage event consisting of pre-workout and one-set interval preparation. Here's a brief look at each.
Stage I: Pre-Workout Imagery Rehearsal_
Simply stated, you will mentally visualize (like seeing a series of pictures on a movie screen), by bringing images into the mind, all the simple and complex elements associated with the forthcoming workout.
About 15 to 30 minutes prior to your workout, go to a place of solitude (void of ringing telephones, ticking clocks, people talking, and bright lights). Sit in a comfortable chair. Close your eyes and begin slowly and deeply to breathe in and out through your nose and begin to relax (called relaxed breathing).
Now, begin mentally to empty your mind of all thoughts that do not pertain to the workout. Don't let intruding thoughts attract your attention. This could be any thought such as what you did yesterday, what you are going to be doing after the workout. Sometimes a remark that someone made that you didn't particularly like will pop back into your head, but don't let it.
Drive away the nagging negative voice from the dungeon of your subconscious mind that might be telling you to skip your workout for one reason or another. Mentally see yourself well rested, recovered, and stronger from your last workout a couple of days ago.
As you continue to progress into a relaxed state, visualize the collective atmosphere of the training energy in the gym that is being generated by the other iron warriors. Feel this sensation and how it gives you a special power to dominate the heavy iron.
Become a master of training by mentally reproducing the tracking patterns of the exercises rep for rep, set for set. Repeat this process several times in your mind.
Finally, see yourself at the conclusion of the workout with a bone-deep, growth-producing, vein-choked pump in the muscles of the upper arms.
When the mental pictures and related sensations that you expect to see are clear and vivid in the mirror of your mind, open your eyes. Your should now have an unyielding commitment, intense desire, determined persistence, and powerful will to succeed moving, flowing, pulsing, and surging through your entire being.
It's time then to get up out of the chair and step into the hardcore trenches of the gym.
Stage II: One-Set Mental Imagery Rehearsal
This stage of mental imagery-rehearsal is conducted approximately 10-15 seconds prior to each set of a prescribed exercise methodic. While standing or sitting, however you feel most comfortable, close your eyes and take in and exhale short breaths of air as you mentally prepare (with selective focus) for the moment at hand.
You must go to that place in your consciousness where there is no pain, no negative influences, no fear, a state of mind where only positive forces dwell.
Your mind must be time-locked (cohesive) with the muscles in order to do battle with the heavy iron. Begin by picturing in your mind's eye the bench, the bar, the plates. Imagine this so intensely that you can smell the sweat, feel the knurling on the bar, hear the plates rattle, and so forth.
If you are going to be performing the classic standing two-hands barbell curl, for example, recreate all of the exercise mastery techniques that are necessary for the successful completion of each gut-wrenching rep of the set.
The more organized and detailed you can make this ritual of mentally focusing in one-set intervals, the better chance you will have for training to the outer limits of muscular size and strength. Here's another way to explain it. Think of how organized and detailed the ritual of mental imagery-rehearsal would be if it related to making love to a beautiful woman. The details are never slippery or vague. They're always clear and vivid.
As the magnitude of mental imagery-rehearsal for the upcoming set becomes more and more vivid, you will begin to feel torrents of unleashed fury and your heart will beat in a manner that reflects your ability to dominate and prevail in the moment. Open your eyes. You are now 100%
mentally focused and psyched. Go for it! It's time to lift the HEAVY IRON!
Tip: During your workout, play your own favorite high-energy music to trigger strong energy responses.
Closing Thoughts
I have explained the mind power doctrine of an iron warrior in very general and broad terms. This is thoughtfully done, because accessing peak performance is highly individual. To awaken the sleeping giant within, I suggest you visit the following websites for more information on mental training:
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5 percenters
5% chance of making it to 50?
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&t=72s &t=553s &t=201s
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book alert
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Charles Atlas: Muscle Man
How the original 97-pound-weakling transformed himself and brought physical fitness to the masses
Jonathan Black
August 2009
Charles Atlas tug of war with Rockettes
Charles Atlas playing tug of war with the Rockettes atop Radio City Music Hall Charles Atlas LTD
Like tens of thousands of young men and boys before him, Tom Manfre first caught sight of Charles Atlas in the back pages of the comic books he read so voraciously. With a sculpted chest, leopard briefs girdling his hips, a piercing look on his granite-jawed face, Atlas seemed to be jabbing his finger at Manfre as he commanded: "Let Me Prove in 7 Days That I Can Make You a New Man!"
It was 1947, Manfre was 23 years old, and the man in the leopard-pattern briefs was the toast of New York City. He'd helped President Franklin Roosevelt celebrate his birthday at the Waldorf Astoria hotel. He cavorted on radio with Fred Allen and Eddie Cantor and on television with Bob Hope and Garry Moore. He stripped off his shirt at a Paris dinner party tossed by the designer Elsa Schiaparelli. His measurements had been entombed in the famous Crypt of Civilization, the repository of records at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta intended for unsealing in the year 8113. Scarcely a day went by that a newspaper columnist didn't feature an item about Atlas—dropping by to bend a couple of railroad spikes, perhaps, or ripping a Manhattan phone book in half.
Manfre stuck a check for $29.95 in the mail and got back a 12-lesson course of exercises the author called Dynamic-Tension. For 90 days, Manfre did the prescribed squats and leg-raises and sit-ups. He followed the tips on sleep and nutrition. He remembered to chew his food slowly. Pleased with the results, he sent a photograph of his new and improved body to Atlas and was invited to drop by to meet the man himself.
"I felt like a kid in a candy store," Manfre, 86, says today. "I was thrilled! He put an arm around me and said, ‘God was good to me, and I'm sure he'll be good to you.'" When Manfre won the Mr. World contest six years later, the first person he called to thank was Charles Atlas.
Manfre was not alone in his gratitude. During Atlas' heyday—the 1930s and '40s—two dozen women worked eight-hour days to open and file the letters that poured into his downtown Manhattan office. Grateful knock-kneed boys with scrawny arms and sunken chests reported that their lives had been turned around. King George VI of England signed up. Boxers and bodybuilders gave Dynamic-Tension a whirl. Mahatma Gandhi—Gandhi!—wrote to inquire about the course. A 1999 A&E biography, "Charles Atlas: Modern Day Hercules," included testimonials from Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld.
This year marks the 80th that Atlas' mail-order company has been in business. Atlas himself is long gone—he died in 1972—and Charles Atlas Ltd. now operates out of a combined shrine, archive and office over a nail salon in the northern New Jersey town of Harrington Park. But the Internet has given Dynamic-Tension a new life. From all over the world, letters and e-mails continue to pour in, testament to one of the most successful fitness programs ever devised. And to its mythic founder.
The man who made history marketing his muscles was an unlikely hero. Born in Acri, a tiny town in southern Italy, he arrived with his parents at Ellis Island in 1903 at age 10. His name was Angelo Siciliano, and he spoke not a word of English.
He didn't look like much, either. Skinny and slope-shouldered, feeble and often ill, he was picked on by bullies in the Brooklyn neighborhood where his family had settled, and his own uncle beat him for getting into fights. He found little refuge at Coney Island Beach, where a hunky lifeguard kicked sand in his face and a girlfriend sighed when the 97-pound Atlas swore revenge.
On a visit to the Brooklyn Museum, he saw statuary depicting Hercules, Apollo and Zeus. That, and Coney Island's sideshow, got him thinking. Bodybuilding was then a fringe pursuit, its practitioners consigned to the freak tents beside the fat lady and the sword swallower. Alone at the top was Eugen Sandow, a Prussian strongman discovered by showman Florenz Ziegfeld. Sandow toured vaudeville theaters, lifting ponies and popping chains with his chest. Atlas pasted a photo of Sandow on his dresser mirror and, hoping to transform his own body, spent months sweating away at home with a series of makeshift weights, ropes and elastic grips. The results were disappointing, but on a visit to the Bronx Zoo one day he had an epiphany, or so he would recall in his biography Yours in Perfect Manhood, by Charles Gaines and George Butler. Watching a lion stretch, he thought to himself, "Does this old gentleman have any barbells, any exercisers?...And it came over me....He's been pitting one muscle against another!"
Atlas threw out his equipment. He began flexing his muscles, using isometric opposition and adding range of motion to stress them further. He tensed his hands behind his back. He laced his fingers under his thighs and pushed his hands against his legs. He did biceps curls with one arm and squeezed his fist down with the other. Experimenting with varied techniques, and likely aided by exceptional genes, Atlas emerged from many months at home with a physique that stunned school chums when he first revealed himself on the beach. One of the boys exclaimed, "You look like that statue of Atlas on top of the Atlas Hotel!"
Several years later, he legally changed his name, adding Charles from his nickname "Charlie."
Holding up the world, however, wasn't a career. Atlas was too mild-mannered to go chasing neighborhood bullies, though on the New York subway he once lifted a troublemaker by his lapels and issued him a stern warning. A dutiful son, he learned leatherworking to pay the rent and support his mother. (His father had taken one look at his adopted home and high-tailed it back to Italy.) But Charlie hadn't built up his chest just to make purses. Eventually, he gave up on the leatherwork and took a $5-a-week job, doubling as janitor and strongman at the Coney Island sideshow, where he lay on a bed of nails and urged men from the audience to stand on his stomach.
And this might have been the last anyone heard of Charles Atlas had an artist not spotted him on the beach in 1916 and asked him to pose.
A boom in public sculpture was coming, and busy carvers were desperate for models with well-built bodies. Among the most prominent was socialite sculptor Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, who, watching Atlas disrobe, exclaimed, "He's a knockout!" Further impressed by his ability to hold a pose for 30 minutes, she soon had him running from studio to studio. By the time he was 25, Atlas was everywhere, posing as George Washington in Washington Square Park, as Civic Virtue in Queens Borough Hall, as Alexander Hamilton in the nation's capital. He was Dawn of Glory in Brooklyn's Prospect Park and Patriotism for the Elks' national headquarters in Chicago. Photographs of him in classic poses, nude or shockingly close to it and with more than a whiff of eroticism, suggest how much he liked the camera and the camera liked him.
And the money was good—$100 a week. Still, Atlas was restless, and ambitious, and when he saw an ad for a "World's Most Beautiful Man" photo contest, he sent in his picture.
The contest was sponsored by Physical Culture magazine, the brainchild of Bernarr Macfadden, a publisher and fitness fanatic, as well as one of the most bizarre figures in the annals of fitness entrepreneurs. (He would later found a publishing empire with True Story and True Romances magazines.) Macfadden was obsessive about his health. When he wasn't fasting, he ate carrots, beans, nuts and raw eggs. He slept on the floor and walked to work barefoot. Impressed with Atlas' photograph, he asked the young man to stop by his office. When Atlas stripped to his leopard bikini, Macfadden stopped the contest, though he waited for a second visit to hand over the $1,000 winner's check and celebrate with a glass of carrot juice.
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Atlas got an even bigger jolt of publicity when, in 1922, Macfadden followed up the contest with "The World's Most Perfectly Developed Man" extravaganza at Madison Square Garden. Seven hundred and seventy-five men competed for the title, judged by a panel of doctors and artists. When Atlas walked away with a second trophy, Macfadden called a halt to any more contests, grousing that Atlas would win every year. Likely, he was merely hyping Atlas' next showstopper: starring in a Macfadden short, silent movie called The Road to Health, directed by one Frederick Tilney, a busy if unsung health and fitness expert. On a ride to the film studios in Fort Lee, New Jersey, one day, Tilney and Atlas decided to set up a mail-order business to sell an exercise routine. When, after a few years, their collaboration ended, Atlas went solo.
But an extraordinary body did not translate into a head for business, and, within a few years, the company floundered. With profits lagging, Atlas' advertising agency in 1928 turned over his account to its newest hire, Charles Roman, who was 21 and fresh out of New York University. What the young man came up with so impressed Atlas that four months after they met, Atlas offered him half the company on the condition that Roman would run it. It was the smartest move he ever made.
Roman knew a thing or two about writing ad copy and a lot about psychology, and he'd scarcely sharpened his pencils before he coined the term "Dynamic-Tension." He would do more than save the business; he would turn it into a marketing landmark. It was Roman who would write all the Atlas ads, from the "Hey, Skinny!" strips to the "97-Pound Weakling" and the "The Insult That Made a Man Out of ‘Mac'" series. The ads went straight to the male psyche. They preyed on every man's insecurity—that he wasn't "man enough" to defend his girl at the beach. At a time when the entire country was reeling from the 1929 stock-market crash and its aftermath, Atlas promised to restore a million battered egos.
"When the Depression struck, a characteristic response in America was to blame ourselves," says Harvey Green, a professor of history at Northeastern University and author of Fit for America: Health, Fitness, Sport and American Society, 1830-1940. "Atlas interpreted the desire to transform ourselves as a way of self-improvement."
The story of the two Charleses—Atlas and Roman— was a marriage of muscle and marketing that permanently altered America's approach to fitness. Before them, exercise had been the habit of a few, motivated by health first with vanity a distant second. Roman's ads heralded a new view of a man's body—as a measurement of success. As people migrated from rural America to cities filled with offices, making an impression became a priority. It was why Dale Carnegie, author of How to Win Friends and Influence People, had won so many readers. But where Carnegie preached advancement through social skills, Atlas evangelized for the body beautiful.
"Carnegie's message was, fit in—Atlas' was to be bigger than everybody else," says Green. "Then nobody would mess with you. The idea that physical size could give you confidence was a powerful message."
Brute size was all well and good, but proportions were what mattered to Atlas. "I don't stress the matter of chest expansion," he told Family Circle magazine in 1939, "because it is not important....I've had a fellow in here who could blow himself up like a frog...but it was just a trick, and he was underdeveloped in every way." Nor did big biceps impress Atlas as much as well-developed abs. In one of his lessons, he wrote, "It is all very well to have strong arms and a grip of steel, but of what use are these unless the abdominal area is in perfect condition?" The paragraph concludes: "The rectus abdomus muscles will stand out firmly like a washboard."
His values were curiously old-fashioned, even quaint. Manfre was always surprised by Atlas' interest in his life. "He'd constantly ask me questions. ‘What did you do yesterday? How's it going? Did you go to church? I've got a new exercise you should add in.'" That Atlas never stopped working to improve his exercise program also impressed Manfre. "He kept studying animals," says Manfre, "and not just four-legged ones. He'd say, ‘See that bird fly? See how he flaps his wings to push out his chest?' I'd sit there amazed."
The personal touch was his hallmark; his lessons took the form of letters signed by the man himself: "Yours for Health and Strength" or "Yours for Perfect Development" or "Yours in Perfect Manhood" or (during World War II) "Yours for a Lasting Peace." Long before personal trainers, Atlas tried to create an intimate bond with his "students." That the exercises could be performed alone at home, without risk of embarrassment at a YMCA or club, was part of their appeal. "You will understand these exercises better," Atlas empathized, "if you read them out loud to yourself in a private room where you will not be disturbed."
Of course, not everyone bought into Dynamic-Tension. Most notably, Atlas feuded with a man named Bob Hoffman, who published Strength & Health magazine and sold York barbells on the side. In a celebrated case filed with the Federal Trade Commission in 1936, Hoffman called the Atlas system "dynamic hooey" and stood on his thumbs before the commission to prove the value of barbells. The FTC was apparently impressed—but not persuaded. In its finding of fact, it declared that Atlas "has employed and developed his said system since he was seventeen years of age and has attained his own great strength by the use of his own methods without relying upon apparatus." The FTC dismissed the suit and issued an order warning Hoffman not to disparage Atlas again.
John D. Fair, author of the biography Muscletown USA: Bob Hoffman and the Manly Culture of York Barbell, says he found articles in old issues of Physical Culture in which Atlas admitted he supplemented his exercises by using weights. But Fair also gives credit to Atlas. "He was an awfully nice guy with a great body, handsome and very strong," he told me. "He was a look, a household name. Hoffman admired him, but Hoffman was a businessman."
Terry Todd, an author and expert in sports and exercise history, who with his wife, Jan, has collected a major archive of physical culture memorabilia at the University of Texas, is also skeptical. "Dynamic-Tension can build muscle only to a limited degree," Todd says. "To build up muscle you need weights. But back then it was hard to make money in weights. You needed something cheap to make and cheap to ship. Atlas wasn't the only one who saw the value of mail order."
In fact, a fellow bodybuilder says he saw Atlas lift weights when they worked out at a Brooklyn YMCA in the early 1940s. "I never saw Angie lift heavy," says Terry Robinson, referring to Atlas by another nickname. "He just did a lot of repetitions." Robinson did not hold it against him. Atlas "was always smiling," he says. "He never showed off. He was a humble guy."
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Atlas may have sneaked a few weight curls into his workouts, but as far as anyone knows he otherwise lived the virtuous life. He was an active promoter of the Boy Scouts. Asked for advice, he would say, "Live clean, think clean and don't go to burlesque shows." On the rare occasion when he dropped by a nightclub, usually in the company of Roman, he tried to talk the other patrons into switching to orange juice. And unlike Roman, who spent his growing fortune on luxury cars, yachts and private planes, Atlas had few known indulgences beyond a taste for white double-breasted suits. He lived in a four-room, fifth-floor Brooklyn apartment with his wife, Margaret, to whom he was singularly devoted, and his two children, Diana and Charles Jr. (Charles Jr. died last year of respiratory failure at age 89; Diana, now 89, declined to be interviewed for this article.) The family retreat was a modest home at Point Lookout on Long Island.
But he seemed to love the limelight. There are innumerable photos of Atlas hoisting bathing beauties or horsing around with boxers Max Baer and Joe Louis and golfer Gene Sarazen. He seemed to delight in publicity stunts, most of them engineered by Roman. He leashed himself to a 145,000-pound locomotive in a Queens railroad yard and towed it 112 feet. He entertained inmates at Sing-Sing (prompting the headline "Man Breaks Bar at Sing-Sing—Thousands Cheer, None Escape"). To protest an office dress code, he encouraged all the women on his staff to wear shorts to work in the summer. Then he appointed his private secretary president of the Long Live Shorts Club.
Atlas may have been more canny than he seemed. He never missed the chance to promote his business, whether posing with fans or lamenting the slovenly state of American manhood. A guest "appearance" with former heavyweight champion Jack Dempsey on a radio show in 1936, following a trip to England to open a London branch of the company, gives a flavor of Atlas' promotional skills:
Dempsey: Well, Charlie, I am certainly glad to see you safely back in the United States, but thought you might surprise us all by coming back on the German zeppelin.
Atlas: No, but if they ever reach the stage where they have flying gymnasiums I might do that, Jack.
Dempsey: How did you find the English people, Charlie? Did they seem to be in as good physical condition as our boys over here?
Atlas: On the contrary, they appeared in much better physical condition than our boys. The Englishman ... doesn't allow that chest of his to slip down below his belt, where you find most of the American chests. If some of the boys over here don't begin taking daily exercises, they'll be carrying their paunches around in baskets."
As the world prepared for the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin and the specter of National Socialism grew more alarming, Atlas bemoaned the poor state of U.S. distance running and touted the value of exercise to improve the readiness of American troops. "A study of the reasons for rejection of army applicants made by Atlas," read one syndicated newspaper story, "shows that nearly one-third of the defects are those which could be largely minimized by proper care and training." He was past the age to serve in the military, but he posed for a Treasury Department sale of Victory Bonds.
Though never a zealot like Macfadden, he was single-minded in trumpeting the value of health and the means to attain it. His exercises were framed with detailed lifestyle advice: on how to dress, sleep, breathe, eat and relax. (He urged "Music Baths.") He penned long treatises on various maladies, and his company published books on everything from child rearing to relationship advice. In his view, marriage itself was subject to the vagaries of a robust sense of well-being. "The lack of glorious, vigorous health," he noted, "would prove to be, if the divorce records were analyzed, the most common reason why so many marriages ‘crack up.'" He even counseled on the best way to start the day: "Get up immediately on awakening in the morning....Don't dillydally. GET UP!"
By the 1950s the business counted nearly a million pupils worldwide and the Dynamic-Tension regimen had been translated into seven languages. Ads in more than 400 comic books and magazines brought in 40,000 new recruits each year. Celebrity pupils included comedian Fred Allen, Rocky Marciano, Joe DiMaggio and Robert Ripley. (Ripley once wrote in his "Believe It or Not" column that he saw Atlas swim a mile through storm-tossed waters off a New York beach to tow a rowboat and its panicked occupants back to shore.)
Even as Atlas' days slipped into mundane routine, and he himself slipped into middle age, he would show up most afternoons at his Manhattan office to answer mail and preach fitness to fans who came by to view their idol in person. Dinner in Brooklyn was invariably broiled steak and fresh fruit and vegetables. He often ended the day practicing Dynamic-Tension in the mirror, though he also exercised regularly at the New York Athletic Club, where he was secure enough to offer marketing tips to potential rivals.
"I was working out at the club in the late '50s when I ran into Atlas," remembers Joe Weider, founder of Muscle & Fitness magazine and a former competitive bodybuilder then marketing barbells. "He came over to me and tried to offer me some business advice. He said a 100-pound barbell set was heavy to ship. Then he said, ‘Joe, I just send a course and some pictures, and I make so much more money than you. You should do that, too.'"
Atlas suffered a jarring blow in 1965 when Margaret died of cancer; he was so distraught he briefly considered joining a monastery. Instead, he fell back on what he knew best: tending to his body. He took long runs on the beach near Point Lookout. He bought a condominium in Palm Beach, Florida, and kept up a morning routine of 50 knee bends, 100 sit-ups and 300 push-ups. Occasionally a photo of him appeared, bronzed and flaunting his godlike chest, his measurements almost exactly the same as those enshrined in the Crypt of Civilization. In 1970, he sold his half of the company to Charles Roman but continued on as a consultant. On December 23, 1972, Charles Atlas died in a Long Island hospital of a heart attack. He was 79 years old.
It was the beginning of the fitness boom. The year Atlas died, maverick inventor Arthur Jones introduced his first Nautilus exercise machine, which offered variable resistance; it was joined on the workout floor by the Lifecycle exercise bike, which got its marketing kick from the budding science of aerobics. Other workout routines—Pilates, step aerobics, Spinning—would lure members to ever-multiplying health clubs. Charles Atlas Ltd., meanwhile, was selling the same mail-order course, but without Atlas as living icon and with neither branded equipment nor a franchised gym, the company profile dimmed. One day, Roman received a letter from Jeffrey C. Hogue, an Arkansas lawyer who said he'd idolized Atlas since the course rescued him from terminal insecurity decades earlier—and he wanted to buy the business.
"We met at the Players Club," Hogue recalls. "Mr. Roman told me how much [money] he wanted and I did something I advise no client ever to do. I didn't negotiate. It just didn't feel right."
Hogue declines to disclose the sale price, but he says he had to borrow a considerable portion of the money. The company's global reach surprised him, he says—he recounts that the first letter he opened was from a student in Nepal—but it was making only a modest profit.
And then the Internet brought Charles Atlas back to life.
It turned out the World Wide Web was the perfect marketing tool: cheaper even than the back pages of comics, international in scope, the ideal vehicle for mail- order sales. Seemingly immune from inflation—the course now sells for $49.95, only $20 more than in the early 1930s—Atlas' promise to "Make You a New Man!" was only a click away in banner ads on youth-oriented sites. The company says it now does 80 percent of its business online. "We are literally overwhelmed by the Web site activity," says Hogue, who declines to provide figures on revenue or growth. And such high-profile brands as the Gap, Mercedes and IBM have licensed the Atlas image or "Hey, Skinny!" comic strips for retro advertisements.
Charles Atlas came from a simpler time. His publicity stunts would hardly have interested today's celebrity magazines. He neither drank nor smoked, and his personal life was free of scandal. Steroids, had they been available then, would not have interested him. He sprang from the back pages of comic books and promised every bullied, insecure young man the means to take control of his life.
If he hadn't been real, no one would have believed him.
Jonathan Black wrote Yes, You Can! (2006), about motivational speaking. He is now at work on a book on fakery.
Editor's Note: This article has been revised to make the following corrections: The name of the co-author of Yours in Perfect Manhood is Charles Gaines. Fellow bodybuilder Terry Robinson used the nickname of "Angie" to refer to Charles Atlas.
Charles Atlas was born in Acri, a tiny town in southern Italy. Upon arriving at Ellis Island in 1903, Atlas spoke no English. He was skinny, often ill and picked on by bullies in his Brooklyn neighborhood. Charles Atlas
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The Truth About Rest-Pause Training
Is It Overhyped?
by Calvin Huynh | May 16, 2019
TAGS BODYBUILDING, TRAINING
WAIT, WHAT'S REST-PAUSE TRAINING?
Rest-pause is an intensity extending method that's long been praised for its strength and hypertrophy benefits.
It's where you perform an exercise to technical failure. After your initial set, you pause briefly. This "rest period" is typically 15-30 seconds. Then you'll do another set until failure before taking another brief break. You do this until you've completed a targeted number of total reps.
The total reps you choose depends on a variety of factors, but generally speaking, it should be double the amount of reps you were able to perform during the first initial set. So for example, if I were able to bench a weight for 8 reps in the first set, I'd aim to accumulate 8 more reps in the following sets to hit the targeted total of 16.
Here's what that might look like:
Set 1: 8 reps to failure (8 total reps completed)
15 seconds rest
Set 2: 4 reps to failure (12 total reps completed)
15 seconds rest
Set 3: 2 reps to failure (14 total reps completed)
15 seconds rest
Set 4: 1 rep to failure (15 total reps completed)
15 seconds rest
Set 5: 1 rep to failure (16 total reps completed)
DOES IT WORK?
Yes, it can work for both muscle and strength gains because you're able to maintain high motor unit recruitment. It also allows you to use the same high loads for all sets, unlike something like drop sets where you reduce the load with each subsequent set.
Anyone who's tried rest-pause knows it works... to a degree. The research confirms its efficacy, too, but a lot of coaches have probably exaggerated how well it works, especially as it relates to strength and size. Are the benefits of rest-pause more from the rep scheme itself, or is it just a matter of basic lifting principles like intensity, volume, and effort?
I'd argue it's more of the latter, especially when you compare it to boring old traditional lifting where you do a set, take a full rest period, and then do another set.
Dumbbell
REST-PAUSE AND HYPERTROPHY
A 6-week study comparing strength, hypertrophy, and muscular endurance between rest-pause training and traditional training found all measures were equal after the study, except lower body endurance and lower body hypertrophy, both of which were higher in the rest-pause group (1).
If taken at face value, this study shows you can get equal strength but induce more muscle growth and more endurance benefits by switching from traditional sets to rest-pause sets. However, if you look a little closer, you'll realize you probably can't have your cake and eat it too.
Both groups (which included both men and women) trained 4 times a week with 2 days designated as upper-body push days and 2 days devoted to training back, biceps, and legs.
The rest-pause group lifted with 80% of 1-rep max to failure with a rest-pause protocol that included 20-second rest periods between sets until lifters reached 18 total reps.
The traditional group did each exercise for 3 sets of 6 using 80% of 1-rep max. They rested 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
This study should get a lot of credit as its design was better than most studies. It used trained individuals, controlled for the same 1-rep max, and made sure both groups did 18 total reps, but unfortunately there were some issues that would obviously favor the rest-pause group:
1 – INTENSITY WAS MATCHED, BUT EFFORT WASN'T.
Both groups used their respective 80% of 1-rep max, but the rest-pause group trained to failure while the traditional group not only didn't train to failure but couldn't have, given their protocol.
The traditional group did 3 sets of 6 at the same load of 80% of 1-rep max. In general, someone using 80% of 1-rep max load should be able to crank out at least 7-8 reps when taken to failure (6), but they were only instructed to do 6 reps per set.
Furthermore, if you consider the following personal differences, the participants might have easily done an even greater number or reps:
Individual differences: Research consistently shows that different people can crank out a different number of reps even with the same 1-rep max (2).
Adaptation differences: The more endurance you have, the more reps you can complete before failure at a given 1-rep max percentage, even when using as high as an 80% load (3).
Gender differences: Women can perform more reps given the same 1-rep max (4). Any guy who's trained with a girl can easily testify to this. Some women are just insane volume queens.
Considering all this, there are plenty of reasons to think the traditional lifting group stopped short of, or pretty far from, failure. The study had another problem, too.
2 – PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD WASN'T MATCHED.
The rest-pause group used progressive overload, but not the traditional group. Since the rest-pause group was instructed to train to failure until reaching 18 total reps, progressive overload was naturally built into their program.
Hypothetically speaking, as they got stronger, their weekly progression for a given exercise could've looked something like this:
WEEK 1
Set 1: 6 reps
Set 2: 4 reps
Set 3: 4 reps
Set 4: 3 reps
Set 5: 1 rep
WEEK 2
Set 1: 6 reps
Set 2: 5 reps
Set 3: 4 reps
Set 4: 2 reps
Set 5: 1 rep
WEEK 3
Set 1: 7 reps
Set 2: 5 reps
Set 3: 3 reps
Set 4: 3 reps
As the rest-pause group grew stronger, their protocol allowed them to apply progressive overload. They were able to do the same number of reps with the same weight in fewer sets. They were also able to set rep PR's for their first few sets.
Contrast that with the traditional lifting group. They had to complete the same number of reps using the same weight for the same number of sets for 6 weeks, regardless of whether they got stronger. The strict design of the study didn't allow for any progression.
Yes, the study concluded greater muscle growth and endurance in the lower body for rest-pause training, but I think it would have played out differently in real life.
If the traditional sets could be taken to failure and some form of progressive overload applied, the strength and size advantage would likely favor traditional sets, especially considering how longer rest periods are better for strength and muscle growth (5).
On a side note, I don't disagree with the muscular endurance advantage found in the rest-pause group. Taking short breaks while doing high intensity work is a great way to induce endurance/work capacity adaptations. This is an underappreciated benefit of rest-pause training. But as far as maximizing on strength and size adaptations, rest-pause is likely suboptimal.
Lifter
LOOKING AT REST-PAUSE FROM ANOTHER ANGLE
The sad fact is, most of the literature on rest-pause is poorly designed because effort is almost never matched. For example, one specific study showed rest-pause squat training had higher muscle activation, but the rest-pause group trained with a higher intensity (7).
Fortunately, we have another study that tells us a lot (8). This one doesn't resemble the exact rest-pause protocol most coaches prescribe, but it did match for effort by making both groups train to failure. Korak and collogues compared the neural activation, strength, and volume between a rest-pause group and a traditional lifting group.
Both groups completed 8 sessions of bench press training where 4 sets of 80% 1-rep max were taken to failure. The traditional lifting group lifted conventionally while the rest-pause group racked the bar for 4 seconds after every rep. A metronome was used to keep tempo consistent between groups.
Because both groups went to failure, neural activation was similar between groups, showing that effort matters a lot in fair study design.
Strength increases between groups was the same despite the rest-pause group performing about 32% more reps. This shows us that while rest-pause can lead to more volume, the additional volume doesn't really enhance strength.
Anecdotally, this explains why most powerlifters build their programs around traditional sets instead of rest-pause. Adding intensity-extending methods might not enhance strength given that substantial volume/intensity/effort is already in place.
WHAT REST-PAUSE IS AND ISN'T
All things being equal – the number of sets and proximity to failure – rest-pause is likely to be suboptimal to conventional training in maximizing strength and hypertrophy because the latter allows more total volume with adequate (long) rest.
Rest-pause only does well in research when design favors it, but it does have some merits in real world application. Christian Thibaudeau points out that it might help someone train harder because it's more appealing to certain individuals, especially those who enjoy heavy weights but need to do more volume work (9).
Here's how I recommend programming rest-pause:
As a time saver. If you're short on time or want to get more work done in a shorter period, rest-pause is a great method.
As a fresh and novel stimulus. It's an exciting way to do more volume because as great as traditional sets are, they can get boring.
Ultimately, rest-pause sets are great and you should sprinkle them in, but they're not better than traditional sets, especially when you match for effort and apply progressive overload.
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"Beyond the Universe" by Bill Pearl chapter XIX
My Heroes Have Always Been Ironmen
John Grimek, my second all-time hero, next Eugen Sandow, was featured on the cover of the first physique magazine I had purchased. The photo remains ingrained in my memory, as if it were yesterday. From the eighth grade on, when writing about someone I admired, John always got the nod. He was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, on June 17, 1910, and became the World's Best Built Man and the World's Most Muscular Man of his time.
Not considered a full-time strongman, Grimek performed many impressive feats of strength, which included lifting heavy weights, bending bars and spikes and hitting a thick iron poker across his forearm until it bent. He was the A.A.U. American Weightlifting Champion of 1936, and several times North American champion. He also achieved the highest total of any American weightlifter at the Berlin Olympic Games of 1936.
John won the A.A.U. Mr. America title in 1940 and again in 1941. Then a ruling was passed making it impossible to win the contest more than once. He went on to win the first Mr. Universe contest held in 1948 and the first Mr. USA title in 1949.
Grimek and I appeared on the same stage at the annual Ed Yarick Show held in Oakland, California, in 1954. The event was based around a variety-show format: fourteen acts, consisting of bodybuilding, weightlifting and hand balancing. Former heavyweight boxing champion Max Baer acted as Master of Ceremonies. The show opened with my posing routine and closed with John's routine of muscle control and posing.
The Ed Yarick Show of 1954 was John's final public posing exhibition. For the next several years, he turned over all the requests for appearances to me. He was responsible for my trip around the world, to India, Mexico, England, etc. We corresponded regularly for the next forty years, with John always replying on the back of the letter I had written him. When my travels took me near York, Pennsylvania, I'd either phone or stop by. When he made trips to Southern California, he reciprocated.
John visited our Pasadena Health Club in the mid-1970s and gave some excellent advice in the form of a comment. One of the members asked, "John, how long have you been training?" John replied, "I've trained regularly for the past fifty years." The member's mouth dropped before replying, "Man! Why so long?" John blurted out, "What the hell! I had to live that long!"
In the late 1990s, I was still learning from John. He remarked that his right hip was causing such pain that for the past few years he was only riding a stationary bicycle. Thinking back on John's career, with the importance weight training had had in his life, I decided in this instance not to follow in John's footsteps. Regardless of my injuries, I started out lifting weights--I would go out lifting weights. My final lesson learned from John came on the night he passed away: Even the likes of the great John Grimek must face the inevitable.
John Carroll Grimek died on November 20,1998, at age 88.
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Another "genetic marvel". No drugs and it would weigh maybe 150 lbs. And have hair. Here's to it assuming room temp and blaming it on pre-existing congenital problems. Like stupidity and an ego the size Rome. Fuck this idiot.
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Quoting Dave:
Anyone who refers to the last half of the 1900s as the source of the training experience is either exaggerating or on oxygen. I require neither artificial support, fortunately, though I don’t go anywhere without my walker. The fact is, I noticed my muscles and their miniature presence at a very young age, and my cutting-edge mother was feeding me vitamins and red meat. Thanks, Mom -- I needed that. She also bought me a V-shaped spring hand-gripper for my eighth birthday instead of a dumb old baseball glove, the popular item with the ordinary all-American kids in my neighborhood. Mom was sharp.
The gripper led to spring chest expanders, which led to a set of rusty discarded weights and more weights, and more weights. Chins and dips, pushups and sit-ups became everyday rituals. Then one eventful day I joined the YMCA. They had a weight room in a broom closet next to the boiler in the basement. Nothing holding me back now -- 17 and force-feeding. I graduated the “Y” crash course within a year and enrolled in the trendy University of Vic Tanny on Journal Square in Jersey City. My tenure was terminated when the management failed to open one fine morning, having hastily removed the equipment while I slept the night before. Common practice of early gym ownership: sudden relocation.
I am the egg man. The shell is beginning to crack and my eyes are beginning to open. My, what a big world you are and it’s only 1960.
I took a job with Joe Weider down the street in Union City. Aggrandized Weider Barbell Company, 3,000 square-foot office and warehouse, the place where musclemen were said to be made. Did I say, “nothing holding me back now”? After winning Mr. New Jersey at a smooth 235, I flew west to help George Eiferman sell Joe’s barbells in Santa Monica, the home of Muscle Beach.
I thought I was in Paradise.
The first thing I noticed was Paradise had a Dungeon: sunshine, warm blue sky, sparkling ocean, bank on every corner and a dark, smelly Dungeon with weights scattered everywhere. Oh, boy! I shackled myself to a wall and put in my time.
The less light and harder the work, the better. Train, eat protein, groan and grow. It’s the iron and us. Life was not easy, but it was simple.
We all know I don’t exaggerate, but I do guess on nearly every occasion. I learned about 95 percent of what I know today -- or, rather, need to know -- about building muscle shape, size, hardness and strength in those honest and bittersweet days. It’s all in the doing, not in the research and development, not in the zoom-zoom treadmill or the latest hormone precursor from Germany, fat-burning enzyme complex by Monsanto nor the tailored, computer-generated training principles in four-color printouts.
Try selling that to the high-tech informed world.
I’m happy with what I know and I’m happy with what I don’t know. I’m not a conventionalist, old-fashioned or stubborn, nor am I intellectually lazy. (If I took a lie-detector test, the readings on the last two subjects might flutter a wee bit.) I don’t want to waste my time and energy on nonexistent shortcuts and convoluted methodology. Have weights, will travel. Add protein and a smile.
One fact rises before and above the rest: We are all different. Mentality, temperament, emotional complexity, body chemistry, physical structure, genetics, economy and environment are scrambled pieces of a puzzle picturing who we are. And who is better able to arrange the pieces than the individual whose portrait lies in the scrambled heap?
You know the best and fastest way to do this? Work out and eat right, one day at a time, every day and always. The pieces start to fall in place, come together and form a picture. The odd-shaped bits become familiar, they mix and they match. The more you shuffle and align and press together, the clearer and more complete the scene becomes. There are no startling new techniques for the masses of musclebuilding enthusiasts, no recently researched ingredients to produce staggering muscle growth (deadly pharmacological advances excluded) and no highly evolved camber, pulley or leverage equipment to do the job better than the rusty, old weights in a dark and stinky corner.
What worked in the '50s and '60s works now.
Aren’t you glad? It’s simple and up to you. You’re in control. Not the marketeers of devices, secret knowledge or mysterious smoldering concoctions. Hustle and hype maim and disfigure.
I don't wish to defame myself, but not having made any recent earth-shaking discoveries, let my contribution here be a collection of six unconnected considerations or convictions, conclusions, contradictions, claims, clarifications and curious comments. I'll zip through them like a bee amid wildflowers, distributing nectar or the same busy creature buzzing about a picnic not intending to sting. Oops... Ouch... That hurt... Sorry.
1) Are you sick of the hype or what?
There’s so much confusion in the minds of the aspiring musclebuilders. They start out with a simple idea of losing some fatty weight, gaining some muscle tone and getting stronger and more energetic. They hop on a treadmill and knock themselves out in three nauseating minutes. Oxygen-deprived, they stagger around the gym doing a little of this and that until they subconsciously lead themselves to the rear exit, accidentally lean against the emergency bar and coincidentally find themselves standing in the parking lot next to their snappy recreation vehicle. Home, James, and don’t spare the horses.
Now what? Knowledge rules. Information is king. Facts, figures and data unleash. Brightly colored magazines on the newsstand adorned with muscular he-men and their demure, down-home girlfriends promise “How To Build The Perfect Body In 30 Days.” YES! I don’t care if it takes two months, even three. I’m in no rush. I will learn everything. This mag is for me. Oh, my. More healthy girls inside.
Hmmm. What are HMB, DHEA, ANDRO, GABA, COQ10, HGH, ZMA, FBI, CIA? Explain periodization, HIT, Heavy Duty and Volume Training? Where’s the pump, the burn, the rhythm and pace? They all determine the remarkable physical shape and strength I shall achieve in the next 24 to 48 hours. I really, really didn’t think it would be this fast and convoluted.
I’m flyin’ but I’m still on the ground… what the heck am I doin’? Train every day a lot: train once in a while till I throw up; take a layoff and don’t overtrain, apply high intensity, don’t strain, no pain, no gain, light weight/high reps, heavy weight/low reps, meditate/no reps. I think I’m hallucinating.
Who am I? Where am I going?
The naive, absolute beginner is the first to fall victim to the outrageous tricks of the trade. Send some HGH, COD, ASAP.
The long-struggling intermediate, more often than not, drops like a frustrated housefly batting his wings against a shiny, captivating window. “Think I’ll give that DHEA another try,” he says.
The seasoned musclehead in a weak moment and under the cover of night can’t help himself. He, too, succumbs to the mysteries of desperation and deception. When the streets are dark, I’ll go to GNC for this week's two-for-one special.
What happened to lifting weights three or four days a week for 60 extraordinary, enthusiastic minutes and hitting the cardio with gusto for 15? Where was everybody when they were handing out large portions of protein, hiding the sugar and allowing the good fat to do its life-enhancing work? We want order in our workouts, ironheads, basic exercises and hard work, focus and determination in performance, feel of the muscle in action and application of your God-given common sense. This ain’t nuclear science, steelsters. It’s simple weight lifting for hardy guys and gals with brains, courage and goals... who don’t take “no” for an answer.
Imagine a big box wrapped in your favorite colors. It’s yours and is filled with treasures worth more than jewels. All you have to do is “seek to accomplish” the goals you established when you picked up your first pair of dumbbells not too long ago: flat stomach, strong shoulders and back, muscular arms and speedy legs... or some reasonable version thereof.
Open with care and healthy pride because contained within are “apples of gold in settings of silver,” the qualities that are at once responsible for and developed by your health and fitness achievement: the priceless, incomparable and devoted characteristics of discipline, patience, perseverance, determination, humility, gratefulness and appreciation. These make up your crown.
Train hard, eat right and be happy.
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the rock wants to do a bodybuilding contest.
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Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson Announces He Will Compete In A Bodybuilding Show This Year
By Jacob Ladon -April 1, 2022
Image via Instagram @therock
Image via Instagram @therock
Former pro wrestler and jacked action movie star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has officially announced that he will step onto the competitive bodybuilding stage in 2022.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has always been known for his incredible mass monster physique put on display in countless Hollywood action movies. He has also been known to be a lover of competitive bodybuilding – even planning the Athleticon event set to feature a star studded IFBB Pro show (it is unknown if this will still happen after many setbacks). Now it seems that the muscle-bound actor has built up enough passion to actually step onto the competition stage. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson officially announced that he plans to compete in a bodybuilding competition before the end of 2022.
The announcement comes via an interview with the UK-based outlet Bodybuilding Today – who interviewed The Rock during his recent stay in Hawaii. However, he has yet to make the announcement on any of his official social media channels.
The Rock has given no specific information, such as what league he plans to compete in or when exactly we can expect to see him on stage. His only promise was to prepare to step on stage before the end of the year. He went on to state that he has been a life long fan of bodybuilding and respects the dedication and lifestyle required to be an elite competitor. They have long been the same kind of tenets he lived by (giving him one of the most muscular physiques in modern Hollywood).
freestar
The Rock continued by stating there would be “no greater honor” than to at least compete on the bodybuilding stage at least once in his life. After many setbacks with his own attempt to start a pro bodybuilding competition and expo (Athleticon) he believed that now was the right time – as he is “not getting any younger.” The Rock detailed his trusted diet and workout program which has been a long-kept transformation secret.
The announcement comes just days before Wrestlemania 38 – with many fans and outlets suspecting that The Rock is planned to make an appearance. Most recently, he has been staying in Hawaii, where many WWE fans believe he is preparing for the event. If The Rock does, in fact, appear at Wrestlemania – perhaps it will be during this event that he makes a broader announcement of his competitive bodybuilding plans.
Beyond his previous attempts to kick start a new big budget pro bodybuilding show with Athleticon, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had long been involved with pro bodybuilding in some indirect form. He helped produce the 2016 Mr. Olympia with Dany Garcia and his production company Seven Bucks Productions. He has also occasionally appeared behind the scenes at some NPC/IFBB Pro events.
As it stands, the Rock is 49 years old, so it remains to be seen what category of bodybuilding competition he will attempt to compete in. Will he receive some sort of special invitation by a major league such as NABBA or the IFBB Pro? Or will he choose to simply compete in an amateur competition or masters competition? Despite his age, he’s displayed an incredible physique – should he choose to focus even more squarely on competitive bodybuilding for even just one show, we may see something truly exciting step on stage.
At this moment, little more information is available. Generation Iron will continue to update this story as more updates are announced. Until then, you can see more information in Bodybuilding Today‘s official post below:
APRIL FOOLS!
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the rock wants to do a bodybuilding contest.
he wants to be in shape when he starts his own organisation and shuts down the Olympia
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rom physical-education activities to war-related activities
François Cochet
Dans Inflexions 2012/1 (N° 19), pages 191 à 205
Article
Résumé
Plan
Auteur
Sur un sujet proche
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1Physical education, seen as an aspect of his ability to survive on the battlefield, was then completely transformed by the pacifism-imbued or even “demilitarising” interpretation then prevalent in Western societies. This process accelerated with the war in Algeria. From that time, there was indisputably a separation between French youth and the duty to defend their country. The physical “knocking into shape” changed from a factor to ensure suitability for combat under fire to being, in some militant interpretations, one in alienating recruits. This means that the armed forces’ practice in terms of physical exercises and sporting activity relied on practices relating to specific societies and historical periods, with changing views of its utility.
2We would like, here, to consider the question of the relationships between elements of sporting activity and elements of war, examining them from a number of overlapping perspectives. How does the military regard a soldier’s physical training, given that practising sport has been a component since the 19th century? How do the armed forces productively invest in aspects of physical education while adapting them to military practice – which does not necessarily mean fighting wars? How can we compare and contrast action inherent in war with action involved in physical exercises and sporting activity as inculcated by military training?
Reference works used by the armed forces
3Present-day society gives a lot of attention to the body, which has come to be seen not only as a living entity but even more as an anthropological idea. A soldier must be made more “technical”, that is made suitable for the practice of war, or at least preparing for war. But what technical aspects do the armed forces claim to use as a basis when training potential fighters?
4For a historian of waging war, it is desirable initially to clarify certain terms; these reveal different – though complementary – approaches by the military to bodily expression. What choices do the armed forces make? The terms “sport”, “gymnastics” and “physical education” are not synonymous. Gymnastics can be defined as “the art of exercising, strengthening and developing the human body through certain physical exercises”, while physical education is a collection of activities that are not specific to the military field. In France, the field includes physical education clubs and school physical education. This area has its own means, such as “physical culture”, game-type sports (notably football) and sporting or athletic activities such as walking, running, discus-throwing and shot-putting, fencing, wrestling and swimming.
5Military gymnastics appeared early in France, thanks to Colonel Francisco Amoros (1770-1848). After serving in the Spanish army, Amoros was made Minister of the Interior (by Joseph Bonaparte). He moved to France at the end of the First Empire and, in agreement with Napoleon, introduced the idea of gymnastic training into the French army. He summed up his approach – fairly simple, it may be said – in the concise formula: “My method ends where it ceases to be of use.” The approach was initially applied universally, and the École de Joinville, established in 1852, was given responsibility for training gymnastics instructors. When Amoros died, his methods were continued. The school’s first Director, Major Louis d’Argy, and his civilian assistant, Napoléon Laisné, had previously worked together. The exercises were sometimes fairly violent, but they stressed the link between physical education and mental training, particularly in the sense of subjugating oneself through physical exercises. Amoros took inspiration from the theories of Pestalozzi, who himself followed the ideas of Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and affirmed that “doing good works and serving the common good are the main aim of gymnastics.”
6Those at the Joinville school, who thought only in terms of utilitarianism, accordingly remained sceptical about “sport”, as an activity marked by amateurism. We must, however, acknowledge that such categories are not fixed for eternity. In 1906, officers who were sceptical about traditional military gymnastics introduced boxing, swimming and cycling at Joinville – and those they trained distinguished themselves in competitions [1]
[1]
Colonel Aumoine (ed.), Une histoire culturelle du sport. De…. Five of them won awards in the complete athletics competition of 1913, awards being made to only six competitors in total! After the directive of 1 September 1912, reorganising the school, its influence indisputably grew. In August 1914, however, it had to close its doors, for reasons we can imagine.
7The most unclassifiable theoretician on physical exercises to train sporting champions is indisputably Georges Hébert (1875-1957), who came from the military world. As a naval trainee in 1893, he developed the “natural method”, inspired in part by the methods of Georges Demenÿ. It involved moulding the trainees’ characters as much as their bodies. He experimented with methods and practices, first within the French Navy, later developing them further for the (terrestrial) army, in Reims, from 1912 onwards. [2]
[2]
Jean-Philippe Dumas, Aux origines de la “méthode naturelle” :… He was given responsibility for training a unit of marines undergoing physical preparation before leaving for a naval posting. In that task, he showed all he could do. On 20 December 1905, Hébert sent a draft manual on special gymnastics to the Navy, and it was approved in January 1906. His idea was to impose gymnastics as the basis for training prospective marines. Armand Fallières, President of France, amended the Order of 30 April 1897 on organisation of the fleet, prescribing instruction in gymnastics and fencing for the battalion of trainee marines at Lorient. Hébert’s reputation in the Navy then grew enormously, and in 1910 he was appointed Technical Director for the Navy’s physical-exercise programmes, a newly created post. His first theoretical work, Practical Guide to Physical Education, was published in 1909, followed by The Code of Strength (1911), Manly Culture through Physical Activity (1913) and Sport versus Physical Education (1925). A total of nine books describing the “natural method” appeared in 30 years. It was a much more attractive method than its predecessors, revolutionising what was the norm in physical education. Being of virtually universal application, it could not help but be of interest to the military.
8However, Hebert’s uncompromising attitude, and his seeking for his approach to dominate ruined the prospects for his pioneering work to be recognised, notably by the academic world. This was all the more the case as those who worked in the theory and practice of physical training and sport, such as Hébert, were coming into conflict with another category of experts: doctors. Dr Nimier, the armed forces’ Medical Inspector General, for example, gave a shooting lesson in 1914: “Hold yourself in balance, load the weapon and then hold it, look at the target and pull the trigger. Those are all operations that, in all their movements – to the most intimate depths of the human body – involve extremely complex nerve impulses and muscle actions of highly varied natures. And, before being knocked into shape, the prospective marksman must repeat each of the abovementioned operations numerous times, separately at first and even by breaking them down into substeps, subsequently trying to reproduce them ever more quickly… The trainee must then, first of all, want to act – and it is only progressively, through habit, that these nerve impulses and muscle actions gradually become subconscious and ultimately, as a physiologist might say, reflex actions. To a trained marksman, it should be possible to call the various shooting actions automatic… To conclude, we agree with Captain Leblois [3]
[3]
Capitaine Leblois, Le dressage individuel du tireur de champ de…, who said that training someone to be a good marksman means developing the person’s understanding and physical qualities. It means giving the soldier the ability to size up the situation, together with self-esteem, and the ability to keep cool. In a word, it means creating individual worth.”
9With scant ceremony, Hébert sent the doctors back to their precious studies. “Some doctors believed for a moment that they were better qualified than anyone else, as a result of their professional knowledge, to understand the best processes of human development… A working method cannot, in fact, be inferred from a simple knowledge of anatomy and physiology… Their training is far from making doctors athletes or models of physical perfection.” [4]
[4]
Georges Hébert, L’Éducation physique, virile et morale par la…
10Whatever discussions there may be on the relationships between physical and sporting training on the one hand and war on the other, contemporary French history has repeatedly attributed defeats to a lack of physical training.
11That was the case following the Franco-Prussian war of 1870. A number of superior officers and generals, who were more in the nature of sycophants or order-takers – as had been the case since Napoleon – were not up to the mark. There is the story of the major-general who refused to get out of his bath! The feeling of defeat thus coincided with a period when ambitions for social progress came from the privileged social classes and political élites, expressing themselves in two ways: firmly instilling republican ideas through the schools and military service, and generalising sporting activities throughout society. As Pierre Armand [5]
[5]
Pierre Arnaud, Le Militaire, l’Écolier, le Gymnaste. Naissance… described it, a coherent military-civil partnership was thus being sketched out, through those two foci of citizen life: schools and military service. Odile Roynette also write eloquently about “military service, a source of national regeneration” [6]
[6]
Bons pour le service. L’expérience de la caserne en France à la….
12Prussia became the model to copy in order to improve the chances of again defeating that country. On 14 January 1883, Jules Galland, President of the La Cambrésienne gymnastics society, made a long speech [7]
[7]
www2.ac-lille.fr/patrimoine-caac. Heading: Les premiers élans,… in which he drew inspiration from the German Turnen movement, established by Professor Jahn, early in the 19th century. Galland extolled the role played by gymnastics societies, saying: “How different it would be if we sent to the army whole contingents of men accustomed to fatigue, drilled in marching, finding a rifle light compared to the weights with which they were used to juggling, and bold in the noble way that guides strong men in decisive moments.” In the same way as France’s military Staff College was modelled on the Prussian Military Academy, the advocates of physical training for French soldiers based their approach on German gymnastics.
13I don’t have to go back in detail here to the endless discussions that preceded the introduction of general military service [8]
[8]
Annie Crépin, La Conscription en débat ou le triple…. We should, however, bear in mind a number of recurring elements. From an ideological perspective, the idea, inherited from the time of the 1789 revolution, that an armed populace had to be created was often put forward. It is more or less specifically a French notion, and it led to a number of contradictions. The soldiers were, for instance, supposed to bring to bear the same virtues on the battlefield as they displayed in their urban existence. The civilian ideal is thus expressed in the democratic concept of debate, which is diametrically opposed to the military ideal of internalising discipline, resulting in perfect obedience.
14The most famous interpretation resulting from a simplistic reading of the post-1870 revanchist ideas, and an idealised expression of the armed forces/school duality, was the introduction of all too well-known school “battalions”. It was not the military establishment that demanded the institution of those cadets and similar practices, but a governmental Order of 1882 that provided for children from the age of 13 – that is the age when compulsory schooling ended – to be entered in the “battalions”. Each establishment was to have its own flag and military instructors who would introduce the pupils to basic discipline, gymnastics and limited shooting, with just 30 cartridges a year. That remained completely theoretical, however. The army was reluctant to spare NCOs from their normal tasks so that they could instruct children. Also, the teachers, despite being very patriotic at the time, did not necessarily look favourably on the prospect of someone else replacing them as authority figures, where they had hitherto been unchallenged. Alain Corbin, investigating the situation in Limousin, has shown that only one rural teacher in that region established such a battalion. There was relatively little participation in the movement by the high schools and junior secondary schools, and it looked as if these prescriptions of patriotism from “on high” were needed for the “good people” but not for middle-class children. The “school battalions” could, in fact, be summed up as a marvellous public-relations exercise by the Paris centres of republicanism. Proof of the venture’s success can be seen in the fact that the initiative is still today the subject of impressively overblown memories. On the other hand, when the “battalions” were disbanded, in 1892, the army encouraged the creation of military-preparation societies. Starting in 1903, these awarded military-preparation certificates giving certain material advantages such as days’ leave and access to the corporal-pupil platoons. As soon as there are material advantages, individuals are interested, and the societies grew. There were 2,000 of them in 1905 and 6,000 in 1913.
15With the Vichy regime, from 1940, we can again see a systematic invocation of the lack of physical training as an explanation for France’s defeat, blame being laid on secular teachers and on the fact that the French soldiers would have had the stamina only to run for the protection of the Loire valley. In a work devoted to the Phoney War [9]
[9]
François Cochet, Les Soldats de la « drôle de guerre » [The…, I have shown that it was difficult to get beyond the idealised images. You need only look at the pictures of some of the 1940 generals-in-chief to see that their shapes were often more impressive than their being in shape, in both the high command and the troops.
16Likewise in 1946, there were Jean de Lattre de Tassigny’s plans to reform military service, aiming to combat the soldiers’ flabbiness by devoting most of their instruction to physical exercises in camps where they would be under canvas in the open countryside.
Sport as a utilitarian tool: instruction for fighters
17The distinctive feature of the military is that it “must be able to adapt to the extreme constraints and demands made on professional soldiers” [10]
[10]
Patrick Godart, Le guerrier et la danseuse étoile [The fighter…, and this is associated with a state of social development. From the time that conscription was introduced, various methods have been implemented to measure the physical capabilities of potential fighters. This is evidenced by the revision councils, chaired by the regional Préfets, when universal military service was established in 1889. These days, the sigycop [11]
[11]
A summary of data collected in the course of a medical-profile… is the main instrument used to assess soldiers’ physical capabilities. It accompanies the soldier throughout his career and influences the roles in which he is asked to serve.
18Knocking a soldier’s body into shape with a view to war involves, first and foremost, working to enhance his stamina. For that, the army has always believed in the value of repeating actions. Repetition gradually increases confidence, and only confidence enables survival and winning.
19As an example, I wanted to search the officers’ manuals in order to check what images they gave the officers of the physical preparation of men. I selected two, published in the same year (1929), by the same publisher (Lavauzelle): the manual for infantry officers and the manual for artillery officers. My choice of the 1929 edition was deliberate, because it included lessons learned from the Great War.
20First of all, it is interesting to note that the artillery officers’ manual devoted only three pages to exercises in close formation and to limbering-up exercises, whereas that for the infantry devoted 15 pages to them. This, of course, reflects a matter of definition: it is the foot soldiers who most need a body in ideal shape, those in the artillery making use of horse-power, first literally and then in mechanical form.
21In the infantry officers’ manual, the “general considerations” specified the use of and role to be played by physical education: “Military physical education is aimed at developing soldiers as men, while military physical instruction is aimed at developing them as fighters. The former clearly relates to the individual, while the latter must be considered as instructing the group.” There is also the means to be used; for physical education it was: “lessons in physical culture, game-type sports (e.g. football), and athletic activities (such as walking, running, throwing the javelin and putting the shot, fencing, boxing, wrestling and swimming); backed up by observing health and hygiene rules.” [12]
[12]
Idem, now MGI/29, p. 54.
22Military physical instruction, in contrast, “makes use in a more specifically military sense of the qualities of agility and stamina that well-ordered physical education has inculcated in the soldier.” It comprises, for everyone, the practice of individual and collective sporting activities, developing the troop’s morale and collective values; with, for individual development, the military applications and training to fulfil the sub-group’s own role in combat. For infantrymen, this includes bayonet practice and hand-to-hand fighting, grenade-throwing and training for machine-gunner units (both for the machine gunners themselves and those who keep the weapons operating smoothly). There are special limbering-up exercises for riflemen, diverse training with equipment, arming and loading in combat (including marching, running, hiding, jumping and scaling walls). There are exercises in attacking in tightly restricted terrain with all sorts of obstacles. [13]
[13]
MGI/29, p. 55. Sometimes practice was a long way from theory. There is a reminder in bold that “all men in the company, including officers, employees and those from the auxiliary service, carry out, each day, a session of physical training.” [14]
[14]
MGI/29, p. 56. How were things in the daily practice of those units? To judge by the evidence of the fighters, the obligation to practise was far from evident.
23Applying the principles for physical education and instruction should make it possible to put the soldiers into three categories: normal subjects, those to be managed and controlled, and those to go for retraining. To achieve that classification, typical tests involve a 100-metre race (in a straight line!), a thousand-metre race, high jumps, long jumps with a run-up, putting the shot (of 16 lb, using both the left and right arms), climbing, two-hand weightlifting and swimming. The manual specified that 50-metres free-style swimming must be done “in the warm season” if the unit does not have a swimming pool [15]
[15]
MGI/29, p. 59.. The sessions must include three parts: warming up with walking, limbering-up exercises for the arms, legs, trunk, and then chest and combined. After the lesson, returning to calm includes slow walking with breathing exercises, marching with singing or whistling, and marching in quick time.
24The instructor is recommended to be alert to signs of fatigue in the soldiers and to have a perfect knowledge of the manifestations. “Jumpiness, bad mood, aggressiveness towards comrades, profuse sweating, characteristic facial pallor, contraction of the face muscles (looking drawn), looking exhausted are all unmistakable signs for the instructor. … The best cure for fatigue is eating and sleep.” [16]
[16]
MGI/29, p. 70. The terms used in Règlement général d’éducation physique. Méthode française [General regulation of physical education – French Method] can be found reproduced, word for word, in the military regulations.
25Alongside the true exercises, there is a recommendation to practise individual and collective games and sporting activities “in special sessions, two or three times a week”. Examples given are javelin-throwing, basketball, football and water-polo, though we may doubt whether this was widespread.
26We should, for instance, reflect on how the army, at least in the late 1920s, saw its relationships with sporting activities. Useful sports were of course sought, as, from the military’s perspective, the activities are not a desirable end in themselves. Apart from the “fundamental work”, to use Hébert’s expression, athletic practices directly associated with engaging in combat were used. Collective sporting activities were thought of only in terms of encouraging cohesion in the “primary group”.
27To lead into my next part, it is worth recalling an anecdote. In his remarkable thesis on the profession of 19th century gendarmes [17]
[17]
Arnaud-Dominique Houte, Le Métier de gendarme national au…, Arnaud-Dominique Houte calculated that in 1883 the gendarmes whose size we know averaged 85 kilos and were 1.68 metres tall: real athletes, used to physical exercise! I’ve been upbraided for ignoring the fact that the sample was very small (about 40 in the study in question), and that those members had often come from the army, going into the gendarmerie so that they didn’t have to fight.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Just_what_is_it_that_makes_today%27s_homes_so_different,_so_appealing%3F?fbclid=IwAR0o_qmew551IIt2NLCvMvXTpdoOfuzuEJ3wyP7UktAeR04IYnXFZcvWWKM the story behind the art seen below.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger's Son Joseph Baena Reflects On Finding Out The Celeb Is His Father
FEB 11, 2022 by apost team
There are very few people who haven’t heard of Arnold Schwarzenegger. As one of the most famous bodybuilders, actors, and most recently, politicians in the world, Schwarzenegger has spent his life building his career in the entertainment and political industries.
In addition to all of these accomplishments, Schwarzenegger has another title—dad. He married journalist Maria Shriver in 1986, and they had their daughter, Katherine, in 1989. The couple went on to have three more children together—Christina, Patrick, and Christopher.
The family lived a normal life, and Schwarzenegger did his best to be a present and active father while pursuing his career. But in May of 2011, everything changed. That’s when Schwarzenegger revealed a secret he had been hiding for years—he had another child.
On May 16, 2011, The LA Times reported that Schwarzenegger was the father of a 13-year-old boy, Joseph Baena. Baena’s mother, Mildred Baena, was Schwarzenegger’s housekeeper at the time of Joseph’s conception. Mildred worked for the family for 20 years, and she was pregnant with her son at the same time that Shriver was pregnant with her youngest son, Christopher.
Throughout Joseph’s childhood, his mother kept his true identity a secret. Schwarzenegger himself didn’t even know that he was Joseph’s father until he was seven years old. In a 2012 interview with 60 minutes, Schwarzenegger said he only found out when Joseph began to look like him.
“It was very difficult, strange, bizarre,” Schwarzenegger said. “I just said to myself, ‘Okay, I’m going to put this away.”
A Ticking Time Bomb
Arnold Schwarzenegger (2012), (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
And that’s exactly what Schwarzenegger did. It wasn’t until seven years later that his family found out the truth after Mildred Baena had retired from her role as their housekeeper. The day after he left his post as California’s governor, he finally told his wife the truth during a marriage counseling session.
Soon after, Shriver filed for divorce. Schwarzenegger described what it was like to reveal this secret to his family in an interview with People Magazine.
“If you would have asked me 10 years ago, five years ago, two years ago, what is the most important thing in my life, I would tell you over and over, it’s my marriage, it’s my family,” he said. “So the thing that really meant the most to me kind of fell apart because of my doing. That is something that I will always look back and say, ‘How could you have done that.’”
While this was happening, Joseph was experiencing a shock of his own. Throughout his life, his mother had never told him the truth about his father. In an interview with Hello Magazine, Mildred explained what it was like to discover that Schwarzenegger was her son’s father.
“I knew Arnold was the father, and maybe as Joseph got older and began to look like him, he [Arnold] wondered. But he never said anything to me,” Baena said.
Eventually, the resemblance between Joseph and Schwarzenegger became too apparent to deny. Mildred explained what happened when she finally told Shriver the truth.
“She was so strong. She cried with me and told me to get off my knees. We held each other and I told her it wasn’t Arnie’s fault, that it takes two,” Baena said.
Joseph’s Story
Arnold Schwarzenegger (2019), (Chosunilbo JNS/Imazins via Getty Images)
When the news broke, Mildred tried her best to stay out of the public eye, and she agreed to give one interview only. In the interview with Hello, she spoke about her son’s reaction to the news. She said that when her mother sat Joseph down to tell him the news, he exclaimed, “Cool!” and said he was looking forward to getting to know Schwarzenegger.
Both Mildred and Joseph remained silent on the matter for years. It wasn’t until January of 2022 that Joseph finally broke his silence in an interview with Men’s Health.
Joseph opened up about what his life was like growing up in the suburbs of California. “It was a humble home, and we didn’t have much,” Baena said. He has four siblings on his mother’s side, and he recalled that his childhood was, overall, peaceful and happy.
That is until the news broke of his father’s identity. He said he was in the eighth grade at the time, and he was pulled out of class by his mother. She told him that they had to go home immediately, and she explained that the media had found out about his father. They left on a road trip to Texas to hide from the prying eyes of the paparazzi.
“She was really the only person I had, and I was really the only person that she had,” he said. “No one knew, and everyone wanted the details. We had each other’s backs.”
Even though his first experience making headlines was due to Schwarzenegger, that isn’t what he wants to be known for. As a current real estate agent and aspiring actor, Baena hopes to pave his own path, despite the shadow of his father.
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That which others might call mistakes were just days of my life." ~ Dave Draper
And today we'll pick up where we left off... this is "Learn from My Mistakes" Part 2. Here we go (again):
4. Are there any nutritional secrets that beginners need to know to develop a powerful, healthy physique?
There are no secrets. Train hard, eat right and be happy!
Nutrition counts -- big time. What you eat is what you get. Eat regularly to fuel and restore the muscles throughout the day -- once every three to four hours. Up your intake of muscle-building protein (red meat, fish, poultry, dairy products, some nuts); exclude or greatly minimize simple sugars in your menu; eat lots of fresh vegetables and a fair share of fresh fruit (watch the sugar); get your fiber and eat whole-grain breads and grains that have not been overly processed. Don’t eat junk food, fast food and don’t overeat. Without drowning yourself, drink jugs of water. Add an excellent vitamin and mineral with antioxidants, along with a dose of essential fatty acids (EFAs) daily, and a protein powder to supplement meal planning if eating consistently is a problem -- or to help gain weight, or as a most important pre-workout and post-workout fortifier.
Simple, basic, honest. Takes devotion and habit building. It works, that’s all. It works.
5. Unfortunately, injuries are common in weight lifting. What mistakes can lead to injuries in the weight room? And how can beginners avoid them?
Injuries will visit without being invited. They come from eagerness, lack of body conditioning or preparedness, overload, not being warmed up, poor execution of an exercise, lack of concentration, undernourishment, inadequate pre-workout fueling, excessive overload, collective muscle tears over a period of time and/or lack of recuperation. There’s more I’m sure; the list goes on. The question requires a volume to answer even briefly.
I’ll highlight a few of the common mistakes in broken English:
~Too eager, too soon. Pushing, for example, a heavy bench press before the muscles and tendons have had a chance to adapt, thicken, lengthen and whatever else they need to do before squirming under the stress of an impossible weight. Imagine a new biceps and a young lower back under the enthusiastic swing of a cumbersome bar littered with cold iron. Snap, crackle, pop…
The sport is wonderful, tough, takes time and requires wisdom. Injuries impart wisdom. Slow down, think, be smart and save time… and a whole lot of misery.
~Similarly, it’s cold; you’re in a hurry, you press the dumbbells and the deltoid gurgles as a spike of pain is loudly hammered home.
Never hurry. Raise the body’s core temperature with sufficient aerobic work or, better yet, a vigorous ab workout, and hit the muscles and joints about to be blasted with a few light sets in preparation.
~You’re in the sport a long time and the bench lures you on and on. The bench press does that. I’ll bet you eventually get a chronic shoulder problem that threatens your sleep and the rest of your training if you persist to try to conquer the impenetrable steel fortress. The exercise is decent, though not the most efficacious muscle builder and shaper. It certainly is replaceable with safer dumbbell movements.
Beware. As a power lift it will lead to troubles. The shoulder mechanics do not provide for the extreme overload demanded by power training on the bench press. There is a protective bone-like tab within the joint to prevent overload and this becomes aggravated, and in time enlarged and inflamed causing real pain and limitation. Who among long-time weight trainers does not have a shoulder complaint?
~Improved nutrition invariably accompanies a solid interest in weight training. The basics of sound eating combined with sensible physical conditioning cause the system to more fully cooperate (as designed) and will add vitality, improve the health and flexibility of joints, increase bone density and improve resistance to injury. The muscles become an attractive armor against the perils of the hard work.
Feeding yourself healthfully is a primary factor in preventing injury on the gym floor.
6. When you are in the gym, what are some of the most common mistakes you see weight lifters making, and what can they do to correct the mistakes?
The answers to the question in regard to mistakes made that might cause injury would be poor form, too little focus and too much weight. The corrections I think are obvious. Learn and practice good form, concentrate totally on your training from start to finish (more practice) and lower the working weight. Be smart.
To answer the question broadly and assuming the goals are the development of body strength and health and not entertainment (which is certainly okay), the mistakes or shortcomings include lack of training involvement and too little intensity in exercise performance. Amplitude is missing. Desire and direction are major requirements if time spent on the gym floor is to be productive and fulfilling. They wane rapidly. This muscle-building and strength-building stuff works best when you work hard, want it bad, refer to your internal compass and have an honest sense of confidence in your pursuit and performance. You’ve got to blast it when you’re amid the metal, cable and racks.
Another thing: There’s more time and effort and wonder in seeking faster and easier ways to achieve muscle building goals than there is in the act of muscle building. Don’t waste your resources. Face it, muscle and power building is tough work, not magic.
7. Finally, what is the single biggest mistake you made in your bodybuilding career and what did you learn from it?
Aside from drinking too much alcohol 25 years ago and learning I’d have been better off not to drink at all, I reckon the mistakes I’ve made have only been incidents which contributed to the person I happen to be today, good or not so good.
I’ll spare you the philosophical baloney, but I prefer to think of muscle building as something I do as I go about my life, not who or what I’ve become -- not the career thing referred to as “bodybuilding.” I have always trained -- building muscle and might -- for function, focus, good fun and a hundred other valuable reasons.
That which others might call mistakes were just days of my life: No outstanding overload that cost me my lower back, knees or biceps, no crazy concoctions or dietary schemes that deteriorated my innards. I stepped on a few toes and acted like a jerk and hurt some folks along the way and would gladly for the good folks involved edit out those occasions. Yet, somehow, the world has continued to turn, for which I thank God.
dd
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https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/rick-wayne
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https://the-official-raw-iron-store.creator-spring.com/? who wants a duke of delts t-shirt. ??? ??? ??? ???
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MUSCLE
Muscle, oh Muscle, why do you haunt and taunt me
You seem to gloat 'cause I remain weak and flabby
I've toiled, lifted, pulled and pushed and prayed for you to grow
It seems unfair for you belong to only me you know
I see you as you cloak the others with bulging, huge rippedness
And though I with devotion train, you leave me shrouded in musclelessness
I have literally wept gazing at the physiques you have blessed
Through the years I've found I must view my body only when dressed
I have worn out and torn to shreds so many a tape measure
Hoping that one would reveal eighteen, the number I treasure
Mister Muscle Sir, I have devoted to you countless hours of pain
You have ignored my crusade and so I guess weak and soft I will remain
Oh, I have read and heard about the genetic answers to my plight
I still believe if these precepts are valid - it is still not quite right
It is almost whimsical that the years I dedicated to my intellect
Were rewarded with degrees, unlike my years with you, which bred only tears and neglect
Sir Muscle I have learned from you the good thing 'bout coming to this sweat pen
Might be that after eons of fruitless toil, I will never darken it's door again
Oh that's a lie, tomorrow will find me robot-like mounting your gym stairs
Smiling to one and all of your slaves who contently train without cares
Damn Muscle, perhaps I have been too harsh and severe with you
Often I ask myself, without you, what would I ever do
from "The Poetic Works of William Smith" the words and images of a Hollywood legend...available at www.williamsmith.us
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why do pro bodybuilders all eat like fucking toddlers?
(https://i.gifer.com/Qtxo.gif)
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https://www.strength-oldschool.com/forums/topic/26-clancy-ross-oakland-once-had-the-biggest-shoulders-in-america/
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Today I have the transcript of a radio interview Dave did after the release of Brother Iron, Sister Steel. I missed the first part of the interview (never was very good at operating a radio), so this starts a few questions in.
Here's Dave on KUSP, sometime during 2001.
Dave: When you don’t start the day with a workout, you follow all day and hurry and push and stumble often and come to the end of the day without really completing the loose ends and having established any order in our lives.
Interviewer: Or the day runs us instead of the other way around.
Dave: If you set yourself in exercise, you’re just responsible to that and if you do that, it requires discipline. It develops discipline at the same time and that’s reflected in your output through the day in your energy, in your creative view, in your high spirits, in your leveling of emotions and a little bit more mental acuity.
Interviewer: I like how you say in your book that you treat or you treasure discipline as if it were a loving family member. I’ve never quite heard it described as that before.
Dave: I got a little carried away in the book, but I love to phrase things in a way that may trigger in someone the importance of these things.
Interviewer: Discipline obviously means a great deal to you. I mean, you’ve been leading a very disciplined life forever.
Dave: Discipline is truly one of the top characteristics in life. We need to embrace it and care for it. It will develop us and pull us along as we develop it.
Interviewer: ‘Train with a steady pace’ you say. This was interesting, ‘Get involved with the flow of your movements.’
I’ve talked with a number of practitioners of martial arts and this sentence of yours sounds very akin to that. I don’t know if you had it in mind, but this idea of getting involved with the flow of your movements as part of whatever one does to exercise and be healthy, I was intrigued by that.
Dave: That would be very close to discipline also. That’s focus. That’s concentration. With those, you’ll progress much more enjoyably and much more quickly.
You’ll remain with the activity longer, maybe forever, if you pay close attention, if you don’t try to just get it over with, if you’re not standing outside of it and trying to get it out of the way, but instead, grabbing hold of it and befriending it.
Interviewer: You spend time around people at your gym. You hear and talk with people who probably say things like, “You know, it’s just so hard to keep it going. I really want to but…but, but, but.”
Dave: Yes, that’s the failure I see. Many people know the importance of exercise. It’s obvious to us. The media shows us the deconditioned state of the population across this country and across the globe.
Interviewer: In fact, aren’t we more obese now than perhaps we’ve ever been? I don’t mean everyone obviously, but a higher percentage of us are.
Dave: Yes, we are. That should be frightening to the people who stand in their shoes. We’ve become obese and less comfortable with ourselves. It’s reflected in who we are and it has to be addressed.
We’re told of it often. We all know it, but everyone kind of procrastinates or doesn’t face it, denies it and puts it away because it either frightens them or it looks like an awful lot of work. Sometimes they’re uneducated as to what to do.
Interviewer: Have you found that there are things you can say to people—encouraging things or affirmation kinds of things—that have helped people over the years get through that kind of significant obstacle?
Dave: This is my objective and this has been my objective in the book. I wanted to bring before the people certain trigger points that might propel them to take it a little bit more serious than they have in the past so they’ll get to the gym.
It’s because they get the half-dozen words that say ‘You must do this,’ but to really strike home, ring a bell within them, to encourage them and point out the vast dimension to this far beyond just the muscles and good appearance, but how many things it brings to us in the way of benefits and that it can be delightful.
It’s really a terrific diversion. People just have the wrong impression of it. It sounds like hard work and it sounds….
Interviewer: Well, you do say it’s important that exercise not be boring, that it not be dull, that it should be sweet and desirable. Again, that’s a nice turn of phrase because you hear people say, “Yeah, I tried it but gosh, it was boring.”
Dave: Many people I’ve talked to over these past 10 years as an owner of a gym that are in their 40s and 50s and said, “If I had only known this sooner, if I’d only come here sooner and found out. It’s really so important to me. It’s delightful that it just makes my day. It has meant so much more to me than I ever expected.”
Interviewer: I’m one of those people. I totally feel that way. I feel a little like the famous Mickey Mantle phrase, “You know, if I had known I was going to live this long, I would’ve taken better care of myself.”
And as you get older, it’s more important that you do it, I think.
Dave: Yes, it is. Literally grab it now, no matter what your age.
Interviewer: So again, “Find some kind of exercise routine that’s sweet and desirable” in the words of Dave Draper.
One thing about your working out, you say that your mid-section has become stronger and more muscular in recent years. I look at the pictures of you when you won the major awards in the 60s. How the heck could your mid-section be stronger and more muscular now?
Dave: Well, it’s true. It has. It’s from the continued hard work.
From maturing in my training, I’ve found the importance of doing more of the exercises that work the trunk muscles. I’ve always participated in them and after all these years, it’s just become a little bit tighter. It has more muscularity that comes only from time.
That’s a key area to maintaining health, that lower back, that support position of the torso that keeps us walking forward and walking tall and protects our innards.
Interviewer: You have a section in the book on injuries. I think that’s important too because probably everyone is going to get injured at some point, not as a result so much of working out, but what happens to the exercise commitment through injury and rehabilitation is important as well.
Dave: Injuries are something we all live with through our lives whether we train or not.
In fact, you’ll have a number of specific injuries as a result of training if you train too excessively, but there are so many injuries that come and weaknesses that become evident because we don’t train, especially with the lower back and with knees and with sloping shoulders and just atrophying muscles.
I have to be careful with that word. It’s kind of a made-up word, atrophy, but it’s muscles that diminish because they’re not in use over the years. We just become a weaker and a fatter being.
Interviewer: Just a word on steroids. The implication is that you didn’t use them.
Dave: No. I used steroids. This would be back in the 60s and 70s. In those days, there was a mild use of them. They were new on the market and we didn’t know much about them—especially not the downside…but they weren’t used excessively and were under a doctor’s care. It was as a current buddy referred to my usage of steroids. He said, “That’s like eating pablum” when I told him what I’d done in the past. He kind of snickered.
Now we have a bodybuilding participant—those who are of the competitive level who are very large users and of multiple drugs, and it seems commonly acceptable. But you have to recognize that this is a level of participants that’s not normal, not the average gym-goer. You’d put these people in a special category, as you would the professional football player or hockey player who’s extreme.
Interviewer: You did say you used them sparingly under a doctor’s supervision. You also said that drug use within the healthy gym environment that you and your wife operate is destructive and that if you had to offer any advice about steroids, it’s to be careful or they’ll eat away at whatever foundation you want to create in terms of a healthy lifestyle.
Dave: With steroids, you are enhancing your abilities unnaturally. It’s a temporary enhancement and when you step off of them, everything you’ve put together under them diminishes. It’s artificial.
Interviewer: And you’ve got to pay somewhere.
Dave: You miss the whole wonderful experience of training hard and making gains on your own by healthy training.
Interviewer: I’ll tell you, Brother Iron Sister Steel was just… it’s a sweet book because the lightness, the humility and the full passion you bring to the lifestyle you’ve created comes out very clearly.
You have these nutrition rules—11 of them that are just great and very sensible. Then, your 12th one is making all of the rules a lifelong priority to lighten the journey day-by-day for good. It’s a great way to try to live—to lighten the journey—and clearly you’ve done that.
Dave:
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Brilliant Video - Thanks for posting .
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https://www.ironhistory.com/forum/index.php?/topic/31567-dennis-b-weis/
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https://www.ironhistory.com/forum/index.php?/topic/31567-dennis-b-weis/
I am not authorized to read that.
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Yet Another Fat fucker full of Stupid outlandish claims & Did Fuck all to back
Them Claims up.
And WTF happened to his Delts. ::)
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Can Protein Powders Help Aging Muscles?
Older adults typically need more protein than younger people. Here’s how to ensure you’re getting enough.
By Anahad O’Connor
Published May 24, 2022Updated May 25, 2022 NYTimes
Q: Should older adults use whey protein powder or other supplements to help maintain muscle mass with aging?
Protein is a particularly important macronutrient for older adults. Studies show that, on average, people start to gradually lose muscle mass in their 30s and 40s, and that after the age of 60 this decline accelerates.
When it gets severe enough, this loss of muscle mass with age, known as sarcopenia, can lead to serious health problems. Studies show that sarcopenia can increase the risk of falls, fractures and physical disabilities — all of which can hamper an older adult’s mobility, independence and quality of life. Sarcopenia can also lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to Type 2 diabetes.
But consuming an adequate amount of protein can help to slow or minimize this muscle loss with age. Whey protein powder can certainly help you meet your protein needs, experts say, but it’s not necessary if you make sure to get enough protein from your daily meals.
Federal guidelines recommend that most healthy adults consume at least 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. However, this is the minimum amount you need to avoid becoming malnourished — and many experts say that for optimal health you should aim a little higher. As you age, especially if you are 65 or older, you’ll need to consume more than the recommended dietary allowance to preserve your muscle, said Katie Dodd, a registered dietitian and founder of the Geriatric Dietitian blog.
“Research has shown that older adults do need a little more protein than younger adults,” she said. “A lot of that has to do with sarcopenia. They need it to protect their muscle mass. I talk a lot about protein because you need it in order to get the most out of your golden years.”
Ms. Dodd recommends that generally healthy adults who are 65 or older consume at least 1 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. For a person who weighs 150 pounds, this means incorporating about 68 to 82 grams of protein into your daily diet. Ms. Dodd cautioned, however, that protein needs can vary depending on one’s circumstances. Older adults who have a wound or injury might need slightly more protein to help with their healing, she said, while people who have kidney disease might be advised to reduce their protein intake. Varying levels of physical activity may also change the calculation. It’s a good idea to consult with your health care provider before making any significant changes to your diet.
Whether you get your protein from supplements or from whole foods, it’s best to spread your intake across the day, rather than consuming the bulk of your protein in one meal, so your body has time to absorb it. You should focus on getting your protein from whole foods like fish, dairy, meat, eggs and poultry, Ms. Dodd said. You can also get it from plant foods like nuts, beans and lentils. If you can’t get all the protein you need from whole foods, then it’s fine to boost your intake through protein supplements, Ms. Dodd said. Whey protein is a particularly good source of protein because it’s rich in amino acids — the building blocks of protein — and the body absorbs it nicely. It’s also been shown in studies to be particularly beneficial for muscle health when paired with exercise. But for people who are vegan, supplementing with soy, pea or hemp protein products can work as well.
“The standard healthy adult who is eating a healthy diet does not need a protein supplement,” Ms. Dodd said. “But if they can’t get their protein needs through food, then that’s when supplements can be helpful.”
If you need help determining your daily protein needs, try visiting the protein intake calculator at Examine.com, a large and independent database of nutrition research. The calculator takes into account your sex, weight and activity level to help you figure out how much protein you need. If your goal is to minimize your risk of sarcopenia, then combining an adequate level of protein intake with regular physical activity will do a lot to protect your muscle mass as you age, said Bill Willis, a scientist who studies muscle protein synthesis at Ohio State University and a researcher at Examine.com. Resistance exercises like push-ups, squats and lifting weights or using resistance bands are best. But studies show that even low-intensity forms of physical activity like walking, gardening, lawn mowing and grocery shopping can help to offset the loss of muscle with age.
“The take-home message for people 65 and up is that you should make sure you consume enough protein and, number two, be active,” Dr. Willis said. “Being sedentary seems to promote sarcopenia more than anything else.”
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ah nice
funk
missed you bro
you got any more copy and paste thats 5 miles long?
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Finks back.. good, had us worried... 8)
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Funk,
Unauthorized leave of absence...don't let it happen again.
;)
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;D ;D ;D ;D
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Self-consciousness is fought, doubt is beaten off, extraneous thoughts are eliminated and energy is focused; these the toughest aspects of the battle." ~ Dave Draper
****
This week's entry isn't an interview, but it's pretty old and I'm thinking many of you won't have seen this one before. It's a fun one, so I wanted to share it with you. Here's Dave with Dungeon Duty:
I set out from my home, an apartment on Copeland Court in Santa Monica, fueled with my 1960s standard pre-workout meal: two rounded tablespoons of defatted and desiccated beef-gland powder and eight ounces of water. It mixed (not well) and went down the throat like everyday dirt. Mmm, mmm, good. Mud in a tumbler was a ritual I practiced stoically every morning, a sacrifice to the gods of iron and steel. Endurance and rock-hard muscle are what I sought. Mr. America was behind me and the Universe ahead. Whatever it took.
The streets were quiet, as usual in the early morning -- traffic 40 years ago not up to the density and madness of today. I was driving a fire-engine red Corvette with the top down and the hood of my sweatshirt up. The nip of California fall was in the air. My mind was in limbo as the car rumbled toward the Muscle Beach gym, also known as the Dungeon, and to some, the tabernacle and the altar.
There was something in the air, a mystery, I could feel it and I didn’t know what it was; I didn’t want to know and I didn’t look. It would reveal itself, I was sure. It always did.
I don’t ever recall questioning why I was bound for the gym when I was bound for the gym. Never was there room for a wedge to be placed that might separate me from my workout. No mission to accomplish drove me onward, no definitive goal, no exact target, no tangible end result. Weight lifting and building muscle and strength largely and simply defined my life. I worked, worked out, struggled to pay my bills, slept and ate, laughed and cried. I was still a child of the east coast and there ain’t nuttin’ wrong with that. Room to grow.
No searching for a parking space, I pulled directly in front of the Dungeon’s entrance, a pair of faded poster- and graffiti-covered doors hanging crookedly on rusty hinges. They appeared locked and I had the key -- lift up firmly on the handle and pull vigorously, place a rock against door to keep open. No alarm sounded.
I was in.
That I was in was not a thrill. It was necessary, it had to be, it was a must, the unspoken rule of my life; now to find my way to the switch box to throw some light on the scene. Throwing some light was not unlike striking a match and lighting a pair of votive candles. I come, I see, I do. Let’s get to work.
Everything was there just as the day before. I saw tired Olympic bars, multitudes of scattered plates like families of turtles heading for the sea, and hulking dumbbells stretched out on sagging wooden racks. The dumbbells reminded me of hoods I knew in Jersey who took numbers and worked for the unions, a gnarly and troublesome bunch if you didn’t know them. What was in the corners darkened by the night, under the hidden stairwells and in that back room where junk was stored and no one goes, I didn’t care or wonder. Big spiders and rats, I suspected.
Situps, leg raises and hyperextensions, intended to strengthen my midsection, gave me comfort in the shadowy stillness. I forced my energy and deep breathing into the dead space, resuscitating it as if it were a languishing ghost. Soon we were both warm bodies and alive. The dried animal glandulars -- and youth and determination -- were kicking in.
Nobody interrupted the early morning solitude -- just the way I liked it, bleak and harsh in the subterranean confines contrasting with the warmth and light at the top of the long narrow staircase. At the far end of the gym, the lifting platform beneath the sidewalk skylights beckoned me with a lonely call. The mystery of the early morning was beginning to unfold. I plodded over like a young bull coaxed by mild tugs on his nose ring, a curious and innocent beast sensing a mate waiting in the low brush.
This bull was weighing 245 pounds and eating lots of protein. I did a set of bench presses, as one does to penetrate the cold, wet waters, and the plates clanged loudly. The tranquility was broken. Every cracked wall and dank corner bristled with reverberations. An unconscious shudder announcing we’ve begun went through my body. It’s time. Lift with all your might till it’s over.
I stood on the warped lifting platform, its original geometric flatness rearranged by time, moisture and the thunder of the weights dropping furiously year after year from overhead. I loaded the straightest bar I could find in the creeping morning light. There it lay, an Olympic bar and a 45-pounder -- a wheel -- one on each side, 135 pounds.
I did a second set of benches to continue my warm-up. Felt good, real good. Revisiting the platform, I stood over the handsome construction and rolled it forward and back with my foot. Impulsively I bent over, grasped the weight, pulled it to my shoulders and pressed it overhead for reps. I was testing the small mass, kicking tires, squeezing melons at the market. Felt good, real good.
Sitting again at the bench press, I felt my gaze return to the platform. It was irresistible. The bench press suddenly seemed one-dimensional compared to the overhead press, incomplete, less engaging, not as expressive or interesting. The standing press was tougher and more critical. I found myself adding another wheel to each side. It was Monday, not my favorite day, but I was fresh.
I cleaned the 225, pressed it for two reps and returned it to its place on the hard rubber mats. Delightful.
I’d done bent-over rows seriously, heavy reverse curls regularly and my benches weren’t bad, but I wasn’t real familiar with overhead pressing. You might say this was the beginning.
I was now circling the gym floor with my belt in hand, searching for chalk. In the Dungeon, chalk was stashed out of sight by the hardcore who liked the white-powder ritual and needed the gripping advantage. I slid a 25 on each side, made the appropriate clang and locked the weight in place with thick collars. I squinted at the pile like it was trouble and resumed my hunt. The floor was still empty, grey had replaced the blackness and I was hot with sweat and cold with its evaporation.
I confronted the well-balanced and thickening heap of iron with respect, my attitude taking on the gravity of the weight before me. The objective was to move the weight to my shoulders in one sudden surge of power, make some quick and sure adjustments, and press the mass steadily overhead till the arms were locked and the torso stable and upright -- hold it for a couple of seconds and sensibly return it to the platform. I’d practiced this procedure half a dozen times earlier in the spring with less weight and less intensity. No problem. I was younger then and it was less important than now.
Deep breath, grasp, clean and press. Job done well with arms reaching and the weight close to the sky. I hear the sound of life in the distance, a figure doing chins a mile away. The day has begun.
I know what I have to do. Off comes the quarter and on goes another 45. The plates are made tight with a rumble one side at a time, the heavy collars are locked in place and the bar is brushed with chalk. I tug on the mass for good measure and turn to the process of preparing and psyching for the battle: belt, pacing, standing, considering and chalking. Self-consciousness is fought, doubt is beaten off, extraneous thoughts are eliminated and energy is focused; these the toughest aspects of the battle.
Seeking a culmination of all that is positive and enthusiastic and good and right, I bend over to do it again.
This, the lifting of an impossible weight on a bar, is not something we repeat. Each time is the first time, if it is any good. The procedures have a sameness and continuity about them -- position the body, bend, grasp, clean, press and return -- but the fury between each step is always new, spontaneous and redefining. Man against steel, steel against man, man against himself. We’ve got our hands full, crew.
I did it with back-breaking fullness. I staggered briefly after the clean, my legs remained locked as I pressed and, yes, I leaned like an oak in high winds, but I did not stall or jerk or otherwise falter. I pulled and reached and reached and stood for blinding seconds before lowering the weight, letting it go a foot from its resting place.
When you’re alone after a remarkable success, satisfaction and gratefulness whirl in your mind with no place to go. They were self-contained, while colorful flashes and mad sounds of rushing filled my head and a wonderful ache flooded my pulsating body. I did it, I whispered with an insufficient shrug: recuperate, oxygenize.
I was leaning on my arms, breathing smoothly and staring at my recently acquired friend, 315 pounds of steel, when someone called out from the center of the gym floor. I turned and there’s Jack Hughes, a wiry lifter from a generation gone by who was then a coach and judge of powerlifting and Olympic lifting contests on the coast. “Good lift, Draper,” he said, “don’t see too many guys pressing 325 at 7 o’clock on a Monday morning.”
I thanked him without pretension, being a very young member of a very old club. I also pointed out I had 315 pounds on the bar. He pointed out I had 325 on the bar and hadn’t accounted for the 10 pounds of lock-tight collars. He left, and I did it again.
True stories don’t grow on trees. Today I couldn’t roll 325 pounds across the floor even if I succeeded loading it on a bar in the first place. That doesn’t make me a bum, ya know. I’m still a bomber.
Once a bomber, always a bomber. May the wind beneath your wings lift you higher and higher.
God’s speed... Dave
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and now not. ::)
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Like many high school athletes, Bobby, 16, a junior from Long Island, has spent years whipping his body into shape through protein diets and workouts.
Between rounds of Fortnite and homework, Bobby goes online to study bodybuilders like Greg Doucette, a 46-year-old fitness personality who has more than 1.3 million YouTube subscribers. Bobby also hits his local gym as frequently as six days a week.
“Those guys made me realize I wanted to get bodies like them and post stuff like them,” said Bobby, who has fluffy curls of dark hair and the compact frame of a gymnast. (The New York Times is not publishing the surnames of minors or the names of their parents in this article to protect their privacy.)
He makes sure to hit the fridge, too, grazing on protein-packed Kodiak Cakes and muscle-mass-building Oreo shakes. He consumes so much protein that classmates sometimes gawk at him for eating upward of eight chicken-and-rice meals at school.
But Bobby isn’t getting buff so he can stand out during varsity tryouts. His goal is to compete in a different arena: TikTok.
Bobby now posts his own workout TikToks. Shot on his iPhone 11, usually at the gym or in his family’s living room, the videos are devoted to topics like how to get a “gorilla chest,” “Popeye forearms” or “Lil Uzi’s abs.”
Bobby said that he has occasionally fallen behind on his schoolwork because he dedicates so much time to weight lifting and prepping high-protein meals.
“When Bobby first started posting his videos, our family did not even know what he was doing for months, as he was extremely independent and did stuff on his own,” said his father, 49, who is a correctional officer at Rikers Island. “He doesn’t really talk much about what goes into his videos, but I know he takes his time with them to make sure they’re perfect.”
Bobby’s father can, in some ways, relate. “When I was younger, I remember seeing the men’s fashion magazines and seeing the jacked, buff guys on there and wanted to look like them,” he said. “It took me a while to realize that those men’s bodies were most likely unattainable.”
But unlike his father’s experience, as Bobby’s body mass grows, so does his online audience. “Young guys see me as their idol,” said Bobby, who has more than 400,000 followers on TikTok. “They want to be just like me, someone who gained muscle as a teenager.”
Among his disciples is Tanner, 16, a high schooler from Arkansas, who reached out to Bobby on Instagram. “Thank you for inspiring me,” Tanner wrote.
For many boys and young men, muscle worship has become practically a digital rite of passage in today’s beefcake-saturated culture. Examples are everywhere — the hypermasculine video games they play, the mesomorphic superheroes in the movies they watch. The top grossing films of last year were ruled by C.G.I.-enhanced masculine clichés: Spider-Man, Shang Chi, Venom and the entire Marvel universe.
Many doctors and researchers say that the relentless online adulation of muscular male bodies can have a toxic effect on the self-esteem of young men, with the never-ending scroll of six packs and boy-band faces making them feel inadequate and anxious.
And while there has been increased public awareness about how social media can be harmful to teenagers — spurred in part by the leak of internal research from Facebook showing that the company hid the negative effects of Instagram — much of that focus has been on girls.
Recent reports, however, have found that those same online pressures can also cause teenage boys to feel bad about their bodies.
“Girls discuss those pressures more, but it’s completely the same for boys,” said Elliot, 17, a mop-haired high school student from Colorado, who began posting workout videos on TikTok two years ago, often with the hashtag #teenbodybuilding. “I feel like I’m trying to be some character just to get more views, rather than the person I want to be.”
A 2019 survey published in the Californian Journal of Health Promotion examined body image in boys. Almost a third of the 149 boys surveyed, aged 11 to 18, were dissatisfied with their body shapes. Athletes were more likely to be dissatisfied than non-athletes and most wanted to “increase muscle,” especially in the chest, arms and abs.
The quest for perfect pecs is so strong that psychiatrists now sometimes refer to it as “bigorexia,” a form of muscle dysmorphia exhibited mostly by men and characterized by excessive weight lifting, a preoccupation with not feeling muscular enough and a strict adherence to eating foods that lower weight and build muscle. The condition can also lead young men to become obsessed with their appearance, checking themselves in the mirror either constantly or not at all.
Bryan Phlamm, 18, a college freshman in Illinois, often posts shirtless videos of himself in the locker room of Charter Fitness, flexing his chiseled hamstrings and pectoral muscles. But once his camera is off, he throws on a hooded sweatshirt to disguise his body while he works out on the gym floor.
“I try not to look at myself,” he said. “I just get discouraged, especially when you look at social media and see these guys who utilize camera angles and lighting to make themselves appear as if they’re three times the size they actually are.”
Many young men who overexercise and follow rigid diets often skip meals with family and friends, and complain of feeling isolated and socially anxious.Credit...Photo Illustration by Leonard Suryajaya for The New York Times
More Muscles, More Views
“Most studies on the topic of body satisfaction and social media are conducted with a female population in mind, which, of course, is quite understandable,” said Thomas Gültzow, a public health researcher at Maastricht University in the Netherlands. “Almost none of what is out there focuses on men.”
In 2020, Mr. Gültzow and his co-authors published a study that analyzed 1,000 Instagram posts that depicted male bodies. Idealized images of “highly muscular, lean men,” the report found, received more likes and shares than content showing men who are less muscular or have more body fat.
A scroll through the most popular TikTok or YouTube accounts today reveals a landscape dominated by musclemen. Social media stars like the bros from Dude Perfect, the bodybuilder and comedian known as The Black Trunks, and the bad-boy creator Jake Paul all have bulging biceps and rock-hard abs. TikTok hype houses are populated by heartthrobs like Noah Beck, Chase Hudson and Bryce Hall, who strut around shirtless.
Even many gamers, once dismissed as geeks, are sizing up. PewDiePie ignited a Reddit frenzy when he showed off his newly ripped physique during the pandemic. His 20-minute workout diary has been viewed more than 10 million times on YouTube.
Some Hollywood hunks have started reassessment, though. Last month, Channing Tatum pushed back against a shirtless image of himself from “Magic Mike XXL” that was flashed in front of the audience of Kelly Clarkson’s daytime talk show.
“It’s hard to look like that. Even if you do work out, to be that kind of in shape is not natural,” Mr. Tatum said. “That’s not even healthy. You have to starve yourself. I don’t think when you’re that lean, it’s actually healthy.”
Even if there is a long history of celebrating muscled physiques, no form of media has disrupted how young men view their bodies quite like the insatiable voyeurism and staged exhibitionism that fuels platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
“Social media is really where young men experience evaluations of their appearance from others,” said Veya Seekis, a lecturer at the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University in Queensland, Australia. “The more men view their bodies as objects for public display, the more they fear being negatively evaluated, which so often triggers compulsive exercising and other ‘healthy’ behaviors that can end up having an impact on their well-being.”
For three years, Dr. Seekis has been collecting data on the social-media habits of 303 undergraduate men and 198 high school boys in Australia. She has found, in part, that exposure to images of archetypal masculine physiques was linked to low body esteem in young men and an increased desire to become more muscular.
It’s a fitness feedback loop that has ensnared Johnny Edwin, 22, a linebacker-size scaffolder from British Columbia, Canada. He said that when he was in high school, he would spend hours glued to YouTube channels like that of Chris Jones, a self-described exercise guru known as Beastmode Jones.
“Social media, and the pressure to live up to those guys and have that manly-looking physique, has completely taken over my life,” said Mr. Edwin, who still watches weight lifting videos on YouTube.
Three years ago, Mr. Edwin started uploading his own gym-training content on TikTok under the user name Big Boy Yonny, where he has more than 12,000 followers. “Even though people are saying I look good or whatever, I know I’ll never have a perfect body,” he said. “If I gain any weight now, I’m not going to look as good, which means I’ll lose followers.”
Pressure for a better body can start as early as elementary school.
Rudy, 17, a senior at a Los Angeles high school, said boys as young as 10 have hit him up on Instagram and YouTube seeking advice on what to eat and how to achieve a “Dorito physique,” the broad-shouldered triangular shape desired by many fitness influencers.
“I just tell them, ‘Have your parents buy you chicken breast or lean meat with white rice and vegetables,’” Rudy said.
The schoolboy body talk can be startling. Two parents from Burlington, Vt., gave their 13-year-old son permission to use social media for the first time last summer. “It opened up this whole new world to him of Instagrammers and YouTubers in muscle shirts,” the boy’s mother said.
Over the next several months, their son became fixated on his lack of muscle definition and complained he felt “weak” and not “the right size.” “When you have 10 to 20 boys, all in eighth grade, referring back to that content — content that has become their goal of what a man is and what they want to look like — that’s a powerful stew,” the mother said.
The boy’s father said that his son “doesn’t even have a man’s body yet because he hasn’t gone through puberty, but he already has this incredibly high standard of what he should look like.”
‘I’ve Completely Lost My Social Skills’
Dr. Jason Nagata, a pediatrician who specializes in adolescent medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, believes that the pandemic may have exacerbated some of these unhealthy behaviors.
“The pandemic created a perfect storm for eating disorders with the combination of social isolation, disruption of normal routines and sports seasons, and constantly being in front of cameras through social media or videoconferencing,” Dr. Nagata said. “A lot of boys had their schedules and regular sports activities interrupted during the pandemic, which caused them to become anxious about either losing or gaining weight.”
Dr. Nagata has met with teenage boys who have fainted at the gym — sometimes suffering headaches, temporary blackouts and confusion — because they overexerted themselves lifting weights and had low energy because of a compulsion to count calories (a condition known as orthorexia).
A study published last year in The Journal of Adolescent Health looked at eating disorders among men throughout young adulthood. By age 16 to 25, one-quarter of the 4,489 male participants told researchers they were worried about not having enough muscles. Eleven percent reported using muscle-building products such as creatine or anabolic steroids.
The consumption of over-the-counter supplements has become so pervasive that dry scooping protein powder — consuming it without mixing it in water — became a popular TikTok challenge last year. The stunt was dangerous enough to cause health experts to issue a warning that it could lead to wheezing and breathing troubles. Over-consuming powdered protein can also cause problems with metabolism and gut comfort, according to a Finnish meta-analysis.
The line between getting fit and fanatical is not always clear. “We know there is a ton of pressure on guys, but disordered behaviors that fall specifically on the more muscular end of the spectrum tend to get a pass publicly, since goal-oriented habits around the gym are socially accepted, glamorized even,” said Stuart B. Murray, who directs the eating disorders program at the University of Southern California.
Bigorexia can lead to interpersonal problems too. Many young men who overexercise and follow rigid diets often skip meals with family and friends, and complain of feeling isolated and socially anxious.
“I’ve completely lost my social skills,” said Mr. Edwin, the Canadian TikToker. He frequently misses birthday parties and avoids socializing with friends because he fears “the next day’s workout and how that could affect my muscle growth,” he said, adding, “there are so many memories that I’ve missed because I’ve been at the gym. I basically don’t leave my house besides for groceries, work and the gym.”
Mr. Edwin said that he ignores “texts and calls from everybody” and rarely finds the time to see his family, who lives 15 minutes away by car.
“If there was no social media or internet, I probably wouldn’t even care about my physique, to be honest,” he said.
Bobby, the high schooler with a big TikTok following, has also experienced the downsides of so much working out. His mood at school may depend on how good he thought he looked that morning.
After school, socializing often takes a back seat to the gym, even though he feels a certain malaise when he sees his classmates on Instagram having a social life. When he does attend a party, he sometimes spends the whole night thinking, he said, “I could have been getting an arm pump right now.”
At first, he thought a muscular physique might be a way to make new friends, especially among the girls at school. But most of the attention has come from other boys on TikTok looking to get buff.
“Your only new friends are the weights,” he says in one video.
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Self-consciousness is fought, doubt is beaten off, extraneous thoughts are eliminated and energy is focused; these the toughest aspects of the battle." ~ Dave Draper
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This week's entry isn't an interview, but it's pretty old and I'm thinking many of you won't have seen this one before. It's a fun one, so I wanted to share it with you. Here's Dave with Dungeon Duty:
I set out from my home, an apartment on Copeland Court in Santa Monica, fueled with my 1960s standard pre-workout meal: two rounded tablespoons of defatted and desiccated beef-gland powder and eight ounces of water. It mixed (not well) and went down the throat like everyday dirt. Mmm, mmm, good. Mud in a tumbler was a ritual I practiced stoically every morning, a sacrifice to the gods of iron and steel. Endurance and rock-hard muscle are what I sought. Mr. America was behind me and the Universe ahead. Whatever it took.
The streets were quiet, as usual in the early morning -- traffic 40 years ago not up to the density and madness of today. I was driving a fire-engine red Corvette with the top down and the hood of my sweatshirt up. The nip of California fall was in the air. My mind was in limbo as the car rumbled toward the Muscle Beach gym, also known as the Dungeon, and to some, the tabernacle and the altar.
There was something in the air, a mystery, I could feel it and I didn’t know what it was; I didn’t want to know and I didn’t look. It would reveal itself, I was sure. It always did.
I don’t ever recall questioning why I was bound for the gym when I was bound for the gym. Never was there room for a wedge to be placed that might separate me from my workout. No mission to accomplish drove me onward, no definitive goal, no exact target, no tangible end result. Weight lifting and building muscle and strength largely and simply defined my life. I worked, worked out, struggled to pay my bills, slept and ate, laughed and cried. I was still a child of the east coast and there ain’t nuttin’ wrong with that. Room to grow.
No searching for a parking space, I pulled directly in front of the Dungeon’s entrance, a pair of faded poster- and graffiti-covered doors hanging crookedly on rusty hinges. They appeared locked and I had the key -- lift up firmly on the handle and pull vigorously, place a rock against door to keep open. No alarm sounded.
I was in.
That I was in was not a thrill. It was necessary, it had to be, it was a must, the unspoken rule of my life; now to find my way to the switch box to throw some light on the scene. Throwing some light was not unlike striking a match and lighting a pair of votive candles. I come, I see, I do. Let’s get to work.
Everything was there just as the day before. I saw tired Olympic bars, multitudes of scattered plates like families of turtles heading for the sea, and hulking dumbbells stretched out on sagging wooden racks. The dumbbells reminded me of hoods I knew in Jersey who took numbers and worked for the unions, a gnarly and troublesome bunch if you didn’t know them. What was in the corners darkened by the night, under the hidden stairwells and in that back room where junk was stored and no one goes, I didn’t care or wonder. Big spiders and rats, I suspected.
Situps, leg raises and hyperextensions, intended to strengthen my midsection, gave me comfort in the shadowy stillness. I forced my energy and deep breathing into the dead space, resuscitating it as if it were a languishing ghost. Soon we were both warm bodies and alive. The dried animal glandulars -- and youth and determination -- were kicking in.
Nobody interrupted the early morning solitude -- just the way I liked it, bleak and harsh in the subterranean confines contrasting with the warmth and light at the top of the long narrow staircase. At the far end of the gym, the lifting platform beneath the sidewalk skylights beckoned me with a lonely call. The mystery of the early morning was beginning to unfold. I plodded over like a young bull coaxed by mild tugs on his nose ring, a curious and innocent beast sensing a mate waiting in the low brush.
This bull was weighing 245 pounds and eating lots of protein. I did a set of bench presses, as one does to penetrate the cold, wet waters, and the plates clanged loudly. The tranquility was broken. Every cracked wall and dank corner bristled with reverberations. An unconscious shudder announcing we’ve begun went through my body. It’s time. Lift with all your might till it’s over.
I stood on the warped lifting platform, its original geometric flatness rearranged by time, moisture and the thunder of the weights dropping furiously year after year from overhead. I loaded the straightest bar I could find in the creeping morning light. There it lay, an Olympic bar and a 45-pounder -- a wheel -- one on each side, 135 pounds.
I did a second set of benches to continue my warm-up. Felt good, real good. Revisiting the platform, I stood over the handsome construction and rolled it forward and back with my foot. Impulsively I bent over, grasped the weight, pulled it to my shoulders and pressed it overhead for reps. I was testing the small mass, kicking tires, squeezing melons at the market. Felt good, real good.
Sitting again at the bench press, I felt my gaze return to the platform. It was irresistible. The bench press suddenly seemed one-dimensional compared to the overhead press, incomplete, less engaging, not as expressive or interesting. The standing press was tougher and more critical. I found myself adding another wheel to each side. It was Monday, not my favorite day, but I was fresh.
I cleaned the 225, pressed it for two reps and returned it to its place on the hard rubber mats. Delightful.
I’d done bent-over rows seriously, heavy reverse curls regularly and my benches weren’t bad, but I wasn’t real familiar with overhead pressing. You might say this was the beginning.
I was now circling the gym floor with my belt in hand, searching for chalk. In the Dungeon, chalk was stashed out of sight by the hardcore who liked the white-powder ritual and needed the gripping advantage. I slid a 25 on each side, made the appropriate clang and locked the weight in place with thick collars. I squinted at the pile like it was trouble and resumed my hunt. The floor was still empty, grey had replaced the blackness and I was hot with sweat and cold with its evaporation.
I confronted the well-balanced and thickening heap of iron with respect, my attitude taking on the gravity of the weight before me. The objective was to move the weight to my shoulders in one sudden surge of power, make some quick and sure adjustments, and press the mass steadily overhead till the arms were locked and the torso stable and upright -- hold it for a couple of seconds and sensibly return it to the platform. I’d practiced this procedure half a dozen times earlier in the spring with less weight and less intensity. No problem. I was younger then and it was less important than now.
Deep breath, grasp, clean and press. Job done well with arms reaching and the weight close to the sky. I hear the sound of life in the distance, a figure doing chins a mile away. The day has begun.
I know what I have to do. Off comes the quarter and on goes another 45. The plates are made tight with a rumble one side at a time, the heavy collars are locked in place and the bar is brushed with chalk. I tug on the mass for good measure and turn to the process of preparing and psyching for the battle: belt, pacing, standing, considering and chalking. Self-consciousness is fought, doubt is beaten off, extraneous thoughts are eliminated and energy is focused; these the toughest aspects of the battle.
Seeking a culmination of all that is positive and enthusiastic and good and right, I bend over to do it again.
This, the lifting of an impossible weight on a bar, is not something we repeat. Each time is the first time, if it is any good. The procedures have a sameness and continuity about them -- position the body, bend, grasp, clean, press and return -- but the fury between each step is always new, spontaneous and redefining. Man against steel, steel against man, man against himself. We’ve got our hands full, crew.
I did it with back-breaking fullness. I staggered briefly after the clean, my legs remained locked as I pressed and, yes, I leaned like an oak in high winds, but I did not stall or jerk or otherwise falter. I pulled and reached and reached and stood for blinding seconds before lowering the weight, letting it go a foot from its resting place.
When you’re alone after a remarkable success, satisfaction and gratefulness whirl in your mind with no place to go. They were self-contained, while colorful flashes and mad sounds of rushing filled my head and a wonderful ache flooded my pulsating body. I did it, I whispered with an insufficient shrug: recuperate, oxygenize.
I was leaning on my arms, breathing smoothly and staring at my recently acquired friend, 315 pounds of steel, when someone called out from the center of the gym floor. I turned and there’s Jack Hughes, a wiry lifter from a generation gone by who was then a coach and judge of powerlifting and Olympic lifting contests on the coast. “Good lift, Draper,” he said, “don’t see too many guys pressing 325 at 7 o’clock on a Monday morning.”
I thanked him without pretension, being a very young member of a very old club. I also pointed out I had 315 pounds on the bar. He pointed out I had 325 on the bar and hadn’t accounted for the 10 pounds of lock-tight collars. He left, and I did it again.
True stories don’t grow on trees. Today I couldn’t roll 325 pounds across the floor even if I succeeded loading it on a bar in the first place. That doesn’t make me a bum, ya know. I’m still a bomber.
Once a bomber, always a bomber. May the wind beneath your wings lift you higher and higher.
God’s speed... Dave
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i feel sorry for the server
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"I might want to be somewhere else, but I grip the weights and there I am." ~ Dave Draper
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Dave DePew is a powerlifter, strongman (also a strong man) competitor and a grip guy who owns the Grinder Gym in San Diego. He did an interview series for a while and brought Dave into the mix in January of 2005. I think you'll enjoy his questions. The picture is from our first photo session, 1987, that sort of started all of this. Let's go:
Q) Dave, what motivated you to pick up your first dumbbell?
A) Actually, it was an assortment of plates bearing the name “Weider,” clustered on one 16-inch bar and secured with a red collar on each end -- my first set of weights, secondhand, dusted with rust and costing my life savings of $5.00 at 10 years old. I was already an old hand at musclebuilding (though I didn’t know it), having done chins and dips and pushups since I could count the reps.
Why did I do this? I liked the resistance, I guess. The movement and balance, the play and physical challenge were fun. Come to think of it, they no doubt gave me an endorphin high, a feeling of wellbeing and the sense of accomplishment that please everyone, young and old, should they stumble upon them.
I wanted to be strong like a man, and as I grew older and more aware, I wanted to look like a man, rugged and ready. I saw those features in Chuck, the guy who worked on construction projects for the small town of Secaucus where I grew up. He wore t-shirts with the sleeves cut off, and his arms and shoulders bulged like melons. Chuck worked hard and lifted weights and nobody messed with him. He was a nice guy.
Q) As a young kid, did you ever think you would have accomplished all you did?
A) I look back at my life and it looks like a minefield. I’m amazed I have fingers and toes where they belong. When I was a kid, I never thought about the future, each day containing enough for me to consider and shoulder.
I love life and my family with all my might, and thank God for anything good I did or do, and I take sole responsibility for all the bad. Lifting weights and winning Mr. America and surviving two-thirds of a century are pretty cool.
Q) Are you a fan of supersetting?
A) Superset and multi-set training have been popular with me since my early training days in the Muscle Beach Dungeon, 1963 through 1966. I apply and enjoy the rewards of single-set training and find them invaluable, but 75 percent of my routine is composed of supersets. I find them more involving, exciting, conditioning and muscle-building; there’s less downtime and I maintain tighter focus. I build a valuable training momentum, condense the workout time and generally achieve greater training intensity and muscle overload.
My supersets can be same-muscle or opposing-muscle combinations, and, as I do with most exercises, I complete five sets of each multi-set combination.
Examples might be:
Same muscle – Standing barbell curl supersetted with reverse curls
Opposing muscle – Bench press and wide-grip pulldown
Q) What do you think of implements like kettlebells and clubbells?
A) These are examples of original strength and conditioning devices recently re-popularized for building muscle and might, but I haven’t personally used them in my training. I’d seek their benefits if I was younger, more flexible and attending fewer injuries, and if my basic weight training wasn’t so fully satisfying.
There are other gadgets to satisfy the fickle and bored consumer in the exercise world, but few are needed and most are a distraction. We’ve got bulging exercise balls and wobbly wobble boards and super inclinable benches that look like individualized spacecraft; and then there’s the electronic aerobic equipment, new models every year, like autos off Detroit assembly lines... only with more features.
Call me old-fashioned, but give me barbells and dumbbells, a simple pulley system, a cage and some benches and I’m a happy musclehead.
Q) How do you train today?
A) Not much different than I did in the ‘60s when training for major competitions. I achieved the muscle mass long ago and do what I can to maintain it into my older years. I’ll be 63 in April (2005). I actually train harder per workout than I did 40 years ago, with more appreciation and enjoyment. Go figure.
I’ve accumulated injuries and their pain and limitations. My strength in pressing is half what it was, and daily I stare age in the face like a troublesome houseguest. Nevertheless, my workouts are geared around persistent attitudes and motives of improving and gaining, as well as surviving. It works... more or less.
In the ‘60s, I trained six days a week without fail, and until only a few years ago, five days a week was my plan -- recovery the element determining my cutback. Today, I train four days a week for two hours each workout. Perfect. I have a scheme whereby I work every muscle group twice a week, midsection each session and include some 35 to 40 total sets of barbell, dumbbell and cable work – or 7 to 8 exercises, five sets each. The reps range from 15 to 20 on certain exercises and 6 to 12 on most.
Every three weeks or so, I practice heavy deadlifts or squats. I stick to the basics, often performed with some weird improvised groove to accommodate an injury, and I avoid heavy bench presses because they’re notoriously tough on the shoulders. Dumbbells are superior in my opinion (clue).
I am what’s called a “volume trainer,” if you’re into naming techniques. I’ve gone down a lot of roads looking for a better way to build muscle… and keep coming back home where I started, where I like it.
There’s something about the weights and a continuing interest in them: They keep you from growing up entirely. They’re like neat yet tedious toys that we’ve refused to surrender. Kids never let go.
Q) Who gave you the nickname the “Blond Bomber”?
A) 42 years ago (1963) I moved from Jersey to California to represent Joe Weider at his newly opened Santa Monica office. There I worked side by side with a redheaded guy with big arms and a big heart and a left hand that could write smart prose and fun stories. His name was Dick Tyler and he wrote prolifically about the popular west coast bodybuilding champs, their training and their daily lives. His material appeared in Joe’s various muscle magazines for seven years as the column called “West Coast Bodybuilding Scene.” The entire golden era was recorded by Dick with his insight, wit and brightness -- how lucky we are today for this unique preservation of history. He told tall tales about everyone from Grimek, Pearl and Parks to Don Howorth, Larry Scott and me to Arnold, Franco and Zane.
Dick named me "the Blond Bomber" and Arnold "the Oak."
Read about it all in Dick’s recent and very cool book, West Coast Bodybuilding Scene, packed with rare pictures, inspiration, history and fun. It’s a blast from the past.
Q) I understand it, back in the day you helped bring Arnold to the US and show him around the scene. What type of friendship did the two of you have? Did you work out together or was that mostly for the magazines?
A) Weider bought Arnold to the USA. A handful of bodybuilders from Vince’s and, especially, Joe Gold’s gym made Arnold welcome. That’s the way it was in those days. Arnold stepped off the plane and into a home and family when he arrived on the west coast. Arnold, with his open nature -- observant and insightful yet naïve and young -- became a companion of everyone. Remember, the bodybuilding scene was less crowded then. In fact, there was no crowd at all.
Arnold and I hit it off well, though my quiet, private manner (neuroses) and being a family man kept us from hanging out regularly. It wasn’t long after Arnold’s arrival that we shared odd and demanding experiences in training and travel, the kind that bind two people, and our mutual respect hammered the bond home.
We met on and off at Joe Gold’s gym in Venice and worked out as our schedules allowed and our training demands required. Our training philosophies were identical -- hard work, voluminous and heavy -- and we complemented and boosted each other without submitting to schoolboy competition.
Artie Zeller the Great caught us -- all of us -- in real action at Joe Gold’s gym during our competition training during the summer of 1970. The place was alive and buzzing: all work, no play, no music, no gadgets, no wimps.
Today, the Governor gets my vote and he works for me day after day.
Q) How did your training styles vary from other bodybuilders and what similarities did you have in your approach to building your physique compared to your friends?
A) Training was straightforward in the early days of bodybuilding -- 40, 50 and 60 years ago -- with the basic movements commanding the lifter’s attention. I observed the advanced trainers around me at the Muscle Beach Dungeon -- Zabo, Eifferman, several reigning Mr. Cal and Southern Cal winners, shared ideas with Vince’s Gironda’s adherents -- Scott, Howorth, Mackey and Vince himself -- extracted information from Bill Pearl on his training approach, and put the various methodologies to the test. From there, I distilled a training style that has altered little over the years. Those modifications have been simple and based only on time and injury.
We all trained hard and heavy, yet the gang from the Valley didn’t squat, spent less time in the gym and complemented their workouts with more finesse training -- cables, angles, partial movements and isolation. (They used their brains.)
Pearl and his training partners were brutes who trained seriously first thing in the morning for two hours, six days a week with six-week rotations. Heavy benches, dumbbell work, deadlifts, rows, curls and weighted dips comprised the substance of their workouts. They were street smart and used their muscles. The Muscle Beach boys trained as one would for functioning well in the jungle or Hollywood or on the beach. They buried themselves in the basics for hours when the sun and moon were right and the milk and meat sandwiches in their brown bags held out. They were animals.
I leaned toward the Pearl School of Musclebuilding: early morning, six days a week, two hours of madness each day, with six weeks before varying routines.
The more, the better is the theory of the obsessed and self-doubting. (Moi)
By the time Arnold, Franco and Zane arrived in town, I’d proven to myself the worth of my sluggo training and allowed instinct to move me more easily about the gym floor. Arnold, Zane, Franco and I could and would train together when it was convenient, wise or we got the urge. Our training techniques were similar and evolving and, by then, loose enough. We seriously blasted it.
In the late ‘60s and ‘70s, we saw the machines move onto the gym floor like creaking metal-armed invaders from another planet, plus more personalities (invaders from remote earth) and increased innovation (harebrained schemes). Training principles I could never buy into started mocking tradition and appealing to the trainer looking for faster, less-committed methods of lifting. Here I’m talking about training once or twice a week with a few sets to some sort of indefinable failure, workouts boasting incredible mass and muscularity accomplished on a cambered pulley machine for a total of eight sets of six reps once in a while.
The less, the better is the theory of the crafty and mad.
Q) To whom do you attribute your success in bodybuilding? Is there one person who stands out the most?
A) You must mean someone other than Joe Weider, to whom most bodybuilders, like it or not, must attribute their exposure and eventual worldwide prominence and popularity. He’s the guy with the mags. I say this not to slight John Balik or Bob Kennedy and a few others who solidly contribute to the bodybuilding publication world, but Joe was the first on the block.
Let’s see: There’s Leroy Colbert and his big arms, big smile and great friendship; George Eifferman for welcoming me warmly to Muscle Beach; Russ Warner and Artie Zeller for their friendship, counsel and cameras; Ray Raridon (NSP) for convincing me I could win Mr. America; Dick Sweet (Mr. California, 1962) for teaching me how to train in the Dungeon years; Zabo for being cool; Carlin Venice for helping me lick my wounds, and my loyal dog, Rufus.
You know how it is. Where there’s a life, there are numerous lives supporting it. Each stands out at one time or another. Chuck and his jackhammer and tight t-shirt, Steve Reeves pictured on a movie poster racing a chariot, my high school coach who called me “Arms,” the bully in junior high, my mom...
Q) If I wanted to spend a few days training with you what would I need to do?
A) Ask yourself, “Why? This guy is losing his hair; he’s stubborn, impolite, silent and hasn’t a clue how to share. He hasn’t trained with anybody for 15 years (no one dares to or cares ), thus, his social skills have seriously deteriorated and his communication has been reduced to grunts and nods.”
Maybe you should visit the gym one day as an out-of-towner and secretly observe me and my antics for an hour before further considering the absurd idea. Life’s short.
Q) What are you most proud of in your life?
A) Proud of? Hmmm... Other than my personal charm and boyish good looks, I would have to say that having retained a position of reasonable respect and prominence in the world of bodybuilding, muscle and might after all these years is pretty okay. I guess it’s called history, and sharing the gilded stage (when the world was still thought to be flat) with Grimek and Reeves, Bill Pearl, Zabo and Reg Parks, Scott and Howorth, Arnold and Franco, Zane and Katz is extraordinary.
The past gives way to the future present, which is now.
The internet has afforded us the grand opportunity of communicating and sharing and learning and growing and inspiring. I’m proud of Laree, my amazing wife, who’s embraced the muscle and power world since Rachael and Cory stole the stage. She singlehandedly created the davedraper.com website composed of 2,800 pages of musclebuilding information, health news, nutritional guidelines, facts, updates and menus, fascinating pictures, motivation, inspiration and philosophy. But wait, there’s more. The IronOnline discussion board pops up on the website and is more fun, endearing, informative and downright enriching to scads of iron aficionados who might otherwise be silent and alone. Laree, with her friendly online support group, heads up the micro extravaganza, and a large family of living and loving muscleheads has emerged.
They’re called bombers who love to fly, soar and glide, depending on visibility, fuel, mood and atmospheric pressure.
Q) What are you most appreciative of in your life?
A) Besides family and friends, Christ and his salvation, I appreciate that I’ve endured. I’m still ready, willing and able to train with eagerness and gusto after half a century of pounding, clanging, counting, gasping, burning, pumping, ripping, tearing, lifting, extending, contracting, pain, boredom and disappointment.
I should get a gold-plated watch for faithful service.
Or maybe get my head examined.
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The whole thing is a farce....Men taking dangerous drugs to build abnormal muscles and strength, standing on a stage posing in their underwear to an audience of other Men, many of them gay. They talk about their bodies and health while injecting hormones in their butts...It's a sick obsession that people like to glamorize..
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I’d rather draw a map than read one. I’d rather arrive last, but on my own and by an original route." ~ Dave Draper
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For years, John Koenig was a writer for T-Nation, who added depth to the T-Nation writer's bench. We got to know him a bit over the years at our annual Arnold Classic meetups. This is a T-Nation interview he did with Dave in 2004. Here's John:
We don't throw around the term "living legend" much around here because not many people deserve such accolades. But T-Nation recently sat down with a man who just might fit the bill: Dave Draper.
Known as the Blond Bomber, Dave Draper is an icon from what many consider the Golden Age of bodybuilding. During his competitive career in the 1960s, Dave won just about every title there was to win. He acted in movies, appeared on TV, wrote books and visited dozens of different countries as a good will ambassador for bodybuilding. But do you know what really separates Dave from other legendary bodybuilders?
He never quit.
Today, when most men his age are picking out a rocking chair, Dave continues to preach the gospel of iron. Blissfully unaware of his age and always in ripped condition, the Bomber continues to write, teach, deadlift, squat and kick serious butt in the gym.
T-Nation felt it was time to sit down with Dave and absorb some of that hard-earned wisdom.
T-Nation: How old are you, Dave, and when did you get started in bodybuilding?
Dave Draper: I was born in Secaucus, New Jersey on April 16th, 1942. I’m 62. For five bucks I purchased my first set of battered weights at age 10. I messed with them as most kids do with baseballs and footballs and became seriously consistent at 15 years old. That was 47 years ago!
T-Nation: Has your mindset about weight training changed over the decades?
Draper: Not exactly. I trust over the years I’ve grown up somewhat emotionally and psychologically and increased my training and nutritional understanding. My desire, need and ability to train vigorously have continued to grow with my appreciation for life. Standing back, nothing’s new.
T-Nation: In a nutshell, give us your basic philosophy about training.
Draper: I train knowing I'm aging by the minute. I want to pursue my training for the health and fun of it, the interest and challenge of it, and to see how well I can fend off diminishing while adjusting to the inevitable.
I’m curious and it’s my business. As long as I have the spirit, energy, enthusiasm and time, I’ll use my daily abilities to play the weightlifting game. It's my hobby, a diversion and an expression. When it becomes one dimensional, unhealthy in mind and body, unappealing and otherwise negative, I'll adjust accordingly.
I enjoy training hard, but I'll pull back when the physical and intuitive signs tell me to. I’m still seeing good things happen along with the less-than-good things. Some lifts are better than ever and there's new muscle growth here and there, though this may end tomorrow or the next day. Until then, I’ll push that iron with the power of experience and love.
T-Nation: Amen to that! What are your general thoughts on nutrition?
Draper: I established sound eating habits long ago: regular portions of high protein foods (meat, fish, poultry, dairy and eggs), lots of salads, sufficient fruits, grains and herbs, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants... the muscle builder's sacred lineup. Eat frequently (every three hours) throughout the day from body-up to body-down, and get two grams of protein per pound of bodyweight if you're a hard trainer.
Also, avoid sugars, saturated fats and junk foods. No gorging! Food is fun and a magnificent source of life and energy; it's not an entertainment or obsession. I simply don’t desire to eat in ways that aren't healthy in serving the body. In fact, I repel them.
T-Nation: How does all this compare to when you were competing in the 1960s?
Draper: Joyful exercise and sound eating have been practiced since my early training days at the Dungeon in the 60s. There I discovered and adopted most of my understanding of exercise and nutrition. Over the years, there have been ebbs and flows, ups and downs. One experiments, one experiences, one fails and succeeds and carries on.
My eating habits today are as they were in the 60s, only tighter and more highly appreciated. My workouts are similar to my robust training then, only tighter and more highly appreciated. Basically, what was then is now, with little deviation, improvement or evolvement, despite the so-called superior technology and hysterical race for more and better.
The answer and the joy are in the iron, sound eating, hard work, consistency and courage. No secrets, nothing new, just be strong and do it. It’s you!
T-Nation: How should a middle-aged or older weight trainer eat compared to his training partner in his 20s?
Draper: The answer depends on many variables: comparative body weight, rate of metabolism, training zeal, number of training years invested and so on. If the muscle is there, the physical condition is sound and the training is tight, the middle-aged man can do as he pleases (or as he knows best), regardless of his partner’s habits. Train hard and feed the body. Age isn't a single and exact determining factor.
Given both men are equal, the younger man most likely has advantages in flexibility, hormone balance, tissue building and repair, and he can most likely train harder with less risk of injury. He'll probably grow more quickly and is less likely to store fat. The older man might require less food intake (despite high quality nutrition) to avoid adding unwanted body fat while striving to gain muscle mass.
We also know it's not unusual that many younger men aren't nearly as fit as their older counterparts in the gym. They may have years of training and correcting bad dietary habits ahead to catch up to their senior partner.
T-Nation: That's often true. What are the most common dietary mistakes older athletes make?
Draper: Generally, the mistakes made by older athletes are the same as those made by their younger counterparts: not being regular in their dietary disciplines, not feeding themselves adequately before (fuel) or after (repair) a workout session, insufficient protein, too many sugars, not enough water, ignoring the importance of EFAs and not controlling their body fat.
T-Nation: As weight trainers age and their metabolisms change, how should they deal with it?
Draper: A person's metabolism is determined in part by muscle mass relative to overall body mass. More muscle and less fat add up to a keener metabolism. Healthy hormonal activity accompanies an exercised body with a good muscle-to-body fat ratio. Further, the quality of foods ingested affects the body’s chemistry and the metabolic rate, directly and indirectly.
Gets complicated, but the fix is simple. Regularly consume wholesome foods offering peak nutrient advantages; don’t eat sugary, high-glycemic foods that upset the body’s chemistry and don’t overeat. Exercise vigorously daily to build muscle, assist hormone balance, control fat storage and enhance the cardio-respiratory system. These training precepts fortify the body’s entire system and reduce the debilitating stresses.
T-Nation: Can any of the "typical" changes associated with aging be slowed down, stopped or changed?
Draper: Certainly. Body chemistry is complex; body care is simple. Train hard, eat right, be strong and be happy. You’ll live longer and better.
T-Nation: Can't argue with that advice! Now, let's dig deeper into the topic of training. Take us through your basic workout program.
Draper: My training input in time and in strength has diminished as I’ve gotten older. No surprise there. The first heavy, formative years were dominated by six-day-a-week training programs. I’ve never laid off, though sickness at about age 40 caused me to halt my training for four months.
The past 20 years have been hard and steady, as we built three gyms and established a lively website. Since I turned 60, I've trained four days a week for two hours each workout. The workouts are as intense as they were when I was younger, only modified and limited in poundages to accommodate age and pain factors. I make up for the limitations with determination, focus and maximum muscle exertion. Here's what my program looks like:
Day 1) Midsection, chest, back and shoulders. I have a variety of basics I rely on from dumbbell presses to Smith press-behind-necks, from cable crossovers to bent-over barbell rows. I do five sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, and 4 reps of each exercise, and I superset frequently.
Each workout includes 35 to 40 total sets plus crunches, leg raises, rope tucks and hanging leg raises for the gut. I currently do no direct aerobics exercise, accomplishing sufficient cardio work through the 20-minute, non-stop midsection work and superset training regimen.
Day 2) Midsection and arms, maybe farmers’ walks. I superset bis and tris and perform lots of forearm work. I can pull well — curls and back work — but pressing and tris are a drag. Strength’s okay; pain is the limiting factor.
Day 3) Midsection and legs. Leg press, squats, extensions, curls, calves. I might squat heavy one day every three weeks: singles, doubles.
Day Off
Day 4) After midsection, I practice a mix of favorite movements to cover the whole body: thick-bar deadlifts for grip strength and back health, heavy bent-over rows for back density, thigh-glute-ham work supersetted with stiff-arm pullovers, press-behind-neck and pulldowns to behind the neck for additional lat and shoulder-width work. I might deadlift heavy once every three weeks using singles and doubles.
This four-day treatment hits everything directly or sufficiently twice a week.
T-Nation: Those are some lengthy workouts with a lot of sets. You're still training like that today?
Draper: I still count on volume to accomplish the work I set out to do. This allows more finesse in exercise movement and expression, and gives me better control of "danger" overload factors. Rhythm and muscle sensations, extensions and contractions, locating muscular effort and resistance, and developing and experiencing internal muscle energy are most desirable, efficacious and exciting.
I also like singles and low-rep training interspersed throughout the weeks and months of training. The body, mind and soul call for it sometimes.
T-Nation: Any training-related injuries?
Draper: I’ve endured injuries to the right rotator cuff and biceps with resulting nerve damage affecting the right elbow and wrist. I attribute them to a harsh fall while running 25 years ago, decades of heavy use as woodworker and, of course, the continuous overload of years of hard weight training.
T-Nation: How do you work around chronic pain or injury?
Draper: I had extensive open-surgery repairs on the shoulder and biceps done in ’95 to fix what could be fixed. Now I work around the pain, use wraps and take Vioxx for associated arthritis. I’ve added chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM, and substantial essential fatty acids to my already smart nutritional program.
"Working around the pain" is personal. The extent to which an injured trainee pursues advancement depends on psychological needs and desires, the scope of the damage, the understanding of the body and fortitude. Some call it madness because sometimes, well, it is!
I seek chiropractic treatment occasionally when something feels misplaced. I don’t doubt the benefits of deep-massage therapy, acupuncture and regular chiropractic treatment from fine practitioners when the symptoms call for it. I've had limited experience in those types of treatment, but their value is logical.
T-Nation: Do you still consistently lift heavy? Is your definition of "heavy" different now than it was 20 years ago?
Draper: Heavy, like Elvis, has left the building! I train consistently hard; that is, I seek maximum or near-maximum muscle exertion within each set and final rep. I take exertion intensity to the edge — to the risk of injury. Sometimes, especially in pressing where my injury limitation is most evident, the weight isn't nearly as significant as the effort to move it. One learns to compromise and be grateful.
Squatting, deadlifting and direct pulling aren't bad at all. I regularly call upon strength in these areas for the fun and muscle building effect it produces.
T-Nation: Are rest days incorporated more often into your program than they used to be?
Draper: Years of accumulated training and overload, age itself, and having achieved reasonable muscular development necessitate I train less intensely. I have less muscle building requirements and potential, and repair and recuperation are less efficient.
Though the spirit is willing, the body is less willing. This is life and quite acceptable. I treasure rest to combat fatigue and allow continued hard training. It’s a must.
I train fewer days a week and will throw in an extra day or two of rest if necessary, especially if I get rocking and rolling on a training high and exceed my bounds, which is easy to do.
T-Nation: How do you know when you need an additional day off?
Draper: First, it’s obvious to my common sense — too much time in the gym, too much weight handled, too many exercises, sets and reps. Second, I pay attention to post-workout fatigue and note if I'm just plain tired. Third, I watch for general aches and pains that aren't real injuries — stinging insertions, slugged muscle bellies. Fourth, the appearance of DOMS is a bad sign since I don't usually get that.
There’s also restlessness and loss of appetite. No rocket scientist is needed to tell a lifter to back off, rest, relax and rebuild. However, it sometimes takes a ruthless brute with a big stick to keep him out of the gym and away from the iron.
T-Nation: Very true! Are your rest periods between sets longer than they used to be?
Draper: They are, mainly to account for wrapping and unwrapping the wrist and elbow. I can no longer grab a pair of dumbbells and jump right into a set. I have to locate the particular groove through which I can travel safely and pain free. This requires concentration and a slower, more focused performance. I call it "care and attention." I move like a locomotive switching cars from track to track: slow, steady, direct and purposeful.
T-Nation: What role should cardio play as weight trainers age?
Draper: You can run, but you can’t hide. Muscle building is achieved through weight training and resistance exercise, and they should receive priority. As we grow older and wiser, thank God, we're able to assess, adapt and modify exercises and exercising output according to our ability, desire and need. This becomes a personal juggling act for each of us. I’ve got about six balls in the air right now.
Personally, I've put direct aerobic activity on the sidelines while I focus on the weights. As pointed out earlier, my midsection activity, squatting and supersetting serve my aerobic purpose. A person can’t smartly do it all, and I want to reserve the cycling and jogging for a time when extra conditioning is called for. Right now the addition of jogging or such isn't what I need and it would be too much for my body to handle.
I'm an exception to the rule. Aerobics should be 20 percent of a hardy lifter’s workout. Twenty minutes HIIT style stationary cycling three or four times a week is my aim in the future.
T-Nation: What common mistakes do you see older trainees making in the gym?
Draper: A big mistake is to allow your training to become perfunctory and uninspired. Another mistake an older trainee may make is coming back after too long a layoff and blasting it like he was 25. Worst of all, of course, is quitting entirely, never to be seen again. Unforgivable!
T-Nation: What kind of supplements do you recommend?
Draper: I take a high quality vitamin and mineral formula, therapeutic dosages of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM, pre and post-workout whey protein drinks, creatine and added EFAs. I have bottles, jugs and pills everywhere.
T-Nation: Don't we all! Now, the baby boomers are the largest part of the population. They're going to live the longest, remain active for the most years, and demand the most activities. How does weight training play into this situation?
Draper: The baby boomer might live longer, but unless he exercises and eats right, he won't do it well. There isn’t a closet big enough to hide the obese condition of the world population. Men and women and boys and girls, regardless of hemisphere, are either overweight, under-muscled or otherwise out of shape. Find five out of hundred who are ready, able and fit and you've discovered a vein of precious population, a hidden treasure.
It’s the poor nutritional habits and lack of exercise that account for the dismal shape we’re in. It’s also TV, Hollywood, dope-booze-cigarettes-candy, high-technology's high-speed negative influence on human behavior and contentment, warring national politics, terrorist extremist global war, excessive tolerance compromising morals and rightness, and the devil at large casting the disorder. We're a mess. Train hard, eat right and do your best.
T-Nation: Dave, you're 62, you don't currently do aerobics, and your body doesn't look all that much different through the years. The average guy is going to look at you and say, "Steroids!" Are you still using them?
Draper: No steroids, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. Seriously, thanks for the compliment from the cynical few who care. It's not steroids; it's training with intensity, never missing and never eating donuts.
I also have congestive heart failure. I wish I could do a round of the old-fashioned stuff to get a little freaky, but I'd probably die. Fact is, I have a couple of outstanding veins on my forearms and folks think I'm ripped all over. I weigh 225 today, as compared to 235 when in top competitive shape.
The only secret is I’m consistent where others might not be. And I have no life, friends or pets. That's a lie: I have a cat.
T-Nation: Some people reading this may think a few of your ideas about bodybuilding are dated. What would you say to them?
Draper: What I offer is my own straightforward muscle madness based on experience above all else. I'm not a scholar. I believe that contributes to a more honest and accurate training methodology. I feel less corrupted by the fiction and biases, suppositions and laws of training developed by well-read researchers, clinicians and avant-garde pros.
I’d rather draw a map than read one. I’d rather arrive last, but on my own and by an original route. If this sounds bold or arrogant, I apologize. I call it intellectually lazy, impulsive, rebellious, disorderly and stubborn — traits I share with other older muscle builders and children of all ages.
T-Nation: Stubborn or not, we hope we look as good as you do at 62! Thanks for talking to us today.
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HISTORY OF THE SISSY SQUAT
"The Sissy Squat will make a Sissy out of you!" These were once Vince Gironda’s words as to why he called this exercise the Sissy Squat. Unfortuoately, there is much misinformation on this exercise which was popularized by the Guru. Get on YouTube or Google and see the many variations which indicate that people really don’t know what they are talking about. For example, the Roman Chair Squat is mistakenly referred to as the Sissy Squat today.
Many misconceptions exist about this wonderful exercise, and to understand this movement better, it necessary to look back at it's origins.
The Sissy Squat was taught to Vince Gironda by its inventor, the great Silver Era icon Monty Wolford, whose leg development was unparalleled in his day. Vince Gironda personally measured his thighs and found out that Monty’s upper thigh, the area where we all measure, and his middle thigh (halfway between the knee and the normal upper thigh measurement) where the same diameter. Monty was the only man Vince knew of who possessed this measurement.
The reason why Vince was so impressed with this fact (equal diameter between upper and middle thigh) is that the effect of the Sissy Squat is that it gives the thighs a defined and sweeping look which gives the illusion of height to the bodybuilder’s physique, which would further enhance the V-Taper and give a more aesthetic look. This is of course in contrast to today’s bodybuilder’s that look for monstrous leg development.
Monty Wolford represented to Vince, the perfect aesthetic proportions. Possessing a wonderful v-taper, wide shoulders, flaring lats, high square chest, a tiny waist and defined legs, his physique flowed beautifully, and it is no wonder that Vince decided to learn from Monty.
Monty is known to have developed a strong foundation using compound movements to develop his leg and lower back strength giving him the fundimentals needed to muscularize his physique later on. Monty would depend on breathing squats and a variety of deadlifts early on. Monty would fafously say “ You are only as strong as your legs and back.”
Monty believed that one could not build the external musculoskeletal system if the internal visceral system was lagging behind. This reasoning again demonstrates why he depended so much on basic compound movements during his early bodybuilding career.
Once Monty had developed a decent foundation, he began to concentrate on shaping and defining his physique and eventually developed the Monty Wolford Squat, which is now known as the Sissy Squat.
But why I hear you asking is it now called the Sissy Squat?? Well, Vince didn’t seek to replace the name of the Monty Wolford Squat by calling it the Sissy Squat. The name stuck after Vince stated that this movement would make a sissy out of lifters who only performed the back squat.
The Monty Wolford squat allowed the musculature of the thigh to really stand out and give deep ridges into the quads.
As for the Sissy Squat, the correct way to perform it is explained in Vince’s own booklet titled The Sissy Squat. It was also featured in the Wild Physique, and although the explanation was correct, the picture in the book did not do the movement justice. The exercise is actually composed of three different movements or phases.
The Knee Drop
The Burlesque Bump
The Full Flush
Each phase was to be performed for 5 reps, and therefore this 3-phase movement totaled 15 reps per set. Vince never recommend performing more than 3 entire sets, stating that it was too strenuous to do more. Here is what Vince had to say on the Sissy Squat, criticizing the modern interpretations and explaining how to do it correctly:
“The main thing as I remember was keeping the hips forward and knees over feet. All too often people have mistaken the roman chair squat for the sissy squat – when they are nothing alike.
The sissy squat as an exercise takes on the form of a leg extension/squat more or less.
I started by performing these on his hack and/or smith machines.
I preferred a fixed motion machine as opposed free weights – for greater control.
You may want to start without any weight, and just holding onto the smith bar for balance.
The first 5 reps are just the way those little images show. The body is straight from the knees to the shoulders and you simply lean back as far as you can, and then come up.
The next 5 reps are from that lowest point you reach when you are doing the first 5 (so lean all the way back), and then fall to your ankles as if you were doing a full squat. From that full-squat position you don’t stand up, but rather, thrust the hips forward to get back into that low position. Then back down to your ankles again.
The final 5 reps are the combination of both. Lean back as if you are doing a limbo. When you reach that low position fall down to your ankles, then thrust the hips forward to come into that low “limbo” position, and then come up.
So there you have it, the Sissy Squat, previously known the Monty Wolford Squat is a movement which combines three different phases over each set of maximum effort.
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HISTORY OF THE SISSY SQUAT
"The Sissy Squat will make a Sissy out of you!" These were once Vince Gironda’s words as to why he called this exercise the Sissy Squat. Unfortuoately, there is much misinformation on this exercise which was popularized by the Guru. Get on YouTube or Google and see the many variations which indicate that people really don’t know what they are talking about. For example, the Roman Chair Squat is mistakenly referred to as the Sissy Squat today.
Many misconceptions exist about this wonderful exercise, and to understand this movement better, it necessary to look back at it's origins.
The Sissy Squat was taught to Vince Gironda by its inventor, the great Silver Era icon Monty Wolford, whose leg development was unparalleled in his day. Vince Gironda personally measured his thighs and found out that Monty’s upper thigh, the area where we all measure, and his middle thigh (halfway between the knee and the normal upper thigh measurement) where the same diameter. Monty was the only man Vince knew of who possessed this measurement.
The reason why Vince was so impressed with this fact (equal diameter between upper and middle thigh) is that the effect of the Sissy Squat is that it gives the thighs a defined and sweeping look which gives the illusion of height to the bodybuilder’s physique, which would further enhance the V-Taper and give a more aesthetic look. This is of course in contrast to today’s bodybuilder’s that look for monstrous leg development.
Monty Wolford represented to Vince, the perfect aesthetic proportions. Possessing a wonderful v-taper, wide shoulders, flaring lats, high square chest, a tiny waist and defined legs, his physique flowed beautifully, and it is no wonder that Vince decided to learn from Monty.
Monty is known to have developed a strong foundation using compound movements to develop his leg and lower back strength giving him the fundimentals needed to muscularize his physique later on. Monty would depend on breathing squats and a variety of deadlifts early on. Monty would fafously say “ You are only as strong as your legs and back.”
Monty believed that one could not build the external musculoskeletal system if the internal visceral system was lagging behind. This reasoning again demonstrates why he depended so much on basic compound movements during his early bodybuilding career.
Once Monty had developed a decent foundation, he began to concentrate on shaping and defining his physique and eventually developed the Monty Wolford Squat, which is now known as the Sissy Squat.
But why I hear you asking is it now called the Sissy Squat?? Well, Vince didn’t seek to replace the name of the Monty Wolford Squat by calling it the Sissy Squat. The name stuck after Vince stated that this movement would make a sissy out of lifters who only performed the back squat.
The Monty Wolford squat allowed the musculature of the thigh to really stand out and give deep ridges into the quads.
As for the Sissy Squat, the correct way to perform it is explained in Vince’s own booklet titled The Sissy Squat. It was also featured in the Wild Physique, and although the explanation was correct, the picture in the book did not do the movement justice. The exercise is actually composed of three different movements or phases.
The Knee Drop
The Burlesque Bump
The Full Flush
Each phase was to be performed for 5 reps, and therefore this 3-phase movement totaled 15 reps per set. Vince never recommend performing more than 3 entire sets, stating that it was too strenuous to do more. Here is what Vince had to say on the Sissy Squat, criticizing the modern interpretations and explaining how to do it correctly:
“The main thing as I remember was keeping the hips forward and knees over feet. All too often people have mistaken the roman chair squat for the sissy squat – when they are nothing alike.
The sissy squat as an exercise takes on the form of a leg extension/squat more or less.
I started by performing these on his hack and/or smith machines.
I preferred a fixed motion machine as opposed free weights – for greater control.
You may want to start without any weight, and just holding onto the smith bar for balance.
The first 5 reps are just the way those little images show. The body is straight from the knees to the shoulders and you simply lean back as far as you can, and then come up.
The next 5 reps are from that lowest point you reach when you are doing the first 5 (so lean all the way back), and then fall to your ankles as if you were doing a full squat. From that full-squat position you don’t stand up, but rather, thrust the hips forward to get back into that low position. Then back down to your ankles again.
The final 5 reps are the combination of both. Lean back as if you are doing a limbo. When you reach that low position fall down to your ankles, then thrust the hips forward to come into that low “limbo” position, and then come up.
So there you have it, the Sissy Squat, previously known the Monty Wolford Squat is a movement which combines three different phases over each set of maximum effort.
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HAROLD ZINKIN ... A LIFE-TIME OF FITNESS
Harold Zinkin, born May 11,1922, to immigrant Russian parents, grew up in East Los Angeles, where his family settled when he was five years old.
As a youngster, football, track, and gymnastics were Harold's primary interest. Harry Spencer, director of Physical Education for Belvedere Junior High School, had him executing back somersaults, with a full-twist and fast flip-flops, in a matter of months.
As a freshman at Roosevelt High School, Zinkin lettered in track, football and gymnastics; and his junior year, with no formal Olympic-style training, he pressed 170 pounds, snatched 170 pounds, and clean-and-jerked 245 pounds.
Because of an illness in the family, Harold worked eight to ten hour days throughout his final two years of high school. His extra-curricular activity was a twenty-mile weekend bicycle ride to Muscle Beach. There he absorbed and attempted to duplicate the feats other gymnasts, strongmen, and acrobats had mastered.
In 1939, Harold won the light-heavyweight "California State Weightlifting Championship," followed by the 1940 "Tri-State and Western Division Championships."
In 1941, at age 19, Zinkin won the first AAU "Mr. California" contest. Vic Tanny, the organizer of the competition, held the contest in his Santa Monica Gym and entered him in the event without Harold's permission. In Zinkin's book, Remembering Muscle Beach, published in 1999, he recalled:
"I didn't enjoy bodybuilding for posing purposes and I told Mr. Tanny so. I reminded him I didn't stand a chance of winning the contest over the giants competing against me. Regardless, I was a kid and Tanny was an adult gym operator, therefore, I did what I was told. I'd never watched a bodybuilding contest and took my posing ideas from muscle magazines. And I won against future AAU "Mr. America contenders."
During World War II, Zinkin was assigned to the Naval Physical Instructor's School in Bainbridge, Maryland. He was transferred as a Company Commander to the San Diego Naval Training Station. Later reassigned to the Navy Physical Rehabilitation School at Sampson, New York, and finished his naval obligation at the Long Beach Naval Hospital.
In 1945, Zinkin won his division in the "National Weightlifting Championships" and the same day, placed second to Clarence Ross at the AAU "Mr. America" contest.
In 1949, after winning the professional clean-and-jerk championships, Harold retired from competitive weightlifting and bodybuilding. He had the distinction of never experiencing defeat in an official weightlifting contest.
In 1948, Zinkin partnered with Bruce Connor to establish Bruce Connor's Physical Services in West Los Angeles. The combination health club/rehabilitation center was staffed by registered physical therapists, along with AAU "Mr. America winners John Forbotnik and George Eifferman. To raise venture capital for their new business, Zinkin and Connor toured as an acrobatic duo, duplicating feats they had perfected at Muscle Beach.
Relocating to Fresno, California, in 1953, Zinkin expanded his health club operation to 30 American Health & Silhouette Figure Form Studios throughout Central and Northern California.
After designing and fabricating the multi-station Universal Gym exercise machine in 1957, Harold founded the Universal Gym
Equipment Company. This revolutionary exercise unit featured seperate weight stacks that moved up and down on solid runner guides, with weight changes made quick and easy through a weight-key system. In 1968, the company sold to the Whittaker Corporation in a multi-million-dollar transaction, and Zinkin remained as CEO.
Over the next 25-years, Harold established shopping centers and other real estate ventures. However, he remarked, "If I'm proud of anything, it's the Universal machine. There probably isn't a professional athlete who hasn't trained on a Universal at least once."
Harold's numerous honorary achievements included the Big Heart Award from the American Heart Association and his induction into the World Acrobatic Association Hall of Fame in 2000.
Harold Zinkin died September 22, 2004, at age 82, from a fall in his home.
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MIKE QUINN ...THE "BAD BOY" OF BODYBUILDING
Mike Quinn was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts. Growing up, he was often involved in fights with other kids. However, most of the boys Mike fought were larger in size – because of this, he was often bullied and couldn’t do anything to defend himself.
“I grew up in Brockton, Massachusetts, home of Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler. It’s known as a pretty rough city. I was picked on a lot and got the shit beaten out of me until I was thirteen or fourteen.”
However, as he grew older, Mike gained some size and strength naturally. This gave him the confidence to fend off any bullies that would want to fight him. As Mike said; “Later, I beat the fuck out of anyone that had ever beaten me up.”
Bullying wasn’t the only problem that Mike faced as a child. He also suffered from mental disorders such as ADHD. This made it hard for Mike to stay relaxed and focused while he was in school.
“I was a weird kid; I had a nervous condition. Technically I was mentally ill. Plus I have ADHD. I wonder sometimes if all the vaccinations as a kid had anything to do with it, because back then all the vaccines had mercury in them.
Mike’s first training session took place in his home’s cellar, when he was 13 years old. His father, who built a small gym in the cellar, invited Mike to lift weights.
Since he was already naturally strong, Mike found it surprisingly easy to train. He said, “That first day, just messing around, I benched 220 pounds. I was a husky kid, chubby, you know? Instead of pecs, I had boobs.”
Mike trained at home until he was 15, then he became interested in American football. He quickly realized that he had a gift for the sport, however, he’d believed that his height of 5’8” would prevent him from reaching the elite NFL level. He decided to stick to bodybuilding, which served him as a natural therapy for his ADHD and anger issues.
After every football practice, which lasted for 2 hours, Mike would head into the gym to train for another two hours. He says this wasn’t exhausting for him because he loved it. Mike’s interest in lifting weights later led him to become a powerlifter.
However, it didn’t take long for Mike to realize that powerlifting wasn’t his true passion. When he was 18, Mike was getting ready for a powerlifting contest, and was supposed to squat 550 lbs for 5 reps that day. He only managed to get 4 reps, which made him say, in his words, “Fuck this! I’m gonna be a bodybuilder!”
Just six weeks later, Mike entered his first bodybuilding show and won.
After winning his debut show, the Teen Mr. Massachusetts, Mike went on to earn an even more prestigious title – the Teenage Mr. America.
These early victories bolstered Mike’s confidence. So much so, that he said; “Even as a teenager I was as good as most of the older guys competing in the sport.”
In 1984, Mike took third place at the Mr. America. He went on to win the medium NABBA Universe London shortly after, joining the elite group of bodybuilders who’d previously won this show, including Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steve Reeves.
A year after winning his Pro status, Mike started competing in elite shows around the world.
In fact, 1988 was the most contest-dense year in Mike’s career. He took part in 9 contests that year, some of which included:
England Grand Prix, IFBB, 5th place
Grand Prix Germany, IFBB, 4th place
Mike also made his Mr. Olympia debut in 1988, finishing amongst the top 5 bodybuilders in the world.
In 1994, Mike took part in three shows: Night of Champions, Mr. Olympia, and IFBB San Jose Pro Invitational.
After this, Mike took a long break from competing. It wasn’t until 1999 that he appeared once again on the stage, claiming 17th place at the IFBB World Pro Championships.
Mike Quinn was always honest about his steroid usage. He started taking steroids at the age of 18, prescribed by his local doctor.
However, according to Mike, he’d never taken these substances to gain muscle, but to preserve his muscle mass while dieting.
Mike had tried countless variations of training over his career as a bodybuilder. However, by far the most effective for him was power-bodybuilding.
With this training style, Mike did four days of heavy training, followed by four days of light exercises. On heavy days, he’d take more rest between sets to “stimulate testosterone release”.
On lighter days, Mike trained with more reps and short rest between sets to raise his growth hormone levels. These light sessions also enabled Mike to recover from his heavy training days and prevent muscle wasting. As Mike states, “training consistently leads to a catabolic state”.
Along with power-bodybuilding, Mike also loved doing quick and intense workouts. He’d do a series of high-intensity exercises with extremely short rest periods.
Some of the exercises he’d do included barbell squats, bench press, and overhead press. Mike says, it’s these movements that built the foundations of his physique.
But, while he enjoyed lifting heavy, Mike never let the weights affect his form. He said: “The key things to my type of training are heavy weights with strict form, not to overtrain, not letting my ego get in the way and hurt myself.”
Mike was, and still is a huge believer in cardio for fat loss. In fact, aerobics was an essential part of his show preparations.
His favorite form of cardio was the stationary bike. Or occasionally, stair climbing. On his rest days from weightlifting, Mike would do 45 minutes of aerobics before breakfast to maximize fat loss.
“I’ve come to realize just how vital a role aerobics plays in my program. Quite simply, to get ripped you need aerobics. I used to do one and a half hours of daily aerobics. I would break up the aerobics into two 45-minute sessions right after I complete my weight workout. Then, the muscle glycogen stores are empty and the body burn fat faster.
There was a period where Mike trained extremely hard for his contests. He would train several days in a row without any rest. He says this led to over-training symptoms such as muscle loss.
But then, Mike changed his approach. He started training two days in a row before taking a day off. By giving his body a break every 3rd day, he’d noticed much better progress in his physique.
According to Mike, when he trained too hard, his body went into a catabolic state (muscle-wasting). But as he added more rest to his routine, Mike’s muscles were able to catch up with his workouts. As he said, “By interspersing two training days with a rest day I prevent my body from slipping into a catabolic state.”
Mike believes that nowadays, bodybuilders focus too much on protein. He says, 1g of protein per pound of lean body weight is more than enough to build muscle. He also says that far too many people avoid carbs, which he believes is not healthy for the body.
In fact, Mike says simple carbohydrates are the best energy source. He would often increase his carb intake before shows to make his muscles appear fuller. He also ate proteins and fats from foods such as chicken, cheese, and avocados.
“My body oxidizes protein more efficiently than it does carbohydrates. But I still need carbohydrates. My mistake in the past was dropping carbs to 50-100 grams a day, which caused a loss of both muscle and training intensity.”
Whenever he prepared for a show, Mike ate in a caloric deficit so his body would steadily lose fat.
10 weeks before the contest, he’d eat 2000 calories per day. He’d do this for three days, and then, on the fourth day, Mike would add 800 calories from protein and carbs to ‘ignite’ his metabolism. On the fifth day, he’d start the process all over again by reducing his calories back to 2000 kcal.
Mike’s first influence in bodybuilding was his father. When Mike was still a child, he saw his father training in their small home gym. However, Mike’s father didn’t allow him to train with him because he was still too young to begin weight training.
It wasn’t until Mike was 13 that he was finally invited for his first workout with his father. "When I was thirteen, my father decided it was time for me to start weight training."
Mike Quinn had one trait that made people either love him or hate him – his unapologetic honesty.
He was never afraid to speak up his mind and was also often aggressive towards those that provoked him. He couldn’t stand bullies, because he knew what it was like to be picked on as a kid.
Later, Mike channeled his frustrations and anger by lifting weights. Bodybuilding became his therapy. Throughout the years, his passions for the sport grew further to become a professional bodybuilder.
There are many lessons we can take from Mike’s story. But perhaps the most important one is that you should be yourself and never apologize to anyone for it. This might bring criticism – but it will also attract people in your life who’ll respect you for who you truly are.
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PETE GRIMKOWSKI ....
The 1970s bodybuilding scene was wide open for those who competed did so out of love for the sport and whatever drove them into lifting in the first place, and making money was the last thing on their mind. It is likely for this reason that we have such compelling stories- guys like Pat Neve and Steve Michalik, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Draper, and Pete Grymkowsky. Pete stated, "I would eat disgarded hamburger and sleep under a pier to afford the 10 grams of anabolic steroids I did each day and the weed I smoked."
This was the cause of a devide in the sport. Until 1980, the Mr. America contest was the premier title in the US, but the all-America image of the winner of that show was fading in the footloose and carefree 1970s. This upset the likes of hardcore bodybuilder, Steve Michalik.
According to Michalik, the AAU needed
comitment to it's ideals and a leader.
“ARNOLD HAD A CHANCE TO BE THAT GUY, BUT HE BECAME THE OTHER ... POT SMOKING, PROMISCUOUS AND FUN LOVING. THERE WAS NO FIRM LEADER TO REIN IT IN AND SAY YOU GUYS CAN’T BE IN THIS CONTEST. THEY GOT GUYS NOW WHERE THEIR WHOLE FACES ARE TATTOOED WITH SCARS AND SWASTIKAS.
IN THE EARLY YEARS, IF YOU HAD A PIMPLE, YOU LOST THE MR. AMERICA. WHEN ERIC PEDERSON COMPETED AGAINST STEVE REEVES, THEY WERE TIED FOR AN HOUR. THEY FOUND A BLEMISH ON PEDERSON’S LEG, AND STEVE REEVES BECAME MR. AMERICA. YEAH, THAT’S HOW CRITICAL IT WAS BACK THEN. SO THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED… THE LEADERSHIP CHANGED.
Clearly, it’s bizarre that a guy the likes of Michalik was moaning about how conformist the non-conformists were and how that eroded the sanctity of the bodybuilding scenebut that's how unique it was in the 1970s. This is the environment in which we find one of the most rags-to-riches stories in American bodybuilding history- the story of 1970’s Pete Grymkowski.
With a combination of insane work ethic, ludicrous drug regimens, and an account way overdrawn attitude, Grimko stands heads and shoulders among his peers for both his single-minded obsession with bodybuilding greatness and the financial success that arose.
" WAYNE DEMELIA WAS GOING NUTS LOOKING FOR ME. HE FOUND ME IN MY HOTEL ROOM, AS I WAS “GETTING READY FOR THE SHOW.” YOU KNOW HOW I WAS GETTING READY? WITH FOUR OR SIX IV’S OF STEROIDS RUNNING INTO MY VEINS, SIMULTANEOUSLY. THAT WAS MY TRAINING! I HAD A SUITCASE FULL OF DRUGS.
GUYS ASKED IF I WAS SELLING? HELL NO! THIS WAS ALL FOR ME. IN A FEW DAYS, IT WILL BE GONE!"
In 1970, Pete entered the AAU Junior Mr. USA and did not place in the top ten. He discovered that most everyone
one in the competition but him was
injesting Anavar because Dianabol caused too much water retention.
It wasn't just Grymko who was curious ... all powerlifters, weightlifters, and bodybuilders with whom he trained in Rochester wanted in on it. They started making weekly pilgrimages to York Barbell Company. There, they picked up training tips and information on "stacking" new Russian compounds
and the entire Rochester New York crew started packing on mass like crazy.
At that point, the guys purchased a
a German American community center and turned it into their own training facility. Gymko wasn’t shy about saying how his gains were made. Whereas other builders were either claiming natty or small dosages, he fessed up to using two grams of orals and injectables daily. That was his starter cycle.
There are the medical records to prove it- Grymko and his training partner actually volunteered to be studied by doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center to examine the effects of megadosing performance enhancing drugs on the human body, and it seemed to the doctors that the extremely liberal use of anti-estrogen preserved sexual potency and overall health.
Pete stated, "I TOOK TWO TYPES OF TESTOSTERONES, AS WELL AS ANAVAR AND NILAVAR. I BLASTED UP TO 262 POUNDS. NO SIDE EFFECTS. I WAS ON THIS DOASGE FOR ONE YEAR STRAIGHT.
THE RUSSIANS AS WELL AS DR. HOROWITZ FROM POLAND SUGGESTED TO KEEP DOSAGES HIGH ALL THE TIME TO KEEP THE STEROID RECEPTOR SITES OPEN. SO, FROM 1971 -73, I DID THIS. I STARTED AT 3,000 MGS PER DAY, WORKING MY WAY UP TO 10,000 MGS PER DAY AND STAYING THERE. OF COURSE, I’D TAKE CLOMID AND NOLVADEX TO KEEP MY NATURAL ANDROGENS UP”.
Grymko went on to say, "MY UNCLE AND SISTER, BOTH DOCS, AGREED THAT THE SUPER HIGH DOSAGES OF STEROIDS PROTECTED ME…NOT CYCLING HELPED ME. CYCLING CAUSED DEFICIENCIES IN THE ORGANS. I’D DRINK BEET JUICE AND CRANBERRY JUICE TO FLUSH THE BLADDER AND LIVER AND KEEP MY ACID LEVELS DOWN”.
Due to his completely open stance regarding both weed and gear, Grymko had a tough time with the AAU. They wanted no part of Grymko’s image. However, in 1972, he defeated Steve Michalik at the AAU Junior Mr. America contest and was a favorite to win the Mr. America title that year. Michalik, however, saw that the judges were leaning more toward symmetry and away from anything associated with Grymko, so he pared down and shrunk his arms from 22″ to 19″ to match his calves and neck.
Michalik won the contest by a huge margin, though Grymko won most muscular man.
In 1973, Grymko lost the Mr. America to Jim Morris, mostly based on the interview that contestants did before the show. Grymko was viewed as overeager, and Morris was more “well educated, mannerly, articulate, and poised in the interview process". He later explained he was “a little sick of the old style of judging where every guy had to be Mr. Prim ‘n’ Proper. And you all had to talk nice to the judges. At the time I thought that half of the judges were homosexuals”.
By 1974, Pete was getting impatient- he was clearly outclassing everyone in bodybuilding at the time but getting none of the accolades. Bear in mind that the Mr. America competition in 1973 boasted over forty competitors, while the Mr. Olympia only had three- Arnold, Franco, and Serge Nubret. Many considered Grymko’s condition was better than all three, and he drastically outclassed them in mass.
Wondering what he would have to do to get his due, Grymko asked Arthur Jones for advice. The father of Nautilus and progenitor of the Heavy-Duty training system said that he’d just have to pay his dues for a couple of years and wait.
Discontented with the idea that he should play second fiddle to bodybuilders to whom his physique was clearly superior, Grymko said “to hell with that nonsense,” cycled off gear, and sat out competition until 1977.
At the time, Pete was still training at the
Rochester gym, where the members roll contained a large number linked to the mob.
"WELL, THE MOB CAME ALONG AND WANTED TO TAKE IT OVER, PAY THE RENT AND SPONSOR ME IN SHOWS. AS I STILL HAD MY CLEAN UP BUSINESS. WAS STILL TRAINING FIVE HOURS PER DAY WITH MY DAILY DOSAGES. QUIT IN 1974 BECAUSE THE FEDS WANTED ME TO TESTIFY AGAINST THE MOB.
I TOOK OFF FOR ORLANDO STRAIGHT AWAY. YOU KNOW, I’D HAVE ENDED UP DEAD".
With the feds cracking down on the mob in Rochester, Grymko departed the Northeast,skipping his court date, and dropping down to around 190 lbs to skew his appearance. Rather than catch a bullet for snitching, Grymko decided to pick up a federal warrant.
On February 9, 1977, with his future business partner in tow, Grymko threw on a pair of painter’s pants, a t-shirt, grabbed two sweatshirts and forty-two bucks ($176 in today’s dollars) then droved to Florida in his 1965 Corvette.
It was those dosages, his unique diet, and his insane training regimen that led to Pete stepping onstage June 18,1977, at 242 lbs.… fully 50 lbs heavier than he was four months earlier.
“I WENT DOWN THERE WITH A BIG OLD BOX OF ‘ROIDS, SLEPT ON THE ROOF OF A GYM AND TRAINED ONLY AT NIGHT. I’D EAT ONE FOOD MEAL A DAY ALONG WITH FIVE PROTEIN DRINKS. I'D UNDERGO HYPNOSIS TO GET THROUGH UTTERLY BRUTAL WORKOUTS. I HAD PRIDE. I QUIT HIGH SCHOOL, BUILT MY OWN BUSINESSES, BUT THE FEDS WANTED ME. THE HAD WARRANTS OUT ON ME FOR ME TO COME BACK TO NEW YORK AND TESTIFY. I CAME DOWN TO ORLANDO AT 185 POUNDS. WHEN I LEFT FOR CALIFORNIA FOUR MONTHS LATER, I WAS 258 AND CUT UP.
Grymko upped the ante again and moved to Santa Monica.
“AS SOON AS I GOT OUT TO CALIFORNIA, WELL, I ARRIVED WITH 63$ IN MY POCKET. I SLEPT UNDER THE SANTA MONICA PIER. I WOULD EAT DAY OLD MCDONALD’S HAMBURGERS OUT OF DUMPSTERS. I’D WASH MY CLOTHES AND BATHE IN THE SEA. I DIDN'T OWN A CAR OR HAVE A JOB. I JUST WANTED TO BE TRAINING ALL THE TIME. TRAIN ALL THE TIME AND EVADE THE FEDS. AND THE BODYBUILDERS-WELL, I HAD LITTLE CONFIDENCE. I’D SEE [TOM] PLATZ. [MIKE] MENTZER. ROGER [CALLENDER] AND DANNY [PADILLA].
I DIDN’T THINK I COULD BEAT ANY OF THEM. DR. PETER SIEGEL, THE HYPNOTIST, NOTICED MY LACK OF CONFIDENCE AND HYPNOTIZED ME. IT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. AT THE AMERICA I POSED GREAT AND WON MY CLASS-IT WAS LIKE NIGHT AND DAY".
Never a slave to routine, Grymko's training evolved and adapted throughout his life. When he trained in Rochester, his routine was essentially a powerlifting program. Though he trained up to six days a week, the program with which he gained the most size the quickest seems to have been a four day a week push pull program. He trained almost exclusively at night, between midnight and 7 AM, and put in between three and seven hours at the gym on those days.
In 1974, doctors running the steroid research program at Strong Memorial Hospital told Pete that he needed at least 72 hours to go through a full recovery cycle after training, as those docs believed that recovery was not markedly improved by exogenous test. Thus, he set up the following training program.
Monday– All pushing movements
Tuesday– All pulling movements
Wednesday– Cardio
Thursday– Push
Friday - Pull
Saturday - Cardio
Sunday - Off
His nearly fifty set chest routine, which was a small part of his Monday and Thursday workouts, along with quads, shoulders, and triceps included:
Incline Bench Press (45°)– 10 x 8 (up to 320lbs)
Incline Bench Press (65°)– 7 x 7- 10
Decline Fly – 5 x 15
Incline Fly – 5 x 15
Incline Dumbbell Press – 4 x 12-15
High Cable Crossover - 6 X 15 - 20
Lest you think that Grymko had his nose to the grindstone for seven hours straight every night, his training days were set up far more like a Bulgarian or Chinese weightlifter’s day than your hour a day a few times a week- he trained off and on throughout the night as he “worked” at the gym.
Though Grymko was a high school dropout, he was no dummy, and his diet reflected his nature- brutal, simple, and well informed. Seemlessly blending evolutionary science with what he had learned in conversations with doctors during the steroid study in which he participated, Grymko developed a completely unique approach to bodybuilding diets. Ultimately, he
arrived at a single massive feeding period supported by five protein shakes.
Pete's logic was similar to other apex predators', humans should eat once per day, but because he was using such massive dosages of steroids, he could assimilate far more protein than the average human and needed to supplement his feeding frenzy with periodic shakes.
During those three-hour frenzies, he scarfs beef, eggs, milk, fish, and chicken- whatever he could find to fill the void in his stomach and fuel his workout. If he felt himself lagging during a workout, he’d take glucose tabs.
Sagging the 1977 IFBB heavyweight crown, Grymko competed at the AAU America show, placing 6th overall and 3rd in the tall class. Burned out, he didn’t want to compete again that year but was convinced by the owner of Gold’s Gym, Ken Sprague, to enter the Mr. World in Acapulco, which he won handily.
Pete competed three more times, showing up to contests days earlier than everyone else and laying in a hotel hooked up to bags of concoction he thought might give him the edge in competition. His suitcases of medical gear and drugs were so ridiculous that the IFBB president Wayne DeMilia remarked after walking into Grymko’s room that he felt like he walked into a high school chemistry lab.
“WE ALL WENT OUT TO LUNCH ONE DAY, JIM MANION, KEN SPRAGUE, OTHERS. JIM MANION WAS SUPPOSED TO BUY GOLD’S FROM KEN. THIS WAS 1978 WHEN THE NPC STARTED. ABOUT TEN OF US WENT BACK TO KEN’S-ME AND MANNY PERRY ENDED UP IN THE ALLEY, SMOKING A JAY. I LAUGH WHEN I THINK ABOUT THIS-AT THE TIME, I WAS LOU FERRIGNO DOUBLE ON THE HULK. BUT I SPENT THE FIRST DAY-14 HOURS JUST SITTING THERE WITH CAKED ON GREEN MAKEUP.
I OFFERED THE JOB TO MANNY AS I HAD JUST QUIT. MANNY WAS LIKE, ‘I CAN’T DO THAT-I’M BLACK!’ I TOLD HIM IT WAS MAKEUP AND HE GOT THE JOB! SO, ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HEAR A COMMOTION IN THE HOUSE. MANION AND SPRAGUE ARE FIGHTING IN THE KITCHEN. MANION TOOK OFF, LEAVING HIS WIFE AND SAYING, ‘FUCK THESE GUYS.’ TWO OTHER GUYS WANTED TO BUY IT, BUT SO DID I. MARION SPRAGUE, KEN’S WIFE, LIKED ME AND WANTED ME TO GET IT. KEN SAID WHOEVER GOT HIM A 50K DOWN PAYMENT FIRST WOULD WIN. THIS HAD TO BE FOLLOWED BY A SECOND PAYMENT OF 50K ABOUT A YEAR LATER. I HAD 27 THOUSAND DOLLARS SAVED FOR MY DAUGHTER’S COLLEGE FUND. I CALLED ED CONNERS AND DENNY DOYLE AND ASKED THEM TO BUY IN WITH ME. WE GOT THE MONEY TOGETHER AND WE GOT IT.
THE WHEELS WERE TURNING IN MY HEAD. AT THE TIME, I WAS DOING POSINGS ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND WITH THE ADVENT OF PUMPING IRON, EVERYONE EVERYWHERE WANTED TO KNOW OF THE MECCA OF GOLD’S. I THOUGHT, ‘WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T GET THERE? I’VE GOT TO BUY IT AND FRANCHISE!’ ABOUT A YEAR LATER, DOYLE WANTED TO CASH OUT TO BUY HIS DAUGHTER A CAR. I CALLED TIM KIMBER, WHO HAD JUST LITERALLY PUT 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS DOWN ON A NEW HOUSE. I TOLD HIM IF HE COULD GET THE MONEY BACK, THERE’D BE A SPOT FOR HIM. HE DID AND WE HAD HIM RUN THE FRONT OFFICE, ED HANDLED THE BANKING, AND I WAS ON THE ROAD. IT WAS A SPIRITUAL TIME, HOW EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE”
At the time, Grymko’s efforts were paying off massively- he was making $10k a week in cash for guest posing in Europe and sending it home in duffel bags covered in t-shirts. With that money he was able to throw in on the gym and keep it afloat, then grow it in the first year.
As with anything in Grymko’s life, however, success didn’t last- Joe Gold and Arnold were working together on World’s Gym and wanted Gold’s out of business. Their other partner, the actor Robert Blake, purchased the building in which Gold’s operated and tripled
the rent, which left Grymko and his partners in a massive bind. It being the 80s, however, he was able to take matters into his own hands.
"IPUT DEREK BARTON, TIM KIMBER AND JOE BUCCI TOGETHER AS A TEAM. DEREK BECAME PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHICH ALLOWED HIM TO KEEP THE COPS OFF ME WHILE I ‘NEGOTIATED’ WITH NEIGHBORHOOD CRACK HOUSES. WE WANTED TO OPEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND THERE WERE FIVE VERY BAD, SEEDY CRACK HOUSES IN THE WAY. I WALKED IN, STRAPPED WITH A MACHINE PISTOL. ‘I’M HERE TO TALK BUSINESS,’ IS WHAT I ANNOUNCED. I SAID I WANTED TO OPEN A GYM THERE, AND THE CRACK HOUSES HAD TO GO.
LARRY FIELDS WAS THE GUY WHO OWNED THIS REAL ESTATE, AND I OFFERED IF I COULD CLEAN UP THE MESS, WOULD HE GIVE US A BUILDING FOR THE GYM SIX MONTHS RENT FREE? HE BASICALLY SAID HE’D KISS MY ASS IF I COULD DO THAT. SO, THERE WERE A BUNCH OF FOLKS ALL ABOUT. I TOLD THEM WE HAD TO GET THE HOMELESS ELEMENT CORRECTED. WE COULD BE FRIENDS OR ENEMIES, EITHER WAY, THE CRACK HEADS HAD TO GO. I SAID THEY COULD MOVE A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, RIGHT NOW. HOW HARD COULD IT BE TO SET UP SHOP AS A CRACK HOUSE? C’MON MAN. Y’ALL GOTTA MOVE.”
“MY SECOND WIFE, LINDA, A GREAT PERSON, SHE HAD MY BACK. SHE WAS WITH ME AND STRAPPED WITH AN UZI. NO NONSENSE BRO. ONE GUY, PACKING ABOUT 550 POUNDS, SAID, ‘MAN, I WILL BE GONE!” ‘ANOTHER: ‘WHAT IF WE DON’T WANT TO COOPERATE?’ I TOLD HIM HE COULD WALK OUT OR HE WOULD OF COURSE BE CARRIED OUT".
THEY OFFERED ME A STAKE IN THE CRACK OUTFIT, BUT I SAID, ‘ARE YOU CRAZY? I DON’T DO CRACK, I JUST SMOKE POT.’ SO, THIS BECAME THE NEXT HOME FOR GOLD’S GYM, WHICH WE STARTED TO FRANCHISE. BUT THERE WAS A RUDE AWAKENING. TO FRANCHISE INTERNATIONALLY, YOU MUST REGISTER IN EVERY TERRITORY, WHICH WAS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE TO DO. LIABILITY ABOUNDED AS WELL. IF A CLUB WENT BANKRUPT, THEY COULD SUE ME PERSONALLY FOR DAMAGES.
WE DECIDED TO MAKE THINGS SIMPLE WITH THE HELP OF MY BROTHER, PAUL, WHO HELD AN NYU DEGREE IN MARKETING. WE WENT INTO LICENSING INSTEAD OF FRANCHISING. ANY PRODUCTS SOLD BY CLUBS MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH ME, BUT THE CLUBS COULD ALSO SELL OTHER PRODUCTS AS WELL. IT ALSO GAVE US THE RIGHT TO GO INTO TERRITORIES FOR PREMISE USE ONLY. THIS HELPED ME GET INTO DEPARTMENT STORES. MY UNCLE WAS THE VP OF ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH. DENNIS TINNERINO HAD CONTACTS WITH MACY’S, DICK’S, NORDSTROMS, WALMART. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HAD 11,000 STORES GLOBALLY SELLING PRODUCTS”.
Fast forward twenty years, and Grymko decided it was time to sell the club after open heart surgery, a move he profoundly regrets. Though the sale netted Grymko and his partners somewhere between 50 and 100 million bucks, the people who bought the club jacked up the prices on everything, turned the franchise into a shadow of what it once was, and basically crapped
all over a professional bodybuilder’s dream of having his bodybuilding mecca easily accessible to people all over the nation. Instead, what he got was cookie-cutter “training spaces” afraid of high insurance costs and big weights, run by those who never set foot on a bodybuilding stage or a powerlifting platform.
“THEY RAISED THE FRANCHISE FEE TO 100K [IT HAD BEEN $1500]. ALL OF OUR PRIME PEOPLE GOT DISGUSTED WITH GOLD’S WHEN THEY TOOK OVER. THEIR GOAL WAS TO PUSH THE INDEPENDENT OWNERS OUT. THEY ARE MUCH MORE PROFITABLE WHEN OWNED CORPORATELY. HALF OF THEM ARE NOW CORPORATE AND THEY ALONE GENERATE 650 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY. “I TELL YOU; I WISH I NEVER SOLD. EVER. OUR DREAM IS NOW ASHES. MONTANARI’S [LEGENDARY HARDCORE GYM THAT HAD WANTED TO GO GOLD’S BUT WENT POWERHOUSE AFTER THE SALE]-GREAT PEOPLE. I WANTED TO KEEP IT GREAT FOR OUR OWNERS. I WAS MAKING THE MOST MONEY FROM THE STORES AND TEES, SO I SAID LET’S HAVE NO FEE FOR ANYONE WITH US FIVE YEARS OR MORE”.
So, there you have Pete Grymkowski- Mr. America, Mr. World, 1970’s mass monster, Gold’s Gym Owner 1979 – 1999, sponsor of UFC 1, 2 & 3, multi-millionaire, and Uzi toting nemesis of crack dealers. When he wanted something, he went for it and let absolutely nothing stand in his way, because they’ve never slept on a gym roof or under a pier or eaten day old McDonald’s burgers in prior of their dreams.
They’ve never pointed an Uzi in the face of a crack dealers to get what they wanted, and they’ve never tried taking what even the most geared up lifters take in a week every day for a year. I'm not saying steroids are for everyone, either, I'm just saying that if you're not getting the results you want, it's likely you just don't want it badly enough.
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Jim Morris, born August 31,1935, in Brooklyn, New York, was a clear winner of the 1973 AAU Mr. America contest, held in Williamsburg, Virginia. The runner-up, for third straight year, was Pete Grymkowski, with Anibal Lopez placing third.
At age 32, standing five-ten inches and weighing 215 pounds, Morris had 18 1/2 inch arms, a 54-inch chest, a 34-inch waist,24-inch thighs, with calves that measured 16 inches.
In Jim's initial physique contests, he won the 1967 Mr. New York Metropolitan, the Mr. New York State, and the Junior Mr. USA events. In 1970, he captured the Mr.Los Angeles and Mr. California titles. Two years later, he won the 1972 Mr. USA trophy and placed third at the Mr. America competition.
Following the Mr. America, he won the 1974 WBBG World Bodybuilding Guild, and the IFBB Mr. International contests.
Not content resting on his laurals, Jim flew to London to win the tall class division at that year's NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. He finished his competitive bodybuilding career 23 years later by winning the 1996 IFBB Masters Olympia Over 60 event.
Jim's interest in physical culture began in the 1950s, when he was dragged into the central Queens YMCA by an enthusiasic friend. Rather than jumping into serious weight-training, he put himself through a year-long course in biology, anatomy, nutrition, kinesiology, and related subjects pertaining to the human body. Later, he became an instructor at the Queens YMCA.
In 1959, Morris formed the New York Weighlifting Club. As a light-heavy weight, he snatched 280 pounds, pressed 260 pound and clean-and-jerked 335 pounds. His official powerlifting records were a 405-pound bench press; a 550-pound squat and a 600-pound deadlife.
Following a four-year tour in the United Stated Air Force, Morris received an Associate degree from New York's Pratt Univerity, prior to becoming a firefighter for New York City. He moved to Los Angeles in 1969, to train under the watchful eyes of Bill Pearl. Jim stated, "Bill taught me the mechanics of training and how to train others. With his guidance, I was able to win the Mr. America title. My employer, at Carnation Co., sent me on a nationwide media tour."
In 1973, for the following 15 years, Jim became the bodyguard for pop star Elton John. Between tours, he acted as a private fitness trainer for several Hollywoood notables. In 1978, Jim opened a gym in West Hollywood and trained competitive bodybuilders Larry Jackson, James Joseph, Rufus Howard, Rory Leidelmeyer, Bob Paris and others.
At age 72, Jim was one one of the oldest men to be featured in Iron Man Magazine. In the article he stated, "Some say 'you look good for your age.' I don't think so. I believe this is how a 70-year-old should look."
In January of 2016, at age 81, while living in a cozy one-bedroom home in Venice, still training, living an apparent healthy lifestyle and instructing others, Jim shot and killed himself after a phone call to make sure his faithful dog would be cared for.
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PETE GRIMKOWSKI ....
The 1970s bodybuilding scene was wide open for those who competed did so out of love for the sport and whatever drove them into lifting in the first place, and making money was the last thing on their mind. It is likely for this reason that we have such compelling stories- guys like Pat Neve and Steve Michalik, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Draper, and Pete Grymkowsky. Pete stated, "I would eat disgarded hamburger and sleep under a pier to afford the 10 grams of anabolic steroids I did each day and the weed I smoked."
This was the cause of a devide in the sport. Until 1980, the Mr. America contest was the premier title in the US, but the all-America image of the winner of that show was fading in the footloose and carefree 1970s. This upset the likes of hardcore bodybuilder, Steve Michalik.
According to Michalik, the AAU needed
comitment to it's ideals and a leader.
“ARNOLD HAD A CHANCE TO BE THAT GUY, BUT HE BECAME THE OTHER ... POT SMOKING, PROMISCUOUS AND FUN LOVING. THERE WAS NO FIRM LEADER TO REIN IT IN AND SAY YOU GUYS CAN’T BE IN THIS CONTEST. THEY GOT GUYS NOW WHERE THEIR WHOLE FACES ARE TATTOOED WITH SCARS AND SWASTIKAS.
IN THE EARLY YEARS, IF YOU HAD A PIMPLE, YOU LOST THE MR. AMERICA. WHEN ERIC PEDERSON COMPETED AGAINST STEVE REEVES, THEY WERE TIED FOR AN HOUR. THEY FOUND A BLEMISH ON PEDERSON’S LEG, AND STEVE REEVES BECAME MR. AMERICA. YEAH, THAT’S HOW CRITICAL IT WAS BACK THEN. SO THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED… THE LEADERSHIP CHANGED.
Clearly, it’s bizarre that a guy the likes of Michalik was moaning about how conformist the non-conformists were and how that eroded the sanctity of the bodybuilding scenebut that's how unique it was in the 1970s. This is the environment in which we find one of the most rags-to-riches stories in American bodybuilding history- the story of 1970’s Pete Grymkowski.
With a combination of insane work ethic, ludicrous drug regimens, and an account way overdrawn attitude, Grimko stands heads and shoulders among his peers for both his single-minded obsession with bodybuilding greatness and the financial success that arose.
" WAYNE DEMELIA WAS GOING NUTS LOOKING FOR ME. HE FOUND ME IN MY HOTEL ROOM, AS I WAS “GETTING READY FOR THE SHOW.” YOU KNOW HOW I WAS GETTING READY? WITH FOUR OR SIX IV’S OF STEROIDS RUNNING INTO MY VEINS, SIMULTANEOUSLY. THAT WAS MY TRAINING! I HAD A SUITCASE FULL OF DRUGS.
GUYS ASKED IF I WAS SELLING? HELL NO! THIS WAS ALL FOR ME. IN A FEW DAYS, IT WILL BE GONE!"
In 1970, Pete entered the AAU Junior Mr. USA and did not place in the top ten. He discovered that most everyone
one in the competition but him was
injesting Anavar because Dianabol caused too much water retention.
It wasn't just Grymko who was curious ... all powerlifters, weightlifters, and bodybuilders with whom he trained in Rochester wanted in on it. They started making weekly pilgrimages to York Barbell Company. There, they picked up training tips and information on "stacking" new Russian compounds
and the entire Rochester New York crew started packing on mass like crazy.
At that point, the guys purchased a
a German American community center and turned it into their own training facility. Gymko wasn’t shy about saying how his gains were made. Whereas other builders were either claiming natty or small dosages, he fessed up to using two grams of orals and injectables daily. That was his starter cycle.
There are the medical records to prove it- Grymko and his training partner actually volunteered to be studied by doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center to examine the effects of megadosing performance enhancing drugs on the human body, and it seemed to the doctors that the extremely liberal use of anti-estrogen preserved sexual potency and overall health.
Pete stated, "I TOOK TWO TYPES OF TESTOSTERONES, AS WELL AS ANAVAR AND NILAVAR. I BLASTED UP TO 262 POUNDS. NO SIDE EFFECTS. I WAS ON THIS DOASGE FOR ONE YEAR STRAIGHT.
THE RUSSIANS AS WELL AS DR. HOROWITZ FROM POLAND SUGGESTED TO KEEP DOSAGES HIGH ALL THE TIME TO KEEP THE STEROID RECEPTOR SITES OPEN. SO, FROM 1971 -73, I DID THIS. I STARTED AT 3,000 MGS PER DAY, WORKING MY WAY UP TO 10,000 MGS PER DAY AND STAYING THERE. OF COURSE, I’D TAKE CLOMID AND NOLVADEX TO KEEP MY NATURAL ANDROGENS UP”.
Grymko went on to say, "MY UNCLE AND SISTER, BOTH DOCS, AGREED THAT THE SUPER HIGH DOSAGES OF STEROIDS PROTECTED ME…NOT CYCLING HELPED ME. CYCLING CAUSED DEFICIENCIES IN THE ORGANS. I’D DRINK BEET JUICE AND CRANBERRY JUICE TO FLUSH THE BLADDER AND LIVER AND KEEP MY ACID LEVELS DOWN”.
Due to his completely open stance regarding both weed and gear, Grymko had a tough time with the AAU. They wanted no part of Grymko’s image. However, in 1972, he defeated Steve Michalik at the AAU Junior Mr. America contest and was a favorite to win the Mr. America title that year. Michalik, however, saw that the judges were leaning more toward symmetry and away from anything associated with Grymko, so he pared down and shrunk his arms from 22″ to 19″ to match his calves and neck.
Michalik won the contest by a huge margin, though Grymko won most muscular man.
In 1973, Grymko lost the Mr. America to Jim Morris, mostly based on the interview that contestants did before the show. Grymko was viewed as overeager, and Morris was more “well educated, mannerly, articulate, and poised in the interview process". He later explained he was “a little sick of the old style of judging where every guy had to be Mr. Prim ‘n’ Proper. And you all had to talk nice to the judges. At the time I thought that half of the judges were homosexuals”.
By 1974, Pete was getting impatient- he was clearly outclassing everyone in bodybuilding at the time but getting none of the accolades. Bear in mind that the Mr. America competition in 1973 boasted over forty competitors, while the Mr. Olympia only had three- Arnold, Franco, and Serge Nubret. Many considered Grymko’s condition was better than all three, and he drastically outclassed them in mass.
Wondering what he would have to do to get his due, Grymko asked Arthur Jones for advice. The father of Nautilus and progenitor of the Heavy-Duty training system said that he’d just have to pay his dues for a couple of years and wait.
Discontented with the idea that he should play second fiddle to bodybuilders to whom his physique was clearly superior, Grymko said “to hell with that nonsense,” cycled off gear, and sat out competition until 1977.
At the time, Pete was still training at the
Rochester gym, where the members roll contained a large number linked to the mob.
"WELL, THE MOB CAME ALONG AND WANTED TO TAKE IT OVER, PAY THE RENT AND SPONSOR ME IN SHOWS. AS I STILL HAD MY CLEAN UP BUSINESS. WAS STILL TRAINING FIVE HOURS PER DAY WITH MY DAILY DOSAGES. QUIT IN 1974 BECAUSE THE FEDS WANTED ME TO TESTIFY AGAINST THE MOB.
I TOOK OFF FOR ORLANDO STRAIGHT AWAY. YOU KNOW, I’D HAVE ENDED UP DEAD".
With the feds cracking down on the mob in Rochester, Grymko departed the Northeast,skipping his court date, and dropping down to around 190 lbs to skew his appearance. Rather than catch a bullet for snitching, Grymko decided to pick up a federal warrant.
On February 9, 1977, with his future business partner in tow, Grymko threw on a pair of painter’s pants, a t-shirt, grabbed two sweatshirts and forty-two bucks ($176 in today’s dollars) then droved to Florida in his 1965 Corvette.
It was those dosages, his unique diet, and his insane training regimen that led to Pete stepping onstage June 18,1977, at 242 lbs.… fully 50 lbs heavier than he was four months earlier.
“I WENT DOWN THERE WITH A BIG OLD BOX OF ‘ROIDS, SLEPT ON THE ROOF OF A GYM AND TRAINED ONLY AT NIGHT. I’D EAT ONE FOOD MEAL A DAY ALONG WITH FIVE PROTEIN DRINKS. I'D UNDERGO HYPNOSIS TO GET THROUGH UTTERLY BRUTAL WORKOUTS. I HAD PRIDE. I QUIT HIGH SCHOOL, BUILT MY OWN BUSINESSES, BUT THE FEDS WANTED ME. THE HAD WARRANTS OUT ON ME FOR ME TO COME BACK TO NEW YORK AND TESTIFY. I CAME DOWN TO ORLANDO AT 185 POUNDS. WHEN I LEFT FOR CALIFORNIA FOUR MONTHS LATER, I WAS 258 AND CUT UP.
Grymko upped the ante again and moved to Santa Monica.
“AS SOON AS I GOT OUT TO CALIFORNIA, WELL, I ARRIVED WITH 63$ IN MY POCKET. I SLEPT UNDER THE SANTA MONICA PIER. I WOULD EAT DAY OLD MCDONALD’S HAMBURGERS OUT OF DUMPSTERS. I’D WASH MY CLOTHES AND BATHE IN THE SEA. I DIDN'T OWN A CAR OR HAVE A JOB. I JUST WANTED TO BE TRAINING ALL THE TIME. TRAIN ALL THE TIME AND EVADE THE FEDS. AND THE BODYBUILDERS-WELL, I HAD LITTLE CONFIDENCE. I’D SEE [TOM] PLATZ. [MIKE] MENTZER. ROGER [CALLENDER] AND DANNY [PADILLA].
I DIDN’T THINK I COULD BEAT ANY OF THEM. DR. PETER SIEGEL, THE HYPNOTIST, NOTICED MY LACK OF CONFIDENCE AND HYPNOTIZED ME. IT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. AT THE AMERICA I POSED GREAT AND WON MY CLASS-IT WAS LIKE NIGHT AND DAY".
Never a slave to routine, Grymko's training evolved and adapted throughout his life. When he trained in Rochester, his routine was essentially a powerlifting program. Though he trained up to six days a week, the program with which he gained the most size the quickest seems to have been a four day a week push pull program. He trained almost exclusively at night, between midnight and 7 AM, and put in between three and seven hours at the gym on those days.
In 1974, doctors running the steroid research program at Strong Memorial Hospital told Pete that he needed at least 72 hours to go through a full recovery cycle after training, as those docs believed that recovery was not markedly improved by exogenous test. Thus, he set up the following training program.
Monday– All pushing movements
Tuesday– All pulling movements
Wednesday– Cardio
Thursday– Push
Friday - Pull
Saturday - Cardio
Sunday - Off
His nearly fifty set chest routine, which was a small part of his Monday and Thursday workouts, along with quads, shoulders, and triceps included:
Incline Bench Press (45°)– 10 x 8 (up to 320lbs)
Incline Bench Press (65°)– 7 x 7- 10
Decline Fly – 5 x 15
Incline Fly – 5 x 15
Incline Dumbbell Press – 4 x 12-15
High Cable Crossover - 6 X 15 - 20
Lest you think that Grymko had his nose to the grindstone for seven hours straight every night, his training days were set up far more like a Bulgarian or Chinese weightlifter’s day than your hour a day a few times a week- he trained off and on throughout the night as he “worked” at the gym.
Though Grymko was a high school dropout, he was no dummy, and his diet reflected his nature- brutal, simple, and well informed. Seemlessly blending evolutionary science with what he had learned in conversations with doctors during the steroid study in which he participated, Grymko developed a completely unique approach to bodybuilding diets. Ultimately, he
arrived at a single massive feeding period supported by five protein shakes.
Pete's logic was similar to other apex predators', humans should eat once per day, but because he was using such massive dosages of steroids, he could assimilate far more protein than the average human and needed to supplement his feeding frenzy with periodic shakes.
During those three-hour frenzies, he scarfs beef, eggs, milk, fish, and chicken- whatever he could find to fill the void in his stomach and fuel his workout. If he felt himself lagging during a workout, he’d take glucose tabs.
Sagging the 1977 IFBB heavyweight crown, Grymko competed at the AAU America show, placing 6th overall and 3rd in the tall class. Burned out, he didn’t want to compete again that year but was convinced by the owner of Gold’s Gym, Ken Sprague, to enter the Mr. World in Acapulco, which he won handily.
Pete competed three more times, showing up to contests days earlier than everyone else and laying in a hotel hooked up to bags of concoction he thought might give him the edge in competition. His suitcases of medical gear and drugs were so ridiculous that the IFBB president Wayne DeMilia remarked after walking into Grymko’s room that he felt like he walked into a high school chemistry lab.
“WE ALL WENT OUT TO LUNCH ONE DAY, JIM MANION, KEN SPRAGUE, OTHERS. JIM MANION WAS SUPPOSED TO BUY GOLD’S FROM KEN. THIS WAS 1978 WHEN THE NPC STARTED. ABOUT TEN OF US WENT BACK TO KEN’S-ME AND MANNY PERRY ENDED UP IN THE ALLEY, SMOKING A JAY. I LAUGH WHEN I THINK ABOUT THIS-AT THE TIME, I WAS LOU FERRIGNO DOUBLE ON THE HULK. BUT I SPENT THE FIRST DAY-14 HOURS JUST SITTING THERE WITH CAKED ON GREEN MAKEUP.
I OFFERED THE JOB TO MANNY AS I HAD JUST QUIT. MANNY WAS LIKE, ‘I CAN’T DO THAT-I’M BLACK!’ I TOLD HIM IT WAS MAKEUP AND HE GOT THE JOB! SO, ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HEAR A COMMOTION IN THE HOUSE. MANION AND SPRAGUE ARE FIGHTING IN THE KITCHEN. MANION TOOK OFF, LEAVING HIS WIFE AND SAYING, ‘FUCK THESE GUYS.’ TWO OTHER GUYS WANTED TO BUY IT, BUT SO DID I. MARION SPRAGUE, KEN’S WIFE, LIKED ME AND WANTED ME TO GET IT. KEN SAID WHOEVER GOT HIM A 50K DOWN PAYMENT FIRST WOULD WIN. THIS HAD TO BE FOLLOWED BY A SECOND PAYMENT OF 50K ABOUT A YEAR LATER. I HAD 27 THOUSAND DOLLARS SAVED FOR MY DAUGHTER’S COLLEGE FUND. I CALLED ED CONNERS AND DENNY DOYLE AND ASKED THEM TO BUY IN WITH ME. WE GOT THE MONEY TOGETHER AND WE GOT IT.
THE WHEELS WERE TURNING IN MY HEAD. AT THE TIME, I WAS DOING POSINGS ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND WITH THE ADVENT OF PUMPING IRON, EVERYONE EVERYWHERE WANTED TO KNOW OF THE MECCA OF GOLD’S. I THOUGHT, ‘WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T GET THERE? I’VE GOT TO BUY IT AND FRANCHISE!’ ABOUT A YEAR LATER, DOYLE WANTED TO CASH OUT TO BUY HIS DAUGHTER A CAR. I CALLED TIM KIMBER, WHO HAD JUST LITERALLY PUT 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS DOWN ON A NEW HOUSE. I TOLD HIM IF HE COULD GET THE MONEY BACK, THERE’D BE A SPOT FOR HIM. HE DID AND WE HAD HIM RUN THE FRONT OFFICE, ED HANDLED THE BANKING, AND I WAS ON THE ROAD. IT WAS A SPIRITUAL TIME, HOW EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE”
At the time, Grymko’s efforts were paying off massively- he was making $10k a week in cash for guest posing in Europe and sending it home in duffel bags covered in t-shirts. With that money he was able to throw in on the gym and keep it afloat, then grow it in the first year.
As with anything in Grymko’s life, however, success didn’t last- Joe Gold and Arnold were working together on World’s Gym and wanted Gold’s out of business. Their other partner, the actor Robert Blake, purchased the building in which Gold’s operated and tripled
the rent, which left Grymko and his partners in a massive bind. It being the 80s, however, he was able to take matters into his own hands.
"IPUT DEREK BARTON, TIM KIMBER AND JOE BUCCI TOGETHER AS A TEAM. DEREK BECAME PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHICH ALLOWED HIM TO KEEP THE COPS OFF ME WHILE I ‘NEGOTIATED’ WITH NEIGHBORHOOD CRACK HOUSES. WE WANTED TO OPEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND THERE WERE FIVE VERY BAD, SEEDY CRACK HOUSES IN THE WAY. I WALKED IN, STRAPPED WITH A MACHINE PISTOL. ‘I’M HERE TO TALK BUSINESS,’ IS WHAT I ANNOUNCED. I SAID I WANTED TO OPEN A GYM THERE, AND THE CRACK HOUSES HAD TO GO.
LARRY FIELDS WAS THE GUY WHO OWNED THIS REAL ESTATE, AND I OFFERED IF I COULD CLEAN UP THE MESS, WOULD HE GIVE US A BUILDING FOR THE GYM SIX MONTHS RENT FREE? HE BASICALLY SAID HE’D KISS MY ASS IF I COULD DO THAT. SO, THERE WERE A BUNCH OF FOLKS ALL ABOUT. I TOLD THEM WE HAD TO GET THE HOMELESS ELEMENT CORRECTED. WE COULD BE FRIENDS OR ENEMIES, EITHER WAY, THE CRACK HEADS HAD TO GO. I SAID THEY COULD MOVE A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, RIGHT NOW. HOW HARD COULD IT BE TO SET UP SHOP AS A CRACK HOUSE? C’MON MAN. Y’ALL GOTTA MOVE.”
“MY SECOND WIFE, LINDA, A GREAT PERSON, SHE HAD MY BACK. SHE WAS WITH ME AND STRAPPED WITH AN UZI. NO NONSENSE BRO. ONE GUY, PACKING ABOUT 550 POUNDS, SAID, ‘MAN, I WILL BE GONE!” ‘ANOTHER: ‘WHAT IF WE DON’T WANT TO COOPERATE?’ I TOLD HIM HE COULD WALK OUT OR HE WOULD OF COURSE BE CARRIED OUT".
THEY OFFERED ME A STAKE IN THE CRACK OUTFIT, BUT I SAID, ‘ARE YOU CRAZY? I DON’T DO CRACK, I JUST SMOKE POT.’ SO, THIS BECAME THE NEXT HOME FOR GOLD’S GYM, WHICH WE STARTED TO FRANCHISE. BUT THERE WAS A RUDE AWAKENING. TO FRANCHISE INTERNATIONALLY, YOU MUST REGISTER IN EVERY TERRITORY, WHICH WAS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE TO DO. LIABILITY ABOUNDED AS WELL. IF A CLUB WENT BANKRUPT, THEY COULD SUE ME PERSONALLY FOR DAMAGES.
WE DECIDED TO MAKE THINGS SIMPLE WITH THE HELP OF MY BROTHER, PAUL, WHO HELD AN NYU DEGREE IN MARKETING. WE WENT INTO LICENSING INSTEAD OF FRANCHISING. ANY PRODUCTS SOLD BY CLUBS MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH ME, BUT THE CLUBS COULD ALSO SELL OTHER PRODUCTS AS WELL. IT ALSO GAVE US THE RIGHT TO GO INTO TERRITORIES FOR PREMISE USE ONLY. THIS HELPED ME GET INTO DEPARTMENT STORES. MY UNCLE WAS THE VP OF ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH. DENNIS TINNERINO HAD CONTACTS WITH MACY’S, DICK’S, NORDSTROMS, WALMART. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HAD 11,000 STORES GLOBALLY SELLING PRODUCTS”.
Fast forward twenty years, and Grymko decided it was time to sell the club after open heart surgery, a move he profoundly regrets. Though the sale netted Grymko and his partners somewhere between 50 and 100 million bucks, the people who bought the club jacked up the prices on everything, turned the franchise into a shadow of what it once was, and basically crapped
all over a professional bodybuilder’s dream of having his bodybuilding mecca easily accessible to people all over the nation. Instead, what he got was cookie-cutter “training spaces” afraid of high insurance costs and big weights, run by those who never set foot on a bodybuilding stage or a powerlifting platform.
“THEY RAISED THE FRANCHISE FEE TO 100K [IT HAD BEEN $1500]. ALL OF OUR PRIME PEOPLE GOT DISGUSTED WITH GOLD’S WHEN THEY TOOK OVER. THEIR GOAL WAS TO PUSH THE INDEPENDENT OWNERS OUT. THEY ARE MUCH MORE PROFITABLE WHEN OWNED CORPORATELY. HALF OF THEM ARE NOW CORPORATE AND THEY ALONE GENERATE 650 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY. “I TELL YOU; I WISH I NEVER SOLD. EVER. OUR DREAM IS NOW ASHES. MONTANARI’S [LEGENDARY HARDCORE GYM THAT HAD WANTED TO GO GOLD’S BUT WENT POWERHOUSE AFTER THE SALE]-GREAT PEOPLE. I WANTED TO KEEP IT GREAT FOR OUR OWNERS. I WAS MAKING THE MOST MONEY FROM THE STORES AND TEES, SO I SAID LET’S HAVE NO FEE FOR ANYONE WITH US FIVE YEARS OR MORE”.
So, there you have Pete Grymkowski- Mr. America, Mr. World, 1970’s mass monster, Gold’s Gym Owner 1979 – 1999, sponsor of UFC 1, 2 & 3, multi-millionaire, and Uzi toting nemesis of crack dealers. When he wanted something, he went for it and let absolutely nothing stand in his way, because they’ve never slept on a gym roof or under a pier or eaten day old McDonald’s burgers in prior of their dreams.
They’ve never pointed an Uzi in the face of a crack dealers to get what they wanted, and they’ve never tried taking what even the most geared up lifters take in a week every day for a year. I'm not saying steroids are for everyone, either, I'm just saying that if you're not getting the results you want, it's likely you just don't want it badly enough.
Fairy Tale Of Peace
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PETE GRIMKOWSKI ....
The 1970s bodybuilding scene was wide open for those who competed did so out of love for the sport and whatever drove them into lifting in the first place, and making money was the last thing on their mind. It is likely for this reason that we have such compelling stories- guys like Pat Neve and Steve Michalik, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Dave Draper, and Pete Grymkowsky. Pete stated, "I would eat disgarded hamburger and sleep under a pier to afford the 10 grams of anabolic steroids I did each day and the weed I smoked."
This was the cause of a devide in the sport. Until 1980, the Mr. America contest was the premier title in the US, but the all-America image of the winner of that show was fading in the footloose and carefree 1970s. This upset the likes of hardcore bodybuilder, Steve Michalik.
According to Michalik, the AAU needed
comitment to it's ideals and a leader.
“ARNOLD HAD A CHANCE TO BE THAT GUY, BUT HE BECAME THE OTHER ... POT SMOKING, PROMISCUOUS AND FUN LOVING. THERE WAS NO FIRM LEADER TO REIN IT IN AND SAY YOU GUYS CAN’T BE IN THIS CONTEST. THEY GOT GUYS NOW WHERE THEIR WHOLE FACES ARE TATTOOED WITH SCARS AND SWASTIKAS.
IN THE EARLY YEARS, IF YOU HAD A PIMPLE, YOU LOST THE MR. AMERICA. WHEN ERIC PEDERSON COMPETED AGAINST STEVE REEVES, THEY WERE TIED FOR AN HOUR. THEY FOUND A BLEMISH ON PEDERSON’S LEG, AND STEVE REEVES BECAME MR. AMERICA. YEAH, THAT’S HOW CRITICAL IT WAS BACK THEN. SO THAT’S WHAT HAPPENED… THE LEADERSHIP CHANGED.
Clearly, it’s bizarre that a guy the likes of Michalik was moaning about how conformist the non-conformists were and how that eroded the sanctity of the bodybuilding scenebut that's how unique it was in the 1970s. This is the environment in which we find one of the most rags-to-riches stories in American bodybuilding history- the story of 1970’s Pete Grymkowski.
With a combination of insane work ethic, ludicrous drug regimens, and an account way overdrawn attitude, Grimko stands heads and shoulders among his peers for both his single-minded obsession with bodybuilding greatness and the financial success that arose.
" WAYNE DEMELIA WAS GOING NUTS LOOKING FOR ME. HE FOUND ME IN MY HOTEL ROOM, AS I WAS “GETTING READY FOR THE SHOW.” YOU KNOW HOW I WAS GETTING READY? WITH FOUR OR SIX IV’S OF STEROIDS RUNNING INTO MY VEINS, SIMULTANEOUSLY. THAT WAS MY TRAINING! I HAD A SUITCASE FULL OF DRUGS.
GUYS ASKED IF I WAS SELLING? HELL NO! THIS WAS ALL FOR ME. IN A FEW DAYS, IT WILL BE GONE!"
In 1970, Pete entered the AAU Junior Mr. USA and did not place in the top ten. He discovered that most everyone
one in the competition but him was
injesting Anavar because Dianabol caused too much water retention.
It wasn't just Grymko who was curious ... all powerlifters, weightlifters, and bodybuilders with whom he trained in Rochester wanted in on it. They started making weekly pilgrimages to York Barbell Company. There, they picked up training tips and information on "stacking" new Russian compounds
and the entire Rochester New York crew started packing on mass like crazy.
At that point, the guys purchased a
a German American community center and turned it into their own training facility. Gymko wasn’t shy about saying how his gains were made. Whereas other builders were either claiming natty or small dosages, he fessed up to using two grams of orals and injectables daily. That was his starter cycle.
There are the medical records to prove it- Grymko and his training partner actually volunteered to be studied by doctors at the University of Rochester Medical Center to examine the effects of megadosing performance enhancing drugs on the human body, and it seemed to the doctors that the extremely liberal use of anti-estrogen preserved sexual potency and overall health.
Pete stated, "I TOOK TWO TYPES OF TESTOSTERONES, AS WELL AS ANAVAR AND NILAVAR. I BLASTED UP TO 262 POUNDS. NO SIDE EFFECTS. I WAS ON THIS DOASGE FOR ONE YEAR STRAIGHT.
THE RUSSIANS AS WELL AS DR. HOROWITZ FROM POLAND SUGGESTED TO KEEP DOSAGES HIGH ALL THE TIME TO KEEP THE STEROID RECEPTOR SITES OPEN. SO, FROM 1971 -73, I DID THIS. I STARTED AT 3,000 MGS PER DAY, WORKING MY WAY UP TO 10,000 MGS PER DAY AND STAYING THERE. OF COURSE, I’D TAKE CLOMID AND NOLVADEX TO KEEP MY NATURAL ANDROGENS UP”.
Grymko went on to say, "MY UNCLE AND SISTER, BOTH DOCS, AGREED THAT THE SUPER HIGH DOSAGES OF STEROIDS PROTECTED ME…NOT CYCLING HELPED ME. CYCLING CAUSED DEFICIENCIES IN THE ORGANS. I’D DRINK BEET JUICE AND CRANBERRY JUICE TO FLUSH THE BLADDER AND LIVER AND KEEP MY ACID LEVELS DOWN”.
Due to his completely open stance regarding both weed and gear, Grymko had a tough time with the AAU. They wanted no part of Grymko’s image. However, in 1972, he defeated Steve Michalik at the AAU Junior Mr. America contest and was a favorite to win the Mr. America title that year. Michalik, however, saw that the judges were leaning more toward symmetry and away from anything associated with Grymko, so he pared down and shrunk his arms from 22″ to 19″ to match his calves and neck.
Michalik won the contest by a huge margin, though Grymko won most muscular man.
In 1973, Grymko lost the Mr. America to Jim Morris, mostly based on the interview that contestants did before the show. Grymko was viewed as overeager, and Morris was more “well educated, mannerly, articulate, and poised in the interview process". He later explained he was “a little sick of the old style of judging where every guy had to be Mr. Prim ‘n’ Proper. And you all had to talk nice to the judges. At the time I thought that half of the judges were homosexuals”.
By 1974, Pete was getting impatient- he was clearly outclassing everyone in bodybuilding at the time but getting none of the accolades. Bear in mind that the Mr. America competition in 1973 boasted over forty competitors, while the Mr. Olympia only had three- Arnold, Franco, and Serge Nubret. Many considered Grymko’s condition was better than all three, and he drastically outclassed them in mass.
Wondering what he would have to do to get his due, Grymko asked Arthur Jones for advice. The father of Nautilus and progenitor of the Heavy-Duty training system said that he’d just have to pay his dues for a couple of years and wait.
Discontented with the idea that he should play second fiddle to bodybuilders to whom his physique was clearly superior, Grymko said “to hell with that nonsense,” cycled off gear, and sat out competition until 1977.
At the time, Pete was still training at the
Rochester gym, where the members roll contained a large number linked to the mob.
"WELL, THE MOB CAME ALONG AND WANTED TO TAKE IT OVER, PAY THE RENT AND SPONSOR ME IN SHOWS. AS I STILL HAD MY CLEAN UP BUSINESS. WAS STILL TRAINING FIVE HOURS PER DAY WITH MY DAILY DOSAGES. QUIT IN 1974 BECAUSE THE FEDS WANTED ME TO TESTIFY AGAINST THE MOB.
I TOOK OFF FOR ORLANDO STRAIGHT AWAY. YOU KNOW, I’D HAVE ENDED UP DEAD".
With the feds cracking down on the mob in Rochester, Grymko departed the Northeast,skipping his court date, and dropping down to around 190 lbs to skew his appearance. Rather than catch a bullet for snitching, Grymko decided to pick up a federal warrant.
On February 9, 1977, with his future business partner in tow, Grymko threw on a pair of painter’s pants, a t-shirt, grabbed two sweatshirts and forty-two bucks ($176 in today’s dollars) then droved to Florida in his 1965 Corvette.
It was those dosages, his unique diet, and his insane training regimen that led to Pete stepping onstage June 18,1977, at 242 lbs.… fully 50 lbs heavier than he was four months earlier.
“I WENT DOWN THERE WITH A BIG OLD BOX OF ‘ROIDS, SLEPT ON THE ROOF OF A GYM AND TRAINED ONLY AT NIGHT. I’D EAT ONE FOOD MEAL A DAY ALONG WITH FIVE PROTEIN DRINKS. I'D UNDERGO HYPNOSIS TO GET THROUGH UTTERLY BRUTAL WORKOUTS. I HAD PRIDE. I QUIT HIGH SCHOOL, BUILT MY OWN BUSINESSES, BUT THE FEDS WANTED ME. THE HAD WARRANTS OUT ON ME FOR ME TO COME BACK TO NEW YORK AND TESTIFY. I CAME DOWN TO ORLANDO AT 185 POUNDS. WHEN I LEFT FOR CALIFORNIA FOUR MONTHS LATER, I WAS 258 AND CUT UP.
Grymko upped the ante again and moved to Santa Monica.
“AS SOON AS I GOT OUT TO CALIFORNIA, WELL, I ARRIVED WITH 63$ IN MY POCKET. I SLEPT UNDER THE SANTA MONICA PIER. I WOULD EAT DAY OLD MCDONALD’S HAMBURGERS OUT OF DUMPSTERS. I’D WASH MY CLOTHES AND BATHE IN THE SEA. I DIDN'T OWN A CAR OR HAVE A JOB. I JUST WANTED TO BE TRAINING ALL THE TIME. TRAIN ALL THE TIME AND EVADE THE FEDS. AND THE BODYBUILDERS-WELL, I HAD LITTLE CONFIDENCE. I’D SEE [TOM] PLATZ. [MIKE] MENTZER. ROGER [CALLENDER] AND DANNY [PADILLA].
I DIDN’T THINK I COULD BEAT ANY OF THEM. DR. PETER SIEGEL, THE HYPNOTIST, NOTICED MY LACK OF CONFIDENCE AND HYPNOTIZED ME. IT MADE A HUGE DIFFERENCE. AT THE AMERICA I POSED GREAT AND WON MY CLASS-IT WAS LIKE NIGHT AND DAY".
Never a slave to routine, Grymko's training evolved and adapted throughout his life. When he trained in Rochester, his routine was essentially a powerlifting program. Though he trained up to six days a week, the program with which he gained the most size the quickest seems to have been a four day a week push pull program. He trained almost exclusively at night, between midnight and 7 AM, and put in between three and seven hours at the gym on those days.
In 1974, doctors running the steroid research program at Strong Memorial Hospital told Pete that he needed at least 72 hours to go through a full recovery cycle after training, as those docs believed that recovery was not markedly improved by exogenous test. Thus, he set up the following training program.
Monday– All pushing movements
Tuesday– All pulling movements
Wednesday– Cardio
Thursday– Push
Friday - Pull
Saturday - Cardio
Sunday - Off
His nearly fifty set chest routine, which was a small part of his Monday and Thursday workouts, along with quads, shoulders, and triceps included:
Incline Bench Press (45°)– 10 x 8 (up to 320lbs)
Incline Bench Press (65°)– 7 x 7- 10
Decline Fly – 5 x 15
Incline Fly – 5 x 15
Incline Dumbbell Press – 4 x 12-15
High Cable Crossover - 6 X 15 - 20
Lest you think that Grymko had his nose to the grindstone for seven hours straight every night, his training days were set up far more like a Bulgarian or Chinese weightlifter’s day than your hour a day a few times a week- he trained off and on throughout the night as he “worked” at the gym.
Though Grymko was a high school dropout, he was no dummy, and his diet reflected his nature- brutal, simple, and well informed. Seemlessly blending evolutionary science with what he had learned in conversations with doctors during the steroid study in which he participated, Grymko developed a completely unique approach to bodybuilding diets. Ultimately, he
arrived at a single massive feeding period supported by five protein shakes.
Pete's logic was similar to other apex predators', humans should eat once per day, but because he was using such massive dosages of steroids, he could assimilate far more protein than the average human and needed to supplement his feeding frenzy with periodic shakes.
During those three-hour frenzies, he scarfs beef, eggs, milk, fish, and chicken- whatever he could find to fill the void in his stomach and fuel his workout. If he felt himself lagging during a workout, he’d take glucose tabs.
Sagging the 1977 IFBB heavyweight crown, Grymko competed at the AAU America show, placing 6th overall and 3rd in the tall class. Burned out, he didn’t want to compete again that year but was convinced by the owner of Gold’s Gym, Ken Sprague, to enter the Mr. World in Acapulco, which he won handily.
Pete competed three more times, showing up to contests days earlier than everyone else and laying in a hotel hooked up to bags of concoction he thought might give him the edge in competition. His suitcases of medical gear and drugs were so ridiculous that the IFBB president Wayne DeMilia remarked after walking into Grymko’s room that he felt like he walked into a high school chemistry lab.
“WE ALL WENT OUT TO LUNCH ONE DAY, JIM MANION, KEN SPRAGUE, OTHERS. JIM MANION WAS SUPPOSED TO BUY GOLD’S FROM KEN. THIS WAS 1978 WHEN THE NPC STARTED. ABOUT TEN OF US WENT BACK TO KEN’S-ME AND MANNY PERRY ENDED UP IN THE ALLEY, SMOKING A JAY. I LAUGH WHEN I THINK ABOUT THIS-AT THE TIME, I WAS LOU FERRIGNO DOUBLE ON THE HULK. BUT I SPENT THE FIRST DAY-14 HOURS JUST SITTING THERE WITH CAKED ON GREEN MAKEUP.
I OFFERED THE JOB TO MANNY AS I HAD JUST QUIT. MANNY WAS LIKE, ‘I CAN’T DO THAT-I’M BLACK!’ I TOLD HIM IT WAS MAKEUP AND HE GOT THE JOB! SO, ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HEAR A COMMOTION IN THE HOUSE. MANION AND SPRAGUE ARE FIGHTING IN THE KITCHEN. MANION TOOK OFF, LEAVING HIS WIFE AND SAYING, ‘FUCK THESE GUYS.’ TWO OTHER GUYS WANTED TO BUY IT, BUT SO DID I. MARION SPRAGUE, KEN’S WIFE, LIKED ME AND WANTED ME TO GET IT. KEN SAID WHOEVER GOT HIM A 50K DOWN PAYMENT FIRST WOULD WIN. THIS HAD TO BE FOLLOWED BY A SECOND PAYMENT OF 50K ABOUT A YEAR LATER. I HAD 27 THOUSAND DOLLARS SAVED FOR MY DAUGHTER’S COLLEGE FUND. I CALLED ED CONNERS AND DENNY DOYLE AND ASKED THEM TO BUY IN WITH ME. WE GOT THE MONEY TOGETHER AND WE GOT IT.
THE WHEELS WERE TURNING IN MY HEAD. AT THE TIME, I WAS DOING POSINGS ALL OVER THE WORLD, AND WITH THE ADVENT OF PUMPING IRON, EVERYONE EVERYWHERE WANTED TO KNOW OF THE MECCA OF GOLD’S. I THOUGHT, ‘WHAT ABOUT PEOPLE WHO CAN’T GET THERE? I’VE GOT TO BUY IT AND FRANCHISE!’ ABOUT A YEAR LATER, DOYLE WANTED TO CASH OUT TO BUY HIS DAUGHTER A CAR. I CALLED TIM KIMBER, WHO HAD JUST LITERALLY PUT 30 THOUSAND DOLLARS DOWN ON A NEW HOUSE. I TOLD HIM IF HE COULD GET THE MONEY BACK, THERE’D BE A SPOT FOR HIM. HE DID AND WE HAD HIM RUN THE FRONT OFFICE, ED HANDLED THE BANKING, AND I WAS ON THE ROAD. IT WAS A SPIRITUAL TIME, HOW EVERYTHING FELL INTO PLACE”
At the time, Grymko’s efforts were paying off massively- he was making $10k a week in cash for guest posing in Europe and sending it home in duffel bags covered in t-shirts. With that money he was able to throw in on the gym and keep it afloat, then grow it in the first year.
As with anything in Grymko’s life, however, success didn’t last- Joe Gold and Arnold were working together on World’s Gym and wanted Gold’s out of business. Their other partner, the actor Robert Blake, purchased the building in which Gold’s operated and tripled
the rent, which left Grymko and his partners in a massive bind. It being the 80s, however, he was able to take matters into his own hands.
"IPUT DEREK BARTON, TIM KIMBER AND JOE BUCCI TOGETHER AS A TEAM. DEREK BECAME PRESIDENT OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, WHICH ALLOWED HIM TO KEEP THE COPS OFF ME WHILE I ‘NEGOTIATED’ WITH NEIGHBORHOOD CRACK HOUSES. WE WANTED TO OPEN IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND THERE WERE FIVE VERY BAD, SEEDY CRACK HOUSES IN THE WAY. I WALKED IN, STRAPPED WITH A MACHINE PISTOL. ‘I’M HERE TO TALK BUSINESS,’ IS WHAT I ANNOUNCED. I SAID I WANTED TO OPEN A GYM THERE, AND THE CRACK HOUSES HAD TO GO.
LARRY FIELDS WAS THE GUY WHO OWNED THIS REAL ESTATE, AND I OFFERED IF I COULD CLEAN UP THE MESS, WOULD HE GIVE US A BUILDING FOR THE GYM SIX MONTHS RENT FREE? HE BASICALLY SAID HE’D KISS MY ASS IF I COULD DO THAT. SO, THERE WERE A BUNCH OF FOLKS ALL ABOUT. I TOLD THEM WE HAD TO GET THE HOMELESS ELEMENT CORRECTED. WE COULD BE FRIENDS OR ENEMIES, EITHER WAY, THE CRACK HEADS HAD TO GO. I SAID THEY COULD MOVE A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, RIGHT NOW. HOW HARD COULD IT BE TO SET UP SHOP AS A CRACK HOUSE? C’MON MAN. Y’ALL GOTTA MOVE.”
“MY SECOND WIFE, LINDA, A GREAT PERSON, SHE HAD MY BACK. SHE WAS WITH ME AND STRAPPED WITH AN UZI. NO NONSENSE BRO. ONE GUY, PACKING ABOUT 550 POUNDS, SAID, ‘MAN, I WILL BE GONE!” ‘ANOTHER: ‘WHAT IF WE DON’T WANT TO COOPERATE?’ I TOLD HIM HE COULD WALK OUT OR HE WOULD OF COURSE BE CARRIED OUT".
THEY OFFERED ME A STAKE IN THE CRACK OUTFIT, BUT I SAID, ‘ARE YOU CRAZY? I DON’T DO CRACK, I JUST SMOKE POT.’ SO, THIS BECAME THE NEXT HOME FOR GOLD’S GYM, WHICH WE STARTED TO FRANCHISE. BUT THERE WAS A RUDE AWAKENING. TO FRANCHISE INTERNATIONALLY, YOU MUST REGISTER IN EVERY TERRITORY, WHICH WAS PROHIBITIVELY EXPENSIVE TO DO. LIABILITY ABOUNDED AS WELL. IF A CLUB WENT BANKRUPT, THEY COULD SUE ME PERSONALLY FOR DAMAGES.
WE DECIDED TO MAKE THINGS SIMPLE WITH THE HELP OF MY BROTHER, PAUL, WHO HELD AN NYU DEGREE IN MARKETING. WE WENT INTO LICENSING INSTEAD OF FRANCHISING. ANY PRODUCTS SOLD BY CLUBS MUST BE PURCHASED THROUGH ME, BUT THE CLUBS COULD ALSO SELL OTHER PRODUCTS AS WELL. IT ALSO GAVE US THE RIGHT TO GO INTO TERRITORIES FOR PREMISE USE ONLY. THIS HELPED ME GET INTO DEPARTMENT STORES. MY UNCLE WAS THE VP OF ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH. DENNIS TINNERINO HAD CONTACTS WITH MACY’S, DICK’S, NORDSTROMS, WALMART. ALL OF A SUDDEN, WE HAD 11,000 STORES GLOBALLY SELLING PRODUCTS”.
Fast forward twenty years, and Grymko decided it was time to sell the club after open heart surgery, a move he profoundly regrets. Though the sale netted Grymko and his partners somewhere between 50 and 100 million bucks, the people who bought the club jacked up the prices on everything, turned the franchise into a shadow of what it once was, and basically crapped
all over a professional bodybuilder’s dream of having his bodybuilding mecca easily accessible to people all over the nation. Instead, what he got was cookie-cutter “training spaces” afraid of high insurance costs and big weights, run by those who never set foot on a bodybuilding stage or a powerlifting platform.
“THEY RAISED THE FRANCHISE FEE TO 100K [IT HAD BEEN $1500]. ALL OF OUR PRIME PEOPLE GOT DISGUSTED WITH GOLD’S WHEN THEY TOOK OVER. THEIR GOAL WAS TO PUSH THE INDEPENDENT OWNERS OUT. THEY ARE MUCH MORE PROFITABLE WHEN OWNED CORPORATELY. HALF OF THEM ARE NOW CORPORATE AND THEY ALONE GENERATE 650 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY. “I TELL YOU; I WISH I NEVER SOLD. EVER. OUR DREAM IS NOW ASHES. MONTANARI’S [LEGENDARY HARDCORE GYM THAT HAD WANTED TO GO GOLD’S BUT WENT POWERHOUSE AFTER THE SALE]-GREAT PEOPLE. I WANTED TO KEEP IT GREAT FOR OUR OWNERS. I WAS MAKING THE MOST MONEY FROM THE STORES AND TEES, SO I SAID LET’S HAVE NO FEE FOR ANYONE WITH US FIVE YEARS OR MORE”.
So, there you have Pete Grymkowski- Mr. America, Mr. World, 1970’s mass monster, Gold’s Gym Owner 1979 – 1999, sponsor of UFC 1, 2 & 3, multi-millionaire, and Uzi toting nemesis of crack dealers. When he wanted something, he went for it and let absolutely nothing stand in his way, because they’ve never slept on a gym roof or under a pier or eaten day old McDonald’s burgers in prior of their dreams.
They’ve never pointed an Uzi in the face of a crack dealers to get what they wanted, and they’ve never tried taking what even the most geared up lifters take in a week every day for a year. I'm not saying steroids are for everyone, either, I'm just saying that if you're not getting the results you want, it's likely you just don't want it badly enough.
Really !! WTF 10grams a day - 70grams a week FFS
Maybe he did - only he really Knows.
and he's Still alive !!
He sure was quite big & muscular
Though I cant think that Dorian / Nasser/ Ronnie / Ruhl / faux etc would
be using that much or more .
i have fairly reliable knowledge Dorian wasn't using anywhere near them amounts well certainly not when he won his 1st/2nd olympia.
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” YOU KNOW HOW I WAS GETTING READY? WITH FOUR OR SIX IV’S OF STEROIDS RUNNING INTO MY VEINS, SIMULTANEOUSLY.
I never heard of intravenous steroids.
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https://www.instagram.com/barbellfilms/?hl=en
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” YOU KNOW HOW I WAS GETTING READY? WITH FOUR OR SIX IV’S OF STEROIDS RUNNING INTO MY VEINS, SIMULTANEOUSLY.
I never heard of intravenous steroids.
I was about to write that this article is full of BS, you beat me to it.
Aside from ridiculous dosages, it suggests Pete was better than Arnold and Nubret.
Oh boy!
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BILL SENO ... WORLD CHAMPION POWERLIFTER / BODYBUILDER
Bill Seno, born in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in a rough and tough section of Chicago. He and his brother were raised by their mother in public housing.
A gifted athlete, Bill excelled in sports at a public high school. He played four years of football at Western Illinois University, however, his interest waned in football during his freshman year when he became involved in weight-training. Exceptionally powerful, at a bodyweight of 178 pounds, he overhead pressed 175 pounds during his first workout session.
In 1962, Seno spent six months on active duty in the U S Army Reserves. Discharged in 1963, he won the AAU Mr. Illinois title, prior to capturing the Most Muscular event at the AAU Jr. Mr. America contest.
As part of an exhibition, during that contest, Seno set a new national bench record of 451-pounds at a bodyweight of 198 pounds. Later that year, he placed 5th at the AAU Mr. America contest.
Bill returned to college and graduated in 1964, and then taught at a Chicago suburban high school for the next 29 years.
A member of the Sayre Park Weightlifting Club, Seno's best lifts were 300 pounds in the standing press; 250 pounds in the snatch and 310 pounds in the clean-and-jerk.
Wearing a normal t-shirt, his personal-best bench press consisted of a single with 580 pounds; a double with 550 pounds; six with 500 pounds; nine with 470 pounds, and 15 with 420 pounds.
In 1964, considering himself a powerlifting/bodybuilder, Bill won the Most Muscular award at the AAU Mr. America contest, over the likes of Sergio Oliva, Val Vasilieff, John Gourgott, Bob Gajda, and John DeCola. At the height of five-feet, eight-inches, his chest measured 49-inches; waist, 32-inches; upper flexed arms, 18-inches; thighs, 26-inches; calves and neck, 17-inches.
In 1965, Seno focused more on powerlifting and won two Senior National titles, and in 1981, he completed a 579 pound bench press in the 242 pound "Master's" division, without the aid of a bench suit or elbow wraps. The lift stood in some federations as a world record for 24 years.
A competitor in all aspects of the Iron Game, Bill evolved as a strength coach, having mentored such powerlifting legends as Ed Coan. He also authored "Pushing for Powerlifting and Sports" to help spread his knowledge on strength training to those who could not personally avail themselves to his teachings.
In 2004, Seno was honored at Chicagoland Muscle Reunion, joined by Sergio Oliva, Ernie Frantz, Ed Coan, Fred Schutz, Bill Pearl, and other well-known strength athletes.
Bill Seno remains one of the few lifters to have won National titles in two of the three aspects of the Iron Game: bodybuilding, powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting. He recently remarked:
"Growing up in public housing with others hoping to make themselves look better, by putting you down, had a propelling effect. It was the fuel that drove me to some of my highest accomplishments."
Bill Seno celebrated his 83rd birthday on May 6, 2022.
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I’ve never encountered a problem that didn’t grow smaller after 10 minutes in the gym and under the iron." ~ Dave Draper
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Dave sometimes slipped bits and pieces of stories into his newsletters without ever writing in detail about an event. Traveling with Elvis is one such example -- a couple of paragraphs here and there, but no full article telling the tale. The following is an example of what I have in mind for the edit of the interview compilation book, where I'll weave a collection of pieces into more of a story. Here's "Travels with Elvis," beginning with an email correspondent's question.
<I read your bio and it said you toured with Elvis Presley. I was quite surprised about that because it isn’t mentioned in any book about Elvis. Could you tell us a little more about your tour with Elvis? When did the tour take place? Which places? Were you part of the entourage? Any stories about the tour you might want to share?>
Elvis did a three-week tour of the States from New York to New Mexico in 1971. I worked as the assistant to the producer in a six-man crew that filmed his concerts, his travels and the behind-the-scenes action. They were one-night stands of his Vegas show at large venues (dome stadiums, football arenas) in 20 different cities in a dozen different states.
As our film crew's aircraft reached for the sky from LAX, I asked the producer, Pierre, my good friend who gave me the job as I had none, “What do I do?” The crew—a two-man camera team, a sound man, a lighting man and Pierre and me—all laughed at my absurdity. I think that was the last time I laughed until our aircraft made its final landing three weeks later.
I was to coordinate sleeping arrangements, morning wake-up calls, food for the gang, car rentals, drive, acquire releases from anyone on camera or interviewed, act as the producer’s liaison, keep notes and make sure everyone was on the right aircraft right on time. This is where Laree laughs: HA. I’ve never been good at any of those things, especially keeping track of time.
Elvis and his entourage had their own jet and we—assorted Elvis backup folks, the roadies and tons of equipment—traveled on a prop jet that lumbered through the friendly skies. Madness in the air, craziness on the ground and insanity backstage and on stage. No time to eat, no time to sleep, no time to work out. The miles of exposed film became a documentary called “Elvis On Tour” that won an award and a two-paragraph write-up in Time Magazine, no box office smash.
I'm proud to have come alongside such a phenomenal character in contemporary history, ruling a vastly popular domain with charismatic magnificence. Can you imagine attending 20 Elvis Presley concerts in 20 different towns in 21 days? Many of you are thinking, “Are you nuts?”
These were spectacular sold-out events at large auditoriums with people—mostly gals—literally climbing the wall to get closer to the action. There I am backstage, onstage and shooting up close, at major airports and remote airfields, in a rental car chasing the Elvis crew on their bus like infamous paparazzi, cops frantically chasing the rental car full of amateur paparazzi frantically chasing the Elvis crew, getting releases from the local color and making sure everyone in the documentary crew was alive and awake each morning to go to destinations often unknown till we arrived.
Let me recollect… we were in Albany, Memphis, Nashville, Albuquerque, Trenton, Denver, Atlantic City, L.A., San Antonio, Little Rock, New Orleans… That’s half of them and probably not entirely accurate. The sights and scenes were in continual supply.
It was incredible. Elvis, packed screaming audiences, mostly women who were once kids, night after night, front row, backstage, in the balcony with a walkie-talkie setting up camera angles and gear.
Alas, Elvis was kept apart from the concert’s backup crews and roadies and managers. He flew on his own jet and arrived each night by a limo brigade at the venue’s secret-private-hidden-clandestine and well-guarded subterranean entrance. The King was quickly escorted to safe accommodations until he leapt onstage 30 minutes later. The rest was a wild, crazy and often moving ride. He tore the house down, as they say, everywhere he went. When Elvis and the band exhausted themselves, the curtains dropped and the announcer came to the mike with the immortalized words, “Elvis has left the building.”
“Elvis has left the building,” the end of the show for Elvis and the fans, was the beginning of the show for the roadies and the Cinema Associates film crew.
Once, I was invited aboard his aircraft, where we shook hands and exchanged looks of physical recognition and rapport; that is, we were both physical people on the edge of our senses, and we identified.
I survived the escapades and the story goes on. Two weeks later we did 10 days in Las Vegas and Detroit filming “Rock ‘n Roll of the Fifties.” Chubby Checker, Shirelles, Platters, Bo Didley, Fats Domino, Chuck Berry and those fine folks. Another gas.
I was asked at another time if I’d like to join Elvis's crew of friendly sidekick bodyguards. Nice place for an outgoing, single guy whose head isn’t on sideways. But me? No, but, gee, thanks, guys.
If you’re gonna travel, travel with the best.
Dave
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LOUIS RIECKE, JR. ... NATIONAL WEIGHTLIFTER / STRENGTH COACH
Lou Riecke was born October 2, 1926. He was the oldest of five children; three brothers and one sister. He grew up in New Orleans. He always thought of himself as an athlete.
At Jesuit High School, Riecke ran track and particularly enjoyed sprints and the long jump. During his senior year, he decided that weightlifting would help him in his efforts to gain weight so he could play football. Lou spent hours that summer lifting weights at the New Orleans Athletic Club and working as a lifeguard at the Ponchartrain Beach in New Orleans where he and his future wife, Enid, enjoyed performing acrobatics with friends. All his training paid off because he was twice named best athlete of the year, all sports, in the Greater New Orleans area.
Lou joined the Navy following his first year of college at Louisiana State University. He was stationed in New Orleans at the Navy Medical Hospital for the duration of WWII.
Upon his return to school, Riecke won the NCAA weightlifting championship in 1947 and on three occasions captured the national YMCA title.
It was at the National YMCA championship in Los Angeles that Lou set a 325-pound World Record in the snatch in the light-heavy weight division. Over the years, Lou and his friends continued weightlifting in his gym, which was set up in his garage. This also served as a convenient place for housing his hugh collection awards and trophies!
In 1964, at the age of 38, Riecke won the Olympic trials in New York and competed later that year in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Prior to leaving for the Games in Tokyo, the American Olympic team visited the NASA space capsule production facility in L.A. It was reported that the capsule was a tight squeeze!
In 1970, Chuck Noll, head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was replaying films of 13 straight disastrous football games. In the process, he discovered the definite correlation between strength and hitting. He called Lou and set up an interview, after which Riecke was hired to improve the strength of the Steelers. He designed a special apparatus that was nicknamed the Riecke-Rack and installed one at the Three Rivers Stadium at Pittsburgh and another one at the Steelers’ training camp.
Riecke knew the value of strength training for maximizing athletic performance. He stated, “I operate on the theory that all NFL players are good athletes or they wouldn’t be here, but I know if their strength is improved they’ll hit harder, run faster, jump higher, and move quicker, because they have more horsepower.” He went on to say, “There’s no way for you not to know you’re strong if you are, and if you’re strong and know it, you’ll find yourself doing things you wouldn’t even attempt if you didn’t know you’re strong.”
Coach Riecke was highly respected by other NFL franchises as well. John North, Head Coach of the New Orleans Saints, recognized the impressive improvment Riecke had done with the Steelers and was quoted as saying, “We’d like Lou with us year round, but I don’t know if we can get him away from Pittsburgh. If we can’t get him full time, we’ll use him in the off season.”
After the 2010 Super Bowl Party in New Orleans, this legend in the Field of Strength and Conditioning was wearing something a bit more special than a team jersey, his four Super Bowl Rings, a testament to the tremendous impact of his contributions to the field!
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DBol related:
https://www.espn.com/espn/otl/news/story?id=3866837
Pumped-up pioneers: the '63 Chargers
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&t=705s &t=240s &t=10s
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https://www.instagram.com/spillanesfit/?fbclid=IwAR2gQ_6UhAudPpszfyiV38L8sLn86aoWPYHt9H35Ai-HVgT6b5YggNI1bKo
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when female bodybuilders turned heads and not stomachs.
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when female bodybuilders turned heads and not stomachs.
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BILL "PEANUTS" WEST ... PIONEER CHAMPION POWERLIFTER
Bill "Peanuts" West (William Weiss) was a powerlifting champion pioneer, born in 1937, in Pennsylvania. He was a weak and skinny child who weighed less than 100 pounds as a teenager.
Peanuts picked up his first barbell at age 15. Within months his bodyweight increased dramatically thanks to a training regimen that consisted of progressive resistance and protein from peanuts, peanut butter and peanut oil.
In 1952, West and his training partner Gene Wells found themselves in Santa Monica, California, living in Muscle House, owned by Joy Crettoz, an older lady who treated bodybuilders like her children.
The nickname "Peanuts" was given to West by Joy due to his daily diet that consisted of one pound of peanuts, a half-cup of peanut butter, and six spoons of peanut oil. In addition, he drank large quantities of raw milk, fruit juices and protein.
By 1965, Wests' bodweight had reached 180 pounds and he placed second in his first Muscle Beach powerlifting event. Then, he began training with champion lifters Isaac Berger and Dave Ashman, to become even stronger and heavier. He increased his peanut-based diet intake while incorporating a more rigorous lifting program, until the scale climbed to 218 pounds. He finally settled on a competitive weight of 198 pounds.
Peanuts did not train for aesthenic goals, but for his powerlifting and odd-lift totals. He trained on his pressing techniques one day for three hours and either squatted or deadlifted the next day. He kept his garage gym in Culver City, California open to other champion lifters, such as George Frenn and Pat Casey. He was the first to squat 600 pounds at a bodyweight of 198 pounds and in 1970 he had an official total of 1680 pounds...(430 bench, 635 squat, and 615 deadlift).....though he managed an 1825 total in an unofficial exhibition.
Several of the powerlifting training concepts used today were invented in Bill West's Westside Gym. Likewise, knee wraps, elbow wraps and 6-inch wide lifting belts were initiallly popularized by him.
Unfortunately, Bill "Peanuts" West died in 1984, at age 47, homeless, on a beach in Santa Barbara, California. He was buried in an unmarked grave in Culver City, until a friend purchased a headstone to honor his memory.
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(https://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=676287.0;attach=1380633;image)
poppycock
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My guess is too many peanuts led to his death.
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STEVE MERJANIAN... STILL GOING STRONG AT AGE 87
Steve Merjanian was born on July 19, 1935. His initial intent of becoming a bodybuilder quickly transitioned into power movements. He trained alongside Pat Casey at the original Westside Barbell Club, worked out at Joe Gold’s gym in Venice, and lifted with the man of mystery, Chuck Ahrens.
Articles credit Steve with being the first person to popularize the Incline Bench Press. He eventually inclined 495 pounds and hit 395 in the overhead press. Others recall Merjanian doing heavy lifting, including lateral raises with the 144 pound dumbbells and standing triceps presses with 275 pounds.
At 5’11”, Steve's body weight fluctuated between 270 and 300 pounds. His chest measurement was in the high fifties or even sixty inches, his neck was around 21 inches, and he was known for massive forearms. One measurement had them at 18 and a half inches. But, he could still perform incredible agility feats like leaping on a table tennis table from a standing position.
Merjanian earned a living as a jewelry dealer and selling Corvette cars. He also gave back to the community by serving as part of the so called “Special Problems Unit” for the Venice Beach Park and Recreation. Alongside Jackie Robinson’s brother and baseball great Leon Wagner, Steve made sure that things didn’t get too rowdy.
Never much into supplements (aside from multi-vitamins), Steve's diet mainly consisted of meat, juice, and eggs. He would usually concume 2 breakfasts, a number of sandwiches before lunch, a salad in the afternoon, and fish, chicken, or some other lean meat for dinner.
There were two types of routines that Merjanian regularly implemented. In one routine, he would do 10-12 sets, with singles at heavy weight, for the last five sets. His other routine was 8 sets of 5 reps with as heavy weight as possible.
(His back work emphasized pulleys of various types, twice a week using high repetitions for a good stretch.)
In 2022, Merjanian, at age 87, has done little to alter his approach toward weight training. He has retained a good portion of his strength because his routine remains close to the same, while his 'time-off's' still consist of plenty of rest and relaxation, a mind free of worry, good food and regular hardcore training.
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Kevin James looking strong there.
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Kevin James looking strong there.
&t=27s he does look a lot like james
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Denie writes:
The Dave Draper I knew in my teenage years was a quiet, reserved lad who came from Secaucus, New Jersey. I knew him long before he became the mighty Blond Bomber of bodybuilding and motion picture fame. Yes, long before the multi-physique titles had made him world famous. The magazine of the time promoting him labeled him a muscle champion who had once been a bulky, hulky fat boy. The truth was that Draper, and I knew him well, was never a fat boy. He may have been a bit smooth when the magazines discovered him, but he was never fat. The whole thing was a gimmick from which, to this day, he suffers.
Dave in those early days boasted a 54-inch chest and a 35-inch waist. At six feet, that’s hardly fat, is it? And, of course, there were those 19.75-inch arms, too. I believe he finally made them 20.
The man’s power in those days was also tremendous. The fellows he grew up with in the gyms, because he was a boy then, still talk about him. They talk about the 240-pound seated press-behind-neck. They remember when he’d load up the end of a six-foot bar and do leverage rowing movements with the astronomical poundage of 450. And there’s the story of the famous block party festival in Secaucus where some wise guys were annoying and bothering the locals. Draper simply walked over, grabbed one guy by the front of his shirt with one arm and lifted him off the ground. The warning was well taken.
He was very intense and never really talked much; his whole mental makeup was devoted entirely to hard training and healthful living. The results are obvious, although when quoted by other sources are not always accurate. Here is the true story of the Blond Bomber, which your MTI reporter got from Dave when he visited the East recently to guest post at the WBBG Mr. America. I had not seen Dave in about 10 years, except for his screen and TV appearances. He told me what it was really like then – what happened in between – and who Dave Draper is now. I found him still the decent fellow. You will too – read on and meet the real Blond Bomber as he is today.
>> Could we get a little recap of the Dave Draper career from the beginning?
I started training when I was 12. I got a little 14-inch bar with some 7.5-pound plates in the middle and 5-pounders on the ends, and 3.5-pounders. With this, I used to do curls and bench presses on my own, without magazines or any of the guys in them. It was just my own thing. The Hercules movies were around at that time and Reeves was... well, if there was an inspiration at the time, it was Reeves. Leroy Colbert was another one as I got into it. I happened to see Leroy on the cover of a magazine. I trained, pretty regularly from that time on and I’m 31 now.
I was 18 when I got into serious, consistent training with the intention of growing bigger and developing a good physique. I was out of school by then and pretty well situated in my own free lifestyle. I lived in New Jersey then, about a year before I met you. At first, I did pushups, dips and chins, and gradually built that up and got more weights from that organization in Union City. (Dave chuckled about that remark.)
>> Based on your early experience, what advice could you give to people just entering the training field? Do you think they can build a really good physique at home?
It depends on the person and his or her motivation. You can make a great deal of improvement in growth and satisfy yourself and your bodybuilding needs. But it will take an exceptional person to become a champion in a garage or home gym. Once you get past the initial stages of training at home, going to a gym with some pretty good trainees around is important. It doesn’t have to be a top gym, but one with some pretty dedicated bodybuilders.
It's good to ask questions, but better to observe and as you get to know people and they get to know you, you can ask questions and learn that way. Then, everything you’re learning, you should apply. And you must relate that to your body, your person, your own chemistry and your motivation and intellect.
Gyms are better equipped. They have pulleys that most people don’t have at home, and there’s much more inspiration. Then, too, if the gym isn’t overcrowded and you aren’t stifled, you can train at your own pace and not compromise yourself so much.
>> In the beginning you had a reputation of being the skinniest person. Do you recall any of those early measurements?
That’s not true. I don’t know how that story got started. In high school, I wrestled. I was of average build and had a good bone structure. I played a little football and basketball with the PAL – the Police Athletic League. I got into training more completely through gymnastics. I belonged to the Swiss Turnverein and trained with E.M. Orlick, who, as you know, was the first editor of MTI. It was there that I began to use the weight room. Soon I saw something taking place – a V shape and some shoulders.
I was still unaware of the magazines or books and how to really do this thing we call training. Then I started to do a little more with the weights and put the gymnastics aside. I joined a bodybuilding gym— was yours. From there, I went to a Vic Tanny’s Gym in Journal Square and then found myself out on the West Coast training with the Muscle Beach guys: Zabo Koszewski, George Eiferman and others… in places where Reeves and many other stars trained.
>> We know that hard training is important. How about the Dave Draper diet?
That, in my opinion, eventually becomes 50 percent of it. As you come to a point in your training where the body reaches approximately 60 percent of its potential development, diet becomes extremely important. The more you develop quality in your build, the more important it is to change your diet.
Actually, you can change your body chemistry. I had very poor chemistry. Basically, it was slow, which made me bulky and soft looking also because of my “thick skin.” I changed my slow metabolism through strict dieting, taking almost zero carbohydrates for two years. I had maybe one potato in two years and no milk at all.
>> Isn’t that unhealthful? I understand you need some carbohydrates.
Yes, it could be, but I fed myself a lot of tuna fish and liver products, plus high supplementation. I also had fresh fruit.
The following is a short dialog between Dave and this MTI reporter:
MTI: I remember some of the stories I used to get about you from friends in California, saying you used to show up at parties with a jar of liver tablets and never go near the food and drinks.
Dave: I can’t remember that. I wasn’t a wacko!
MTI: I’m going to write this as I’m hearing it.
Dave: I mean, I wasn’t wacky. Not too wacky… maybe a little wacky. It just appeared to me that it was the only way to upset my metabolism to bring it around so it would be keener and faster. So I trained very hard, very fast, still using heavy weights with a very strict diet – mostly protein, particularly fish and tuna fish.
****
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GEORGE EIFERMAN... 1948 AAU MR. AMERICA / 1962 IFBB MR. UNIVERSE
George Eiferman, born in 1925, in
Philadephia, became a notable figure in the sport of bodybuilding. On his 17th birthday, George joined the US Navy. He began lifting weights seriously and added 40 pounds of muscle to his frame by the time of his discharge on his 21st birthday in 1946. He then joined Fritshe's Gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1947, Eiferman won the AAU Mr.
Philadelphia competition and placed 5th at the AAU Mr. America event in 1947.
In 1948, George scored first at the AAU
Mr. California. One month later, he won the 1948 AAU Mr. America title. He then moved to Santa Monica, California, where he worked out regularly at Muscle Beach.
Durning that time, Eiferman played a
part in the film, The Devil's Sleep. The 1960s, George of the Jungle cartoon character, was created by the cook on Eiferman's mine sweeper who combined George's likeness and the Tarzan character.
With his numerous physique titles,
Eiferman began traveling the United States giving speeches at high schools on living a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of weight training for the Nationwide School Assemblies of America organization.
In 1950, George appeared to my high school in Yakima, Washington. He spoke of sailors who didn't have enough strength to pull themselves up into a rescue boat. He continued to emphise how impotant body strength was in daily life.
That year, 1950, I inlisted into the U. S . Navy with three years of weight lifting behind me and it served me well, doubling my strength – inspired by Eiferman's lecture.
Eiferman continued to weight train and won the 1962 IFBB Mr. Universe title. He also opened gyms in Hawaii, Vista, California, and Las Vegas.
In the 1980s, Eiferman hosted the TV show, Take 5 for Fitness, on Fox 5 in Las Vegas. As a trainer, nutritionist, and fitness ambassador, George had working relationships with weightlifters Steve Reeves, Lou Ferrigno, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as entertainers Mae West, Debbie Reynolds, Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. He also helped train celebrities like Rock Hudson, Sylvester Stallone, and Elvis Presley with body weight and other health issues.
Eiferman was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000. He died in 2002, of heart failure with his wife Bonita at his side.
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I know AG - he works for Sorinex. Really friendly guy and training for his first show.
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I know AG - he works for Sorinex. Really friendly guy and training for his first show.
&t=311s they even have some sorinex equipment at some of the higher end gyms in pa.
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How Steve Reeves Trained -- John Grimek (1964)
From this Issue:
November 1964.
Yes, we saw Steve Reeves change from a "skinny" bodybuilder to a Mr. Universe winner in just seven weeks!
It was in 1950 when we invited him to come and train with us in York, and since he expressed a desire to compete in the Mr. Universe contest again, York Barbell Club was willing to sponsor him.
Of course it was only a year earlier when he placed third in the Mr. USA contest, which I won, and openly declared for the third and final time that I would no longer compete in any more physique contests no matter who hurled the challenge at me. I further stated that if any further challenges would be issued, Steve would be the man to accept them on my behalf.
Because of this, Steve kept me well informed about his training progress, and I gave him whatever encouragement he needed. I knew, of course, that he wanted to compete in the Mr. Universe contest again, and I assured him that York Barbell would send him over if he would stay in shape. He was very interested and kept in contact with me regularly.
Then several months lapsed while I didn't hear a thing from him, and being busy at the time I dismissed the thought from my mind. Therefore it was quite a surprise when a few months later, on Memorial Day to be exact, he and George Eiferman suddenly arrived in York.
We discussed his training and about the coming Mr. Universe contest. He was very enthused and anxious to get started. We had dinner and then found them a place to stay since both were a little tired from the long trip and wanted to start training the following day.
The next day just before noon he and Eiferman walked into the old barbell building where the York gym was located, eager for a good workout. George Eiferman, of course, had trained with us many times, but this was Reeves' first visit to "Muscletown."
Nevertheless, he didn't have any trouble acclimating himself to the surroundings, but later asked whether a special T-bar could be made for him so that he could utilize Hack squats better. This proved to be no problem for machine shop manager Jules Bacon. Jules was able to make this gadget for him and Reeves was able to utilize it for his leg work.
Later we fashioned a long cable rowing pulley device which he wanted to use to exercise his latissimus dorsi and arms. But he took a special liking to our homemade incline bench on which he performed his curls, and about which he later wrote a small feature -- "My Favorite Exercise" -- for S&H magazine, August 1950 issue.
After about a week of training he began to regain some of his shape. Earlier some members of the gym, who saw him on arrival, were not impressed by his development. It was obvious that he had done little if any training for some time (during the time I had lost contact with him), but now he was beginning to shape up again. A number of visitors who used to drop in at the old gym and watch us train, remarked their disappointment in the Reeves' physique. And even I had to admit, upon seeing him change into his training clothes, that he did not look like the Reeves I had competed against only a year before. This Reeves looked like he had lost everything except his legs, which still appeared fairly impressive in spite of his weakened condition. But his arms, chest and back lacked any semblance of previous muscularity.
The accepted opinion of the fellows in the gym was that he didn't have a chance of even placing in the Mr. Universe contest, let alone winning it. I, too, had my doubts at this time, but we underestimated Reeves' ambition and drive.
Each workout he took he put everything into it, and continued to do a little more each week, so that after a few weeks he showed amazing improvement. He seldom sat around talking and killing time. Instead, he went from one exercise to another.
He would repeat each exercise until he couldn't do another rep, and on several occasions while he was doing his incline curls I saw him kick up the weight with his knees and then strongly resist as he lowered the weight.
He put a lot of concentration into each and every movement and after he finished training he achieved a terrific congested condition and looked twice as big!
During training he had no regard for time but worked until he had completed his routine, which took anywhere from two to four hours.
Of course he came to York to train, so all his time was devoted to training and resting and this paid off for him because he did win the Mr. Universe title as he planned.
Training in York agreed with him. Within four weeks he began to show remarkable improvement, and at the end of the fifth week he began to look like his old self again: big, massive with good muscularity.
His training in York included a lot of variety. However, each week he would increase his training, doing more reps, more exercises, more sets or a combination of all these. By the end of the sixth week the Hercules of Muscledom had recovered his large, sinewy arms, and a fuller rounder chest. His back looked wider and more massive. Even his shoulders looked thicker, and his abdomen showed more detail and muscularity.
Those who saw him training noticed the dynamic effort he put into every workout. He knew the time was getting short before he would be vying for the Mr. Universe title, so put everything into his training. There was no more whispering in the gym about whether he could win the title. Everybody agreed that it would take a darned good man to beat him now . . . if he could ever be beaten! Yet only seven weeks before it was very doubtful if he could place in the first five . . . how did this change happen?
I already mentioned that he training with clocklike regularity. As a rule he employed high repetitions, and usually starting with a weight that was near his limit and gradually employing lighter weights, but still using maximum repetitions.
I also pointed out that he seldom if ever sat around talking between exercises but shifted from exercise to exercise, sometimes repeating the exercise in sets or using a similar movement for the same muscle area, or switching to a completely different exercise altogether.
He would rest only after he finished his training and had his shower . . . then he would carry on with the fellows.
One of his favorite exercises at York was the curl on incline bench which he did regularly every workout, and after a few weeks his arms showed the effect of such curling.
He also favored the long cable rowing exercise, a gadget we made for him. However, he did the exercise differently from the way most of us performed it. He would bend his body forward and maintain this position while he pulled the bar to his chest by arm and lat power alone, and then resisted the pull of the weight even slower. And though he wore training clothes his lats and biceps bulged when he did the exercise.
The other favorite exercise he enjoyed was the Hack lift. He fixed the platform exactly the way he wanted it, and then after Bacon made the long T-bar for him he was able to utilize this principle and improve the detail in his legs. No doubt he enjoyed working our in these surroundings as well, or better for that matter, than any other place he ever trained because he really put in plenty of effort.
And now that he was achieving his best possible shape we spend several evenings a week developing a suitable posing routine for him. In time we worked out a very good posing routine which, no doubt, helped him to his victory.
But now the time was up and, to our way of thinking, Hercules was ready. He took one final workout and then asked us to appraise his posing. As we watched him shift from one pose to another it was evident that here was the winner. The improvement he made was amazing. He had worked hard and long these past seven weeks and now he was ready for the big competition.
The following morning I drove him to New York where he spent the night with friends, and on the morrow took him to the airport and saw him off. Couple days later I got word of his victory, and was back in New York to greet him at the airport, congratulating him as he disembarked.
We were just as happy over his victory as he was, so we threw a banquet in his honor to celebrate the victory. He seemed delighted. After a couple months of loafing and taking an occasional workout, he bought himself a ford convertible and began the long drive back to California. He soon started to get his first break in movies and stage productions after this.
Yes, we have watched many Mr. Americas and Mr. Universes train in our old gym, but none whipped themselves into championship shape in less than two months except Reeves. And this happened in York in 1950.
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https://neckberg.com/every-winner-of-the-mr-america-competition-since-1939/?fbclid=IwAR32mTck34o98H_wCV0yij7NfNRcYmbm4jpwFMR1yILG8DR2y4-S4uU-iP8
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The first time I ever say Joe was in the summer of 1965 during summer school. The gym was closed when I first moved into Arnold Hall. But the first morning it opened I got there while it was still almost dark. There didn’t appear to be anyone else there initially. So, I found the weight room and started planning my workout. I had noticed that there was a squat rack in that room, and I was impressed to see that there was a 325-pound barbell on it! I thought, Wow! There are guys here that do 325-pound squats. Impressive. As I was sitting on the gym floor putting a barbell together, a fellow walks in the door … huge diamond shaped calves with a body that put tree trunks to same. And I thought, this must be the guy that squats with that 325 pounds. So I watched to see what he would do. And sure enough, he walked up to the wrack and grabbed the bar under his chin. And I thought, “Good night! He’s going to do front squats with that!”. But I was wrong. Instead, what he did was to lift the bar off the rack, back up a few steps, and then he ripped off 7 reps of front presses! And that was the first time I ever saw Joe Bednarski. I was absolutely amazed! And as the days and months went by, I never stopped being amazed at his exercise routines. Back in those days, he was legendary there at the college.
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https://barbend.com/best-weight-plates/
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ON SECOND THOUGHT
Throwing away his father’s things a weighty proposition
By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff,July 18, 2014, 6:38 p.m.
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The day my father awoke, with both legs paralyzed, America was in the throes of the polio epidemic. It was a frightening time. Our family doctor hurried to the house that morning, tidy black medical kit in hand, and best I recall, the doc stayed with us until the ambulance pulled into the driveway and whisked my dad away to the hospital.
All that was well over a half-century ago, yet it is painful for me to recall it these many years later. Only five years old, I didn’t see or talk to him again for six months, until the day he came home, fiercely gripping a wooden cane and inching his way deliberately, painfully, up the steps to our front door. Silly for me still to feel emotional about it, I suppose, but I do, and bear with me here because it gets a little sillier, though I wish it weren’t so.
It’s about my father’s weights. I still have them. They are in my basement, which desperately needs to be cleaned out, and I’m intent on getting the job done this summer before “Hoarding: Buried Alive” comes knocking at our door.
My father used the weights, the clunky “Healthways Hollywood’’ cast iron weights, to put himself back together. His initial diagnosis was polio, the disease we all feared. In our neighborhood, and true in towns and cities throughout the land in the 1950s, each day grew eerily quiet in the afternoon, parents advised to have children nap in hopes of warding off the affliction. My father went to bed a seemingly healthy man one night, awoke the next morning with his legs lifeless, and it was no surprise, given the hysteria of the times, that the doctors immediately diagnosed polio.
Which, family legend had it, was not the same day my mother, a considerably smaller woman, plucked my dad out of the hospital bed at the Jamaica Plain VA and briefly dragged him around the room. No, by then the doctors had properly diagnosed it as GBS, or Guillain-Barré syndrome, another dreadful disease that mirrors some of polio’s most severe symptoms. Though it can be lethal, GBS typically is recoverable.
My mother dragged him around the hospital room because the doctors and nurses, by her eye, needed prodding. So did her husband. Nothing subtle about the patient’s wife.
“He’s not getting anywhere if you don’t send him to physical therapy!’’ she admonished the lot, including the patient, the man then only in his mid-30s, who came to England during World War II, married her, brought her back to the US. “He’ll never walk again if you don’t get his legs moving.’’
He was in therapy the next day. They got him moving. My dad recovered, enough at first to come home and then eventually in full. But it took a very long time. The clunky cast iron “Hollywood’’ weights were essential to his comeback. So, too, was skating.
For the 30-plus more years he lived, my father worked those weights faithfully. Virtually every night, sitting atop a sturdy handmade workbench in our basement, he would pull on the Healthways Hollywood Healthboot — a Medieval contraption by today’s refined gym equipment standards — and do 10, 15, 20 reps, typically 30 pounds of boot and accompanying weights strapped to a bottom of his leather shoe. He would keep the iron boot propped on the seat of a straightback wooden chair, strap in his foot, yank the chair out from under it all, and then repeatedly flex his knee to lift and lower the foot. He then would dismantle the boot and fashion the weights (2½ or 5 pounds each) into a small barbell set. More reps. Night after night.
Whether his account was accurate or not, I’m not sure, but he contended the GBS permanently paralyzed some of his leg muscles, leaving him to build up “the good ones that are left.’’ True or not, that belief made him keep going.
He also skated, fluidly, effortlessly, up to three times a week, dotting around from one rink to the next, be it MDC or private. Boston Skating Club was a favorite, even if it lacked his preferred deep-freeze factor. It was impossible for a rink to be too cold for my old man. He believed cold was better for his legs.
I often sat with him when he did his weights, the workbench rocking back and forth in rhythm with his leg lifts, classical music playing intermittently on the old Zenith radio in the basement. I went skating with him on school nights more than I should have, my word accepted far too readily that my homework was complete. We played catch in the backyard every summer, from Little League all the way through high school. I can still throw the knuckleball he taught me.
Next month will be 25 years since he died. I have hung on all this time to his old weights, his nicked leather skates, his trusty first baseman’s mitt.
They are the tangible relics of what we shared, testament to how dedicated he was to get better. If I hold these things, I hear his voice, clear as day, and that is precisely what makes cleaning out the basement now so difficult.
The cellar is full of paint cans, vinyl LPs, an old radio here, a bunch of broken hockey sticks there. Too much. Old clothes, bric-a-brac, bits of hardware, scrapbooks, entire newspapers. Junk. I know there really never will be a good time to let it all go. Right or wrong, now’s the time.
My father’s Healthways Hollywood weights are headed to the dustbin. They were the work, the worry, the way back. In his feet and hands, they were what gave him strength. Having the muscle to let it go is a much different story.
Kevin Paul Dupont’s ‘‘On Second Thought’’ appears on Page 2 of the Sunday Globe Sports section. He can be reached at dupont@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeKPD.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger: Obsession With Size & Increased Drug Use Is Killing Bodybuilders
By Greg Patuto -
July 26, 2022
Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to speak out on the current state of bodybuilding.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has been successful in many avenues over the course of his life. It began when he made a name for himself on the bodybuilding stage and is still known as the best to ever do it. Recently, the seven-time Olympia champion has spoken out about some of the dangers in the sport. This includes an obsession with size and how dangerous it can be.
There has been many bodybuilding deaths over the last year that have hit the sport hard. Shawn Rhoden and George Peterson passed away suddenly at the end of 2021. Cedric McMillan also died in April due to heart complications. In a recent interview with Insider, Schwarzenegger claims that athletes are becoming “too obsessed” with size.
“THEY HAVE TAKEN IT, IN MY OPINION, TOO FAR. IT HAS GOTTEN TOO COMPETITIVE. THEY’RE GONNA TAKE MORE AND MORE STUFF THAT THEY’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO, AND SOMETIMES IT KILLS PEOPLE.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger Touches On Competitors Interest In “Size, Size, Size”
Arnold Schwarzenegger joined Insider over a Zoom call to discuss some topics in the sport. Schwarzenegger remains an influential voice around bodybuilding and continues to focus on his own health to this day.
READ MORE: Bodybuilders Are Dying: An Investigation Into Modern Bodybuilding, Health, & PED Use
Schwarzenegger became known for his freakish physique and incredible strength at a young age. Now, he explained how the weight continues to rise in the gym and competitors are doing more harm than good.
“THE MORE EXTREME IT GETS AND THE MORE COMPETITIVE THE TOP ATHLETES GET, THE MORE THEY ARE LIFTING WEIGHTS THAT THE BODY WAS NOT MEANT FOR,” SCHWARZENEGGER SAID.
The use of steroids is obviously common in bodybuilding and compared with heavy weight, competitors are able to build championship physiques. But at what cost? This has been the discussion over the last year.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reiterated the health risks around the substances that are being taken.
“SOMETIMES THEY ARE TAKING DRUGS THAT ARE DAMAGING FOR THEIR HEALTH AND ARE MAKING THEM SO STRONG THAT THE TENDONS AND BONES WERE NOT MEANT FOR THAT WEIGHT, SO THEN IT GETS INTO A REALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger made sure to state that there are plenty of dangers in other sports as well. He used skiing as an example. While it might be a recreational activity for some to do during a vacation, competitive skiing is fast-paced and could be dangerous at times.
Schwarzenegger also believes that the overall benefits of bodybuilding “have been tremendous” around the world. The interest in physical fitness and development of the industry has been huge over the last 50 years.
“THERE’S A GYM IN EVERY HOTEL, EVERY YMCA, EVERY SPORTS CLUB, EVERY UNIVERSITY, EVERY COLLEGE, EVERY HIGH SCHOOL, EVERY POLICE STATION, EVERY FIRE STATION, EVERY MILITARY BASE, I MEAN, EVERYWHERE.”
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Greg Patuto
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.
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MUSCLE BEACH PARTY ...1964 FILM STARRING FRANKIE AVALON AND ANNETTE FUNICELLO
Muscle Beach Party, produced in 1964, is the second of seven beach party films by American International Pictures. It stars Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello and was directed by William Asher.
Dick Dale and the Del-Tones and Stevie Wonder appear in musical numbers, the latter aged thirteen and making his film debut, billed as "Little Stevie Wonder."
The movie was released two days after Peter Lorre's death.
SYNOPSIS
Frankie, Dee Dee and the beach party gang hit Malibu Beach for yet another summer of surfing and no jobs, only to find their secret surfing spot threatened by a gang of bodybuilders led by the dim-witted coach Jack Fanny (Don Rickles). All the while a bored Italian countess (Luciana Paluzzi) is trying to steal Frankie from Dee Dee and, much to everyone's surprise, he seems more than happy to go along with it. Her plan is to turn him into a teen idol, not unlike Frankie Avalon's real-life persona.
Due to some razzing from his former surfing buddies and advice from wealthy S.Z. Matts (Buddy Hackett), Frankie sees the error of his ways and goes back to his American beach bunny, Dee Dee.
CAST
Frankie Avalon as Frankie
Annette Funicello as Dee Dee
Luciana Paluzzi as Contessa Juliana ("Julie") Giotto-Borgini
John Ashley as Johnny
Don Rickles as Jack Fanny
Peter Turgeon as Theodore
Jody McCrea as Deadhead
Dick Dale as Himself
Candy Johnson .... Candy
Rock Stevens (Peter Lupus) .... Flex Martian
Valora Noland .... Animal
Delores Wells .... Sniffles
Donna Loren .... Donna
Morey Amsterdam .... Cappy
Little Stevie Wonder .... Himself
Buddy Hackett .... S.Z. Matts (rich business manager)
Dan Haggerty .... Biff
Larry Scott .... Rock
Gordon Case .... Tug
Gene Shuey .... Riff
Chester Yorton .... Hulk
Bob Seven .... Sulk
Steve Merjanian .... Clod
Alberta Nelson .... Lisa, Jack Fanny's assistant
Amadee Chabot .... Flo, Jack Fanny's assistant
Peter Lorre .... Mr. Strangdour
CAST NOTES
Funicello reprises her character from Beach Party, although in this film (and three others that follow) she is referred to as "Dee Dee", as opposed to "Dolores." John Ashley's character, previously called "Ken", is now known as "Johnny."
Harvey Lembeck's Eric von Zipper character and his Rats gang from Beach Party are absent in this film, although they appear in Bikini Beach, Pajama Party. Harvey Lembeck's Eric von Zipper character and his Rats gang from Beach Party are absent in this film, although they appear in Bikini Beach, Pajama Party, Beach Blanket Bingo, How to Stuff a Wild Bikini, and The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini. Lembeck as von Zipper (but sans Rats gang) also appears in a cameo in Dr. Goldfoot and the Bikini Machine. Lembeck also appeared in Fireball 500, another Avalon-Funicello vehicle, as an entirely different character. Peter Lorre appears briefly near the end of the film and there is a notice explaining that he will appear in the next installment of the series. Lorre died in March 1964; thus, this was his only appearance in the series.
PRODUCTION NOTES
Before production, producer Martin Ransohoff was going to make a film called Muscle Beach based on Ira Wallach's satirical novel. This was eventually made as Don't Make Waves (1967)
NOVELIZATION
A 141-page paperback adaptation of the screenplay, written by Elsie Lee, was published prior to the release of the film by Lancer Books.
JACK FANNY'S BODYBUILDERS
In the above-cited paperback adaptation, the Jack Fanny character introduces his bodybuilders as Biff, Rock, Tug, Riff, Sulk, Mash and Clod, whereas in the film he calls them Biff, Rock, Tug, Riff, Sulk, Hulk, and Clod.
In two separate sequences, the latter version of these names is seen printed on their shirts.
Larry Scott, who played Rock, was well known in the bodybuilding world at the time and became the first Mr. Olympia. Due to his preference for a piece of gym equipment commonly known as the Preacher Bench, the bench also became known as the Scott Curl Bench. Gene Shuey who played Riff, and Chester Yorton who played Hulk, were also well known in the bodybuilding circuit. Peter Lupus (aka "Rock Stevens") was also a champion bodybuilder himself, holding the titles of Mr. Indianapolis, Mr. Indiana, Mr. Hercules, and Mr. International Health Physique. He is best known as Willy Armitage, the strong, mostly silent, member of the IMF team in Mission Impossible from 1966 to 1973.
COSTUMES AND PROPS
The swimsuits were designed by Rose Marie Reid; Buddy Hackett's clothes were from Mr. Guy of Los Angeles; and the hat that Deadhead wears was designed by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth.
The surfboards used in the film were by Phil of Downey, California – aka Phil Sauers, the maker of "Surfboards of the Stars." Sauers was also the stunt coordinator for another beach party film that used his surfboards, Columbia Pictures' Ride the Wild Surf, which was released later the same year. Sauers was even portrayed in that film as a character by Mark LaBuse.
The "globe" telephone cover on Mr. Strangdour's desk is the same one in Norma Desmond's home in the film Sunset Blvd.
MUSIC
The original score for this film, like Beach Party before it, was composed by Les Baxter.
Roger Christian, Gary Usher and Brian Wilson (of The Beach Boys) wrote six songs for the film:
"Surfer's Holiday" performed by Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello and the cast;
"Runnin' Wild" performed by Frankie Avalon;
"My First Love" and "Muscle Beach Party," both performed by Dick Dale and His Del-Tones;
"Muscle Bustle" performed by Donna Loren with Dick Dale and His Del-Tones; and
"Surfin' Woodie" performed a cappella by Dick Dale with the cast.
Guy Hemric and Jerry Styner wrote two songs for the film:
"Happy Street" performed by Little Stevie Wonder; and"A Girl Needs a Boy" first performed by Annette Funicello, then reprised by Frankie Avalon as "A Boy Needs a Girl."
OPENING TITLE ART
The colorful, hand-painted mural that is shown in full and in detail as background during the opening credits is by California artist Michael Dormer, whose surfer cartoon character, "Hot Curl" can also be glimpsed throughout the film.
DELETED SCENE
Although the end titles provide a credit reading, "Muscle Mao Mao Dance Sequence Choreographed by John Monte, National Dance Director, Fred Astaire Studios", no such sequence is found in the films release pints.
RECEPTION
John L. Scott of the Los Angeles Times called it "a romantic, slightly satirical film comedy with songs which should prove popular with members of the two younger sets it concerns — surfers and musclemen — and with oldsters who don't mind the juvenile antics." Variety wrote that "the novelty of surfing has worn off, leaving in its wake little more than a conventional teenage-geared romantic farce with songs ... Whenever the story bogs down, which it does quite often, someone runs into camera range and yells, 'surf's up!' This is followed by a series of cuts of surfers in action. It's all very mechanical." The Monthly Film Bulletin stated, "Indifferently scripted, and lacking the brightening presence of Dorothy Malone and Bob Cummings, this is an excruciatingly unfunny and unattractive sequel to Beach Party. William Asher's direction remains quite bright, but that is about all that can be said for the film."
The Golden Laurel, which had no ceremony but published its award results in the trade magazine Motion Picture Exhibitor from 1958 to 1971, nominated Annette Funicello for "Best Female Musical Performance" for this film in 1965.
The film was banned in Burma, along with Ski Party, Bikini Beach and Beach Blanket Bingo.
CULTURE REFERENCE
Don Rickles' character name "Jack Fanny" is based on then-popular bodybuilder and gym entrepreneur (and usually sharp-dressed) Vic Tanny. The forename "Jack" might also be a reference to another then-popular fitness instructor, bodybuilder, and gym-entrepreneur, Jack LaLanne.
Julie's remark to an angry Dee Dee, "Have you tried Miltown?" is in reference to the drug Miltown by Wallace Laboratories, a carbamate derivative used as an anxiolytic drug – it was the best-selling minor tranquilizer at the time.
Cappy's Place in this film (and Big Daddy's club in the preceding Beach Party) is a reference to Southern California beach coffeehouses in general and Cafe Frankenstein in particular.
This is the second and last time Avalon or any other "teenager" in the cast smokes cigarettes onscreen in the series – the Surgeon General's report on smoking was released on January 11, 1964, while Muscle Beach Party was being filmed.
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https://www.setforset.com/blogs/news/history-of-weight-training
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https://plagueofstrength.com/scott-captain-boulder-shoulders-wilson-the-unsung-hero-of-the-arnold-years-of-bodybuilding/ SCOTT “CAPTAIN BOULDER SHOULDERS” WILSON- THE UNSUNG HERO OF THE ARNOLD YEARS OF BODYBUILDING
PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 3, 2019BY JAMIE CHAOS
Though it’s entirely possible you have never heard of this dude, in the early 1980’s everyone who knew anything about lifting knew who Scott Wilson was. He’s mentioned on the first page of the iconic Gold’s Gym Book of Bodybuilding, along with people like Arnold, Franco, and Rachel McLish- aka, the most elite of the elite at the time- and he was on more magazine covers than any bodybuilder not named Arnold in his competitive years. Trouble was, in the early 1980s, bodybuilding was about as awesome as it’s ever been, barring the early 90s- every weirdo who lived within 10 miles of a gym was crushing weights and steak and climbing up onstage to do battle. “Scientific” training consisted of going to biology class, then swallowing as much protein and d-bol as possible before benching four hundred for reps. These were not antiseptic gyms filled with sterile eunuchs fiddle-fucking around with foam rollers for 45 minutes before lifting paper weights per their expensive, shitbox coach’s program- these were old school, gritty, non-airconditioned gladiator pits filled with bad motherfuckers who were out to snap necks and cash checks. Well, not so much the latter, as there was no fucking money in it. Instead of the Gram, “getting official numbers,” and “being natty af” and not lifting shit, this was about stuff no one in the modern era seems to give a fuck about- pride, ego, and badassery.
Twice in history have there been such a spate of badasses in the sport of bodybuilding that people who had been born a decade earlier or later may well have been the face of the sport- the Arnold years and the Yates years. During those decades, so heavy was the competition that innovative lifters with sick physiques and cool personalities occasionally failed to reach prominence, because there were just so many crazy physiques at the time that the industry had to make some picks… and at the time Weider only picked athletes who endorsed their supplements. This is the tale of one of those men, a man with shoulders so fucking broad that until the recent glut of ridiculous synthol-infused shoulders, only Bruce Randall could block out more of the sun- Scott Wilson.
This lineup is a who’s who of 70s and 80s bodybuilders- the ageless Albert Beckles, Scott Wilson, always-the-bridesmaid-never-the-bride Boyer Coe, utter psychopath in the gym Jusup Wilcosz, and mixed pairs (yeah, they used to have mixed pairs bodybuilding) specialist Tony Pearson.
I recall reading about Scott Wilson early on in some bodybuilding books I purchased second hand, and my takeaways in reading about Scott Wilson is that no mere mortal could complete his workouts without an 8 ball of cocaine, a 20 oz t-bone for periworkout nutrition, and enough exogenous testosterone to drown a Brahma bull. His training schedule was so fucking ridiculous that it will probably make kids from Reddit vomit expletives and lengthy missives about steroid use and overtraining while they skip yet another workout to debate the latest useless Pubmed training study. We’re talking about a dude who said,
“If 15-18 hard sets per bodypart gave me the type of muscle mass and quality necessary to win one pro show, then 30-40 sets would certainly give me even more muscle mass and quality, and I’d win a bigger pro competition. If 4-5 workouts per week, two sessions for each major muscle group did the trick in Portland, then 6-7 days of training three times a week for each major muscle group would be better” (Weider 148).
Oh, it gets far, far more insane than that. As even a T-1000 would wear out parts and shred its human flesh doing 90 to 120 goddamned sets per bodypart, per week, Wilson burned himself right the fuck out trying to snatch the Mr. O crown off his competitors’ heads. Thus, he dropped all cardio and cut his sessions to exactly 60 minutes a day, training six to seven times a week with a full weekend off every two weeks. That’s right- he thought that he was damn near slacking when he started taking a total of four to five days off per month. Not the modern, faux-science-ordained week off once a month on top of three days off a week- exactly four to five non-training days per month was his idea of completely reasonable. Then, just to be safe, he decided to take a little break every three weeks and keep his abused, tenderized, and fried carcass on the couch for two weeks every three months (Weider 149).
Did I mention that he competed in Chet Yorton’s drug-tested federation for three years? Yeah, fuck that bullshit about natty bros not being able to recover from hard training.
Given that Wilson’s volume was likely triple or quintuple your own, you might be thinking he was weak as a kitten as a result. On the contrary, Wilson managed a near elite powerlifting total of 1760 with a 625 squat, 470 bench, and 665 deadlift (the AAU elite total was 1825) after doing a meet on a whim in his bodybuilding off-season (and I realize there are heavier totals attributed to Scott, but they were ridiculous poundages and utterly lacked citations). Thus, at 5’10”, 215lbs, and rocking 20″ arms and a 24″ unpumped shoulder width measurement, Scott Wilson was officially a bad guy in any gym or bodybuilding competition he entered.
If he’d been born 20 years later, he’d only have posed to “Big Pimpin’.”
To say that Scott Wilson was more dedicated to the weights before or after him is an understatement- he sold the bicycle his mom won for him on a game show to buy a set of weights as a kid. – this guy was dedicated from an early age. After entering and winning the Mr. San Diego contest on a dare from his friends, Wilson won the Mr. California, Mr. America, Mr. International, and the Portland Grand Prix. Though he never took the ultimate bodybuilding crown by winning the Olympia, the man had a physique that kept his competitive with the bodybuilding elite for over 25 years during a time when bodybuilding peaked not once but twice.
Scott Wilson’s Ridiculously Extensive Contest History
1973 Amateur Mr. San Diego- 1st
1974 AAU Mr. California 1st
1975 AAU Mr. America 6th
1975 AAU Mr. America 3rd (Pro Card)
1976 WBBG Pro Mr. America 1st
1978 NBA Natural Mr. America 5th (Professional)
1979 NBA Natural Mr. America 3rd (Professional)
1980 IFBB Mr. International 2nd (Heavyweight)
1981 IFBB Canada Pro Cup 7th
1981 IFBB Mr. International 1st (Heavyweight and Overall)
1983 IFBB Grand Prix Denver 6th
1983 IFBB Grand Prix Portland 1st
1983 IFBB World Pro Championships 5th
1984 IFBB Canada Pro Cup 6th
1984 IFBB World Grand Prix 6th
1984 IFBB World Pro Championships9th
1985 IFBB Night of Champions 14th
1986 IFBB Los Angeles Pro Championships 10th
1986 IFBB World Pro Championships 12th
1987 IFBB Night of Champions DNP
1988 IFBB Grand Prix US Pro 4th
1988 IFBB Niagara Falls Pro Invitational 8th
1988 IFBB World Pro Championships 6th
1994 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia 11th
1999 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia 10th
2000 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia 8th
According to Mark Reifkind, Wilson’s training partner throughout the 1980s, Scott’s placings were never due to his conditioning or size, but rather due to the fact that he despised posing and refuse to practice it (and the fact he endorsed the supplements of a company not named Weider). Thus, if you’ve a mind to compete and think posing is just an afterthought, think again.
You can almost hear demons sing when you stare at his delts.
Scott Wilson’s Valhalla-Style Training Routine
(Because he was endlessly battling legendary figures)
Shoulders
Seated Behind the Neck Press: 5 x 6-10
Dumbbell Side Laterals: 5 x 6-10
Dumbbell Bent Laterals: 5 x 6-10
I will agree that this program is extremely anti-climactic, after looking for it for a couple of years. I expected it to be four straight hours of ebola-style bleeding through the pores, with a pump so big your skin would rip halfways through and you could only complete it with liberal applications of super glue. One major takeaway here, though, is that the dudes with huge shoulders in the pre-synthol years relied extremely heavily on behind the neck presses.
Back
Deadlift: 5 x 5 reps
Bent Barbell Row: 5 x 6-8 reps
T-Bar Row: 5 x 6-8 reps
Pulldowns (Front or Back): 5 x 8 reps
One Arm Dumbbell Row: 5 x 8 reps
Barbell Shrug: 5 x 8 reps
Upright Row: 5 x 8 reps
In Scott Wilson’s time, people actually used this mystical art called autoregulation. Instead of asking faceless, uncredentialed and generally uneducated strangers insipid training questions or hiring a “coach,” they figured it out themselves. It was a wild time. Wilson claimed his back was always a weak area, from the time he won the Mr. California in 1973 until about 14 years later, and that he had trouble isolating his lats. His solution? He started doing trisets of barbell bent rows, lat machine pulldowns to the front of his neck, and t-bar rows, which took his massive arms out of the equation and allowed him to bring up his back in a hurry… without ever asking a single person he didn’t know for their unqualified opinion on his approach (Weider 135).
Chest
Incline Barbell Press: 4-5 x 6-8
Barbell Bench Press: 4-5 x 6-8
Incline Dumbbell Flyes: 4-5 x 8-10
Pec Deck Flyes: 4-5 x 8-10
Legs
Leg Extension (Warm up) 2-3 x 15-20
Squats: 6 x 15-6 (adding weight each set, obviously)
Machine Hack Squats: 4 x 10-15
Leg Extensions: 4 x 10-15
Sissy Squats: 2-3 x 10-15
Lying Leg Curls: 3-4 x 8-10
Standing Leg Curls: 3-4 x 8-10
Wilson wasn’t one of these fitspo pussies all the rage on the Gram these days. “One day (me being a stupid kid) I asked Scott how big his arms were. He replied, joking, ‘at least twice the size of yours.'” – Darren Monahan
Biceps
Wide-Grip EZ Bar Preacher Curls: 4 x 6-10
Close-Grip EZ Bar Preacher Curls: 4 x 6-10
Standing Barbell Curls: 4 x 6-10
Incline Dumbbell Curls: 4 x 6-10
Seated Dumbbell Concentration Curls: 4 x 6-10
My man would have given ancient Greek sculptors fatal cases of priapism.
Triceps
Lying Barbell Extensions: 5 x 6-10
Close Grip Bench Press: 5 x 6-10
Pulley Pushdowns: 5 x 6-10
Tragically, I couldn’t find anything on the man’s diet beyond a short quote about his competition diet, that he loved huffing his training partner’s post workout doughnuts, and that his cheat day feeding frenzies were on the order of the Saxons’ eating habits. (Reifkind). Given that everyone in that era bulked hard as hell and then cut on crazily low calorie bland food, I’d venture to guess that’s what he did as well. In his words, for a competition diet you should
“Start your diet early and keep on schedule. Once you get behind on your diet, you can never get back on schedule without sacrificing valuable muscle size. Generally speaking, the more bland your diet is, the more valuable it is when seeking peak contest muscularity” (Weider 467).
His supplementation regimen was even more old school. According to his son, he didn’t stay up on the trends after he quit bodybuilding, and according to his training partner, his endorsement of non-Weider supplements was what sunk his career.
“One day I had mentioned using pre-workout powders, and he said “What’s that?” I explained to him the common ingredients, their purpose, etc. and he said ‘Oh yeah, we had that. We called it coffee'” (Aaron).
In spite of the fact that he trained like he there was a kill team ready to execute his family if he slacked in the gym, he definitely maintained a sense of humor about it. Basically the Rodney Dangerfield of 1980s bodybuilding, Wilson was notorious for loving to hate lifting. When asked what his favorite exercises were, he said, “None. I hate them all equally.” He paused, considering, and then continued with, “on second thought, I guess I prefer the ones that allow me to lay down” (Aaron).
In a weird move, the universe snatched away both of the epic Scott Wilsons of the world this year (the Walking Dead/Way of the Gun actor died in October), and given the fact this man lived and died tragically overlooked due to the ridiculous competition he faced, I channeled my inner Buliwyf because “A man might be thought wealthy if someone were to draw the story of his deeds, that they may be remembered.” Given that this Scott Wilson would have insisted on having zombies in a fucking show about zombies if he had been involved, he deserves far more accolades than the other one does anyway. So when you next decide to have a drink, throw a toast up to Scott Wilson, one of the baddest bodybuilders of whom you’d likely never before heard before today, and from whom we can all definitely stand to learn a thing or two.
Sources:
Aaron, Scott. Personal correspondence. 18 Dec 2018.
Grymkowski, Peter, Edward Connors, Tim Kimber, and Bill Reynolds. The Gold’s Gym Training Encyclopedia. Chicago: Contemporary Books, Inc., 1984.
Ladon, Jacob. Veteran old school bodybuilder and powerlifter Scott Wilson passes away at age 67. Generation Iron. 7 May 2018. Web. 29 December 2018. https://generationiron.com/veteran-old-school-bodybuilder-and-powerlifter-scott-wilson-passes-away-at-age-67/
Reifkind, Mark. Scott WIlson from start to winish. Risfblog. 19 Dec 2006. Web. 2 Jan 2019. http://rifsblog.blogspot.com/2006/12/scott-wilson-from-start-to-finish.html
Sprague, Ken and Bill Reynolds. The Gold’s Gym Book of Bodybuilding. Chicago: Contemporary Books, Inc., 1983.
Weider, Joe and Bill Reynolds. Joe Weider’s Ultimate Bodybuilding. Chicago: Contemporary Books, Inc., 1989.
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BILL PEARL ... 1975 INTERVIEW CONDUCTED BY CONOR HEFFERMAN
CONOR:
Your approach to training has always been to use heavy weights for quality lasting muscle. It was in articles about your training as far back as 1953. You always combined pushing movements and lateral movements for total development of all three heads of the deltoid muscle. Will you update us on your deltoid training?
BILL:
If you know enough about anatomy, you understand that you have three deltoid heads, all of which are important in competition bodybuilding.
The posterior delt., the smallist of the three, is nearly as important as the lateral and front heads. When I make out a delt routine, I make sure to include exercises for each head.
I have always been impressed with weightlifters’ deltoids. Years ago, they convinced me that the way to obtain thick deltoids is with overhead presses. Therefore, I became a firm believer in heavy behind neck, military and dumbbell presses.
The posterior deltoid’s seem to get lost in the shuffle because one seldom gets to see the muscle in action. It is lacking on some bodybuilders because they do little to attack that area. I stress bent-over exercises and incline exercises facing into an incline-bench.
CONOR:
How many days a week do you work your delts?
BILL:
For best results, three days a week, I work them only twice a week now because business affairs and my road cycling training keep me pretty busy.
CONOR:
Suppose you wanted to get them in top shape for a contest, what would you do for them starting at this point?
BILL:
I’d do military presses, five sets, five reps, medium grip. I believe small muscle groups like deltoids, biceps, even pectorals respond very well with low repetitions. I think the large muscle groups like thighs and back respond better on high repetitions. Therefore, on deltoids I keep my repetitions at five for virtually everything I do. On lateral movements I might raise the reps to eight to affect a stricter style.
CONOR:
Would you do them sitting or standing?
BILL:
Either way, but whatever I started my program with that’s what I’d stay with.
CONOR:
Would ou take the weight off the rack or clean it to the shoulder for pressing?
BILL:
I would take it off the rack.
CONOR:
You mentioned laterals. Is there a specific way you do them like rotating the arms inward in a “coffee pouring” movement?
BILL:
My second exercise would be lateral raises. I raise them slightly above shoulder level, to the side only, not the front. I don’t think rotating the hand one way or the other is necessary. I’d do five sets of eight reps. I would space the sets about the time it would take a training partner to do his set.
CONOR:
Would you move that fast on your heavy military presses?
BILL:
Yes, but naturally your poundages will suffer. Fast sets is certainly not the way to handle heavy poundages. The main idea is to work the muscle the best you possible can. When it gets tired, 135 pounds can feel as heavy as 185 pounds. If a muscle is working 80 percent of its maximum, regardless of the weight, it’s the most you can ask of it. Weight isn’t the important factor. Muscle movement is a function of the training conditions set up for it. If you make the conditions difficult, the muscle works hard with less weight.
CONOR:
Following your laterals what exercise do you do?
BILL:
Press behind the neck with a medium-wide grip, seated. I let each rep rest on my shoulders before pressing back up again. I would not brace my back against anything because there is too much chance for cheating. Even in my military presses I don’t believe in cheating or partial movements. I let it down to my shoulders, stop, and press back up without any bounce. I will hold my breath through the press movement up, and exhale as I lower it. I tell my students to always take a deep breath at the start of an exercise and exhale at the finish of it. You can’t go wrong on your breathing that way.
CONOR:
You’ve done movements for the front and lateral delts, so where to from there?
BILL:
I’d do some kind of rear deltoid exercise, I’d do bent-over laterals. The movement is the same as lateral raises standing, but bent-over. However, you have to raise them forward, more like in a swan dive position. If you raise them directly sideways, you’ll get more back than rear deltoid. You try to move them in and arc about eight inches ahead of the shoulders. It isn’t necessary to brace the head against anything. Again, eight repetitions, five sets on all lateral movements. I stop the weight momentarily at the tip of the movement, and also at the bottom. I don’t like to cheat them. Back to the standing laterals. I don’t like to do them where you bring the dumbbells together in front of you at the start of the movement. You get a flying start on the movement that merely lessens the effect of the resistance. Keep the elbows slightly bent. That prevents the movement form being too restricted.
CONOR:
That’s a total of 20 sets. Does that conclude your deltoid training? Do you vary it at all?
BILL:
That’s it, 10 sets, five sets of five reps on the pressing movements. five sets of eight on the lateral movements. I may do upright rows in place of the standing laterals. The military press and press behind the neck I do without fail, all year long. I might occasionally exchange the military press for double-dumbbell presses now and then. The bulk of the deltoid work would lie in the presses. The lateral movements I do mainly for the rear deltoids. Remember, most of the pectoral exercise like incline presses and prones get the front deltoid also. It’s easy to develop out balance if you don’t do rear deltoid work.
CONOR:
You’ve always considered the trapezius an important muscle. It’s naturally involved in deltoid training to some degree. Do you work it along with your deltoid routine?
BILL:
No, I work the trapezius along with my back routine.
CONOR:
Do you do anything special to chisel in extra cuts before a contest?
BILL:
I would think that chiseling in extra cuts would be more a function of diet than anything extra you might do. If you’re on a meat and water diet for six months, roughly speaking, and you don’t get cuts, I don’t think you’re ever going to get them regardless of what you do with the weights.
CONOR:
What other body parts do you work with your deltoids?
BILL:
Chest, shoulders, and legs I work together. I start out with my chest because that was my weakest point. Shoulder work has always been my favorite. I enjoy it.
CONOR:
Doesn’t chest work tire your deltoids?
BILL:
Even if it did, it wouldn’t matter because I wasn’t trying to be Paul Anderson. Lifting a lot of weight wasn’t my goal. Like I said, I merely shift the amount of weight downward and continue. Development, not strength is the keynote.
CONOR:
Have you ever had a severe shoulder injury?
BILL:
Yes. It was stupidity. I had enough forewarning. I continued to train through the pain until the shoulder finally gave way. It was not sudden injury. The months of setbacks aren’t worth it.
CONOR:
Since you work heavy on deltoids , how would you caution someone to approach the program so as to avoid injury.
BILL:
Warm up. The initial set should be very light. The sets can then become progressively heavier. This applies mainly to the heavy movements like presses or squats. I don’t have to use the progressive system on lateral deltoid movements. The smallest of the muscle group and the type of movements used for it don’t necessitate it. I wouldn’t take 500 pounds off a rack and attempt to squat with it without a warm up. However, I’ll warm-up wherever and whenever necessary. The whole purpose of training is being in top shape so you can go on training all your life.
CONOR:
You look like you’ve been taking your youth pills, Bill. How old are you?
BILL:
I’m 45. I’m still doing fine.
CONOR:
You won Mr. America in 1953. What did you weigh then?
BILL:
193 pounds. My highest was 241. The longer I stayed in there training, the bigger I got. Even the kids today, they’re bigger they they were in the earlier years of bodybuilding. The training concepts are fundamentally the same. Perhaps they are more highly motivated. I think it’s a matter of stiffer competition with the great growth of the game. Motivation is stronger, maybe. It’s the same as the four-minute mile. When the barrier was cracked, it became easier for others in some mysterious way.
CONOR:
How would you start a beginner on a deltoid routine? You’d start them with presses and what else?
BILL:
No, I don’t start them with presses because of the injury problem. I would slant it toward upright rowing and incline laterals. I would consitute the pectoral exercise as part of the deltoid exercise. I would add lateral raises. As he went into the second and third programs I’ve set up for him, I would give him some kind of pressing movements. He’d use dumbbells instead of barbells. I’d work him slowly, avoid any chance for injury. I’d suggest three sets on any exercise. Not many people at that stage can settle down to six days a week training, two to three hours at a time. Twenty sets is strictly big time. The average bodybuilder can’t do it. If you’re a bench press specialist, you should incorporate some kind of rear deltoid work into your training. Not ten sets of rear deltoid exercises for six months, rather five sets for as long as you insist on bench pressing. You must take a very long range view in this matter of development.
CONOR:
A concluding question, Bill – how long do you think it would take a fellow starting from scratch to get to the point where he could win Mr. California?
BILL:
Five years, minimum. Most Mr. America’s average eight years. I won Mr. America after three years of training. I was big and raw-boned. I was lucky. Also, the competition back in 1953 wasn’t what it is today. At any rate, to reach the top, you have to make bodybuilding a large part of your life. You must be gainfully occupied or employed. Idleness and bodybuilding have never mixed. The best bodybuilders invariably have always been the busiest with outside affairs, school, jobs, purposes, or what not. Actions compliment one another. Action is life. Success in bodybuilding depends on it.
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https://blendjet.com/products/blendjet-2
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"I saw a guy at the gym tonight wearing a hoodie and on the back it said "Hoodie On World Off". I think this perfectly encapsulates the problem with gyms today. 20-30 years ago, before cell phones, the gym was a great place to hang out. A good gym would have good guys in there who liked to train hard but there was always a sense of camaraderie in the gym, people would talk to each other, bust each other's balls and spot each other. It was a good atmosphere and a fun place to be. Today, people put their head phones on and pull the hoodies over their head and escape into their own world. At least 80% of the gym is on their phones during the workout, texting between sets and totally ignoring everyone around them. People do their own thing and won't even look at anyone else. if you ask someone to work in on an exercise, they look at you like you're crazy because you're invading their private space. These cell phones are having a horrible effect on society, probably more than we even realize. They are addicting and they encourage isolation and, eventually, depression and increased stress. I highly recommend that the next time you workout, shut your phone off. Put it in your gym bag, your locker or your car. Leave it off until you leave the gym. Look around and enjoy your surroundings, really focus on the muscles you are working - feel the pump and the contraction of the muscles. If you run across someone who isn't immersed in their phones and doesn't have head phones on, maybe you'll meet someone new or get a spot from a fellow gym member. By "turning the world off", you are missing the fun and the joyful experience that comes from having a good workout and really enjoying the experience of training in a gym. You don't need to take 20 selfies and videos of you in the gym to have a productive workout and you don't need to act so serious and shut out the world around you. Enjoy the experience while you can! Trust me, it goes by fast!!"
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n 1928 Kasper Berg of Berg Barbell began making "the first modern Olympic barbell." The Berg Barbell was used in the 1928 Amsterdam Olympic games and soon thereafter York Barbell company, Jackson Barbell and others began copying, thereby standardizing the Berg Olympic barbell.
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CHUCK NORRIS ... MARTIAL ARTIST / ACTOR
Carlos Ray "Chuck" Norris was born in Ryan, Oklahoma, in 1940, to Wilma Scarberry and Ray Dee Norris, a World War II Army soldier. Chuck was the oldest of three brothers.
When Norris was sixteen, his parents divorced, and he later relocated to Prairie Village, Kansas and then to Torrance, California, with his mother and brothers.
Chuck has described his childhood as downbeat. He was nonathletic, shy, and scholastically mediocre. His father, "Red", went on alcohol drinking binges that lasted for months at a time.
Embarrassed by his father's behavior and the family's financial plight, Norris developed a debilitating introversion that lasted for his entire childhood.
Chuck joined the United States Air Force as an Air Policeman (AP) in 1958, and was sent to Osan Air Base, South Korea. It was there that he acquired the nickname "Chuck" and began his training in Tang Soo Do (tangsudo), an interest that led to black belts in that art and the founding of the Chun Kuk Do ("Universal Way") form.
When Norris returned to the United States, he continued to serve as an AP at March Air Force Base in California. He was discharged from the U.S. Air Force in 1962.
Following his military service, Norris applied to become a police officer in Torrance, California. While on the waiting list, he established his first martial arts studio.
In 1962, Chuck began to participate in martial arts competitions. He was defeated in his first two tournaments, dropping decisions to Joe Lewis and Allen Steen. He lost three matches at the International Karate Championships to Tony Tulleners. By 1967, he scored victories over the likes of Vic Moore.
Chuck won the 1967 Tournament of Karate, by defeating seven opponents, until his final fight with Skipper Mullins.
That year, 1967, Norris was declared champion at the S. Henry Cho's All-American Karate Championship at the Madison Square Garden, taking the title from Julio LaSalle and defeating Joe Lewis.
During this time, Chuck also worked for the Northrop Corporation and opened a chain of karate schools, including a storefront school in his hometown of Torrance, California.
Chuck's official website lists celebrity clients at the schools; among them Steve McQueen, Chad McQueen, Bob Barker, Priscilla Presley, Donny Osmond and Marie Osmond.
In early 1968, Norris suffered the tenth and final loss of his career, losing an upset decision to Louis Delgado. Later, that year, he avenged his defeat to Delgado and by doing so won the Professional Middleweight Karate champion title, which he then held for six consecutive years.
Norris successfully defended his All-American Karate Championship title, in a round robin tournament, at the Karate Tournament of Champions of North America. Again that year, he won for the second time, The All-American Karate Championship. It was the last time Norris participated and retired undefeated.
Norris met Bruce Lee, who was known for the TV series, The Green Hornet. They developed a lasting training and working relationship.
In 1969, Norris defended his world champion title at the International Karate Championship. He not only retained his title, but won Karate's triple crown for the most tournament wins of the year, including the Fighter of the Year award, by Black Belt magazine.
The same year, Norris made his acting debut in the Dean Martin film, The Wrecking Crew.
In 1972, Chuck dubbed as Bruce Lee's nemesis in Way of the Dragon. The film grossed $5,307,350.50, beating previous records set by Lee's own films, The Big Boss and Fist of Fury.
Way of the Dragon went on to gross an estimated U S $130 million worldwide. The film is credited with launching Norris toward stardom.
In 1974, Steve McQueen observed Chuck's potential and encouraged him to begin acting classes at MGM.
Norris wrote Winning Tournament Karate in 1975. The book covers all phases of executing speedy attacks, conditioning, fighting form drills, and one-step sparring techniques.
Norris's first film-starring role was 1977's Breaker! Breaker!. The low budget film turned out to be very successful.
In 1978, Norris starred in Good Guys Wear Black. No studio wanted to touch it, therefore, his producers four-walled it, rented theaters and pocketed whatever money came in.
Good Guys Wear Black, produced on a $1 million budget, eventually
grossed over $18 million.
In 1987, Chuck published the New York Times Best Seller,The Secret of Inner Strength.
Norris married Dianne Holechek, in 1958. He was 18 years of age and she,
17 years old. In 1962, their first child, Mike, was born.
Following 30 years of marriage, Norris and Holechek divorced in 1989, during the filming of The Delta Force 2.
In 1998, Chuck married former model Gena O'Kelley, 23 years his junior. She had two children from a previous marriage. She delivered twins in 2001.
In 2004, Norris informed Mary Hart, of Entertainment Tonight, that he did not meet his illegitimate daughter, Dina,until she was 26 years old. In 1990, she sent a letter informing him of their relationship, one year after he had divorced with his first wife Dianne Holechek.
In 1990, Norris established the United Fighting Arts Federation and Kickstart Kids. As a significant part of his philanthropic contributions, the organization was formed to develop self-esteem and focus in at-risk children as a tactic to keep them away from drug-related pressure by training them in martial arts.
Norris is noted for his contributions towards organizations such as Funds for Kids, Veteran's Administration National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, the United Way, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the form of donations as well as fund-raising activities. His time with the U.S. Veterans Administration, as a guest-speaker, was inspired by his experience serving the United States Air Force in Korea. His objective has been to popularize the issues that concern hospitalized war veterans such as pensions and health care.
Due to his significant contributions, and continued support, Norris
received the Veteran of the Year award in 2001 at the American Veteran Awards.
In India, Norris supports the Vijay Amritraj Foundation, which aims at bringing hope, help and healing to the defenseless and innocent victims of disease, tragedy and circumstance. Through his donations, he has helped the foundation support ediatric HIV/AIDS homes in Delhi, a blind school in Karnataka, and a mission that cares for HIV/AIDS infected adults, as well as mentally ill patients in Cochin.
In 2000, Chuck starred in the film The Cutter, where he plays a detective on a rescue mission. That year, he also published the novel The Justice Riders, co-written with Ken Abraham, Aaron Norris, and Tim Grayem.
In 2007, Gotham Books, the adult division of Penguin USA, released a book penned by Ian Spector entitled The Truth About Chuck Norris: 400 facts about the World's Greatest Human. Norris subsequently filed suit against Penguin USA claiming "trademark infringement, unjust enrichment and privacy rights".
Norris dropped the lawsuit in 2008. The book is a New York Times Best Seller. Since then, Spector has published four more books based on Chuck Norris facts.
Chuck published the political non-fiction book, Black Belt Patriotism: How to Reawaken America, which reached number 14 on The New York Times best seller list in 2008.
In 2008, Gameloft produced the video game Chuck Norris: Bring On the Pain for mobile devices, based on the popularity Norris had developed on the internet with the Chuck Norris facts.
The next year, Tyndale House Publishers issued The Official Chuck Norris Fact Book: 101 of Chuck's Favorite Facts and Stories, which was co-written and officially endorsed by Norris.
Since 2010, Norris has been a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate writing on both personal health issues and broader issues of health care in America.
Next, Norris played a mercenary in The Expendables 2. The 2012 film was a success and grossed over $310 million worldwide.
In 2015, Norris and his wife Gena founded CForce Bottling Co. after an aquifer was discovered on his ranch located in Navasota, Texas.
Chuck starred in the 2016 commercial for the beer Hoegaarden. He also appeared in the advertisement for United Healthcare.
In 2017, Flaregames produced Non Stop Chuck Norris, an isometric action-RPG game for mobile device and is the second game to be based on his popularity developed by the Chuck Norris facts.
Norris became Fiat's ambassador, a "tough face" for its 2018 commercial vehicles. Fiat says Norris embodies four pillars of its business: determination, reliability, dynamism, and competence.
In 2018, Norris also appeared in an ad for Hesburger, a Finnish hamburger chain. That year, he also did a commercial for Cerveza Poker
third commercial that year was for Toyota.
In early 2020, Norris starred in a QuikTrip commercial for their Snackle line of food. In it Norris descends in parachute where he shoots hot-dogs out of a cannon at a crowd of people. That year, he appeared in the series finale of Hawaii Five-0.
In 2021, Norris was obtainable as a tank-commander in World of Tanks during the Holiday Ops event. He gave players extra missions and featured a unique voice-over.
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https://www.gettyimages.com/photos/body-building
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DAVID SHAW .... THE STORY / by JOSEPH HORRIGAN, D.C.
I first saw David Shaw compete at the ’74 Junior National Powerlifting Championships. David was the impressive, strong and confident descriptions of the man that his friends and competitors have used for the past 30 years. Articles about David, his competitions, his training and his training of others, such as the late Dave Johns, have appeared in IRON MAN and more recently in MILO.
Dave Johns wasn’t David Shaw’s only connection to the bodybuilding world, however. Shaw visited Joe Gold at the original Gold’s Gym and World Gym regularly and sometimes trained with strongman Steve Merjanian. Bodybuilders talk about Shaw’s physique, and powerlifters talk about his strength. Said legendary bodybuilder Dave Draper, ‘Record-setting power is often released from cumbersome bodies. Dave Shaw’s super strength bursts from a heap of well-placed river rock and a slab of rough-hewn granite. The man’s a mountain.’ Most trainees simply say, ‘Wow,’ when they see a photo of Shaw deadlifting 848 pounds.
Johns sought Shaw’s help because he wanted to look thicker and more powerful. At a photo shoot at the Soft Tissue Center with Shaw, world-class shot-putter John Brenner (550-pound bench press, 800-pound squat and 460-pound power clean) and former NFL player Pete Koch (best known as an actor for his role as Swede in ‘Heartbreak Ridge’), the photographer asked the three to hit a biceps shot. I informed the photographer that they were not bodybuilders, but she insisted. Brenner and Koch reluctantly flexed their arms, and Shaw followed suit. When Koch saw Shaw, he chided, ‘Great. Dave had to flip up the 22-inch [arm].’
The aspect of Shaw’s career that perhaps carries the most weight is a training style and program design that can enable anyone to make training a lifestyle for the long haul. So often trainees stop working out because of injuries or time restrictions due to life changes, such as school, jobs, career, relationships, marriage and children. Some years ago I witnessed a conversation between Shaw and bodybuilder John Heart. John was impressed with David’s strength and size and asked him how many hours per week he trained. David replied, ‘Three hours per week.’ ‘No, I mean how much did you train when you held world records?’ John said. Replied Shaw, ‘Four hours per week.’ John changed his training along the lines of Shaw’s suggestions, and he gained strength and size and won the Natural Mr. Universe competition.
Shaw wanted a training style he could maintain throughout life’s changes. He earned an A.A. degree, a B.A., and then he worked full-time while training and competing on the national and international levels and earning two master’s degrees. Sometimes when the schedule was very tough, Shaw would perform just one exercise per day. He felt that was certainly better than not training at all. Any trainee can find the time to perform one exercise at home. It’s critical for trainees to be able to train, work and achieve higher education. I recently attended a seminar given by a new strongman at the L.A. FitExpo. His nutritional program alone was a full-time job.
One very interesting point for those who train at home is that Shaw trained the bench press and squat at home alone. That’s quite a feat for someone who benches more than 500 pounds and squats more than 800. That type of training requires complete honesty with one’s self. Shaw did go to a gym to train the deadlift with world champions Terry McCormick and Bill Kazmaier.
David Shaw’s accomplishments in the 275-pound class include an 821-pound squat, 523-pound bench press (without a shirt) and 848-pound deadlift. His other training highlights include: 460×1 and 350×11 on the barbell row, 300×10 on the pulldown, 100×6 on the concentration curl and 100×5 on the standing dumbbell curl after a deadlift workout.
Shaw’s training program led to five world records, one national championship and the Guinness Book of World Records for the deadlift. The pinnacle of his career came on March 27, 2004, when he was inducted into the California Powerlifting Hall of Fame with other legends such as Pat Casey, George Frenn, Roger Estep, Terry McCormick, Larry Kidney, Enrique Hernandez and Tommy Overholtzer. The induction ceremony drew powerlifters, bodybuilders, football players and Olympic weightlifting coaches to watch and applaud. Dave Draper traveled to Southern California to see it, an appearance that echoes back to a time when there was more camaraderie in the iron game, more respect and a sense of connection to others who trained regardless of which sport they competed in.
Sometimes we can best see ourselves through others’ eyes. Pat Casey said, ‘David Shaw is the most honest, clean-cut man I have known. He possesses phenomenal strength, and I don’t think he realized how strong he is. He has always been a perfect gentleman. David came after me in the iron game, but I followed his career. I have the utmost respect for him.’
Fitness pioneer and gym legend Joe Gold stated, ‘David is always a gentleman. He is one of the few people who knew his body and how to train it.’
Doc Kreis, head speed-strength and conditioning coach at UCLA, said, ‘David Shaw is the example of an athlete whose sportsmanship, determination and passion evolved into his becoming the best.’
David Shaw has been in the iron game for 35 years and is associated with strength, class, grace and dignity. He has now taken his place with the former legends of his sport. He passed away in 2016.
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ROGER ESTEP ... POWERLIFTING LEGEND OF THE IRON GAME
Roger Estep, born in 1948, is a name that most are unfamiliar with, however this image of Estep has probably been seen by anyone that has ever looked up anything about weightlifting on the internet. Roger Estep was a very successful power lifter during the 1970’s. He not only held a world record in the Squat, but also received a Silver and Bronze Star in the Special Forces.
Some of Roger’s amazing feats of strength were an 815-pound raw back squat, and 675 pounds for 10 reps on the back squat during training.
Another place Roger holds in strength history is connected to the original Westside Barbell club in Culver City, California. When he visited Westside in Culver City, his competition total was 1600 pounds. His total quickly jumped up to 1800 pounds after learning some new methods from other legendary names in the Iron Game at the original Westside Barbell Club; Bill West, George Frenn, and Pat Casey – the first 800-pound squatter. (It was not until after the death of Bill West that Louie Simmons began to call his gym Westside Barbell, in tribute and respect to the Culver City crew that he learned so much from.) Louie would later ask Roger about what he learned at Westside, and after seeing how fast Estep raised his Total, Louie would say that he knew he was on the right track.
Roger was an elite lifter in the sport during this point in history. Many successful lifters during his heyday have said his visit to California contributed to a great change in the sport, at the time. Roger brought new, and unconventional training methods from Westside back east to West Virginia and to Louie in Ohio.
Westside was writing articles on new methods like Box Squats, power rack training, partial pressing, and pulling from deficits and blocks and Roger brought all these new methods back east.
With not only the strength he possessed, but his physique as well, Roger Estep is a great example of why training can and SHOULD be individualized. Roger built his physique with much of his training being Singles, as many as 12 sets of 1 sometimes.
This is in stark contrast to the equally legendary and successful lifter Ed Coan.
The lesson here:
Do not be stuck in the dogma of one training methodology. Humans have been lifting weights since ancient Greece, and the perfect program that works perfectly for every single person does not exist.
Guys like Roger Estep built world record numbers and an incredible physique using tons of heavy singles, and then you have Bill Kazmier who would do multiple sets of 15 and 20 and nothing lower than 5’s for much of his training.
Roger Estep died in 2005, at age 57.
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"I saw a guy at the gym tonight wearing a hoodie and on the back it said "Hoodie On World Off". I think this perfectly encapsulates the problem with gyms today. 20-30 years ago, before cell phones, the gym was a great place to hang out. A good gym would have good guys in there who liked to train hard but there was always a sense of camaraderie in the gym, people would talk to each other, bust each other's balls and spot each other. It was a good atmosphere and a fun place to be. Today, people put their head phones on and pull the hoodies over their head and escape into their own world. At least 80% of the gym is on their phones during the workout, texting between sets and totally ignoring everyone around them. People do their own thing and won't even look at anyone else. if you ask someone to work in on an exercise, they look at you like you're crazy because you're invading their private space. These cell phones are having a horrible effect on society, probably more than we even realize. They are addicting and they encourage isolation and, eventually, depression and increased stress. I highly recommend that the next time you workout, shut your phone off. Put it in your gym bag, your locker or your car. Leave it off until you leave the gym. Look around and enjoy your surroundings, really focus on the muscles you are working - feel the pump and the contraction of the muscles. If you run across someone who isn't immersed in their phones and doesn't have head phones on, maybe you'll meet someone new or get a spot from a fellow gym member. By "turning the world off", you are missing the fun and the joyful experience that comes from having a good workout and really enjoying the experience of training in a gym. You don't need to take 20 selfies and videos of you in the gym to have a productive workout and you don't need to act so serious and shut out the world around you. Enjoy the experience while you can! Trust me, it goes by fast!!"
This is not just the gym but everywhere.
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VINCE ANELLO ... STRENGTH/CONDITIONING COACH STILL GOING STRONG
Anello Body Fitness was opened by powerlifting legend Vince Anello in 2000, in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been changing peoples' lives ever since.
Vince Anello is a five-time world champion powerlifter who holds 20 world records in deadlifting. His career has also included professional bodybuilding and physical education. All this knowledge and passion has been distilled into the Anello training facility.
Vince goes one-on-one with his clients to help give them the physical strength and mental fortitude necessary to achieve their goals. He has learned there's more to gaining strength and getting in shape than just lifting and running — it takes focus, dedication, and a positive mental attitude. That's why Anello focuses on developing the mind just as much as the body.
Training with Vince is intense — you feel every workout getting you closer to your immediate goals. If you're having trouble breaking through sticking points, he has been known as a powerlifting legend around the world for decades, and is considered to be one of the greatest powerlifters in history.
Anello was the first to deadlift over 800 lbs at a bodyweight under 200 lbs! Vince was inducted into the Strength Hall of Fame in York, Pennsylvania in 1998, and the AAU World's Strength Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. He holds 5 world championship titles in addition to 20 world records in deadlifting. He was included in the Top 100 Strongest Coaches to Learn From in 2016.
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(https://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=676287.0;attach=1387067;image)
6ft at the start of the lift 5'7 after it
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Ray Mentzer - "I've been studyin' that shit for so long now"...Pathetic. And sad.
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https://www.tampabay.com/life-culture/history/2022/01/24/frank-calta-champion-bodybuilder-and-tampa-gym-chain-owner-dies-at-75/
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BILL PEARL'S 1967 NABBA MR. UNIVERSE WORKOUT/by Conor Hefferman
Famous as one of the one champion vegetarian bodybuilders of his time, Bill Pearl was a force to be reckoned with during the 1960s bodybuilding scene. Well built, symetrical and possessing a force last seen in the days of yore, Pearl’s physique inspired thousands of muscle fanatics to hit the weight room.
Still training well into his golden years, Pearl’s workout routines combine longevity with muscle building in an impressive way. Be warned however, this program is not for the faint of heart. Indeed, Bill didn’t win four Mr. Universes by pussyfooting around the gym floor.
With the preliminaries in mind, lets check out Bill’s workout routine for his 1967 Mr. Universe victory.
Frequency:
In the first instance, Bill, like many of his compatriots, trained 6 days a week on a split body part system. What separated Bill from his competitors however was the manner in which he trained his physique. Whereas others may have done legs/shoulders one day, chest/biceps another and so on, Bill split his body in a seeming random order. Well seemingly random for the outsider. A key tenant of Bill’s training philosophy is training hard but smart, i.e. seeing what works for your body and going from there.
Diet:
As discussed previously, Bill built his physique primarily through meat and dairy products, but after a scare regarding high cholesterol he switched to a lacto-ovo vegetarian diet plan. This, he has later recounted, saved both his heart health and the conditioning of his joints, thereby allowing him to train well into his ‘retirement’.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
Alternate Twisting Sit-Up ~ 1 set/100 reps
Incline Leg Tuck ~ 1 set/100 reps
Incline Dumbbell Sit-Up ~ 1 set/100 reps
Dumbbell Bends to Opposite Foot ~ 1 set/100 reps
Incline Lateral Raise ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Close-Grip Chin-Up ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Bent-Arm Lateral Raise ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Medium-Grip Chin-Up ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Decline Lateral Raise ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Wide-Grip Chin-Up ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Military Press ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Weighted Dips ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Press Behind Neck ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Incline Barbell Biceps Curl ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Standing Dumbbell Lateral Raise ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Decline Dumbbell Biceps Curl ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday:
Regular Sit-Up ~ 1 set/100 reps
Alternate Leg Raise ~ 1 set/100 reps
Dumbbell Side Bend ~ 1 set/100 reps
Lying Leg Crossover ~ 1 set/100 reps
Standing Dumbbell Curl ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Incline Rear-Deltoid Raise ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Incline Dumbbell Curl ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Lying Rear – Deltoid Raise ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Bent-Over Deltoid Cable Raise ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Leg Extension ~ 4 sets/10 reps
Standing Calf Raise ~ 5 sets/15 reps
Hack Squat ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Seated Calf Raise ~ 5 sets/15 reps
Hamstring Curl ~ 4 sets/8 reps
Calf Raise -on- Leg Press Machine ~ 5 sets/8 reps
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Vince Anello used to post on my old forum.....great guy.....into Greyhounds and still trains.....I stay in touch a bit with him whenever I get stupid and visit Face
bookfuck.
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Vince Anello used to post on my old forum.....great guy.....into Greyhounds and still trains.....I stay in touch a bit with him whenever I get stupid and visit Facebookfuck.
;D ;D ;D a lot of those guys old powerlifters are on fookfacebook. i used to talk to larry pacifico and rickey dale crain all the time. I even sold Rickey dale crain a bunch of old 45's.
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Arm Development - Eric Pederson
http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2018/11/arm-development-eric-pederson.html
Here's an article from the '40s.
Must be useless, right?
It is with reluctance that I write about myself, for it makes me feel as though others should do that id they want to, because words on self cause an inner disturbance with me. But Earle Liederman has been after me every time we meet and if there is one man with persistence it is he, so I suppose the only thing to do is to yield and as he requests, tell readers of YOUR PHYSIQUE how I trained for my development. This time I shall cover my arms, and in my next article I will write about another body part.
Okay, the article is from 1948. January issue.
A sweet video that goes well with this one:
First of all I want to impress upon everyone who reads this that I believe in extra strong concentration throughout each and every movement done in training, and unless you put your mind on what you are doing, watch the muscles work, and think strongly on every flexion and extension, you must not expect to make the gains you are after.
I practice this method myself and I really think that this strong concentration has done a lot for me and my development. I watch my biceps from the start of each movement until they reach their full contraction, and this is done not for admiration, but to 'tell' the muscle exactly how much extra force I desire to give that muscle, and I keep this plan up with each and every repetition and throughout the number of sets I may do.
Of course, the muscles can be developed without much concentration if sufficient resistance is used. That is, if the dumbbell is heavy enough to thoroughly tire the muscle, that muscle will gain in strength and size, given the right conditions; but the point I am driving at is, if forcible, extra concentration is placed upon the muscle used while you watch the muscle work, you will perform the movement correctly and the muscle will exert greater power while you do your reps.
Naturally you will need a mirror for this, especially when triceps work is done, for you cannot very well watch the movements of the triceps without a reflection. This reflection need not be a vain one, but merely to study and afford means of concentration on muscles that cannot be watched without a mirror. You can watch and concentrate on all biceps work without a mirror, for you can bend forward while curling and exercising the biceps individually.
I firmly believe in individual muscle work besides group movements, for it again reaches the state of concentration - watching that biceps move and contract with all the force the weight, the thought, and the eye can furnish during each movement.
I believe in sitting down, also in bending forward while doing the curling motion, because this puts more individual strain upon the biceps itself. And it is the constant curling, the continual concentration while curling, and watching the muscle work that will produce rapid results.
I advocate using much lighter dumbbell for individual arm muscle work than you can lift while in an erect position. If you can curl 50 lbs. with one arm while standing erect, this same 50 lbs. would be a bit too much if you curl while bent over watching and concentrating on the action of the biceps. Then, I think, 25 to 35 lbs. when working my biceps, and with this poundage, I perform about 15 reps or so.
After that tiresome one, dig up "The Art of the Poetic Line" or something similar. Yes. Something older might be better, no? May be. May be. You too, with the aid of a Master Mentor can disembowel King Lear, read the entrails, and go on your own merry little literary way, Sir! It was the use of commas in this article that brought me to such a temporal, horrid place stinking of symbols and all that we lose upon agreeing to common naming of the physical manifestations abounding, Ma'am! But back to biceps, triceps, and this one of many methods of building 'em.
It is the concentration I put into each curl that does the work, more so, than the poundage used. And as for sets, I do about three or four. And I take my time. I do not rush from one exercise to another, but stick to the biceps work and train with deliberation until all my biceps work is done, all reps and all sets. Then I rest awhile before tackling triceps work.
The pictures used in connection with this article, and which were snapped at Bert Goodrich's gymnasium where I do all my training, will give you an idea of what exercises I use for my arms three times weekly. However, in addition to these, I do a lot of chinning, both front and back chins, as well as plenty of handbalancing, especially handstand dips. Remember, I am writing about arm work, therefore will not mention all of the other exercises I do for other bodyparts. These will be left for other articles.
In performing all biceps work, the arm should be forced, or brought forward while the biceps is being flexed. This makes the movement harder and places more direct force upon the biceps. If you use the same amount of weight and perform the curl in an easier manner you only fool yourself, so right with the start of the curling movement, and as the dumbbell is brought to the shoulder while you are in a bentover posture, force the arm a bit forward and give pressure to that curling biceps. Always equalize the reps and sets, but if one of your arms is a bit larger than the other, then by all means perform additional curls for the smaller arm, even to the extent of making another full set of reps.
In all triceps work, always start with the arms thoroughly bent, as far as you can bend them, before attempting to straighten them out or contract the triceps. The same concentration and force that you apply to biceps work must be done with triceps training. Exercise while in positions whereby you c and secure greater pressure upon the triceps.
IN OTHER WORDS, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEVERAGE.
For example, if you should do an arm back of neck movement for the triceps, whereby you hold a dumbbell behind the shoulder before starting the upward straightening of arm motion, bend a bit sideways so that more strain is placed upon the triceps due to gravity and posture, then bring the weight upward with great deliberation.
So, in effect what you're after here is creating something of a "cam" effect that uses body positioning changes to put a fuller resistance on the targeted muscle. Note: Just as in a standing barbell curl, when you lean back at the beginning and over the course of the range of motion lean forward until you're doing something of a bent forward BB Concentration Curl at the "top" of the movement. It takes a little getting the hang of, and of course you're not so centered on just how much weight you c an use, but once you get this kind of body placement down it's definitely a good tool to have in yer little bodybuilding book-a tricks. Can come in handy, too, when you get to the stage where certain exercises can only be done special ways in order to avoid exacerMcbating pain, aches, tweaks and injuries incurred over the decades.
It has been in this above manner that I secured my 18 inch arms, which, by the way, can be "blown up" to 18-1/2. And you will have to believe me when I say that I have trained very hard to get them, but I feel that everyone can acquire thick, muscular arms in time by following the concentration and deliberate movement method. Of course, I have stressed on individual muscle-building, but the reader must also bear in mind that group muscle work must also be done in order to secure muscular coordination and all-round strength.
Another form of biceps and triceps work I do is during my curls, or during my triceps extension. Perhaps I might more clearly impart this by explaining biceps action. After I have made about 15 reps for the biceps, I do a few extra movements in the following manner. I lower the dumbbell only half-way, then bring it to the shoulder again. I do this several time, this half-rep movement. Next I straighten my arm and bring the dumbbell halfway to the shoulder and again straighten. I perform this a few times also. This extra partial movement work is to afford additional and even stronger concentration to the biceps after it starts to ache.
The same method is applied to all triceps work. That is, after my triceps tire, I go to half-extensions, then from a half-extension I do a few reps to full extension. And as a final tip which may make all this clearer to the reader, I try to keep the muscles I use FLEXED as they are being used. This latter explanation may furnish you with better comprehension of my method.
Arm Development - Eric Pederson
Here's an article from the '40s.
Must be useless, right?
It is with reluctance that I write about myself, for it makes me feel as though others should do that id they want to, because words on self cause an inner disturbance with me. But Earle Liederman has been after me every time we meet and if there is one man with persistence it is he, so I suppose the only thing to do is to yield and as he requests, tell readers of YOUR PHYSIQUE how I trained for my development. This time I shall cover my arms, and in my next article I will write about another body part.
Okay, the article is from 1948. January issue.
A sweet video that goes well with this one:
First of all I want to impress upon everyone who reads this that I believe in extra strong concentration throughout each and every movement done in training, and unless you put your mind on what you are doing, watch the muscles work, and think strongly on every flexion and extension, you must not expect to make the gains you are after.
I practice this method myself and I really think that this strong concentration has done a lot for me and my development. I watch my biceps from the start of each movement until they reach their full contraction, and this is done not for admiration, but to 'tell' the muscle exactly how much extra force I desire to give that muscle, and I keep this plan up with each and every repetition and throughout the number of sets I may do.
Of course, the muscles can be developed without much concentration if sufficient resistance is used. That is, if the dumbbell is heavy enough to thoroughly tire the muscle, that muscle will gain in strength and size, given the right conditions; but the point I am driving at is, if forcible, extra concentration is placed upon the muscle used while you watch the muscle work, you will perform the movement correctly and the muscle will exert greater power while you do your reps.
Naturally you will need a mirror for this, especially when triceps work is done, for you cannot very well watch the movements of the triceps without a reflection. This reflection need not be a vain one, but merely to study and afford means of concentration on muscles that cannot be watched without a mirror. You can watch and concentrate on all biceps work without a mirror, for you can bend forward while curling and exercising the biceps individually.
I firmly believe in individual muscle work besides group movements, for it again reaches the state of concentration - watching that biceps move and contract with all the force the weight, the thought, and the eye can furnish during each movement.
I believe in sitting down, also in bending forward while doing the curling motion, because this puts more individual strain upon the biceps itself. And it is the constant curling, the continual concentration while curling, and watching the muscle work that will produce rapid results.
I advocate using much lighter dumbbell for individual arm muscle work than you can lift while in an erect position. If you can curl 50 lbs. with one arm while standing erect, this same 50 lbs. would be a bit too much if you curl while bent over watching and concentrating on the action of the biceps. Then, I think, 25 to 35 lbs. when working my biceps, and with this poundage, I perform about 15 reps or so.
After that tiresome one, dig up "The Art of the Poetic Line" or something similar. Yes. Something older might be better, no? May be. May be. You too, with the aid of a Master Mentor can disembowel King Lear, read the entrails, and go on your own merry little literary way, Sir! It was the use of commas in this article that brought me to such a temporal, horrid place stinking of symbols and all that we lose upon agreeing to common naming of the physical manifestations abounding, Ma'am! But back to biceps, triceps, and this one of many methods of building 'em.
It is the concentration I put into each curl that does the work, more so, than the poundage used. And as for sets, I do about three or four. And I take my time. I do not rush from one exercise to another, but stick to the biceps work and train with deliberation until all my biceps work is done, all reps and all sets. Then I rest awhile before tackling triceps work.
The pictures used in connection with this article, and which were snapped at Bert Goodrich's gymnasium where I do all my training, will give you an idea of what exercises I use for my arms three times weekly. However, in addition to these, I do a lot of chinning, both front and back chins, as well as plenty of handbalancing, especially handstand dips. Remember, I am writing about arm work, therefore will not mention all of the other exercises I do for other bodyparts. These will be left for other articles.
In performing all biceps work, the arm should be forced, or brought forward while the biceps is being flexed. This makes the movement harder and places more direct force upon the biceps. If you use the same amount of weight and perform the curl in an easier manner you only fool yourself, so right with the start of the curling movement, and as the dumbbell is brought to the shoulder while you are in a bentover posture, force the arm a bit forward and give pressure to that curling biceps. Always equalize the reps and sets, but if one of your arms is a bit larger than the other, then by all means perform additional curls for the smaller arm, even to the extent of making another full set of reps.
In all triceps work, always start with the arms thoroughly bent, as far as you can bend them, before attempting to straighten them out or contract the triceps. The same concentration and force that you apply to biceps work must be done with triceps training. Exercise while in positions whereby you c and secure greater pressure upon the triceps.
IN OTHER WORDS, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LEVERAGE.
For example, if you should do an arm back of neck movement for the triceps, whereby you hold a dumbbell behind the shoulder before starting the upward straightening of arm motion, bend a bit sideways so that more strain is placed upon the triceps due to gravity and posture, then bring the weight upward with great deliberation.
So, in effect what you're after here is creating something of a "cam" effect that uses body positioning changes to put a fuller resistance on the targeted muscle. Note: Just as in a standing barbell curl, when you lean back at the beginning and over the course of the range of motion lean forward until you're doing something of a bent forward BB Concentration Curl at the "top" of the movement. It takes a little getting the hang of, and of course you're not so centered on just how much weight you c an use, but once you get this kind of body placement down it's definitely a good tool to have in yer little bodybuilding book-a tricks. Can come in handy, too, when you get to the stage where certain exercises can only be done special ways in order to avoid exacerMcbating pain, aches, tweaks and injuries incurred over the decades.
It has been in this above manner that I secured my 18 inch arms, which, by the way, can be "blown up" to 18-1/2. And you will have to believe me when I say that I have trained very hard to get them, but I feel that everyone can acquire thick, muscular arms in time by following the concentration and deliberate movement method. Of course, I have stressed on individual muscle-building, but the reader must also bear in mind that group muscle work must also be done in order to secure muscular coordination and all-round strength.
Another form of biceps and triceps work I do is during my curls, or during my triceps extension. Perhaps I might more clearly impart this by explaining biceps action. After I have made about 15 reps for the biceps, I do a few extra movements in the following manner. I lower the dumbbell only half-way, then bring it to the shoulder again. I do this several time, this half-rep movement. Next I straighten my arm and bring the dumbbell halfway to the shoulder and again straighten. I perform this a few times also. This extra partial movement work is to afford additional and even stronger concentration to the biceps after it starts to ache.
The same method is applied to all triceps work. That is, after my triceps tire, I go to half-extensions, then from a half-extension I do a few reps to full extension. And as a final tip which may make all this clearer to the reader, I try to keep the muscles I use FLEXED as they are being used. This latter explanation may furnish you with better comprehension of my method.
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;D ;D ;D a lot of those guys old powerlifters are on fookfacebook. i used to talk to larry pacifico and rickey dale crain all the time. I even sold Rickey dale crain a bunch of old 45's.
Cool Funk......I`m "friends" with lots of old school bodybuilders but kind of actually got to know Vince a bit as he posted on my board quite a bit.
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John DeFendis Interview - Bob Gruskin (1979)
Article Courtesy of Liam Tweed
Anyone can bodybuild, but in the strictest sense, only a very select few can ever earn the distinction and honor of being designated a bodybuilder. On the scroll of greats which includes Schwarzenegger, Zane, Corney, Robinson, Grimek, and Coe, there is a space which destiny has left blank. In recent months another name has been penciled in, but the months ahead will see it etched with the force of hammer hitting steel. That name is John DeFendis.
In the years I've been associated with bodybuilding, I've never been more impressed by anyone. You can be awed by watching a skinny kid grow into a monster. You can be awed by his definition, size, cuts, by his superior posing or his perfect symmetry, but that's the shell only. It's the core that makes the man and if he is rotten inside he will wither and perish. However, if he is strong of will and purpose, respectful, considerate of others and honest with himself, then he will mature, prosper, and succeed in all things.
This is John DeFendis. This is the young man who is destined to become the newest and greatest sensation. He will surely rise to the apex in Physique. This is the young man I've grown to respect and admire. This is the young man I've gotten to know and would also like for you to know. He's a very special person and will be in the spotlight from now on.
"I've always wanted to be the best at something. I started lifting weights when I was 13 to get bigger and stronger. I was 5'0" and weighed 100 pounds at the time. I was always thick-boned, but thin. My brother, Anthony, used to beat the hell out of me. He'd get me down on the ground, pin my arms, spit on my head, and beat me up until I'd buy him an ice cream. I tried my hand at wrestling and baseball and did well, but Anthony was still too good for me. In fact, he was an All-American wrestler in college. It took me six years to find out that instead of trying to equal or surpass his accomplishments (I did bring home trophies and even won a college scholarship for wrestling), I could really excel in something else.
"In high school I would to into the weight room and watch the big guys lift their heavy weights. Wow, how I wished I could do that too. I was always impressed with strength and I had been training for three years at home, so I had some pretty good size myself. But I really didn't know what I was doing. In tenth grade, my father brought home a magazine and there was an article on Dave Draper. I was impressed! I did everything exactly as he did. I would come home from school and spend a couple of hours each day all alone in the basement.
"All through the summer I lifted. When September came, I had a totally different body. I returned to school and everyone was impressed. I was happy and that's when I really got the push to continue weight training. For a while it was great when someone asked me 'Do you lift weights?' But later when they'd ask me, I'd get mad and say, 'No. I play basketball and do track.' That really confused them. I continued to lift to get bigger, and the more people noticed, the harder I trained.
"I graduated from high school at 17. By then I had accumulated about 400-500 pounds of weights, a bench, a chin bar and some springs. That summer I moved into the garage and set up my little gym. My brother kept telling me about a friend of his named Dave Spector who was into bodybuilding. One day, Dave pulled into the driveway. He was big and I was stunned when he invited me down the next day to train with him. That was in August of '76.
"I was working full time in my brother's delicatessen. When September came, I went to a college nearby. After a semester I decided that college might be great for some, but it wasn't for me. By this time, I was dreaming, eating, and sleeping bodybuilding. I continued to train with Dave at the Olympic Health Club regularly. He told me that in six months I could be the second best guy in the gym, but he would be the best. That sparked something in me and I was determined to one day surpass him.
"Because I was again working full time for my brother, I had little time to train at the club in the evening. So I took most of my savings and spent between $2,000 and $3,000 setting up my basement gym better. I bought an Olympic set, incline and behind-the-neck benches, curling machine, Universal leg machine, ab board, hack squat, dipping bar, and a few other pieces.
"I continued to train at night, alone, or with some friends. Their push was good but not enough. For starting out in bodybuilding, home training is great, but the knowledge in the gym is something you cannot get at home. You need to have people around you doing the same thing. You can't learn everything from books. So I began to train both at home and at the gym. I was making progress but nothing substantial.
"In January of 1977 I entered my first contest, the Teenage Suburban in Orange, New Jersey. My friend, Bobby Green, helped me with my posing and he must have done a good job as I got some applause. Looking at the photo you took, Bob, I can tell that my best bodypart was my mustache! Actually it was my back. I was one of those skinny geeks who wear a loose bathing suit too high on the side. I couldn't find my Bermuda shorts so I wore the trunks. The way my legs looked then, I would have been better off wearing pants! I didn't do very well in the contest. There were four guys in my height class and all three placed ahead of me.
"After this big victory, I was psyched to train for the Mets (AAU Metropolitan Association) two weeks later. I was 5'8" and now weighed 168. I took second in the Teenage and placed fifth in the Open. I was happy with that, and though I was a star. I even had a victory party. I really hadn't made much in the way of gains those past two weeks, what really helped was that the competition was weaker.
"After the Mets I took three months off from training. I was working 80 hours a week so that I could get married. Remember, I was all of 18, pushing 19. My fiance and I had a long talk. We decided that there was still much for both of us to accomplish so we broke our engagement.
"I began training again in May. There were only six short weeks to get ready for the 1977 Teenage America. I trained really hard six days a week, 18-20 sets for each bodypart. I was doing the same routine for the Teenage America that I did for the Mets. I just didn't know any better.
"Just before the contest I went to see Tony Pandolfo. He spent over three hours working on my posing. What a difference it made! For the first time I felt I could pose. Tony helped me immensely, and I credit my subsequent success in posing to Tony's influence.
"Before the Teenage America, Denie came to the gym to take some shots of me for an article which later appeared in the August, 1978 issue of Muscle Training Illustrated. I dropped from 188 to 168 and looked like a drowned pigeon."
I had remembered John from the Mets several months earlier, but the first time I actually spoke with him was a week before the Teenage America. He was sitting in the audience watching the prejudging of Chris Devin's Pro Cup. The mustache was gone and his hair was neatly styled, sun-bleached and groomed. He looked good and hard, but not very talkative. When I asked him how he looked he said briskly, "You'll see next week." When I asked to see his arm, he pulled it away saying, "Get out of here. Don't touch my arm. You'll see it at the contest."
John and I both chuckle about this incident today. He was uptight from dieting for the impending contest and didn't know that I was in the sport. Just looking at him, I had the vibrations that he would be good, real good. One day soon I knew that I would be doing a write-up on him. But what a beginning!
"I traveled up to Boston the next week for the Teenage America and really thought I was going to win it. I went with my whole rooting section, consisting of my girl, Annmarie, my parents, grandma and brother. I went into the contest at 170, two pounds heavier than at the Mets. By this time I had some thigh cuts and better lines. I was a Frank Zane with no muscle.
"I was really sucked-out. One of the so-called pros told me to eat two pounds of chocolate the night before (for carbs) to bring out vascularity. I lost six pounds in the bathroom that night, and the next day when I woke up I had no veins, no cuts, and no muscle! I did very well to have placed ninth in my height class, beating out a couple of swimmers.
"Three weeks later I went down to Georgia for the Teenage USA which Doc Neely was holding. I took fifth in my height class. I was on a hot streak. I went to Boston and came home with nothing and went to Atlanta and came back with nothing. I was discouraged, but determined to grow and take the '78 Mets if it killed me. I still felt that I had the potential to be really good, and I still loved the sport."
John did have the potential. The basic foundation was there. He was only just beginning to show signs of maturation and greatness; at least I thought so. I phoned him after his return to Georgia to get an interview. I intended to feature his as a Rising Star in my column which was then appearing in The American Body Builder. It was the first time he had appeared in print.
"Six months remained until the Mets. I trained really hard (six days a week) from September until mid-October. Then, I suddenly realized that if I was going to win the Mets, I could only do so by training with someone better than me, someone who really know training. That's when I dediced to go over to Steve Michalik's Mr America Gym and train under his supervision.
"Steve put me on a very vigorous training program. I had let myself run down and I contracted a very bad strep/tonsillitis infection. I've had problems with this in the past, but this time my throat closed completely. I was running a 104 degree temperature, and was hospitalized for two weeks in mid-December. I went into the hospital at 204 pounds, looking pretty decent. I got out two days before Christmas at 184, smooth, and looking like 'poppin fresh dough.' I figured my chances were over.
"I went back to training in my basement. I had eight weeks for the Mets, but there was also another contest at the end of January - the Teenage Suburban. I wanted to enter it, but 10 days before the contest my temperature shot up, my throat closed, and I was back in the hospital.
"Taking these contests meant a lot to me and I did not want to blow them. I called up Tony Pandolfo and he told me to keep pumping and flexing all my bodyparts whenever I could to keep up the muscle tone. I was doing 500 situps a day with the intravenous needle still in my arm. It popped out two or three times and the nurses had to re-jab me. It was painful but I wanted to win. The doctors thought I was crazy, but they helped me as best as they could.
"I got out one week before the Suburban. That whole week I trained like a demon, but I was still smooth from all the sugar in me. I took the height class but lost the overall to Francis Meeter. I really thought I had won. I thought that if I couldn't beat this 17 year old kid, then how could I beat Dave Spector? Only four weeks remained.
"I continued to train hard and three weeks later flew to Georgia where I won the Teenage Atlantic States. I took the overall and every bodypart but abs. My confidence was returning. Spector also flew down. He won the Open.
"February 25th finally arrived, and with it, the Mets. I entered both the Junior (teenage) and Senior divisions. I was elated winning the Junior, but when they announced me as the winner of the Senior, it was an unbelievable feeling. All I could think as I stood on the platform accepting my trophy was that I accomplished what I set out to do. Winning this event meant more to me than anything ever before. After everything I'd been through, this was a big payoff."
Two days after the Mets, I received a call from John. "Guess what," the voice croaked. "I'm back in the hospital. They decided to remove my tonsils once the infection and temperature subside." What a lucky break for John this didn't happen two days earlier!
"After the Mets I took two months off from training. My body needed it. I went from 174 to 212. I looked awful but needed the rest. I went back to Steve's gym because I realized that if it were not for his coaching, I might not have won.
In October, my legs were unshapely. All I was doing was squats and extensions. Steve taught me to use extensions, leg press, squats, hack squats, lunges, cycling, and supersetting. He helped burn in the shape and cuts. Even though I didn't train at Steve's just before the Mets, he taught me what to do in my basement gym.
John DeFendis talking about Steve Michalik, training, and the gym, here:
https://www.strength-oldschool.com/blogs/news/mr-america-steve-michalik-intensity-or-insanity
"I figured that he could help me improve even more; though he often drives me into the ground. Soon, I began to build up an immunity to his insane training routines as my stamina and strength increased.
"My whole body was smooth and small when I returned to training, but in one month's time it began to change. I was getting bigger and more muscular. The change was incredible. Each day I trained under Steve I learned something new. In fact, I am still learning. Just a turn of the wrist, or bending your knees a little can make a big difference and give a different tension and movement.
"I believe that Steve Michalik is he greatest person to train under because he is a perfectionist, like me. I'm never entirely happy with myself, and I guess that's what leads you to greatness. It's the guys that are too happy or contented with themselves that stop growing."
Last May, John turned 20. He missed out on the '78 Teenage America by eight weeks. I feel that had he been eligible, he would have won, thus becoming the most sensational Teenage America since Casey Viator. But . . .
"I had next planned to enter the AAU Apollo in October, and had begun training intensively eight weeks earlier. I was doing 40-60 sets per bodypart, training 6 days a week, maintaining a strict diet, and taking in plenty of vitamin and mineral supplements. I was really looking good within three weeks, so I decided to enter the AAU Gotham on September 16th. If all went well it was my plan to hit the AAU Region 1 the next day.
"Steve drove me into the ground. I'd train at seven in the morning (for about three hours), go home, and then be in a coma for the next six hours. After that there was work. It was very tough. I would do arms, then legs. He would rush me to the nearby track where he'd start screaming at me until I completed my laps. There was no way I was going to slow down because he's a madman, but also I knew he was busting his ass for me!
"Eight pounds of chicken a day. I wish I had Frank Purdue as a relative! Six weeks on broiled chicken breasts with diet soda and supplements, and then two more on boiled chicken and supplements, this time minus everything but water. My only consumption was one-half cantaloupe after training. My energy was low, but this program did the trick. Like Vince Lombardi said . . .
"I came into the Gotham at 194 ripped. There were about 22 good contestants; one very good one was Derek Prescod. I took my height class, the overall, best legs, abs, poser, back, and most muscular. Everything but chest and arms. I went home and carbed up. My energy level was getting high, and I remember asking you with every mouthful, 'Bob, am I getting smooth? Will my cuts disappear?' All I remember you saying is, 'No problem. You'll be bigger and more cut tomorrow!' And I was!
"The next day we all traveled up to Springfield, Massachusetts for the Region 1. I went in at 196, more cut and more vascular, the best I'd ever been. I took the contest and four more trophies. I couldn't hold another four weeks for the Apollo. I was afraid I'd burn out. So I started to eat, relax, and grow again. My body wanted to grow! I'm not holding at 212 and still training heavy. In March I'll begin training for the Colonial America, and then I hope to enter the 1979 Mr. USA and America in the summer.
"As you can see, our training routine (Steve's mine) is totally opposite the Mentzer routine. Instead of doing 4-6 sets per bodypart, we do 40-60. It works for both of us. I can afford to take a one week layoff every so often because four days back on the routine will burn off any accumulated fat. Also, I try to eat good food, but I do binge once in a while. I really enjoy ice cream and pizza.
"I don't smoke and I don't drink. To relax, I enjoy reading or listening to the music of Elton John or other soft rock. A good movie will give me the chance to unwind, and I enjoy the company of my friends. Basically, I like the quiet life. I want bodybuilding to be my future. I sincerely believe that I can go somewhere in this sport. If I didn't think I could be a Mr. America, I would not be doing this. I had a few doubts before the Gotham and Region 1, but after all 11 trophies in one weekend - no shot!
"I hope to get married after I win the America. I want my wife to have the best I can give her. My parents gave me the best, and I would like my wife and children to have the same. I think I've got the best girl in Annmarie. We've been together for over two years. She's understanding, not demanding, and she sacrifices much of her time and interests for me. I could ask for none better.
"I've met a lot of great people in the sport so far, far more than I ever dreamed possible. There are so many that I just can't begin to express my thanks and appreciation. I hope to repay their faith, confidence, and all the time and effort they have put into me by winning the America one day soon."
As I said in the beginning, John DeFendis is a very special person, and after reading this story I'm sure you will agree. This is his story. It is written in the first person and not the third because I wanted you to get a true insight into the complete individual; not just John DeFendis the bodybuilder. For only in this way could I convey his sense of humor, sincerity, appreciation for others, and the determination that will drive him to be the very best in bodybuilding.
Tony Pandolfo recently paid tribute to John by commenting, "John DeFendis, aside from being a fine bodybuilder is a fine human being. I expect to see him win the America within the next two years. His potential is fantastic. He looks good, and he's an excellent poser. He has great symmetry, skin tone, and the determination necessary to become a winner. He's also respectful and considerate in spite of his success. He shows a great deal of interest in others and always tried to give advice and assistance. I think that John's a good man for bodybuilding. He's got as much, if not more potential than anyone I've ever seen. It's unbelievable, really. There is no chance why he can't go all the way.
TRAINING ROUTINE
Abs: six days a week -
Roman Chair, 2 x 100 reps
Incline Situp, 2 x 50.
Calves: six days a week -
Standing Calf Raise, 5 sets
Seated Calf Raise, 5 sets
Standing Bodyweight Calf Raises for shape.
Day One: Chest/Back/Biceps
Day Two: Shoulders/Legs/Triceps
All exercises to failure including forced reps and negatives.
Day One:
Chest - 50 sets total, 5 sets per exercise.
Cable Crossover
Dumbbell Flye
Pec Deck
Inclines
Flat Bench to Neck
Declines
Single Arm Alternate Cable Pullover
Dumbbell Pullover
Dumbbell Incline Flye
Back - 60 sets total, 5 sets per exercise.
Cable Pulldown to Front on Angle
Cable Pulldown to Back of Neck
Cable Pulldown to Chest from Overhead
Seated Cable Row (straps)
Reverse Grip Pulldown (leaning back)
Seated Cable Row (different handle)
Standing Straight Arm Pulldown (close grip)
Pulldown Machine (wide grip bar)
Nautilus Pullover
Cable Rear Laterals (bent over)
Bentover Barbell Row
Biceps - 40 sets total, 5 per exercise.
Single Arm DB Preacher Curl
superset with
One Arm Dumbbell Curl
Standing Barbell Curl
superset with
Bentover Barbell Curl (barbell concentration curl)
Cable Curl (seated on floor)
Machine Preacher Curl
superset with
Nautilus Machine Curl
Lying Down Pulley Concentration Curl
Day Two:
Shoulders - 55 sets total, 5 per exercise.
Nautilus Lateral Raise Machine
Dumbbell Lateral
Pulley Laterals on Cable Crossover
Barbell Behind the Neck Press (pyramid up to 150 lbs.)
Barbell Behind the Neck Press (150 x 5 sets)
Nautilus Behind the Neck Press
Nautilus Rear Deltoid
Dumbbell Rear Lateral (flat bench)
Pulley Rear Lateral
Shrugs (in front)
Shrugs (behind body)
Triceps - 45 sets, 5 per exercise
Triceps Pressdown (angle bar)
Triceps Pressdown (straight bar)
Triceps Pressdown (Nautilus Close Grip)
Cable French Press
Rope Pull (top setting of crossover machine)
Rope Pull (bottom of crossover machine)
Close Grip Dips
Wide Grip Dips
Reverse Grip Behind the Neck Pressdown
Legs 55 sets total, 5 per exercise.
Leg Curl
Leg Extension (Nautilus Multi-Leg)
Leg Extension (Nautilus Extension)
Leg Extension (Leg Extension Table)
Leg Press
Leg Press Machine
Ducks (leg press with toes pointing out)
Strict Squats on Machine (2 second pause at bottom)
Squats on Machine
Hack Squats
Regular Squats
Running - total of 1.5 miles, within 15 minutes after squatting. Jog 2 laps, sprint 1 lap, rest 30 seconds, repeat 3 times
COLLAPSE.
There's drop sets on a lot of this. Rest pause. Stripping weight with no rest, etc.
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who the fuck has 2 hours to listen to that shite
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:o
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&t=54s
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&t=1686s
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DR. ELLINGTON DARDEN ... BODYBUILDER / WRITER / INVENTOR OF H. I. T.
Ellington Darden earned his Bachelor's degree in physical education from Baylor University, where he played defensive lineman for their football team for two years. In 1972, he earned his doctorate degree in Exercise Science and completed 2 years of postdoctoral study in food and nutrition studies at Florida State University.
Darden competed in AAU bodybuilding contests between 1963-1972 and won 17 titles including the 1969 Mr. Texas, 1970 Mr. South, and the 1972 Collegiate Mr. America awards.
From 1973, Ellington was Director of Developement and Research at Nautilus Sports/Medicine Industries for 20 years. He assisted in the development and popularization of the Nautilus exercise machines, which had been invented by Nautilus founder Arthur Jones. The line of equipment was among the first exercise machines to go into gyms.
In 1989, Darden was named as one the ten health leaders by the President's Council on Sports Fitness and Nutrition. (PCSFN)
Darden advocates training harder and shorter and is credited with inventing the style of fitness training known as H. I. T. or High Intensity Training. While Arthur Jones pioneered this style in the 1960's, Darden , who started working with Jones in 1972, invented the acronym H. I. T. and poplarized the technique through his numerous books, articles and lectures.
Darden explains in his 2004 book, "The New High Intensity Training", that he first used the H I. T. acronym in a lecture where he, Arthur Jones and Casey Viator (1971 AAU Mr. America) traveled to a seminar at Duke University in 1975.
Bodybuilders who achieved success by using H. I. T. included the likes of
Casey Viator, Dorian Yates and Sergio Oliva.
The H. I. T. system of training emphasizes lifting to failure, supersets, assisted reps and negative training (focusing on the negative portion of the movement).
H. I. T. changed the fitness industry and the pros and cons of this style of training has been debated ever since.
In 1975, Darden participated in the well known study at the United States Military Accademy at Westpoint named Project Total Conditioning, where members of the football team achieved impressive results training with a short duration, high intensity, training program. The athletes received an average 60% strength increase over the 6 week program.
Invited by Arthur Jones, Don Shula, the coach of the Miami Dolphins, came for a day of the training at Westpoint and gave a motivating speech to the athetes. In 1971, Shula had installed Nautilus machines and adopted H. I. T. for the Dolphins. In 1972, they became the only NFL team to win the Super Bowl with a perfect season.
Darden has written over 400 articles and more than 40 books on health, strength training, weight loss and nutrition, which have sold over 7 milllion copies.
Ellington's most successful books include: The Nautilus Book (Contemporay Books, 1980), which sold over 700,000 copies, The Nautilus Bodybuilding Book (Contemporary Books, 1982), with 500,000 copies sold (and forward written by 1978 Mr. Universe winner Mike Mentzer), and The Nautilus Diet (Little Brown, 1987), with 250,000 copies sold.
In 2022, Dr. Ellington Darden continues "going strong" as someone who has left a permanent mark on the fitness industry and has been widely recognized by his peers, which a large portion of the general public is unaware of.
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Random thought....
If it weren't for Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler could've won the Mr. Olympia from 01 to 2010.
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Random thought....
If it weren't for Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler could've won the Mr. Olympia from 01 to 2010.
and Dexter....
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https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/pro-tips/6-keys-effective-training-according-dave-draper/
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DR. ELLINGTON DARDEN ... BODYBUILDER / WRITER / INVENTOR OF H. I. T.
Ellington Darden earned his Bachelor's degree in physical education from Baylor University, where he played defensive lineman for their football team for two years. In 1972, he earned his doctorate degree in Exercise Science and completed 2 years of postdoctoral study in food and nutrition studies at Florida State University.
Darden competed in AAU bodybuilding contests between 1963-1972 and won 17 titles including the 1969 Mr. Texas, 1970 Mr. South, and the 1972 Collegiate Mr. America awards.
From 1973, Ellington was Director of Developement and Research at Nautilus Sports/Medicine Industries for 20 years. He assisted in the development and popularization of the Nautilus exercise machines, which had been invented by Nautilus founder Arthur Jones. The line of equipment was among the first exercise machines to go into gyms.
In 1989, Darden was named as one the ten health leaders by the President's Council on Sports Fitness and Nutrition. (PCSFN)
Darden advocates training harder and shorter and is credited with inventing the style of fitness training known as H. I. T. or High Intensity Training. While Arthur Jones pioneered this style in the 1960's, Darden , who started working with Jones in 1972, invented the acronym H. I. T. and poplarized the technique through his numerous books, articles and lectures.
Darden explains in his 2004 book, "The New High Intensity Training", that he first used the H I. T. acronym in a lecture where he, Arthur Jones and Casey Viator (1971 AAU Mr. America) traveled to a seminar at Duke University in 1975.
Bodybuilders who achieved success by using H. I. T. included the likes of
Casey Viator, Dorian Yates and Sergio Oliva.
The H. I. T. system of training emphasizes lifting to failure, supersets, assisted reps and negative training (focusing on the negative portion of the movement).
H. I. T. changed the fitness industry and the pros and cons of this style of training has been debated ever since.
In 1975, Darden participated in the well known study at the United States Military Accademy at Westpoint named Project Total Conditioning, where members of the football team achieved impressive results training with a short duration, high intensity, training program. The athletes received an average 60% strength increase over the 6 week program.
Invited by Arthur Jones, Don Shula, the coach of the Miami Dolphins, came for a day of the training at Westpoint and gave a motivating speech to the athetes. In 1971, Shula had installed Nautilus machines and adopted H. I. T. for the Dolphins. In 1972, they became the only NFL team to win the Super Bowl with a perfect season.
Darden has written over 400 articles and more than 40 books on health, strength training, weight loss and nutrition, which have sold over 7 milllion copies.
Ellington's most successful books include: The Nautilus Book (Contemporay Books, 1980), which sold over 700,000 copies, The Nautilus Bodybuilding Book (Contemporary Books, 1982), with 500,000 copies sold (and forward written by 1978 Mr. Universe winner Mike Mentzer), and The Nautilus Diet (Little Brown, 1987), with 250,000 copies sold.
In 2022, Dr. Ellington Darden continues "going strong" as someone who has left a permanent mark on the fitness industry and has been widely recognized by his peers, which a large portion of the general public is unaware of.
that the ultimate warrior on the cover!
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that the ultimate warrior on the cover!
Looks like him.
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MMI: I read in a previous interview of yours that you weren’t exposed to muscle magazines as a kid. What was it that inspired you to take up weight training, and
was building a great physique a goal of yours in the beginning?
DD: Who remembers? Doesn’t every kid want muscles? Although today most will settle for an iPhone and a Big Gulp. I was barely 10 when muscles and strength caught my eye – the qualities were visible in men on the street in those days – and I thought they looked neat. That’s all it took. I had no desire to be a champion; I just wanted tough shoulders and arms.
MMI: What was it like being married and having a daughter at just nineteen years old? Did it force you to grow up and mature faster than other guys your age?
DD: I don’t think there was anybody dopier or dumber than me at 19. I grew up slow in the ‘50s in the little pig-farming town of Secaucus under the long shadow of the Empire State Building. A family before I was 20 and not yet weaned from my Harley Chopper was a sudden and befuddled acceleration of growing up. The three of us received a lot of support. The Harley ran out of gas. I got a second job.
MMI: I find it fascinating that even though you and your first wife were just 19 and 15 years old when you married, your marriage lasted twenty years. How did you two make it work?
DD: I’ll take no credit for developing a strong marriage. Penny, my first wife, our daughter, Jamie, and I moved from Jersey to California when Jamie was not yet one year old. Hello Santa Monica. The year was 1963. We fought like three bears to survive. There was enough good in Penny and Jamie to exceed the bad in me, a selfish musclehead, and we made it to the safety of 20, 35 and 40 years, respectively. Wins, losses, crowns, bruises. We still love each other.
MMI: Did you find it ironic that the man who represented the ideal California bodybuilder was born and raised in New Jersey?
DD: Who, me?
I mentioned I was dumb and slow to grow. Well, not exactly. Unaware, or “duh,” more accurately defines the first half of my life’s state of mind. I just didn’t get it. I was too busy running, chasing, dodging, scrapping and scraping.
I was both “here and now” and under a rock and a hard place. Dave Draper was always the guy training at 6AM and watching his diet and trying to make a buck without working for The Man. I would work like an animal, but not for The Man. That I was a West Coast beach boy to a world of bodybuilding fans eluded me.
Jersey hung around my neck like a sweaty tank top, and I never mounted a California surfboard. Here’s some possible irony: The only time I went to the beach was in the twilight to remove timber with a saw from beneath an obsolete pier a stone’s throw from Muscle Beach. From those beautifully aged beams I built powerful furniture for the marketplace.
Surf’s up, hang ten, surfin’ safari... What’s that stuff? And, Dave who?
MMI: Once you moved out west, did you ever consider living on the East coast again?
DD: George Eifferman picked me up at LAX in his ’55 Buick Special. They – George and the muscle car -- looked like they came off the same Detroit assembly line. It was the spring of ’63. He dropped me off at Zucky’s Deli on the corner of 5th and Wilshire in Santa Monica where we shared Kosher dill pickles and hot pastrami sandwiches. There were clean streets and palm trees, blue skies and warm breezes, the lush Pacific palisades and a sense of hope. George was an old friend before we finished our first cup of coffee and I remembered New Jersey no more.
Momma bear and baby bear followed me west a month later.
MMI: Your competitive career was relatively brief, lasting just seven years. Why did you stop competing, and do you ever wish you had continued for a few more years?
DD: Did I mention scrapping and scraping and dodging? Training for competition in those days was transitioning from a whim and fancy to a dedicated pursuit. You could participate for fun on lower levels, but it took means and resources when the prize was big and bigger. I endured the first years – Mr. America and Mr. Universe – because I was encouraged by my newly acquired musclehead peers and it seemed like the thing to do. I was this side of 25 and the surf was up, as they say down on the pipeline, and “Why not?” had not entered my mind.
Then the scene changed “like over night, man,” and blue sky turned grey and lost its silver lining. I learned not all that is promised is real and not all that is pursued is worthy. Give me muscles and a heart of gold, not lumps for sale and Man Tan and choreography and glaring and the theme of 2001. Give me muscle, real muscle, and give me a gym at six AM.
A good fit in a tank top and jeans while sitting on a park bench contemplating the sunset beats a Mister Oly crown amid oily bodies on stage in Brooklyn or Ohio anytime, I thought. Maybe I’m lazy or a coward or unaware or negative or a realist or a poor loser or just fund-less and poor.
I wonder sometimes what I could have done had I not tripped over my two left feet: changed the world, become president, built a sky rise out of pier wood, celebrated my 45th wedding anniversary.
Fact is, everything is exactly as it should be, as it is meant to be, thank God.
MMI: If there had been more money in the sport then, with six-figure endorsement contracts for supplements and magazines as well as cash prizes for the big shows, would you have kept competing?
DD: Who knows? Money has a way of screaming in one’s ear. There were allurements and promises dangled before my nose once, but they were extracted quickly when I extended my outstretched hand. I like the solidness of the iron in the hand, not the flimsy promises of rascals promoting it. Reminds me of politics, power and greed, and nothing of broad shoulders, strong backs and well-executed workouts.
MMI: The original Gold’s Gym has taken on a mythical status to those of us that weren’t fortunate enough to be there in the early to mid 1970s. Having been an integral part of that atmosphere, do you ever feel sorry for the rest of us who can only dream of having been there with you?
DD: Forewarning: Draper’s a prejudiced musclehead.
Not really. You care enough to imagine and wonder. You’re tough, you’ll make it. Imagination often can be better than the real thing, though you would not have been disappointed by the atmosphere and the qualities and the learning shared by the bodies in Joe Gold’s Gym, and the Muscle Beach Dungeon, its predecessor. Collectively, the experiences were priceless, real, awesome, inspiring and emotional: the Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s David, the Holy Writ, the Kilimanjaro. They were the truth.
To those who don’t know the history of the iron, from where and whence muscle was first forged, or who don’t care, I say, it is too bad. It’s like baseball without knowing something about Mickey Mantle or Joe DiMaggio or Willie Mays. They’ll live, but the spirit is missing.
You’ll find shadows and whispers of the old days in the fading light of old neighborhood gyms.
MMI: Do you have any funny stories from training at Gold’s, or from a competition around that time?
DD: Not as many in the gym as there were on the streets. My favorite was walking from a pro competition in Manhattan late at night with Boyer Coe, Ralph Kroger and a NYC cop and gym owner, Tony Schettino. We were comfortably wired on the evening events, amiable and hungry and en route to a favorite restaurant. A man stood with his date, both fashionably dressed, and stared at a small Honda pressed bumper to bumper between parked cars. No small catastrophe at midnight in the city.
We checked out the scene, nodded knowingly and maneuvered about the captured vehicle, each finding purchase at the appropriate fender. In what was akin to three precisely-timed deadlifts, we hoisted and shifted the car to the middle of the street. It all took place in less than a minute. Hi, goodbye. Like steam rising from subway vents, we were gone.
MMI: You got to meet the King, Elvis Presley. How did that come about, and what were your impressions of him?
DD: I was part of the six-man documentary film crew who toured with Elvis in ’72 – 20 cities, 20 concerts in 21 days, from Albuquerque to Boston. What a rigorous treat. It happens fast, you’re staggeringly busy and you don’t sit around and chat. Elvis and his entourage and band were absolutely great. I saw him arrive in his limo before the evening concert, burst on stage, perform madly and disappear into the night. “Elvis has left the building.” I was everywhere he was to be and everywhere he had just been. When we met a few times – on his jet, at a small gospel rally -- he was there, but he wasn’t. I guess you could say the same for me. I think we would have hit it off if we had another 30 seconds.
MMI: Did you enjoy acting? Why didn’t you pursue it more than you did?
(MONKEES< BEV HILLBILLIES< HOST GLADIATOR DAVE on CHANNEL 9)
DD: I enjoyed it, but again, funding a career in acting while building horseshoe triceps and supporting a family was beyond reach. I fell into a few fun, dramatically powerful (joke) and educating roles, but muscles were not yet broadly appealing. Lose weight, they said, and I said no.
MMI: Did you ever socialize with the Hollywood set? Were they very different from the bodybuilders you trained alongside?
DD: Everyone was different from the bodybuilders I trained alongside. Zabo, Zane, Arnold, Katz, Franco, Eiferman, Steve Merjanian, Artie Zeller. This was a zoo. I did take acting classes in Hollywood for a year and the folks, my age, were quite sane. It was valuable instruction and an enjoyable experience. Larry Scott was a member of the small class. Good stuff.
MMI: Today’s bodybuilders, at least a lot of them, smugly think back on the guys from your era and think they are so much more advanced. But in truth, do you think that the industry has tried to make training and nutrition a lot more complicated than it really is?
DD: Train hard, eat right, be consistent, be positive and grow. You, by your own experience and attention and perseverance, become your own teacher, coach and cheerleader. You and the weights, man. Push that iron. That was yesterday or, perhaps, the day before.
Today everything muscle has been amplified. There are more – a lot more participants and spectators, more – a lot more -- drugs, more hype, more self-proclaimed experts with scientific knowledge, more novel training philosophies and methodologies to fill the pages of mags and books, more career niches created to exploit the lifters and more exaggerated equipment and bizarre nutritional products to “build big muscles fast.”
Some people actually believe all this stuff, depend on it. Stand back, we’re going to burst. A lot of people are confused. Oops! I sound cynical.
MMI: Do you follow the sport today? Are there any physiques that you feel still represent the classical ideals and proportions?
DD: Excuse me. I train as hard as I can and I love it, and I’m not being smug, nor am I apologizing, but I just don’t know who is who from where or when. I knew what was going on when there was a handful of bodybuilders in the ‘60s and two hands full in the ‘70s, but lost my way when they started piling up in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Laree and I owned a pair of gyms in central California through the ‘90s to 2005 and knew Lee and heard of Ronnie and Jay, but the rest, though magnificent and admirable, are nameless mounds of flesh and oil to me. I’m busy with my own little biceps and a torn rotator cuff.
Now I sound jealous.
MMI: If you had been born in 1972 instead of 1942, do you think you still would have become a bodybuilder?
DD: I don’t think so. The appeal of muscles in the 1950s when I started was real. Thirty years later and I’m growing up in the ‘80s. Hmmm... Not as alluring to my temperament: too common and diluted and bombastic and crowded and showy. To continue the fantasy, I would have trained for rugged muscle, conditioning and health and lived happily ever after.
MMI: Do you ever imagine what you would look like with today’s equipment, supplements, and the wide array of pharmaceuticals that today’s men use?
DD: Never occurred to me.
MMI: Did you and the others from the ‘60s and early ‘70s ever imagine the drugs would get so out of hand in bodybuilding?
DD: I was certain drugs would play a significant role in the growing world of bodybuilding, but I neither expected the bodybuilding world to grow so large in number and industry-magnitude, nor the individuals to grow to such cartoonish proportions as we see today.
Got a second? I see three stages of development -- three separate bodybuilding cultures:
The pre-‘50s and original Muscle Beach era, when bodybuilding was fresh and refreshing. The genuine physical-fitness culture.
Then the muscle scene was captured by the magazine media in the ‘60s and bolted like a barbed stallion. The crowds amassed around the world, lats spread, coconut deltoids grew. The pro bodybuilding culture.
By 2000 muscles that were once a sketched representation of an artist’s wild imagination were now being displayed in lineups at pro bodybuilding contest across the nations. “They” had arrived. The extreme muscular development culture.
Subcultures, in reality. Don’t know where we’re going -- rather, where they’re going.
MMI: Does it bother you to hear about the deaths and major health problems in fairly young men over recent years in our sport?
DD: Sure it does. The sacrifice to become a major player in any pro sport is huge. But the compromises are being made on the streets and in high schools. This is particularly sad and disappointing. A shame. Easy come, easy go. No real growth... the opposite, in fact.
MMI: Something that really comes across in all your writing is your passion for training. Even today, it sounds like you enjoy your time with the iron just as much as you did forty years ago. How can you explain this lifelong passion and how you have kept it burning so strong?
DD: When I got my little mound of weights at 10, the first thing I thought was big arms. There’s more, I learned. There are chest and shoulders, arms and back.
Why, lifting weights is a sport, a diversion, a hobby and it’s good for you and nobody bothers you. I soon noticed that little mound of weights had a mountain to offer. Lifting the iron physically enables the participant, strengthening his or her muscles and bones, improving function and ability, energy and endurance, resistance and speed. Lift right and you feel good and look good.
It doesn’t stop there. Lifting sensibly requires, and, thus, builds character qualities to be applied to the rest of your life: discipline, patience, perseverance, devotion. I’m rich, we’re rich. The list goes on – resistance exercise improves mental acuity, enhances the entire system, de-stresses, controls obesity and diabetes...
And there’s a bond between the iron-minded mob that cannot be outweighed (puny pun).
Nobody said it was easy. Ironically, that’s another appeal of the weight room. It’s tough. And you quickly learn that which the iron provides surely fades unless you continue the good deed. In that you’ve come to like the good things of life, now you’re hooked. And unlike other aggressive or active sports – football, basketball, baseball, hockey – you can keep the iron moving the rest of your life.
Love it, hate, need it, want it – the iron has a way of getting under your skin and into your blood. And when it doesn’t hurt, it feels great. Come to think of it, it feels great even when it does hurt.
Oh, the fact that Laree and I have developed a faithful band of iron-hoisting internet bombers at davedraper.com
over the past decade is no small encouragement to my spirit of training. We dare not let each other down.
Finally, there’s nothing like the feeling when the workout is done. I hope the answer is in there somewhere.
MMI: When did you first begin writing for the magazines, and how did your writing career develop as the years went by?
DD: I squeezed out an article or two for IronMan, Muscle and Fitness and Muscle Mag, long after I left the competitive scene. But I began writing regularly for our local newspaper when I opened a gym in Santa Cruz. We needed advertising copy and I wrote a short weekly column on exercise. That morphed into an email newsletter that goes out weekly for our webpage, davedraper.com
, now nine years old.
Since the advent of the webpage in ’99, I’ve written three books devoted to strength and health, Brother Iron Sister Steel, Your Body Revival and Iron on My Mind.
MMI: You still work out regularly. How is your training different now from when you were in your twenties and thirties?
DD: It has remained the same -- volume in sets and reps, supersets and the basic exercises, cables and some machines, power when achievable -- only modified to suit the day and age.
My training boomed in my forties as we settled into gym ownership. Five days a week suited me, two hours a workout, heavy squatting and deadlifting a part of the regimen.
I carried on vigorously through my 50s, cutting back to four days a week as I ventured into my 60s. Three days a week suits me fine today, a spin on the Spin bike in between. I’m 66 on the outside, 13-going-on-17 on the inside.
MMI: Most bodybuilders dream of owning their own gym. As a man that has been there and done that, what were the best and worst parts of running a gym?
DD: Building a gym is the best part. Owning and operating a gym is the worst part. This is what usually transpires when one daring and committed soul opens a cool gym in a decent neighborhood: A jerk with money opens one across the street and you slave or go out of business.
Was that not the typical case, owning a cool gym can be a blast.
MMI: A lot of us these days have had our troubles with drugs and/or alcohol. I know you went through your issues years ago and got through them. Do you think bodybuilders are particularly susceptible to addiction, as it could be argued that bodybuilding in itself is a form of addiction?
DD: You could be right. Muscleheads – a term of endearment – are some of the best nut jobs I’ve ever met. And we do have issues, no doubt about it. Thank God for the iron or we’d be a real mess.
Draper’s in Isolation B, medicated and in restraints. They took his dumbbells away. Cruel and unusual punishment.
I’m one of those characters who has been clean and sober for 25 years. No wine, no beer or any of that other stuff.
MMI: All in all, are you satisfied with how prevalent the concepts of weight training and good nutrition have become in America today as opposed to forty or fifty years ago, or do you think we still have a long way to go?
DD: Muscles and exercise and good nutrition are everywhere. Health and fitness are in the news every hour and at the magazine rack as you check out your groceries. Health and fitness have become big business.
However, we need a whole lot more people buying into it, that is, making it a lifestyle. And the promise of a healthy and long life begins at youth. We need a lot more health and fitness education and exercise in schools and proper nutrition in the cafeterias and a ban on killer junk food in the hallways. Educate and encourage now, and the next generation might have it right.
The more we are responsible to our physical strength and health, the more we are responsible to one another. And so grows our morals and spiritual might.
Drink your milk, be nice to your mom.
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Looks like him.
it is hm he was known as james hellwig in those days.
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How we age (and how we can slow it down)
August 25, 2022 | No Comments
Aging is an inseparable part of being alive. To live equals aging. There is no escaping the fact that the cells that make up our bodies are not designed to last forever. As they get older and have gone through more cycles of cell division, they function less and less well.
By Willem Koert
Scientists can say little with absolute certainty about the how and why of aging, but that doesn’t stop them from launching theories. In 2016, Portuguese chemists published an exhaustive review article on aging mechanisms, in which they listed 300 theories.[1] We are now a few years further, and this number has undoubtedly only increased since then.
We are not going to confront you with all those theories in this blog. Many of them relate to factors beyond your control. In the first twenty years of the 21st century, for example, anti-aging researchers have devoted a lot of attention to longevity genes that should increase the chance of a long and healthy life. Scientists classify the contribution of our genes to aging as ‘intrinsic aging’.
Intrinsic versus extrinsic aging
Since we are mainly interested in things that we can change, let’s leave the theories about intrinsic aging for what they are. Instead, we focus on theories that might actually help you. These theories are about ‘extrinsic aging’. Extrinsic aging is aging that results from factors that you can influence, such as your lifestyle or the amount of stress you allow in your daily life.
Because scientific media still pays a lot of attention to the role of genes in longevity, it is easy to forget the role of lifestyle factors. Medical scientists estimate that about a quarter of the difference between individuals’ lifespans is due to genetic factors.[2] As far as longevity is concerned, lifestyle and environmental factors may carry more weight than genes.
In a publication, which appeared in 2008 in PLoS Medicine, epidemiologists from the University of Cambridge calculated the effect of 4 simple lifestyle factors – not drinking a lot of alcohol, exercising daily, eating five pieces of fruit and vegetables a day and not smoking – on life expectancy.[3] The scientists concluded that individuals who adhere to these 4 basic lifestyle rules live an average of 14 years longer than people who do not adhere to those rules.
A sub-optimal diet
A poor diet, which does not provide all the nutritional factors the body needs, can lead to cell damage. The body can replace those damaged cells, but this repair capacity is limited.
Cells can divide and form new cells to replace damaged and dead cells, but the more often they do this, the faster they age. In the long run, they lose their ability to function properly. The cells become less healthy, making biological processes less and less efficient.
American biochemist Bruce Ames, the inventor of the Ames test, suspects that we still do not know exactly how many nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, we need to stay healthy. Based on his own fundamental research, Ames suspects that food scientists have estimated the intake of, for example, vitamin K[4] and selenium[5] at a level that does not cause direct or semi-acute cell damage.
However, Ames thinks that science has failed to look at processes that also require vitamin K and selenium, but whose health consequences only become visible in the longer term – read: at an advanced age. This implies that those who also want to stay healthy in the longer term may need vitamin K and selenium in larger amounts than the guidelines recommend. For this reason, Ames is a strong advocate of incorporating a basic multivitamin and mineral supplement into the daily diet.
Molecular research appears to confirm Ames’ theory. When researchers at the US National Institutes of Health measured the age of nearly 600 women at a cellular level, they found that using a simple multivitamin reduced their cell age by nearly ten years.[6] This may mean that such a simple and cheap supplement can extend life by ten years.
Hormonal aging
According to some aging researchers, an aging body produces fewer hormones necessary for healthy functioning. This theory of endocrinological aging is the foundation of many hormonal anti-aging treatments offered by clinics. In those treatments, doctors try to compensate for the drop in hormone levels due to aging by administering hormones such as DHEA, testosterone and growth hormone.
Although users of hormonal anti-aging treatments typically experience a significant improvement in their quality of life, it is not clear whether these treatments on their own indeed extend life. In animal experiments, older lab rats with an elevated growth hormone level do not live longer, but rather shorter than normal.[7] In addition, the hormones most frequently used in anti-aging treatments, such as testosterone and growth hormone, activate the mTOR molecule in cells. MTOR is a key molecule when it comes to processes such as building muscles, connective tissue and bones. Most anti-aging researchers see reducing mTOR activity as a key to a long and healthy life.[8]
MTOR
One of the most effective ways to reduce the activity of mTOR is to continuously consume several tens of percent fewer calories than your body actually needs. This gives the body a better chance of repair and detoxification processes and increases the lifespan of cells.
The life-prolonging effect of ‘caloric restriction’, as this approach is called, was discovered as early as the 1930s by researchers at Cornell University in experiments on lab rats.[9] Already in these first studies, caloric restriction extended lifespan by 30-50 percent and at the same time reduced the risk of a variety of aging-related disorders.[10]
Studies are currently underway in which researchers follow people on caloric restriction regimens for years. Although the first results are mainly positive, side effects have certainly come to light. For starters, a small group develops osteoporosis or anemia.[11] A more frequent problem is that the caloric restriction reduces the quality of life. A permanent low intake of calories increases sensitivity to cold, irritability, lethargy, and feelings of irritation and reduced energy levels.[12]
Although the research into caloric restriction is far from complete, the search for alternatives has already started, which consist of natural and pharmacological substances that mimic the effect of caloric restriction. A prominent one is resveratrol, a phyto-chemical naturally found in red grapes and, in small amounts, in berries,.[13] In cells, resveratrol activates an enzyme called SIRT1. This enzyme also becomes active through caloric restriction. It allows cells to spend more energy on repair processes. We’ll be sharing a more about resveratrol and SIRT1 in follow-up blogs.
In a previous blog about the relationship between lifestyle and longevity, we wrote that a dietary pattern with a high intake of fruits and vegetables and exercise increases the chance of a long and healthy life. Those two factors seem to act on the same mechanism as caloric restriction.
This is probably because fruits and vegetables contain substances that do about the same as resveratrol,[14] while exercise seems to work in a different way. Exercise may mimic the effect of caloric restriction by extracting significant amounts of energy from the body.[15]
AGEs
One aging theorem that has gained popularity in particular over the past decade is the cross-linkage theory. According to this theory, aging is due to the buildup of cross-linked protein complexes, which damage cells and inhibit important repair enzymes. This theory was launched in the 1940s by Johan Bjorksten.[16] In the 1990s, the American biochemist Helen Vlassara called these complexes AGEs. AGEs is an abbreviation for ‘advanced glycation end products’. AGEs are more easily formed in the body when the glucose level is constantly high.
This explains why people are estimated to be older if their glucose level is continuously elevated.[17] A lifestyle with a lot of exercise and a low intake of sugars and other fast-absorbing carbohydrates, which keep the glucose level low, can inhibit the formation of these complexes and thus slow down the rate of aging.
AGEs can also enter the body directly through foods.[18] AGEs can be found in chips, cookies, fried snacks and other highly-processed industrial foods.
There isn’t much that everyone agrees on in contemporary nutritional science. But it is now beyond dispute that foods with a lot of ‘fast carbs’ and highly-processed foods are unhealthy.[19]
Free radicals
At the turn of the century, free radical theory was the most popular theory of aging in applied health sciences. According to this theory, devised in the mid-1950s by the American chemist Denham Harman, aging occurs because aggressive molecules, the free radicals, continuously attack complex molecules in the body.[20]
Harman initially suspected that these free radicals were formed by the action of various forms of radiation, but later he came to the conclusion that the cells themselves produced those free radicals. They were released when the mitochondria in the cells convert nutrients and energy, Denham theorized.[21]
In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, longevity researchers hoped that high doses of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene could slow down the cellular destruction of free radicals, but that turned out not to be the case. However, scientists still use the free radical theory when they want to demonstrate why a large amount of radioactive radiation or smoking is unhealthy. Exposure to radioactive radiation creates free radicals in the body, while cigarette smoke is full of free radicals.
Defective mitochondria
According to Denham, mitochondria produce free radicals, which then damage the mitochondria over the long term. Thus, aging was not only a result of free-radical wrecking, but also a result of an increasingly serious cellular energy crisis due to less and less effective mitochondria. Towards the end of his academic career, Denham himself was pessimistic about the possibilities of solving this problem, but German biologists from the University of Jena took a different view.
The Germans did experiments in their laboratory with worms and mice, and discovered that there is a way to make organisms live longer via mitochondria. By challenging mitochondria, and by increasing the free radical production, cells were stimulated the cells to renew themselves. This resulted, among other things, in better functioning mitochondria. [22] This complex and paradoxical phenomenon is called hormesis.
Physical activity may be one way to achieve this type of hormesis.[23] Ingestion of natural chemicals that challenge the energy production in mitochondria, like EGCG[24] or alpha-ketoglutarate,[25] may be another.
Senescent cells
Yet another theory, which is remarkably popular in the academic community at the time of writing this blog, is the senescent cells hypothesis. According to this theory, we age because senescent cells that no longer function properly accumulate in our tissues.[26] As a result, these tissues are less able to do what they are supposed to do. There are all kinds of systems out there that are supposed to clean up these stale cells, but the cells have found ways to get around them.
One way to limit the accumulation of aging cells is to prevent obesity.[27] Another way is probably a diet high in vegetables and other sources of natural phenols.[28] A phenol like fisetin,[29] which is chemically closely related to quercetin, kills senescent cells in animal studies, thereby extending lifespan.
Epilogue
The theories we have mentioned in this blog are not mutually exclusive, but complement each other. We will return to these theories in future blogs, where we will discuss substantiated ways to extend the human life span and health span.
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How we age (and how we can slow it down)
August 25, 2022 | No Comments
Aging is an inseparable part of being alive. To live equals aging. There is no escaping the fact that the cells that make up our bodies are not designed to last forever. As they get older and have gone through more cycles of cell division, they function less and less well.
Too much sun, smoking, alcohol, junk food, inactivity I think all contribute to aging.
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https://archive.org/details/43824musclebeachhomemoviesmos
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https://www.theironguide.com/
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https://archive.org/details/43824musclebeachhomemoviesmos
At 11:45:00 we can see in the lower left hand corner, a young time travelling Sylvester Stallone admire the women of that era.
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it is hm he was known as james hellwig in those days.
Not a great wrestling name.
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https://archive.org/details/43824musclebeachhomemoviesmos
1954 MISS MUSCLE BEACH BEAUTY CONTEST 16mm HOME MOVIE FOOTAGE 43824
by PeriscopeFilm
Topics 1954, Santa Monica, California, 166mm, Stock Footage
This incredible 16mm silent film shows images of Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, California (near today's Santa Monica Pier) including the Miss Muscle Beach Beauty Contest. The original Muscle Beach was just south of the SM Pier, and is credited as being the source of the fitness craze in the US. Based on a bit of detective work we think this is the 1954 contest won by ravishing beauty Barbara Thomason whose victory was headlined in the papers as: “Blonde, 17, Chosen Muscle Beach Queen.” She was described as “a bouncy, blue-eyed blonde in a white bathing suit,” with hourglass measurements recorded down to the half-inch. In 1955, she made her screen debut (as Carolyn Mitchell) in an episode of “Crossroads,” an ABC morality-play series. Three years later Thomason married actor Mickey Rooney but their marriage was an unhappy one. Thomason was murdered by her lover, actor Milos Milosevic, after she and Rooney announced they planned to reconcile. It was quite a terrible end for such a promising and attractive young woman. Muscle Beach dates back to the 1930s when the Works Progress Administration (WPA) installed exercise equipment immediately south of the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. Popular gymnastic and acrobatic exhibitions were routinely held there on city-provided equipment. A platform on the beach with weight lifting equipment provided a workout area for such famous bodybuilders as Vic Tanny, Jack LaLanne, and Joe Gold. Muscle House was a "crashpad" just off the beach where many bodybuilders would live for cheap rent and convenient access to the beach. It was a common waypoint for bodybuilders such as Chet Yorton, Steve Reeves, Vince Edwards, Jack Delinger, George Eiferman, and Dave Draper. The site of Muscle Beach Venice has inherited the modern fame and attention that was initially generated by Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, as the tumbling platform from this earlier facility had been removed by the City of Santa Monica due to difficulties in the day-to-day maintenance and supervision of the original Muscle Beach site in 1959. Yet the original regulars of Muscle Beach in Santa Monica continued to congregate at the world-famous setting with an emphasis on gymnastics events, acrobatics and adagio training and performances. In 1989, the City of Santa Monica officially rededicated the original Muscle Beach and today it serves gymnasts, acrobats and youth with an extensive gymnastics training area. Meanwhile, the City of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Department has continued the primary barbell, weightlifting and bodybuilding aspects and events of the original Muscle Beach fame at the Venice weight pen. In 1987, the City of Los Angeles officially dedicated "Muscle Beach Venice" with the added word of 'Venice' in the title to distinguish it from the original "Muscle Beach" in Santa Monica. We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example like: "01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference." This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD and 2k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
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Based on a bit of detective work we think this is the 1954 contest won by ravishing beauty Barbara Thomason whose victory was headlined in the papers as: “Blonde, 17, Chosen Muscle Beach Queen.” She was described as “a bouncy, blue-eyed blonde in a white bathing suit,” with hourglass measurements recorded down to the half-inch. In 1955, she made her screen debut (as Carolyn Mitchell) in an episode of “Crossroads,” an ABC morality-play series. Three years later Thomason married actor Mickey Rooney but their marriage was an unhappy one. Thomason was murdered by her lover, actor Milos Milosevic, after she and Rooney announced they planned to reconcile. It was quite a terrible end for such a promising and attractive young woman. abridged version. ;D
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https://lostgirls.home.blog/2021/11/07/death-of-a-beauty-queen-barbara-ann-thomason-the-dark-underbelly-of-60s-hollywood-glamour/ the prize for winning miss muscle beach 1954 was you got to marry mickey rooney. ::) ::) ::) ::)
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&t=13s
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As we wrap up the summer season, let's also wrap up this project of Dave's "somewhat hidden" material. My long and neglected to-do list is growing and I want to limit the distractions this fall. We'll finish with one of my favorites of Dave's articles. I think you'll enjoy it. Dave writes:
It’s not the wrong things I’ve done that are the most regrettable; it’s the wrong things I’ve said.
My blunders are numerous and it's from them that I grow. The accidents, mistakes and misjudgments are suffered, their consequences are observed and, where possible, restorations are made. Lessons learned assure I won’t repeat the folly and enable me to step forward and perform more effectively and correctly tomorrow.
Let’s call it growth. Life is good.
But the hurtful things I’ve said cut the deepest: hasty remarks, cruel insults, insensitive exclamations, ugly retorts, biased judgments, unfair accusations and paranoid comments. I think, how wrong of me and how bad I feel -- guilty, stupid; what about them and how hurt they must be -- angry, disappointed. A bully, a coward am I. Not even a sincere apology can erase the mark. It’s indelible. The pain, though it fades, is recurring. The memory of the moment loses detail, but its outline is etched in the psyche. And some of the people on the wrong end of the etching tool are the dearest people I know, the dearest and most damaged.
Confessions of a lifter. So, lowest of creatures walking the earth (that would be me), what does this have to do with musclebuilding, power and might? Not sure. I recall my reckless past on occasion and shrug my shoulders. I might even grin and shake my head at a stupid incident, rebellious episode, foolish indiscretion or wrong choice, and appreciate the broadening role it played in my formation and survival. The idiot endured.
The recollection, however, of an unworthy slash made with my tongue is forever devastating. The grief, like lightening, strikes suddenly. I flinch, singed by a lick of fire from hell. Not only diabolic, I believe the searing is catabolic and we pay for the dirty injustice in muscle loss. You reap what you sow, brothers and sisters. Karma, the grand equalizer, promises what goes around comes around. The grim reaper doth reach and take.
Hurting someone’s feelings is destructive and unacceptable. The penalty is severe. Suffering muscle loss no words can describe.
You see, it’s not only what we eat and how we train that determines our muscular development. How we live our lives is a major contributing factor.
Considering the common everyday negatives peppering our days -- thus our training -- I determined that lack of time and excessive busy-ness secure the top spots. I combine the two because they are somewhat inseparable and codependent. Had we more time, perhaps, we’d be less busy. Though, as I write down the thought, the less convinced I am it’s a fact. Like money, the more we have, the more we spend, and the more we need and want. Beware the paradoxes that mire the way.
Too busy to work out regularly is almost a legitimate reason. Likewise, not enough time to work out is as convincing. Too busy for health, not enough time for muscle and might? I don’t buy it. They are far too important to compromise. Your life depends on them: wellbeing, strength, fitness, energy, endurance, performance, clarity and the lively spirit and attitudes they engender. And there’s nothing wrong with looking good. Three workouts a week, prideful, stimulating and fulfilling hours wisely spent with yourself. This is precious and privileged stuff; who can deny their place?
We’re surrounded, troops. The cohabitant negatives of too-busy and not-enough-time are frantic and worrisome. Oh, man, what a destructive pair these two make, and they are ordinary in today’s community of characters. Do you wonder why? Turn on the news, watch a whacky sitcom, catch a serial killer or investigate a crime scene on cable TV, listen to current pop music, dig into talk radio or bury yourself on the freeway. Check out your credit card balances and fill 'er up at the pump. Frantic and worrisome are there to greet you!
Did you know the best resistance to and resolution for anxiety and fretting, besides prayer, is exercise, followed by laughter and deep-sea treasure hunting in the Gulf of Akaka? Trust me. The insidious pair is detrimental to the central nervous system, causes indigestion and stomach ulceration, produces toxins, upsets the hormones, inhibits positive thinking, magnifies negative thinking, clouds clear thinking and destroys relationships. Your bite could be poisonous.
This does not sound like a boon to pretty curves and physique development.
Exercise and physical fitness obviously require time and effort. But to excel -- and why bother to undertake an undertaking unless you expect to exceed -- you must have passion. Passion is unbridled enthusiasm, energized desire, inner excitement. It is not going through the motions, aimless poking along. Passion comes from within, from the heart, and it is stimulated by an outside source, motivation. Traced to its roots, passion is kin to inspiration.
When speaking of passion, inspiration, enthusiasm, excitement and desire, we are no longer dealing with words only. We step beyond utterances and thoughts and into the realm of the soul. Sounds and thoughts give way to simply being. Be, bub.
We’re surrounded by inspiration if only we open our eyes and listen to our hearts. Look and listen, see and hear -- and, while we’re at it, feel... feel deeply. Don’t be frightened, it doesn’t hurt; it’s not childish or girly, guys. Weightlifters feel deeply big time. Deep feeling is chiseled in their traps.
Without passion and inspiration, we go halfway in twice the time and we drag our sorry selves along the way. Pursue inspiration calmly, steadily and with expectation. Don’t look back. It’ll run you over like a speeding freight train.
We’re a crazy bunch, bombers. Appreciate the missteps, wrong turns and stumbles you’ve taken, the silly thoughts and dopey longings you’ve considered. Had you not, you’d be among the crowd of ordinary squabblers... squabbling.
Amid this wave (yeah, right)... ripple of thinking, I’m reminded of additional forces in the wrong direction, further negative powers that hold us back. Negatives and wrongs and discussions about them sound depressing until we realize the context in which they're regarded. We’re exploring the scoundrels, airing the foul debris and divulging the loathsome detractors that they might perish from exposure. We’re kicking them down the street like old tin cans, knocking them about with a clatter... cheap improvised playthings beneath our feet. Look at them go; they’re on the run.
Disorder is a scoundrel. The time we don’t have is lost to disorder. The busy-ness that makes us frantic is a direct result of our disorder. From chaos comes no good thing, despite what dull theorists claim. Get your life in order and the treasures lost in time are uncovered with every saved minute, gained hour and stolen day.
Order is soothing to the soul. Order restores the mind. Order gives relief to the burdened body.
The best way -- this is a scientific fact -- the best way to discover, gain or regain order and establish it for good is to exercise regularly. Let your life begin.
Along with order is consistency. You can do a fine thing for a while and be approved. But do a good thing for a long time with enthusiasm and spirit and the world is yours. Your head says no, but your heart and soul say yes. All that is good is in the sets and reps, the barbells and dumbbells. Lift that iron, push that steel.
Let’s hear the metal clang.
There’s something we must not forget: When all is said and done or almost done, it’s time to relax, rest and repair. Take hold of time, cup it in your hands. Put the fading worries aside, allow order to rule, deny the doubts and wallow in passion. The all of you aches to grow and pleads for choice time and space to do it.
Clear the runway, I’m taking off. Space and time are limitless when soaring, gliding and flying in the wind. Go swiftly, yet not with haste and the journey is yours.
Bomb voyage... Dave Draper
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VINCE GIRONDA ... THE MODERN DAY IRON GURU
Vince Gironda, born in 1917, in Bronx, New York, became a legend in the fitness world not only for his approach, but for his controversial dealings with people.
His father, a movie stunt man, moved his family to Hollywood, California, when Vince was eight years old.
In 1939, at age 22, Gironda began serious weight training. Two years later, he placed sixth at the "first" Mr. California contest. Later, he finished second at the 1951 Professional Mr. America; third, at the 1957 Professional Mr. USA, and at age 45, second in the shortman's division at the 1962 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe contest.
From 1941 to 1948, Vince worked in the film industry to finance his health club which was located in Studio City, California. The darkly painted exterior of the 4,000 square-foot, cinder-block building, with an upstairs apartment, was filled with homemade exercise equipment, and no music was allowed.
By the late 1960's, Vince's Gym was the Mecca for champion bodybuilders. The walls were lined with photos of Larry Scott, Reg Lewis, Bert Elliot, Bill McArdle, John Tristram, Ray Routledge, Steve Reno, Pete Caputo, Don Howard, Dominic Juliano, Don Peters, Gable Boudreaux, Dan Mackey, Gene Beloff, Freddy Ortiz, Ray Reriden, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mohamed Makkawy, John Balik, and Gene Mozee.
Likewise, well known film stars depended on Vince for their fitness needs. Actors, Dale Robertson, Michael Landon, Clint Eastwood, Charles Bronson, James Garner, George Hamilton, Brad Harris, William Smith, Clint Walker, Denzel Washington, Tommy Chong, David Carradine, and Erik Estrada, were a part of that crowd.
Vince reigned as total master of his domain. Anyone disagreeing with him was "out the front door." Many beginners, upon completing their intial workout, were transformed into shaking psychological wrecks, wondering whether they had the fortitude to try again.
For 55 years, Vince lived and breathed strength training. His articles that appeared in fitness magazines preached that nutrition was 85 percent of successful bodybuilding.
Opposed to the use of steroids, or growth hormones, he believed exercising individual muscle groups once-a-week, worked only for "juiced athletes." He rarely attended physique contests, calling them "pharmaceutical conventions."
By the mid 1990's, with large chain fitness operations making it difficult for small independent gyms to survive, Vince closed his operation and sold the equipment in the gym for around $5,000.
Vince died in 1997, at age 79. Although he owned the property and the building where his health club was located, at the time of its sale, he was still $160.00 overdrawn on his checking account, three days before his death.
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(https://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=676287.0;attach=1391319;image)
looks more like the Blue Oyster Bar
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Was the gym in his house? Maybe Vince had something in common with Blaha.
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JOHN DAVIS ... ONE OF AMERICA'S GREATEST WEIGHTLIFTERS
John Davis was born in 1921 and raised in the inner-city tenements of Brooklyn, New York. He became, not only, the first African-American amateur World Weightlifting Champion, but one of the greatest weightlifters of all time. From 1938 to 1953, John went undefeated in international competition, establishing 19 world records and winning 12 national titles.
Named in honor of legendary John Henry, the immortal Steel-driving Man, Davis grew up the hard way. He stated, "As a child, I never knew my father and I didn't finish high school. I was just another black kid in New York City trying to stay out of trouble."
During his youth, Davis spent hundreds of hours at Brooklyn's Tompkins Park play ground, where he honed his skills in gymnastics, handball, and hoisting makeshift barbells constructed of cement blocks and waterpipe. In 1937, bodybuilder Steve Wolsky, invited John to lift with his conventional weight set. Months later, Davis entered his first weightlifting competition and placed third.
At the 1938 World Weightlifting Championships, held in Vienna, Austria, 17-year old John Davis shocked the weightlifting world by winning the light-heavyweight class. Fourteen years later, he won his second Olympic gold medal.
John's exceptional muscular power was evident throughtout his strongman career. Standing five-feet, nine-inches tall, and weighing around 200 pounds, he was capable of performing a standing back-flip, holding a pair of 50 pound dumbbells. He completed three one-arm chins, from a "dead hang" position, with a 25 pound weight hanging from his waist. Likewise, he is known to have accomplished a 705 pound deadlift and performed eight reps in the deep-squat with 585 pounds.
Davis had small hands, but his remarkable gripping strength enabled him to pinch lift a 75 pound weight plate, only using his thumb and two fingers. Even though he did not train for bodybuilding, he won the "Best Back" subdivision at the 1941 AAU Mr. America contest.
Bob Hoffman, organizer of the event stated, "In my opinion Davis had as good a physique as any of the men competing. If not for the handicap of color, he might have been Mr. America."
Drafted into the U. S. Army in 1942, John served 3.5 years in the Pacific Theatre of Operations, where he contracted a serious case of marlaria. He returned to civilian life in 1946.
In 1949, after winning his weight class at the World Championships, held in Scheveningen, Netherlands, Davis was challenged to duplicate the lifting feat accomplished by the legendary French lifter, Charles Rigoulot, who in 1930, had officially cleaned-and-jerked the famous 366-pound Apollon railroad wheels, with their 1.93 inch diameter axle.
Davis was not told that Rigoulot had practiced for months before he conquered the awkward weight. Regardless, John used a "reverse-grip" to clean the Wheels to his upper chest and overhead on his fourth attempt.
At the 1951 Senior Nationals, Davis again established weightlifting histoy by cleaning and jerking 402 pounds on a standard Olympic barbell. In comparison, in 1930, Rigoulot had accomplished the same feat, but used a longer, springier barbell.
Overall, Davis won five world titles and gold medals at the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games. Had he not been stopped by World War II, he would possibly have captured 15 World Championships. Although he was sponsored by York Barbell Club, most of his training was done in the basement of a neighborhood church in New York City.
At the 1956 Olympic tryouts, in San Jose, California, lifting against the massive Paul Anderson, John had posted his highest career subtotal in the press and snatch. Everyone in the packed auditorium held their breath as he attempted to clean-and-jerk 380 pounds. Unfortunately, while split-cleaning the weight, he tore a ligament in his right knee and was carried off the lifting platform, on a stretcher, to end his 19-year competitive weightlifting career.
In 1979, following 25 years working as a prison guard for the New York City Department of Corrections, Davis retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for health reasons. In a sad revelation of his condition, he stated, "My reward for smoking a pack and a-half of cigarettes daily, for the better part of my adult life, is a severe case of emphysema, cancer of the brain, bones, lungs, and pancreas."
John Henry Davis Jr., "The Steel-driving Man," died in 1984 at age 63.
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JOHN DAVIS ... ONE OF AMERICA'S GREATEST WEIGHTLIFTERS
John Davis was born in 1921 and raised in the inner-city tenements of Brooklyn, New York. He became, not only, the first African-American amateur World Weightlifting Champion, but one of the greatest weightlifters of all time. From 1938 to 1953, John went undefeated in international competition, establishing 19 world records and winning 12 national titles.
Named in honor of legendary John Henry, the immortal Steel-driving Man, Davis grew up the hard way. He stated, "As a child, I never knew my father and I didn't finish high school. I was just another black kid in New York City trying to stay out of trouble."
During his youth, Davis spent hundreds of hours at Brooklyn's Tompkins Park play ground, where he honed his skills in gymnastics, handball, and hoisting makeshift barbells constructed of cement blocks and waterpipe. In 1937, bodybuilder Steve Wolsky, invited John to lift with his conventional weight set. Months later, Davis entered his first weightlifting competition and placed third.
At the 1938 World Weightlifting Championships, held in Vienna, Austria, 17-year old John Davis shocked the weightlifting world by winning the light-heavyweight class. Fourteen years later, he won his second Olympic gold medal.
John's exceptional muscular power was evident throughtout his strongman career. Standing five-feet, nine-inches tall, and weighing around 200 pounds, he was capable of performing a standing back-flip, holding a pair of 50 pound dumbbells. He completed three one-arm chins, from a "dead hang" position, with a 25 pound weight hanging from his waist. Likewise, he is known to have accomplished a 705 pound deadlift and performed eight reps in the deep-squat with 585 pounds.
Davis had small hands, but his remarkable gripping strength enabled him to pinch lift a 75 pound weight plate, only using his thumb and two fingers. Even though he did not train for bodybuilding, he won the "Best Back" subdivision at the 1941 AAU Mr. America contest.
Bob Hoffman, organizer of the event stated, "In my opinion Davis had as good a physique as any of the men competing. If not for the handicap of color, he might have been Mr. America."
Drafted into the U. S. Army in 1942, John served 3.5 years in the Pacific Theatre of Operations, where he contracted a serious case of marlaria. He returned to civilian life in 1946.
In 1949, after winning his weight class at the World Championships, held in Scheveningen, Netherlands, Davis was challenged to duplicate the lifting feat accomplished by the legendary French lifter, Charles Rigoulot, who in 1930, had officially cleaned-and-jerked the famous 366-pound Apollon railroad wheels, with their 1.93 inch diameter axle.
Davis was not told that Rigoulot had practiced for months before he conquered the awkward weight. Regardless, John used a "reverse-grip" to clean the Wheels to his upper chest and overhead on his fourth attempt.
At the 1951 Senior Nationals, Davis again established weightlifting histoy by cleaning and jerking 402 pounds on a standard Olympic barbell. In comparison, in 1930, Rigoulot had accomplished the same feat, but used a longer, springier barbell.
Overall, Davis won five world titles and gold medals at the 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games. Had he not been stopped by World War II, he would possibly have captured 15 World Championships. Although he was sponsored by York Barbell Club, most of his training was done in the basement of a neighborhood church in New York City.
At the 1956 Olympic tryouts, in San Jose, California, lifting against the massive Paul Anderson, John had posted his highest career subtotal in the press and snatch. Everyone in the packed auditorium held their breath as he attempted to clean-and-jerk 380 pounds. Unfortunately, while split-cleaning the weight, he tore a ligament in his right knee and was carried off the lifting platform, on a stretcher, to end his 19-year competitive weightlifting career.
In 1979, following 25 years working as a prison guard for the New York City Department of Corrections, Davis retired to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for health reasons. In a sad revelation of his condition, he stated, "My reward for smoking a pack and a-half of cigarettes daily, for the better part of my adult life, is a severe case of emphysema, cancer of the brain, bones, lungs, and pancreas."
John Henry Davis Jr., "The Steel-driving Man," died in 1984 at age 63.
John Davis is one of our Nations All-Time Greats! Thanks for this article!
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LEO STERN ... BILL PEARL'S MENTOR
Leo Stern was born in 1921, in Gardner,Kansas. At age two, he lost his father to a rural Kansas stock yard accident. This left his mother and fourchildren fending for themselves.
The family moved to San Diego, California, where Leo participted in wrestling, while his attempt to play high school football was limited by his 135-pound bodyweight.
In 1937, at age 18, Leo purchased a 130-pound Milo adjustable barbell and one dumbbell for $10., and began training with a classmate.
In 1939, Stern and a few close friends formed the Hillcrest Barbell Club, with a dozen members. The neighborhood gym closed at the outbreak of World War II.
Leo's physical impressions changed dramatically in 1940, when legendary John Grimek, the AAU Mr. America winner, accompanied by National Weightlifting Champions, Tony Terlazzo and John Terpak, appeared at the San Diego YMCA to conduct an exhibition of weightlifting, hand-balancing and posing. Witnessing Grimek's amazing performance; Stern was "hooked!"
The following year, 1941, Leo captured the Mr. San Diego title and placed in the top five at the first Mr. California contest, won by 19-year old Harold Zinkin.
Inducted into the United States Army Air Corps in 1942, Leo spent 39 months as the physical instructor at a base gym outside Las Vegas, Nevada. Joined by Private Clarence "Clancy" Ross, the two coached thousands of military personnel during the next three-and-a-half years.
With Stern as Clancy's coach and training partner, Ross began his competitive bodybuilding career by winning the 1945 AAU Mr. America contest.
The following year, Leo won the 1946 AAU Mr. California title, placed third at the AAU Mr. America contest and fourth at the Professional Mr. America event.
The same year, Leo established the original Stern's Gym, near San Diego's Hoover High School. He recalled, "I worked 90 hours a week for several months and pocketed a grand total of $50.
A year later, 1947, Stern's Gym was moved to the North Park district of San Diego. The second floor location was situated over a kosher chicken slaughterhouse, and years later, Leo recalled, "The odor from the ground floor slaugterhouse was so bad throughout the summer months pedestrians walked on the opposite side of the street. At 5 p.m. each day, when the rendering truck drove up, members ran to close the gym's front windows.
However, the rent was cheap."
Regardless of the location, Stern's Gym produced many of bodybuilding's modern day champions, including Mr. Universe winners Clancy Ross, Bill Pearl, Earl Clark and Eddie Sylvestre.
Another sample of champions who trained under Stern's watchful eye were, Tyrone Young, Bill Golumbick, Jack Seamon, Leroy Saba, Lud Shusterich, Keith Stephan, Jim Durden and Hugh Cobb.
To promote Stern's Gym in its early days, Leo produced "The Symphony of Strength Variety Show," that featured gym members, world-class weightlifters, gymnasts, hand-balancers, and champion bodybuilders. The following one-column by 3-inch advertisement appeared in a 1947 Strength & Health magazine:
SPECIAL!
VARIETY STRENGTH SHOW
On April 5, 1947, at the Hoover Auditorium on El Cajon Blvd, in San Diego, California, Leo Stern will sponsor his great variety strength show. The presentation starts at 8 p.m. and admission is $1.50. The event features strength notables Clarence Ross, Pudgy Stockton, Walter Marcyan, Joe DePietro, Bill Cantrell and Hugh Lyons.
Leo was featured on the cover of the 1950 Strength & Health magazine, with an inside statement crediting him "as one of America's outstanding physique champions and trainers." Because of the article, Bill Pearl set a goal to one day train under Stern's supervision.
Stationed in San Diego, during the last two years of his Naval enlistment, Bill accomplished his aspiration. He often stated, "If not for Leo Stern, there would be no Bill Pearl the bodybuilder."
For twenty years, Stern's Gym went without heat or air conditioning. "It was so cold in the winter, sometimes guys wore gloves," Leo said, "I put heat in sometime in the 1960s." The 1970s brought large mirrors to Stern's Gym, a fashion made popular in Lille, France, by Professor Edmond Desbonnet in the late 1800s. The 1980s saw the introduction of music to the gym, until the aggravation got too much for Stern. He explained, "I'd be walking down the street and sombody'd come out on the fire escape and yell at me to change the frigging station!"
Stern's Gym was sold in 1989, to Sherman Brown, a former competitive weightlifter and member of the Detroit Lions football team. Sherman immediately installed large fans for air conditioning and reintroduced music. The gym presently claims to be the oldest privately operated weight-training facility in California.
Stern and Pearl collaborated in numerous financial ventures over their 60-years friendship. They were the first to mass market form-fit T-shirts, produced under a partnership owned by Stern, George Redpath and Suzy Shure. Next, was a line of posing briefs that sold through physique magazines. In early 1960, they authored a series of strenght training booklets, selling in the thousands.
Following their example, Vince Gironda, Reg Park, Larry Scott, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Sipes and Frank Zane produced and marketed similar courses.
One of the highlights of Stern and Pearl's duo world travels occured in 1967, as the houseguest of J.Paul Getty, the world's richest man at the time, in his 16th century, three story castle located in Surrey, England. Leo and Bill found themselves again in England in 1995, being inducted into the Oscar Heidenstam Foundation Hall of Fame.
For over six decades, Leo Stern stood as an icon in the fitness industry. His long-time association with the elite of the bodybuilding/strength world, accompanied with his willingness to assist others in achieving their fitness goals, are but a small part of his legacy. In 2003, he was presented the Graphic Muscle Physical Culture Lifetime Achievement Award, at the NPC World Gym Classic San Diego "Bodybuilding and Figure Championships."
Leo died of natural causes on September 8, 2009, at age 88.
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Leo was a friend and mentor. He was a good man.
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People Are Weight Training Barefoot. Is There Any Upside?
This strength training practice can fortify your feet, but experts warn that it’s not without risk
By Rachel Fairbank
Sept. 9, 2022 NY Times
About two years ago, Claire Haeuptle, a physical therapist based in San Diego, was interested in strengthening the muscles and ligaments of her feet. Dr. Haeuptle, who played four years of collegiate basketball, has a history of knee injuries, including five surgeries.
“I’ve always rehabbed my knees but have tended to neglect my feet,” she said.
Dr. Haeuptle decided to take up barefoot weight lifting, a strength training practice that involves lifting weights without shoes, or with very little support for one’s feet.
Scrolling through social media platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #barefoottraining has been viewed around 1.8 million times, people show off barefoot deadlifts, curls and squats, while making a number of claims about the benefits. The practice, according to its proponents, can strengthen your feet, improve your balance and help you lift more weight. But, as with so many other fitness claims, the benefits come with a number of risks, including injury, if done incorrectly.
Barefoot weight lifting may have real benefits.
Going barefoot — whether running, strength training or simply walking around — requires the muscles of the feet to work harder. Some experts argue that this is especially true for smaller muscles that aren’t used as much when wearing shoes, such as the abductor hallucis, which spans the arch of your foot and controls the big toe, or the posterior tibialis, which supports the arch.
“When you go without a shoe, these muscles start working more, which ultimately give you a stronger and more adaptable foot,” said Dr. Bruce Moseley, an orthopedic surgeon at Baylor College of Medicine.
Spending more time barefoot may also increase the ability to sense where your feet are in space, as well as how they move. This greater body awareness, known as proprioception, can contribute to better balance by improving the feedback between the brain and the nerves in your ankles and feet. Research focused on barefoot weight training is limited, but it is possible that proprioception can help you maintain stability while lifting, Dr. Moseley said.
It won’t necessarily help you lift more.
Barefoot weight training may encourage increased foot strength, balance and stability, but there’s no clear evidence it can drastically enhance your performance or help you lift more. “It’s all anecdotal,” said Kevin Valenzuela, an assistant professor of biomechanics at California State University Long Beach, who was an author of a recent study exploring the effect of footwear on deadlifting performance.
In the study, published in the journal Sports, Dr. Valenzuela and his colleagues looked at the deadlifting performance among barefoot lifters and those wearing shoes. They found no significant difference in performance between the two, although deadlifting with shoes required a little bit more work.
“When you wear any sort of a shoe, you are about an inch higher than you would be if you were barefoot,” said Anna Swisher, a USA Weightlifting coach. “You’ve got an inch more to move the bar.” This extra inch may not make much of a difference for a single lift but can add up over the course of a training cycle.
Heavy lifts require dedicated lifting shoes.
Lifting a percentage of your body weight won’t place too much of a strain on your foot, but when lifting significantly more than you weigh, proper shoes become essential, as this puts a greater load on the foot than it is capable of handling, said Dr. Emily Splichal, a podiatrist and author of the book “Barefoot Strong: Unlock the Secrets to Movement Longevity.” As Dr. Splichal notes, many lifters will do warm-ups and lighter lifts barefoot, and then, as they push higher, put on weight lifting shoes.
Most dedicated weight lifting shoes have hard, dense, incompressible soles. “It’s easier to balance and it’s much more stable,” said Mark Rippetoe, a weight lifting coach and author of the book “Starting Strength: Basic Barbell Training.”
Lifting shoes also feature wedged heels that tilt the foot forward, and, in Dr. Swisher’s experience, the stability they provide can you help maintain good form, which is especially critical during weighted squats. “Having that extra lift in the heel helps keep your torso more upright, which helps keep the center of mass of the barbell more in line with your center of mass,” Dr. Swisher said. This reduces the amount of pressure placed on your lower back, which can help prevent injury.
Some shoes, however, are really not appropriate for weight lifting. Mr. Rippetoe often sees people lifting in running shoes, rather than dedicated lifting shoes. “Doing squats in running shoes is like doing squats on a mattress,” said Mr. Rippetoe. “Every rep will be different.” This makes it hard to maintain good form, which can also lead to injury.
Even during lighter lifts, there are risks.
Although barefoot weight lifting can offer benefits, all of the experts, including Dr. Haeuptle, warned there are a number of risks, including the potential for injury, if not done properly.
One major problem with barefoot weight lifting is that “some people don’t have the ankle stability to do it well,” Dr. Valenzuela said. If a person with weak ankles starts weight lifting barefoot, this can lead to the ankles wobbling.
This ankle wobbling can cause the arches of the feet to collapse inward, which gradually leads to the knees and hips collapsing inward as well. “That inward rolling motion is usually not a great thing for the joints and the tissues within the joints,” Dr. Valenzuela said. Over time, this can lead to ankle, knee or hip injuries. “What happens at the ankle affects what happens at the knee, which affects the hip,” Dr. Valenzuela said.
If a you are thinking about taking up barefoot weight lifting, be extra mindful about the stability of your ankles, which might mean doing ankle strengthening exercises before you begin. Until then, it’s best to wear lifting shoes, as they will provide additional ankle support.
Barefoot lifting also comes with a few additional warnings. The first concern is that going barefoot in a gym can spread infectious diseases, such as athlete’s foot or warts. “Athlete’s foot, once it gets in a locker room or training environment, can run rampant,” Dr. Moseley said. If you’re concerned, there are barefoot-style training shoes you can wear.
The other risk is foot injuries. Although shoes won’t do much if you drop a 45-pound weight, they may offer some protection against a lighter weight or a stubbed toe.
To avoid overuse injuries, start gradually.
Lifting too much too soon can lead to overuse injuries, such as stress fractures or heel pain. But starting with a reduced weight and a limited number of barefoot repetitions will “gradually apply the stress to these tissues,” Dr. Moseley said, which lets the tissues of your feet adapt.
If a person starts developing foot pain, or their form suffers, that’s a sign they are lifting too much, too quickly, and should stop.
Dr. Haeuptle started gradually, taking a full year to progress from a few barefoot reps during a workout to doing the majority of her lifts without shoes. Barefoot weight lifting “gives me a better sense of the ground,” she said.
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JOE GOLD ... MUSCLE MENTOR OF VENICE BEACH
Sidney Joseph (Joe) Gold, born March 10, 1922, in Boyle Heights, California, was the son of a Russian Jew in the second hand goods business. He acquired a lifelong affection for a healthy lifestyle at Southern California's Santa Monica beach at an early age. During his pre-teens, his family rented vacation bungalows in the Muscle Beach area for weeks during the summer months.
Joe's interest in strength training was sparked at age 12, when he and his older brother began making gym equipment out of scrap found in their father's junk yard.
At age 14, Joe created the neighborhood Dugout Athletic Club, a makeshift workout gym behind an automotive repair shop, "because we needed a place to workout." From then on, and for years thereafter, he weight-trained, played beach volleyball, practiced gymnastics, and "hung out at the beach with my buddies."
During World War II, Joe served as machinist in the United States Merchant Marines. He spent six months in a veterans' hospital recovering from injuries sustained by a torpedo explosion, during the 1944 South Pacific Battle of Leyte.
Joe opened Ajax's Gym in New Orleans in 1951, but reportedly "could not handle the Louisiana summers" and returned to Southern California. He became a competitive bodybuilder who appeared as an extra in two epic movies: "The Ten Commandments" and "Around the World in 80 Days." In 1954, actress Mae West recruited him for her all-male chorus revue, that experienced a three-year run throughout the country.
In 1959, the City of Santa Monica closed the popular, but controversial Muscle Beach outdoor weight-training area. (Bulldozers were sent in late one night to remove the platforms and tumbling facilities, where thousands of spectators ventured on weekends to watch lifters, lift, and tumblers, tumble.)
Spurred by the loss for a place to workout, Joe opened Gold's Gym in nearby Venice Beach, with a capital investment of $30,000. He recalled, "The guys had nowhere to go when Muscle Beach closed and they needed a place to workout. That's how Gold's Gym got its start."
The original Gold's Gym with its unassuming, low-rent district storefront and homemade equipment, attracted an international following, partly because of the fame as the focal point for the documentary film, "Pumping Iron." The small hard-core gym became a second home for the likes of Dave Draper, Frank Zane, Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, Bill Grant, Ken Waller, Kalman Szkalak, Ed Guiliani, Dave DuPre, Pete Grymkowski, Kent Kuehn, Mike and Ray Mentzer, Dennis Tinerino and Zabo Koszewski.
Mike Uretz, Joe Gold's longtime confident and financial partner, stated,
"Joe set the tone for the gym.. a tough-minded place. The only music was sweating and grunting. Women were banned from joining, though this was remedied once Joe decided women were better members than men. Women didn't stay all day. Women didn't stink, and women paid on time."
Joe sold the original gym in 1970, later commenting, "There wasn't money in the business back then. And, because I'm a vagabond, I went back to sea."
However, the new owners began to license the gym name into a health club empire of over 500 facilities, in 25 countries, with approximately two-and-one-half million members.
In 1977, Joe opened the first World Gym International in Santa Monica, "because the guys asked me to start another gym." Gold moved to a larger location in 1987, and under the direction of Mike Uretz, World Gym International expanded to approximately 300 health and fitness centers.
Confined to a wheelchair during his declining years, Joe died of congestive heart failure on July 11, 2004, at age 82. Following his death, Arnold Schwarzenegger, then the Governor of California, released this statement:
"Joe looked after me and encouraged me when I first came to America. His dry sense of humor was a daily feature of the gym. He was a trusted friend and father figure and was intrumental in my training during my days as a competitive bodybuilder. Gold's Gym wasn't merely a training facility, it became a home to me. Joe was an inspiration and his death is felt deeply by the intire health and fitness community."
Under the directorship of Mike Uretz, the sale of World Gym International was finalized in 2006, to Planet Fitness, Inc., based in Dover, New Hampshire. Planet Fitness, Inc., with approximately 120 franchises in 23 States (at that time), purchased World Gym International for a reported $11 million. The property in Marina Del Rey, California, which housed World Gym International corporate offices and health club, sold in April 2006 for more than $5 million.
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JOE AND BEN WEIDER ... A RAGS TO RICHES STORY
Joe Weider and his younger brother Ben, were sons of Polish immigrants who spent their adolescdent years in a rough section of Montreal, Canada. As scrawny Jewish kids, they were prime targets for neighborhood bulllies.
With only fourth and seventh grade educations, the brothers, nevertheless, parlayed a $7 investment into a half-billion dollar-a-year empire.
At age 15, and out of school since age 10, Joe stumbled across a discarded Strength & Health magazine. The publication inspired him to scrounge junk yards for automobile flywheels to produce homemade barbells.
At age 17, weighing 165 pounds, he scored a win at the 1939 Montreal Weightlifting Championships.
Joe continued to weight train and invested his life-savings of $7 to produce a 12-page mimeographed newsletter entitled Your Physique. The crude miniature grew into the fitness publication, Mr. America.
Ben, at age 13, quit school to work in resterauants for $2.50 a week. At age 18, he enlisted into the Canadian Army and served three years in Army Intelligence. Upon discharge, he joined his older brother in the publishing business. In 1945, financial considerations determined that Joe would immigrate to the United States, while Ben remained in Canada.
In 1946, Ben organized the first Mr. Canada contest. Years later, he recalled, "Following the competition, I understood the depth of interest people had in strength and bodybuilding. Therefore, Joe and I founded the International Federation of Bodybuilders, (IFBB) which now serves and promotes the sport in over 170 nations,"
Meanwhile, from a small shabby warehouse in Brooklyn, New York, Joe was establishing an empire in the field of publishing. By 1952, the brothers had developed more then 20 magazines with a circulation of approximately 25 million readers. However, in 1953, following a financial setback and a restructuring of the magazine distribution busines, they cut to three titles: Muscle Builder, American Manhood and Mucle Power.
In 1965, Ben organized the first IFBB Mr.Olympia contest with a prize money of $1,000. Applause from the audience, rather than a judging panel declared Larry Scott the winner.
As the Weider empire continued to grow, the brothers increased their position in the publishiing, nutrition and food supplement industries. Joe elevated the readership of Muscle & Fitness magazine to several million per issue, and Weider Nutrition International, Inc., controlled a quarter of that market.
Still, with such growth came a price. In an interview conducted by Dr. Fred Hatfield, he asked Joe, "Is there something you feel you haven't accomplished and would like to?"
Joe replied, "Yeah, enjoy life! If I didn't love the damned sport so much, I'd chuck everything! I want to see things, go to museums and do what makes me happy. I want to exercise six days a week. Now, I struggle to get in three and I rush to do that!"
Ben's love for the sport remained equally as high. During an interview, he stated, "I included into the IFBB constitution the following paragraph: 'There will be no discussions or debates in reguards to political, racial or religious opinions.' "
Ben also retained his deep interest in Napoleon Bonaparte. His book,The Murder of Napoleon, published in 1982, was translated into 39 languages, with sales of more than one million copies. His book, Louis Cyr: The Amazing Canadian, published in 1976, became a collectors item.
In 2003, American Media, Inc., acquired Weider Health and Fitness and its fleet of publications for an estimated $350 million.
Ben Weider, a sports leader, scholar, businessman and philanthropist, died of a sudden heart attack in 2008, at age 85.
Joe Weider, a legendary icon for the benefical effects of exercise, died of natural causes in 2013, at age 93.
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https://www.naturalstrength.com/2011/09/marvelous-max-story-of-maxick-by-ron.html
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funk, just for you, from 1936…
I had never heard of a “physical culture” hotel. This one run, as you can see, by the Bernarr Macfadden Foundation. I suspect there wasn’t a whole lot of bodybuilding going on here, although I suspect fitness and exercise were priorities.
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funk, just for you, from 1936…
I had never heard of a “physical culture” hotel. This one run, as you can see, by the Bernarr Macfadden Foundation. I suspect there wasn’t a whole lot of bodybuilding going on here, although I suspect fitness and exercise were priorities.
https://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2018/08/nudity-fasting-eyelid-workouts-original-wellness-guru/ good find,
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STEVE MERJANIAN SAYS WHY SQUAT WHEN YOU CAN INCLINE 500LBS?
Bodybuilding
STEVE MERJANIAN SAYS WHY SQUAT WHEN YOU CAN INCLINE 500LBS? - Chaos and Pain
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Steve Merjanian says why squat when you can incline 500lbs? If the cannibalistic weightlifting community in The Bad Batch isn’t the closest cinematic thing to Valhalla ever, I will eat my goddamned laptop. Die Antwoord, jacked people, and human barbecues going 24/7? Count me the hell in.
In the interest of stemming the tide of disinformation that is so prevalent on the internet today, I decided to highlight yet another mammoth of the past who reminds us that there is a better way than what most of us are doing, and that way is as jacked and strong as humanly possible and enjoying lifting, rather than lean and rigidly locked into some stupid goddamned program. Lest you think I am sitting astride some long-legged horse handing down life lessons and tossing you apples from the tree of knowledge like some dwarfish version of Odin, that’s not the case- I do, however, have a hell of a lot of experience under my belt, and I have a pretty good idea of what works and what doesn’t. If message boards, Instagram, and Reddit are any indication, most you people are wallowing in a pit of despair and don’t even know it, because you’re all drowning in weakness together. I’ll admit, however, that writing shit like this gets me fired the hell up as well, however, so I figure we might as well all get jacked as hell so that when the collapse of Western civilization hits us in a wave of Christian fundamentalism and wild-eyed anarcho-collectivist horseshit, we lot can simply waddle around and rip people in half with our bare hands. And then eat them. And thus, gain whatever paltry power they had and grow even bigger and stronger, living in one gigantic happy cannibalistic weightlifting community like the movie The Bad Batch.
Knowing how the minds of the people who read about training work, writing about four upper body specialists who regarded the squat in the same way most people regard having gypsies in their house unattended back-to-back might have the lot of you thinking I have turned my back on the exercise that brought me to the pinnacle of the 181 class in powerlifting. Rest easy- I’ve hardly stopped squatting, and unless you just want to bulk to mammoth proportions and rock 22-inch arms and unequal lower body development, I don’t advocate dropping it from your program altogether. What I have advocated long and hard, however, is focusing on what you love and hammering it like it’s a five-dollar prostitute right before you head back to the front. Hammer that things like you’re playing Whack-A-Mole on speed, and anyone who has something to say about it can go to hell. There is far too much lifting for the sake of other people going on these days, and too many people are going through the motions of workouts they appear to hate because they want the cache associated with doing a certain program, and too many people approaching lifting like work rather than fun.
The colossuses of the 1950s and 1960s didn’t give a good goddamn what anyone thought about their workouts- they did what they liked, and because they liked it, they were monsters. The guy with what Weider writers would undoubtedly refer to as a “barn door back” pictured above was just one of those people. Steve Merjanian was a training partner of the last upper body specialist I profiled, Chuck Ahrens, and the two of them trained with another 500+lb bencher, Richard Kee, so hard that none of us even seem to lift by comparison. These 300lb beasts stomped around the Bruce Conner gym in Westwood, California handing weights unthinkable in most gyms today on equipment that was as rickety and homemade as it was effective. They didn’t train for any reason other than love for the game- they trained often, and they trained heavy, and they had the physiques and lifts that belied their efforts. They rarely, if ever, entered contests because that’s not what they were about- they were about having a good time, heaving weights around, and throwing up double bis that would melt the underpants off anyone nearby if they didn’t just blow straight off from shock and awe.
What’s this you say? Panties blew off and the man didn’t scamper about in the gym wearing goddamned tights and endlessly blabbering on about Smolov? Well then, he must have done Sheiko? How about neither, and he was content with running a mile in the sand and doing calves for his legs. Every now and again he’d bust a half squat just for shits and giggles, but Steve Merjanian was not about that life- he just loved training heavy and loved being strong. Even at age 44, he was still hitting 405 for a behind the neck press, which is an age and a number so inconceivable to the average message board goer these days I’m sure they’re screaming bullshit at their screen and hyper graphically scribbling “STEROIDS” on the wall in crayon.
Unlike the three preceding 300lb monsters, Merjanian’s success didn’t come overnight. He broke his ass day in and day out for fifteen years, first as a bodybuilder and then a power builder, to build up to the massive poundages he ended up moving at his peak. Perseverance and harder work than a Thai ladyboi at a NAMBLA convention paid off better than George Soros shorting the dollar in an engineered recession, and Marjarian became one of the strongest upper body specialists to ever live. Those two bizarre similes notwithstanding, here are Merjanian’s stats:
Steve Merjanian’s Vital Stats
Born: 29 Jul 1935 (82 years old)
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 280-300lbs
Chest: 59.75″
Neck: 21+”
Waist: 39″
Arms: 20.25″
Forearms: 18.5″
Thighs: 28.5″
Calves: 19.5″
His diet looks like he rode a brontosaurus to work. His training looked like he rode to the gym in a chariot pulled by velociraptors on meth. Every week big Steve maxed on everything he felt like maxing on. Though that thing was almost never the back squat. Merjanian hated squatting, preferring instead to just run a mile a day through the sand four times a week and warm up with a 400-yard beach run before every workout. Although I’ve only got the details of one of his workout styles, Merjanian had two basic routines. One consisted of 10-12 sets of an exercise, the last five of which were singles with roughly 95% 1RM. His other type of routine was 8 sets of 5, as heavier than a Crowbar concert after an all you can eat buffet. The only thing Merjanian did with getting a pump in mind was back- he did lots of sets and lots of reps emphasizing a serious squeeze and brutal stretch to force as much blood into the muscle as possible. Whatever he did, however, it was hardly flexible and never a rigidly structured program- he just went as hard as he felt like and blasted weights like they were some broad’s face in a bukkake film.
Steve Merjanian’s Typical Routine
Monday / Wednesday / Friday
Dumbbell Press – 5×7
Dumbbell Laterals– 5×7
Front Dumbbell Raises– 5×7
Pulley Rowing Motion– 5×7
Dumbbell Curl– 5×7
Dips– 5×7
Lying Triceps Extension– 5×7
60 Degree Incline Press– 10×7 reps, 7×1 using 20 lbs. less than max (Brace yourself for this news- his first warmup was 350 x 10)
Bench Press– 5×7
Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday / Sunday
Calf Raise– 10-15 x10 reps
Pulley Forearm Curl– 10-15×10
Face Pulls– 10-15×10
Standing Triceps Extension– 10-15×10
Running– approximately one mile in the sand
Word is Steve trained legs early on in his lifting career but abandoned them for one reason or another as he got huge. It didn’t seem to negatively impact his lifts. However, and his leg strength was serious despite his disdain for training them. He was known to occasionally jump in on legs out of curiosity and would pull off shit like banging out a set of five easy reps with 315 in the front squat as a goof, or a single with no warmup, and his legs were always strong enough to allow him to hang with the guys who treated the front squat like it was going to reveal the meaning of life to them. In fact, big Steve’s legs were so strong that he would occasionally jump from a standing start onto what had to have been the stoutest ping pong table in the history of the sport to mess with anyone who said, “gigantic white men can’t jump” and to just scare the shit out of unruly teenagers. It was his shoulder, chest, and triceps strength that was the showstopper, though. He’d do cheat lateral raises with the 144lb dumbbells and a standing triceps extension with a ridiculous 275lbs, but both of those paled in comparison to his gargantuan 405lb behind the neck press.
“PRESSES BEHIND THE NECK WERE USUALLY DONE SITTING ON A FLAT BENCH, DUCKING YOUR HEAD UNDER THE BAR AND LIFTING IT CLEAR OF THE RACK ON THE BACK OF YOUR SHOULDERS, PRESSING IT OVERHEAD AND THEN LOWERING IT TO YOUR SHOULDERS AND RETURNING IT TO THE RACK. A MAN WHO COULD DO THREE HUNDRED IN THIS MANNER WAS CONSIDERED STRONG. I RECKON THERE ARE A LOT OF THE GUYS THAT DO (OR CLAIM TO DO) FOUR HUNDRED OR MORE IN THE CURRENT STYLE (OVERHEAD LIFTOFF. BRINGING THE BAR DOWN TO THE TOP OF THE HEAD & PRESSING IT UP) WOULD BE UNABLE TO DO THREE HUNDRED IN THIS MANNER” (NEECE).
The amount of camaraderie the lifters in Muscle Beach, and particularly at Gold’s, enjoyed in that time period would make the Care Bears look like a bunch of backbiting, foam rolling, shit talking, natty powerlifters. By comparison- these dudes not only lifted together, but they formed a sort of informal Guardian’s Angels of jacked dudes to scrap with young ruffians on the beach when they’d get out of hand, and they all participated in goofy shit like tug-of-war competitions on the weekends. And these weren’t nobodies, either- were talking pro baseball players, NFL players, epic strongmen, actors, at least one Olympic silver medalist, and even the vice principal of a local high school (Neece). Given that most “serious” strength gyms these days are populated by people who would be harder to wrangle than wet cats and would assent to heading in the same direction with far more yowling and general disaffection than those cats, the fact that everyone was so willing to chip in and help out in the community should illustrate exactly how tragic the modern era is.
It’s even more poignant when you consider that Gold’s Gym in 1968 boasted three monsters “who were over four hundred on the incline: Steve, myself, and a man named Joe Kanaster, about whom I will tell you later. There were several others in the 375-400 range. There were others who had gone over four hundred in the past but no longer trained there and a couple of others who would hit four hundred or more later” (Neece). Having three guys benching over 400 on the incline in a single gym in a single year is like having three guys in the same gym who own multiple Lambos. Call their hot-ass slut of a girlfriend “Concubine,” or having three chicks in the gym so hot you can’t even look directly at them who shit Froot Loops on demand. It’s like opening your closet and having six masturbating leprechauns jump out, and then telling your friend about it and him saying the same thing happened to him last week. Winning the Powerball three months in a row is less likely, and yet, that was what was happening in Gold’s Venice in 1968.
Looking a little closer, for those of you who are like me and yearning for yesteryear, it wasn’t all blowjobs and cheesecake then either. There was a small fraction of very early powerlifters led by Bill “Peanuts” West who resented the hell out of big Steve’s pressing power and the fact that he gave less craps about powerlifting than most people do about Olympic curling. They employed various schemes to punk Merjanian. In the end like the lifting efforts of channers, they were ultimately fruitless.
“IT IS MY OPINION THAT PEANUTS RESENTED STEVE’ NOT COMPETING IN THE THREE POWERLIFTS AND ONLY OCCASIONALLY TRAINING AT HIS (PEANUTS’) GARAGE. PEANUTS THOUGHT OF HIMSELF AS ONE OF THE FOUNDERS OF THE SPORT. HE WAS VERY ZEALOUS IN HIS EFFORTS TO GET EVERYBODY INVOLVED. IN WHAT HE PROBABLY CONSIDERED TO BE AT LEAST PARTLY HIS CREATION. STEVE, HOWEVER, MARCHED TO HIS OWN DRUMMER AND HAD NO INTEREST IN THE THREE LIFTS. IN ADDITION, HE LIKED TO ENJOY LIFE AND ONLY TRAINED WHEN HE FELT LIKE IT”
“PEANUTS USED TO NEEDLE PAT ABOUT STEVE’S INCLINES. ONE DAY IN 1967 JUST BEFORE HE RETIRED PAT DECIDED TO SETTLE IT ONCE AND FOR ALL. IT WAS AT PEANUT’S GARAGE AND GEORGE FRENN WROTE ABOUT IT IN WEIDER’S MAGAZINE. SOMEONE ALSO TOOK A PICTURE OF PAT INCLINING 515. PEANUTS AND HIS BUNCH TOLD STEVE THAT HE HAD BEEN DETHRONED.
For those among you still freaking the hell out that this is now the third consecutive person about whom I’ve written who was at or over 300lbs. Jacked in ways most people on treat their dicks, and strong as a goddamned ox, yet rarely if ever trained legs, guess what? Hollywood doesn’t care if you squat ass-to-grass. In fact probably prefers half squatters over the “my asshole was itchy, so I back squatted and worked out that itch in the hole on the floor, don’t mind the stain” people because ATG squatters never shut the hell up about depth, and you’ve got to be the most annoying people on the planet with whom to party. Anyway, here’s big Steve’s filmography, proving once more the USAPL/IPF knows nothing about anything and the fact you rub your asshole on the floor when squatting means nothing, because none of those humorless asshats have had a speaking role on the Monkees or in a Jackie Chan movie.
Steve Merjanian Filmography
Abdul alongside Davy Jones in The Monkees, Season 2, Episode 3 (1967)- “Everywhere a Sheik, Sheik”
played The Moroccan alongside Jackie Chan in The Big Brawl (1980)
played Tug the muscle man alongside Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello in Muscle Beach Party
was a stuntman in the first Planet of the Apes
So there you have it- Steve Merjanian in a nutshell. A bloody great big nutshell. So big he should be one of the 8 Natural Wonders of the World, stronger than a couple of oxen cybernetically attached Frankenstein’s Army-style, and chill as hell, though ready to scrap for fun on the weekends. Still training daily at the age of 65, Steve kept with it because “enjoyed training and being strong but he enjoyed life as much or more,” and although he was a goddamned monster, he had a sense of humor about himself and training most people could stand to emulate. In short, Steve Merjanian was the goddamned man, and the lot of us can learn a great deal from following his example.
I haven’t fact checked this video, so I can’t attest to its accuracy, but since I know everyone loves watching videos, here’s an extraordinarily slowly narrated video (Steven Wright sounds like a high school girl on coke compared to whoever narrated this thing) about Steve Merjanian:
“Plenty of rest and relaxation, a mind free of worry, good food and regular training. I agree and feel that although Steve Merjanian does not hold titles or records that others have, a lot can be learned from his approach to training for maximum progress and fulfilling one’s potential” (Shaw).
Sources:
Neece, S. Some lesser-known strongmen of the Fifties and Sixties. Iron Game History. 1998 May; 5(1):16-25.
Shaw, Dave. Steve Merjanian. Rpt. in Forgotten Secrets of the Culver City Westside Barbell Club Revealed. By Dave Yarnell. Lexington: Self Published, 2014.
Weaver, Vern. Meet “Powerhouse” Steve Merjanian. The Tight Tan Slacks of Dezso Ban. 21 Oct 2017. Web. 21 May 2018. http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2017/10/steve-merjanian-vern-weaver-1965.html
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Heavy lifter
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Weightlifting
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DAN LURIE .... "SEALTEST DAN, THE MUSCLE MAN"
Dan Lurie was one of of six siblings. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1922. His father operated a moving business and weight-trained with professional strength athletes Siegmund Breitbart and Warren Lincoln Travis. Still, the family was so poor, neighbors assisted with burial expenses when his younger sister, Pearl, was burned to death, due to her cousin prankishly placing a lighted match in her coat pocket.
Through the 1940's and 1950's, Dan carved a niche in weightlifting, as pound for pound, one of the world's strongest and most muscular men.
Lurie's first taste of stardom, however, was the result of lifting objects no heavier than a plastic disk, as he won the "New York State Checker Championships." He attended Tilden High School in Brooklyn, where he trained as a boxer, planning to enter the 1939 New York Golden Gloves Boxing Tourrnament, only to be disqualified because of a serious heart murmur.
At age 17, Dan joined the Adonis Athletic Club of Brooklyn. Two years later, he finished last place at the annual Mr. New York City physique contest. He recalled, "This made me work out with even more determination."
In 1942, 1943, and 1944, at a bodyweight of 168 pounds, Lurie was runner-up at the AAU Mr. Amrica contest and captured the Most Muscular award all three years.
Not allowed to compete in the 1945 AAU Mr. America event because he appeared in advertisements for Joe Weider's "Your Physique" magazine, Lurie commented, "Bob Hoffman, owner of York Barbell Company and Strength & Health magazine, controlled the AAU. He handpicked the winners. John Grimek won the 1940 and 1941 Mr. America contest and he appeared in York Barbell ads. Yet, he was recognized as an amateur. Why him and not me?"
Lurie partnered with Joe Weider in 1942, to estabish the Dan Lurie Barbell Company. The following year, he established the first of his nine health clubs in the New York area. One facility, an old 50,000 square-foot YMCA building, was equippped with a swimming pool, steam room, and sauna.
Dan insisted that he, rather than the Weider's originated the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) in opposition to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He said, "The Weider's stole the name from me after the AAU denied me a sanction for the 1946 Mr. East Coast contest.
Throughout the middle 1950's, Lurie appeared on CBS TV's "The Big Top Circus Show" as "Sealtest Dan, the Muscle Man." His strength feats included 1,655 pushups in 90 minutes; 1,225 parallel dips in 90 minutes and he often performed barbell bent-presses with 200 pounds, at a bodyweight of 165 pounds. Not surprising, his slogan for life remained, "Health is your greatest wealth."
In 1965, Lurie formed the World Bodybuilding Guild (WBBG) to promote local and international physique competitions. For 20 years, his meets drew major physique contestants: Harold Poole, Rick Wayne, Chris Dickerson, Ralph Kroger, Scott Wilson, Don Ross, Boyer Coe, Serge Nubret, Tony Pearson, Lou Ferrigno, Sergio Oliva and others.
That same year, Lurie published the first issue of Muscle Training Illustrated with Reg Park on the cover. In 1971, he was one of the first to feature a cover story on anabolic steroid abuse. Over the following years, he published a series of informative articles written by Dr. Bob Goldman on the dangers and misuse of sport-enhancing drugs.
In 1984, Dan Lurie and President Ronald Reagan, squared off for a supposedly legitimate arm-wrestling match held in the oval office. Lurie explained, " I sent a letter to the White House requesting permission to present President Reagan with a plaque honoring him as the Most Fit President of all Time. The next thing I knew, I was ushered into the oval office."
"Making the presentation, I jokingly challenged President Reagan to an arm-wrestling contest. His reply was, 'Sure.' We positioned ourselves at his desk and...plunk, he flattens me in about 30 seconds. I screamed for a rematch, only to be put down a second time in about 40 seconds."
A phograph of the historic event appeared on the front page of the New York Times with the caption reading: "Dan Lurie going one-on-one with President Reagan."
In 2010, Lurie was still taking "power walks" for an hour each morning, before his conventional weight-training workout. He remarked, "Now I use light weights and I rest longer between sets. I figure I no longer have a great deal to prove. With little or no regrets, my biggest pride and love in life are my five children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
"Sealtest Dan, the Muscle Man," died in 2013, at age 90.
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https://www.chaosandpain.com/blogs/chaos-and-pain%C2%AE/literally-everything-youve-ever-read-about-alphas-is-bullshit
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https://fitnessvolt.com/tom-platz-olympia-arnold-classic-lost-reputation/
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RTHUR JONES ... FATHER OF NAUTILUS GYM EQUIPMENT
Arthur Jones, born in 1922, in Morrilton, Arkansas, was perhaps the most all-time controversial entrepreneur of strength training. Throughout his life, he remained egocentric and opinionated and was, he said, "outraged" by ignorance. His father, mother, grandfather, and great-grandfather were practicing physicians,and his half-sister and half-brother were also medical doctors. He stated in his authorized biography, "Younger Women, Faster Airplanes, Bigger Crocodiles," written by John Szimansky,
"The reason I never went to medical school, was, I wasn't inclined to work 24 hours, seven days a week. As it turned out, I worked 26 hours, eight days a week."
In 1929, the Jones family moved from the Republic of Panama, to Seminole, Oklahoma, to establish a new medical practice. The following article appeared in the March 4, 1931, Seminole newspaper regarding five-year-old Arthur and his father:
R. R. "Curley" Turner, a local barber, is held under $1,500 bond on the charge of mayhem. Turner, employed at City Barber Shop, cut the hair of the young son of city surgeon Dr. W. E. Jones. Turner is alleged to have angered the boy and when released from the barber chair, the youngster deliberately kicked Turner. In retaliaton, Turner is asserted to have slapped the child. Later, Dr. Jones appeared at the barber shop and a fight ensued. Following an exchange of blows, the two clinched and Turner reportedly bit off a large portion of Jones' ear and spat it on the sidewalk. The physician's attorney filed charges in Peace Justice James W. Pipkin's court.
Several years later, Arthur had more graphic memories of Seminole, Oklahoma, in the 1930s. He recorded:
During that time, whores, gunfighters, thieves and general riff-raff of every sort migrated to Seminole. The jail could not hope to hold them, so they were chained like animals to pieces of pipe driven into the ground. Everyone with common sense carried a gun and they were often used. My father owned a double-barrel, ten-gauge shotgun pistol, the Chief of Police had taken from a hoodlum to give to him. In my early teens, the same Chief of Police called me to his office to issue me a permit to carry a concealed weapon. He said, 'I know you have a pistol. I know you need it. and in the likely event you have to use it, it will be better if it's legal.'
Jones repeatedly maintained that his IQ was beyond measure and on par with the Wright brothers and Dr Albert Einstein. He claimed to have read his father's entire medical library, at least twice, before age 12, and every book in the Seminole Public Library, by age 14. With the desire to conquer the world, Arthur left school in the ninth grade and stated,
"I should have dropped out in the sixth grade."
On his adventurous road to fame and fortune, Jones learned to fly on ramshackle airfields throughout Oklahoma and matured into a fearless barnstorming pilot. Later, he operated airlines in Latin America, flew planes throughout Africa, and owned and operated an import/export enterprise specializing in capturing and transporting snakes and a variety of reptiles and exotic animals. He claimed he logged over 3,000 flight hours during one three-year period throughout 57 foreign countries.
In 1941, Arthur lied about his age to join the United States Navy. He spent time in Los Angeles, California, in the middle 1940s and trained at Vic Tanny's Gym in Santa Monica, with bodybuilding champions George Eiferman, Armand Tanny, and John Farbotnik.
During the 1960s, Jones doubled as a filmmaker, and claimed to have produced more than 300 television films and motion pictures. His better-known TV series included Professional Hunter, Wild Cargo, Capture, and Call of the Wild. His final production, Operation Elephant, aired on CBS in 1970.
Arthur, with the help of his son Gary, was responsible for the idea, design, and development of Nautilus gym equipment, and recalled,
"Nautilus exercise machines were an accumulation of years of trial-and-error, with the journey beginning in the late 1940s, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. My friend Percy Cunningham handed me ten dollars to build a piece of equipment for the local YMCA. Each country I spent time in, I tried to improve on the devices I built to work out on."
In 1968, Jones found himself at least $500,000 in debt, following an ill-fated wild animal filming project, which ended in Rhodesia. The Rhodesian government confiscated more than $1.5 million worth of his equipment and belongings, which he was not able to retrieve.
Returning to Slidell, Louisiana, Arthur borrowed $2,500 from his half sister to fund the fabrication of a resistance exercise machine he was attempting to build in the family's one-car garage. Arthur's 16-year-old son, Gary, designed an off-centered cam as part of the prototype, whose purpose was to cause the resistance of the exercise to vary in intensity as the user worked the lever arm of the apparatus throughout it's full range of motion.
Labeled the "Blue Monster," the prototype Nautilus machine was previewed in the lobby of the Culver City California Auditorium during the 1970 AAU "Mr. America" contest. Jones had transported the cumbersome unit in a rental trailer, and arrived in Los Angeles with seven dollars in his pocket and an expired credit card.
From 1974 through 1982, Jones dominated the commercial fitness market and claimed more money was spent on Nautilus machines than on the combined sales of all commercial gym equipment purchased.
By 1984, approximately 4,700 Nautilus Fitness Centers covered the United States. Complete lines of the equipment were the choice in physical rehabilitation centers, professional sports teams training rooms, colleges, high schools, and private facilities, despite the belief of a large majority of weight-training experts that traditional training with free weights produced superior results.
In Lake Helen, Florida, Jones built a $75 million corporate headquarters, which incorporated sound stages, film editing rooms and two homes. His privately held company had an estimated reported annual income of $300 million and was regarded as the largest manufacturer of exercise machines in the world. Physique legends John Grimek, Steve Reeves, Bill Pearl, Sergio Oliva, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Boyer Coe, Mike and Ray Mentzer and Casey Visator made their pilgrimage to meet the cantankerous tycoon and to train on Nautilus equipment.
Following the sale of Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc., Jones founded the Med X Corporation to pursue research and development projects he began in the 1970s. He explained,
"Dedicating over 20 years of my life and $80 million perfecting the Med X medical technology, in 1991, another line of exercise machines was added to the Med X medical group. These machines were a vast improvement over my original Nautilus line."
Retiring from Med X in 1996, Arthur Jones, the gun toting, third world mercenary who had married five times, chain-smoked his way through life and drank quarts of coffee each day, proudly stated,
"I've been broke more times than I care to count and I still made the Forbes Fortune list of the 400 richest by the mid-1980s. When I sold Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries in 1986, I owned a large farm located north of Ocala, Florida. The 350 acres of prime real estate housed the largest privately owned airport. including three Boeing 707 airliners and the largest exclusively owned collection of exotic wild animals. My menagerie consisted of 100 African Elephants, 4,000 crocodilians, three albino rhinos and Micky, my 400 pound pet gorilla."
In the late 1990s, Jones was living in a modest home in Deland, Florida, when, And God Laughs, his self-aggrandizing autobiography, was published. He closed an interview by asserting:
"Within my life, I've accomplished 50 things; any one of which others would give anything to have done once. I've been the length of the Congo, Nile and Amazon. I've captured adult crocodiles and African elephants. I've invented a camera mount so steady you can use it from a helicopter flying in a whirlwind, and the picture will be in focus. I've run a jeep into a tree at 60 miles per hour. I've been bitten by poisonous snakes 24 times, and hundreds of times by non-poisonous snakes. I've survived a couple of plane crashes, that weren't my fault, was chewed up by a lion and a myriad of other cats, was shot six times, axed once and stabbed on occasion. I've killed at least 600 elephants and 73 men and I'm more sorry for the elephants!"
Arthur Allen Jones, died of natural causes on August 28, 2007, at age 85.
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life lessons HTH 1️⃣ Shrink your time horizon
-Be humble. You don’t know it all. Seek out education from those who have done/are doing the “thing” you want to do. Pay them for years of knowledge to compress your learning into a shorter time frame. This brings your goal closer, faster.
2️⃣ Don’t operate in scarcity
-This is the worst mindset to have. There’s always more opportunities, you just don’t see them or you just aren’t doing the work. Change the angle you’re viewing the situation or issue & you’ll find a solution. This is something to work on daily.
3️⃣ No one is coming to save you
-You control your life. Times are hard but they will get better. However, don’t spend years your life “stuck” where you’re at pointing the blame finger. No one is going to magically come change it. You have to take control to change it.
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Vern Weaver the 1963 AAU Mr. America
Forty contestants entered the 1963 AAU Mr. America contest held at the Zembo Mosque in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Vern Weaver captured the title with 92.5 points out of a possible 100. This was Weaver's fourth attempt to win the elusive crown.
In second place was the legendary African American Harold Poole, who walked off stage when his placing was announced. However, Poole had the consolation of winning the Most Muscular award.
Craig Whitehead, a medical student, at Tulane Medical School, placed third.
At a bodyweight of 205-pounds, Weaver represented the York Barbell Club and was a highly qualified Olympic weightlifter in the 198-pound division. At one meet he power-cleaned 370 pounds before jerking the weight overhead.
Weaver won the tall man's division at the 1964 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. His final physique competition was at the 1966 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe contest where he placed second in the tall man class.
Little is recorded regarding Vern Weaver from 1966 onward. It is known he took his life in 1993, at age 56.
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Vern Weaver the 1963 AAU Mr. America
Forty contestants entered the 1963 AAU Mr. America contest held at the Zembo Mosque in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Vern Weaver captured the title with 92.5 points out of a possible 100. This was Weaver's fourth attempt to win the elusive crown.
In second place was the legendary African American Harold Poole, who walked off stage when his placing was announced. However, Poole had the consolation of winning the Most Muscular award.
Craig Whitehead, a medical student, at Tulane Medical School, placed third.
At a bodyweight of 205-pounds, Weaver represented the York Barbell Club and was a highly qualified Olympic weightlifter in the 198-pound division. At one meet he power-cleaned 370 pounds before jerking the weight overhead.
Weaver won the tall man's division at the 1964 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. His final physique competition was at the 1966 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe contest where he placed second in the tall man class.
Little is recorded regarding Vern Weaver from 1966 onward. It is known he took his life in 1993, at age 56.
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;D
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Logical Strength Training -- Shinobu Shimizu (2022)
I'm finding stuff in this book. It's aimed at pitchers, baseball pitchers, but I'm finding stuff in this book. Plenty of varied stuff on several lifting topics. Strength training and bodybuilding is dealt with.
Go Shinobu!
Here's a small excerpt on DB curling. The whole deal behind this book is asking yourself WHY you're doing what you do in the gym. There's much more in here of course, but here's a small excerpt on DB curling . . .
DUMBBELL CURLS:
There's a big difference between doing "hard curls" and "easy curls."
Irrational Strength Training - Dumbbell Curls. Using lots of momentum, moving the arms straight down to a position in which the elbows are fully bent in a single movement.
Logical Strength Training - Dumbbell Curls. Pull your elbows back as you lift the dumbbells. When you lower the dumbbells, move your elbows forward. Even if you use lighter dumbbells than what you would with "irrational" form, the load will be greater.
Dumbbell curls are usually one of the first exercises that people do when they want to get bigger arms or work on their biceps. I want to think about this from a bodybuilding standpoint . . .
Mush of your success in bodybuilding is determined by whether you are using a technique that effectively places a load on the muscle. In other words, a person who performs this exercise using the more demanding technique will build their biceps faster, while a person who uses the less demanding technique will build their biceps at a slower pace. The difference in the way you perform the exercise leads to a stark separation between the "logical" and the "irrational."
The key point that differentiates the more demanding technique from the easy technique is the positioning of the elbows.
Even if it's a bit more demanding, people who are conscious of fully engaging the biceps when raising dumbbells will often raise and lower them while moving their elbows back and forth. When they curls the dumbbells upward, they pull their elbows back slightly and raise the bells slowly. When lowering, they do it slowly while moving their elbows forward and stop the movement at the bottom with the dumbbells at an angle. See illustration.
This is a method that uses leverage principles -- it applies the load of the dumbbell to the biceps from the beginning to the end of the movement. Of course, your arms are going to burn like crazy, but the harder it is, the more efficiently you can train your biceps.
Now, what about the "irrational" easy version of this exercise?
It involves raising and lowering the dumbbells as if your goal was simply to move them back and forth from directly below your elbow to directly above your elbow. Of course, there is little or no load placed on the target muscles if you're holding the dumbbells straight down with your elbows extended. Likewise, if you raise the dumbbells to directly above your elbows, the weight is supported by the straight bones of your forearm, so there is very little load on the muscles.
Both the positions directly below your elbow and above your elbow act as "resting positions" in which your biceps take a breather.
That is to say, people who do the "easy" version just move the dumbbells from the resting position directly below to the resting position directly above. In addition, most people who employ this method often use exaggerated movement and momentum to swing the dumbbells in one quick motion from down to up. If you lift the dumbbell in a quick, jerking motion like this, the arms bear very little of the load and there are very few situations where lifting like this will actually stimulate your biceps. The epitome of irrational.
Again, dumbbell curls are a biceps workout. But what happens if you were to do this kind of "easy lift' on a regular basis? Naturally, your biceps will get little to no training, and you'll end up wondering why the hell you're even training with next to no gains at all.
[Now, consider all your other exercise movements, and the way you have chosen to perform them to build muscle and strength.
In addition, there are many people who fall into the "weight trap" when they do such irrational training.
You can lift super-heavy dumbbells that people around you may hesitate to lift, if you put a lot of effort into lifting them from directly below your elbow to directly above your elbow. The person who does this may feel fairly pleased as people around him look and say, "Wow, you can lift such heavy dumbbells."
But no matter how heavy the dumbbells you lift, what's the point of doing it if it's not training your muscles? If you want to make your biceps bigger, then using lighter weight dumbbells with more demanding form would provide a much more effective workout. Logical people use a form that considers how to avoid merely moving the dumbbells from directly below to directly above the elbow.
As I mentioned earlier, it is very easy to get carried away with arm training, and many people fall into the "weight trap" without even realizing it. In many cases, they lose sight of their original training objectives when they get caught up in the moment.
That's why I want you to go back to the basics of why you are doing this, and train without losing sight of your purpose or yourself.
The best way to shift from Irrational Strength Training to Logical Strength Training is to THINK ABOUT WHY YOU ARE DOING THIS.
Next: "Squeezing your butt" is the basis of lower body strength training. Plenty of stuff in this one.
Note: That reads "squeezing YOUR butt."
Enjoy Your Lifting!
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Steroids in Muscle Mags
Muscle Power in 1951The first report or first mention of androgens in bodybuilders’ magazines was published in the American magazine ‘Muscle Power’ in 1951. The author Earle Liederman, began the article with the line: “New medical muscle growth” and writes about a congress in San Francisco last year. He said that scientists had found a new treatment to cure diseases. The name of the new wonder drug, methyl androstenediol, is said to stimulate the growth of body tissue, and Earle Liederman says he is completely new and unfamiliar with such a drug. [11]
I would even claim that the above mentioned athletes trained and built up muscles without the use of steroids. How did the strength athletes train? Some of them also talked in their books about controlling the muscle, breathing and willpower and preached this training principle to their students!
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https://www.musclesmonsters.com/2022/08/the-top-10-uncrowned-mr-olympia-in.html?fbclid=IwAR19roI-XmdYb2rYR7LtMmZfTRztrFLIk3n-AoS3uNGKI95GTkavKGv3K4w
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I bet they either don't mention it or downplay the(ir) use of drugs. Fuck 'em both. Liars.
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https://www.thebarbell.com/10-strongest-nfl-players-ever/
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William Emmett Smith was a Korean War vet and an actor with a career spanning more than 75 years.
Smith was born on March 24, 1933, in Columbia, Missouri and grew up on the cattle ranch owned by his parents. His family later moved to Southern California, where he began his acting career at the age of eight in 1942; entering films as a child actor in such films as The Ghost of Frankenstein, The Song of Bernadette and Meet Me in St. Louis.
Smith served in the United States Air Force. A fluent Russian speaker, during the Korean War Smith was a Russian Intercept Interrogator and flew secret ferret missions over the Russian SFSR.
He was reportedly also fluent in French, German and Serbo-Croatian. He had both CIA and NSA clearances and intended to enter a classified position with the U.S. government, but while he was working on his doctorate studies he landed an acting contract with MGM.
He won the 200-pound World arm-wrestling championship multiple times and also won the United States Air Force weightlifting championship. A lifelong bodybuilder, Smith was a record holder for reverse-curling his own body weight. Smith also held a 31–1 record as an amateur boxer.
In the years from 1961 to 2014, Smith established himself as a highly prolific and profoundly talented character actor with roles in a diverse range of genres. Although often typecast as an anti-social personality, he sporadically got other kinds of roles as a law enforcement officer or an anti-heroic protagonist. His list of starring roles is actually too long to list on this post but he was in everything.
William Smith sadly died on July 5, 2021, at the age of 88.
The Giant Killer book & page honors these incredible war heroes making sure their stories of valor and sacrifice are never forgotten. The book which features the incredible life of the smallest soldier, Green Beret Captain Richard Flaherty (101st Airborne & 3rd SF Group) and several of the other heroes featured on this page is available on Amazon & Walmart.
God Bless our Vets!
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https://www.thebarbell.com/10-strongest-nfl-players-ever/
Randy White came to our gym back around 1980 and worked out.He was in the conversation as strongest NFL player. I remember he benched 405 for several reps. I wish I had counted but didn’t.He was lifting it pretty easy but was also pretty loose on his form.To his credit he is pushing 70 years old and is still in shape
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Randy White came to our gym back around 1980 and worked out.He was in the conversation as strongest NFL player. I remember he benched 405 for several reps. I wish I had counted but didn’t.He was lifting it pretty easy but was also pretty loose on his form.To his credit he is pushing 70 years old and is still in shape
ONE FOR THE AGES: WHITE VS. MILLEN * WHEN MATT MILLEN ARM WRESTLED RANDY WHITE IN HIS SENIOR YEAR AT WHITEHALL, THE SPARKS FLEW. AND WHITE WON.
It was not uncommon in the fall and winter of 1975-76 to find Division I college football coaches shooting free throws in the Whitehall High School gym.
The NCAA placed virtually no restrictions on recruiting, so coaches could spend hours in one place. At Whitehall, they would do almost anything to make themselves attractive to three big Zephyr linemen -- Matt Millen, Ed Gall and Gary Wagner.
One of the most aggressive approaches was that of the University of Maryland.
Gib Romaine, an assistant coach under Jerry Claibourne, had been coached by Whitehall Head Coach Andy Melosky at East Stroudsburg University in 1964 and used that relationship as a lever to get in the door.
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Most of the colleges took their best shots with their head coaches. Maryland went a step further.
The Terps sent Randy White, who recently had finished his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys, to entice Millen to choose Maryland.
"Randy spent a week here," Melosky remembered. "He spent a lot of time with me, trying to get insight about Matt. He worked out with Matt in the weight room and followed him around."
Millen, who by his senior year was obsessed with lifting weights, welcomed the new partner, who during his Maryland career had been tabbed "Manster -- half man, half monster."
"The last day, we were up there benching and I'm going with him pound for pound," Millen said. "He did 405 (pounds) twice, I did it twice and that was it. I said to myself, 'This guy is taking the NFL by storm and that's all he can do? I'm 17; he's not that special.' "
At the conclusion of White's stay, he asked Melosky to call Millen out of class for one last goodbye. Neither would have dared predict what followed.
"Matt said to Randy, 'You know, I worked out with you all week. Every place I visited, I challenged the toughest guy on the team in arm wrestling,'-" Melosky remembered.
White, who had won all kinds of honors in his college career, wasn't about to back down from the challenge.
So, with Melosky as the referee, the two big linemen went at it.
"Matt got the jump, and he was about half an inch from putting Randy away," Melosky said. "Then Randy started to come back, and he finally put Matt down."
"I go 'Bam' and I have him and I say, 'You're goin' down!' " Millen said. "I look up at him and he's goin' like this (a smirk on his face) and I say, 'Uh-oh.' He almost tore my arm off. He slammed it."
Millen and White stood up and pushed one another. Then Millen went a step too far.
"I thought, 'Well, why not,' and I went after him; I smashed him," Millen added, demonstrating how he cupped his hands and hit White on both sides of his head at the ears. Hard. "He picked me straight up and he said something like, 'Punk, I'll see you in four years and we'll settle this.' That was fine by me. I thought I'd never see Randy White again."
"I told Matt to get back to class," Melosky said, "and Randy said, 'You don't know how close I came to really getting into it. But I'll tell you, there's not a stronger guy at Maryland than him.'-"
White was unable to steer Millen to Maryland, but Gall became a Terp and was in the starting defensive lineup as a freshman. Wagner, like Millen, chose Penn State, but he played only one season for the Nittany Lions (1979).
And in the 1980 NFL season, the Oakland Raiders played the Dallas Cowboys. After a Raiders touchdown, the teams lined up for the extra point. Millen was on one side. White was directly across from him.
"My responsibility was first to seal inside, then look outside, so I made the block, the kick was off and I started walking away," Millen said.
"All of a sudden I feel this punch in the back. I turned around and said, 'Hi, Randy' and he said, 'Hi, Matt.' He remembered me. Once I got to know him, we laughed about it."
The following fields overflowed:
SERIES = SPORTS CENTURY:TOP TEN LOCAL ATHLETES---THE LEHIGH VALLEY HAS PRODUCED MANY GREAT ATHLETES IN THIS CENTURY. IN OUR CONTINUING SERIES, WE TAKE AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT WHAT WE CONSIDER THE TOP 10, BOTH IN ABILITY AND IN THE IMPACT THEY HAVE HAD NATIONALLY AND WORLDWIDE. TODAY'S STORY IS NO. 7 MATT MILLEN.
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https://neckberg.com/3-bodybuilders-who-committed-suicide/
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ERNIE FRANTZ ... THE GODFATHER OF POWERLIFTING
Ernie Frantz, born in Chicago, Illinois in 1934, remains the remarkable strength athlete who won numerous World's Powerlifting Championships and shattered several world records.
Brought up in a poverty-stricken section of Chicago, Frantz recalled,"I did a lot of smoking, drinking and fighting when I was a kid headed in the wrong direction. I didn't like school, but thankfully my dad was strict.
Interestingly, it is as an advisor/administrator, not a strength athlete, in which Ernie made his most significent contributions to the sport of powerlifting.
Frantz joined the United States Army, at the age of 16 and served for three years in the Koean War, receiving two Bronze Stars. During one of many conflicts, he captured three Korean soldiers after rescuing an American soldier that had been wounded.
Discharged in 1953, Frantz spent his spare time bodybuilding and working as a volunteer for a local YMCA, where he conducted bodybuilding classes and supervised teen activities.
Tragedy struck in the mid-1950's when Ernie's wife died of breast cancer, leaving him with their two-year-old daughter. "My life seemed to go up in smoke," he recalled. "I had money in the bank, but it was the depression. I went back to smoking and drinking for about a year before my dad told me to stand in front of a truck if I wanted to kill myself.
His comment brought me back to reality. I went into police work and became the Chief of Police for a small town in Illinois. I began raising wards of the courand they turned out great. One is a policeman and another, an FBI agent."
In 1962, Ernie established his famous gym, Frantz Health Spa. In 1970, he received a Bachelor's degree in recreation and worked with the State of Illinois as corrrection officer for 13 years. He also earned his Master's degree during that peroid.
Frantz entered the 1974 World's Powerlifting Championship and the AAU Mr. USA physique contest. Both events were held on the same day with the contests 12 miles apart. He won the 181-pound class in the powerlifting meet, than placed third in his height division at the physique contest.
By the late 1970's, drug use in sports had become commplace in Olympic events. However, powerlifting is not an Olmpic activity, and it was left to elected officials of the United States Powerlifting Federation (USPF) to decide to test, or not to test their athletes. Some USPF officals wanted to test only at major meets, but those similar to Frantz opposed.
This came to a head when the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) voted to drug test at international meets and to require the national federations to do the same.
In 1982, faced by this threat, Frantz founded the American Powerlifting Federation (APF). He said, "I don't believe in any testing, whatsoever, at any time." An advisement for his APF stated, "Don't be dictated to! Lift the way you want to lift! You don't want testing? We don't have any."
Frantz's APF events attracted the top powerlifters because of his honesty. He openly admitted that he wanted to compete with steroid users.
However, when the USPF threatened to suspend APF lifters, Ernie took the USPF and the IPF to court and beat them. His lawsuit, "Frantz vs United States Powerlifting," changed the sport forever.
The courts ruling demonstrated that if a group did not like the by-laws of a specific federation, they could begin their own and write the rules.
Interestingly, in 1997, Frantz started the American Amateur Powerlifting Federation (AAPF) for those who did not choose to use steroids and other related drugs.
Throughout his years of political struggle, Frantz continued to lift and maintain his strength. In 1997, at the age of 63, he set an APF world record with an 821-pound squat at a body weight of 220 pounds.
He also coached champion lifters, which included his wife, Diana, whom he met in 1975. She began serious powerlifting at the age of 40, and became a USPF and IPF champion. She also broke national and world records in the APF. Early in her career, she was the first woman in the 144-pound class to deadlift over 400 pounds.
In the early 2000's, Ernie remarked, "I'm not rich by any means, but I have a gym, and I've trained the best, however, what I've enjoyed most is working with teenagers, which I've done free of charge for the past 30 years. In 1970, I invented the original wide-stance power rack; the reversed bumper jack to raise the barbell; the first double squat suit; the initial Safety Monolift squat rack; belt pullers and the strongest leg wraps. I wrote my first book, The Ten Commandments of Powerlifting, in 1980, and it's still used by the Russians as a training guide.
Diana and I feel lucky to be so happy. She'd like for me to retire, but I still have goals. One is to help teenagers learn the proper way to weight train for safety. Not just in powerlifting,but for every sport."
The "Godfather of Powerlifting," died in early 2021. He was 86-years-old.
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Doth mine eyes deceive me or is the Narrow One starting to shrink? :o ;D
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Randy White came to our gym back around 1980 and worked out.He was in the conversation as strongest NFL player. I remember he benched 405 for several reps. I wish I had counted but didn’t.He was lifting it pretty easy but was also pretty loose on his form.To his credit he is pushing 70 years old and is still in shape
Trained in martial arts as well.
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https://www.instagram.com/p/CjeMyLDoX4Y/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&fbclid=IwAR07-m-zGIQpnGPes6Ogf-lbAKwBB7t6q-graowNbmO3GrKSSzW_NMgASwY
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https://www.strongmanarchives.com/viewContest.php?id=1154
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Arnold’s ‘Golden Six’ routine for strength and size
In the pre-Internet era, sources of information concerning bodybuilding were scant, mostly in the form of bodybuilding and fitness magazines and books written by the great bodybuilding champions, the greatest one being Arnold Schwarzenegger, of course.
Many of his routines published in magazines were body-part split routines he used in the 60s and 70s. However, the majority of these routines were for intermediate and advanced lifters who had already built up a solid strength base and were, therefore, useless for beginners.
These were usually high-volume routines with lots of sets and reps, which while no doubt would have been effective for someone using anabolic anabolics and had above average genetics, would have been futile for a 16-year old guy weighing barely 140 pounds and whose diet primarily consisted of burgers and cakes.
Most beginners do the same mistake during their first gym sessions of trying to do the exact same routine used by professional bodybuilders, in the hopes this would magically transform their physique into that of a Greek statue.
However, this was not the way Arnold first started out in the gym, nor the way he made most of his physique.
Even though Arnold is famous for the high-volume body split routines he published in various Weider magazines when he first started training he emulated the training philosophy of his idol and future mentor, the legend Reg Park.
Arnold said that he had found out everything he could about his idol and bought all the magazines containing his training programs. He said he had learned how Reg started training, what he ate, about his lifestyle and the way he performed his workouts. He practically became obsessed.
The Austrian Oak managed to build his strength foundation by performing full-body training such as Park’s 5×5 strength routine and later his own “Golden Six” routine which we’re going to look into in this article.
By the time he won his first ‘Mr. Olympia’ title, when Arnold started using anabolic s******s and had increased his training volume and intensity, he had already succeeded in building an imposing physique by using his basic full body workout routines as his main base.
ARNOLD ‘GOLDEN SIX’ ROUTINE
arnold golden six routine
Arnold’s “golden six” routine was a training program consisting of 6 key movements which Arnold did when he started training at a gym in Munich and according to him, one of the programs that he made “remarkable” muscle and strength gains on.
Also, this was the workout routine which he prescribed for all of his personal training clients who were also on a quest to “get huge”.
Arnold claimed that Welsh bodybuilder and former Mr. World Paul Grant used this workout routine and gained more than 60 lbs of lean muscle mass in little less than a year.
His progression was in the form of a gradual increase of the number sets in the first 5 movements, moving up to 4 sets after 3 months and then 6 sets after 6 months.
We should take into consideration, however, that this is the same man who, when attempting to get his first movie role, convinced the producers that he had done Shakespeare back in Austria, so one needs to take everything he says with a grain of salt.
Here’s the lineup for the ‘Golden six’ exercises:
Exercise Sets Reps
Barbell squat 4 10
Wide-grip barbell bench press 3 10
Chin-ups 3 To failure
Behind the neck press 4 10
Barbell curls 3 10
Bent knee sit-up 3-4 To failure
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
THE ‘GOLDEN SIX’ WORKOUT CYCLE
Arnold recommends that you do this routine 3 times a week every other day in a 3-month cycle.
HOW TO PROGRESS
Once you’re able to do 2-3 reps above the recommended number increase the load. Strive to increase the weight at every training session.
REST INTERVALS
Rest up to 2 minutes between sets of squats and no more than a minute and a half for the other movements.
TRAINING ADVICE FOR THE “GOLDEN SIX” WORKOUT
The classic full-body workouts done in the ‘Golden Era of bodybuilding’ in the 60s and the 70s are ideal for beginners, especially ectomorphs who are trying to bulk up quickly and build a solid strength base.
These kind of workout routines performed by legends such as John McCallum, Reg Park, Peary Rader and many others have sadly become totally neglected and are under-appreciated by many personal trainers today, which is a total shame, because even though they may not be fashionable or fitness mainstream any more, they are nonetheless the perfect method to lay the foundation for a muscular, strong and well-balanced physique.
The recipe for success is pretty simple: get in, train hard, get out, eat, recover, repeat. It’s really that simple.
When it comes to exercise selection in this routine, one could make a couple of adjustments, like adding in some barbell rows or some deadlifts, because there is a small imbalance between the push and pull exercises here, as well as switching the behind the neck press with a standard overhead press.
Not only does the behind the neck press force the body to move in an unnatural plane of movement which puts your rotator cuffs under a tremendous stress, it is also much harder to progress on it compared to the standard overhead press and as we all know increasing the weight is the main thing you should focus on.
You can also do one more substitution, such as replacing the sit-ups with a more efficient ab movement like the hanging leg raises.
SUMMARY
If you’re just starting out with bodybuilding and are looking for an efficient workout routine to build strength and muscle, ditch the body part splits, isolation movements and other unnecessary stuff, and give Arnold’s ‘Golden six’ routine a try.
In fact, regardless of how advanced you are in your training career, a cycle of this routine will undoubtedly be extremely productive, that is if you’re eating enough of the right foods and recover adequately. It is simple, fun and effective and it comes with Arnold’s seal of approval. What more could anyone want?
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CLARENCE BASS... LEAN FOR LIFE
Clarence Bass, born in 1937, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, graduated from the University of New Mexico and the University of New Mexico Law School. He practiced law until 1994, and then decided to devote himself to his lifelong interest in fitness and health.
Following a fine career in weightlifting, Clarence moved into bodybuilding and won his height class at the 1979 AAU Past-40 Mr. America contest. He then captured the 1980 AAU Past-40 Mr. USA event. In the latter competition, he also earned the Most Muscular, Best Abs and Best Legs sub-divisions.
Among Bass's numerous achievements is his ability to maintain his body fat at an extremely low level. Tests at the University of New Mexico Human Performance Laboratory measured him at three percent or less.
When asked if he followed a strict diet to remain so lean, Clarence replied, "I don't diet. I prefer to think in terms of an eating style. I stick mainly to whole foods with high quality protein and good fat at each meal. I enjoy what I eat and I'm never hungry."
However, Clarence is probably best known for the instruction and inspiration he has provided to others. It started with his classic book "Ripped". Espousing the benefits of a healthy diet and proper exercise, he is living proof that this philosophy works.
After his initial book publication, Clarence went on to produce a series of books and vidoes that have reached thousands around the world with his prescriptions for a healthy living and with a lean and muscular body.
Now in his mid 80's, Clarence remains in phenomenal physical condition as his audience continues to grow.
His website, maintained by he and his wife Carol, is always a timely source of information on nutrition, training, and a healthy lifestyle.
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https://fitnessvolt.com/dorian-yates-training-mindset/?fbclid=IwAR36AndgyUfRdRg47ZZdhcC6N6g_DmAiCjIFfP1rRBYVoAV_x23dnu46NzA
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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-much-protein-do-you-need-to-build-muscle?utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=MNT%20Daily%20News&utm_content=2022-10-11&apid=26970770&rvid=8dd6780d545de84315f2b61400fdbf3394b6c5b6626ff5c8473b7403d54ffb83
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I do things different for movies?????
What movies has OHearn actually been in?
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TERRY TODD ...
Terence (Terry) Todd, Ph. D... writer, acadmic, journalist, champion weight lifter, sport promoter, founder of the H. J. Lutcher Stark Center of Physical Culture at the University of Texas in Austin, and Director of the Arnold Strongman Classic, died in 2018, at age 80.
In 1963, at a body weight of 300 pounds, Todd won the AAU Junior National Weightlifting Championships; then, in 1965, he captured the Senior National Powerlifting Championships. He became the first to total 1,600; 1,700; 1,800 and 1,900 pounds in powerlifting competition.
In 1967, Todd began his extensive collegiate teaching career at Auburn University. Next, he taught at Mercer University, and then Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scopia, prior to taking a position at the University of Texas.
As a doctoral student at the University of Texas Todds' weightlifting coach, Professor Roy J. McLean, encouraged him to continue accumulating physical culture memorabilia, which he had begun doing in the late 1950's.
In 1975, Terry and is wife Jan, purchased the collection of the late Ottley Coulter, the highly regarded circus srongman, who had compiled the largest assortment of physical culture collectables in the United States.
Once the Todds' had examined the 385-box assortment of books, magazines, photographs, posters, scrapbooks, clippings, ect., Todd said, "We realized it was our responsibility to care for these treasures and to find a permanent home for the collection."
In 1983, along with Professor McLean, the Todds' donated their 100,000-item stockpile of fitness material to the H. J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports at the University. The historical accumulation has expanded to over 300,000 components.
Retiring from competitive powerlifting in 1967, Terry served as the head official and color commentator for the earliest World Strongest Man events. Starting in 1977, he did color commentary for several World Powerlifting Championships. In 1977, he created the Strongest Man in Football series of TV contests.
That same year, 1978, Todd began writing articles for Sports Illustrated, profiling powerlifters Lamar Gant, Larry Pacifico, Bill Kazmaier, his wife Dr. Jan Todd, and bodybuilder Bill Pearl.
He then expanded the articles to cover the professional careers of football player, Bob Young; arm wrestler, Al Turner; All-American football players, Dave Rimington and Herschel Walker; along with professional wrestler, Andre the Giant.
Dr. Todd went on to author six books and write hundreds of articles for popular and academic publications. His book, Inside Powerlifting, published in 1977, was the first written on powerlifting.
Since 1990, Terry and Jan co-authored Iron Game History, a quarterly published journal dealing with the history of physical culture. Asked regarding the most memorable male powerlifters he coached Terry replied, "Lamar Gant, Bill Kazmaier and Mark Henry, top my list."
For more thn 40 years, Dr. Todd lectured on strength training, sports history, and drugs in sports. He was frequently interviewed by newspapers, magaines, and on television. He appeared on 60 Minutes, the McNeil/Lehrer Report, CBE Evening News, ABC's Nightime, National Public Radio's Morning Edition, and covered the commentary on two Olympic Games for CBS - TV.
In 2001, Todd, assisted by David Webster, O.B.E. and Bill Kazmaier, created and directed the Arnold's Strongman Classic held each year at the Arnold's Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. This outstanding strength event currently attracts the best strongmen, and offers the largest prize money for any similar acivity.
A Hall of Fame member of the USA Powerlifting Assocation; the American Drug Free Powerlifting Association; and the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association, Terry was honored by the Association of Oldetime Barbell & Strongmen, and by the Oscar Heidenstam Foundation, which presented him the Malcolm Whyatt Lifetime Achievement Award.
At the close of a recent interview, Dr. Terry Todd was asked for words of wisdom and replied, "I remember what I was told by England's late-great phyiscal culturist Joe Assirati, 'Always walk at your tallest and broadest.'"
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BOB KENNEDY ... FOUNDER OF MUSCLEMAG INTERNATIONAL
Bob Kennedy was born in Norfolk, England in 1938. As a typical scrawny youngster, he took up weight training after seeing a brochure advertising the Charles Atlas home-training course. Finding this regimen too costly for his empty pocketbook, he began training on a barbell made from a broomstick and cement-filled biscuit tins.
Brought up in Southern England during World War II, and the years following, Bob was faced with an environment where food was in short supply and circumstances not the best for a young man attempting to develop a muscular fit body. Still, he developed a lean muscular physique, most admired by the general public. He also became a skilled writer who penned numerous articles for Health & Strength magazine and other fitness publications.
A lover of hand-balancing, Kennedy remembered: "It seemed like I spent half of my youth upside-down, however, my true love was arm-wrestling. I entered several meets and was never beaten. As a bodybuilder, I entered a few contests, falling short because I lacked muscle size, except at the 1967 Mr. Cannes Film Festival, the French preferred the lighter muscular physiques."
Immigrating to Canada in 1967, Kennedy, a former art and sculpture student who taught at college level in England, resumed teaching in Ontario. Later, he began liquidating his self-produced highly-desired oil paintings in his effort to earn money to publish a fitness magazine.
In 1974, with a savings of $15,000, Kennedy printed the first issue of MuscleMag International. He spent the next 15 years ducking landlords and collection agents while waiting for his publication to turn its first profit.
Bob eventually transformed his hobby of strength training into a multi-million dollar empire based in Mississauga, Ontario. His artwork also increased in value, bringing up to $30,000 per canvas.
Kennedy took his financial success in stride. He recalled, "Truth is the magazine was slow taking off. However, with the first issue, which I designed and laid out on my kitchen table, MuscleMag had its loyal readers. They supported it, so I kept publishing. By 1988, the financial situation became so severe, I put together an appeal to our readers. I told them the truth, I'd run out of money and couldn't stick to printing unless they took out a two-year subscription or purchased some of our books or videos. The response was overwhelming. Loyalty has never been so beautifully demonstrated. I was knee-deep in orders for subscriptions, videos, training belts, back issues and books. The response saved the magazine. Currently, MuscleMag has a readership of nearly 500,000 loyal fans per issue."
Among Bob's financial decisions was to bring his old training partner and best friend, Dennis "Gino" Edwards to Canada to help with his business projects. Dennis became known as Johnny Fitness, one of the elite and most talented writers of the fitness industry.
Kennedy was the first publisher to apply the term "hardcore" to bodybuilding and "hardcore"definitely defined MuscleMag and the 50 books Bob had written. He readily admitted that his book sales had brought in the revenue to keep some of his various businesses solvent. His wife, Tosa Reno, also authored several books on women's health and fitness and was a staff writer for Bob's highly regarded women's magazine Oxygen.
By the early 2000's, Kennedy's financial empire consisted of five periodicals, a chain of exercise stores, a clothing line and a book publishing department. Refusing to rest on his laurels, he continued to write at least one article a month for each of his publications and oversaw the editorial and graphic designs. Why? "Because I am one who found a job I love," said Bob.
In 2019, Bob Kennedy died from complications caused by cancer at the age of 73.
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LARRY SCOTT ... THE BOY NEXT DOOR
Larry Dee Scott (October 12, 1938 – March 8, 2014), nicknamed "The Legend" and "The Golden Boy," was an American IFBB professional bodybuilder. He won the inaugural 1965 Mr. Olympia competition and defended the crown at the 1966 Mr. Olympia contest before retiring.
Scott was born in Pocatello, Idaho to Thea Scott and machinist Wayne Scott. He began training at age 16 and won the Mr. Idaho competition in 1959 at age 20. After moving to California, he promptly won Mr. California (1960), Mr. Pacific Coast (1961), Mr. America (1962), and Mr. Universe (1964). When Joe Weider created the IFBB's Mr. Olympia title, Scott won the first two contests in 1965 and 1966. Although retiring after his 1966 Olympia win, he staged a brief comeback in 1979 before he finally retired from competition in 1980. He studied electronics at the California Air College, and was known to be a devout Mormon. He married Rachel Scott (née Ichikawa). The Scotts had five children: daughter Susan, and sons Erin, Nathan, Derek, and Michael. Derek died in a motorcycle accident in 1992, and Michael died in 1993.
Scott played a minor role in the 1964 movie Muscle Beach Party. When he started weight training in 1956, his narrow shoulders were a particular weak spot. He trained with Vince Gironda, a well-known bodybuilder of the time, and became best known for his arm development, particularly his impressive and unusually long biceps. He attributed his biceps to an exercise called the "Preacher Curl", invented by Gironda, later known as the "Scott Curl" due to its association with Scott.
Scott stated in a 1965 Iron Man interview that his diet consisted of "a lot of meat, cheese and eggs", coupled with protein supplements. He was a popular physique model during the early to mid-1960s, working for photographers Bruce of Los Angeles, Don Whitman (of the Western Photography Guild), and Pat Milo. Milo introduced Scott to a larger audience and helped him hone his posing and photographic persona: the "boy next door".
Larry regularly appeared in all of Joe Weider's bodybuilding magazines, including Mr. America and Muscle Builder, also appearing in Demi Gods, Muscleboy, Muscles a Go-Go and The Young Physique. As an IFBB member, he wrote exclusively for Joe Weider's publications.
From 1960 until his first retirement in 1966, Scott was bodybuilding's top superstar. Bodybuilding magazines soon began capitalizing on his clean-cut, all-American image. His popularity become known as "Larry Fever" and reached its apex at the first Mr. Olympia competition in 1965, winning the "jewel"- encrusted crown against Harold Poole. Scott defended his title and won the 1966 Mr. Olympia title, receiving a $1,000 prize.
News of Scott's retirement at the age of 28 shocked the sport, but he prioritized his second marriage and felt he had done all he could in competitive bodybuilding after two Olympia wins.
Rod Labbe, a freelance writer and fan, collaborated with Scott on five articles: a two-part interview in Flex magazine, two articles in Ironman, the "Poetry in Motion" article in MuscleMag International, a promotional article/interview for Scarlet: the Film Magazine about American International's Muscle Beach Party (1964), with Don Rickles. Five years after his passing, Labbe wrote a Scott tribute article for the March 2019 issue of Muscle & Fitness entitled, "My friend, Larry Scott."
Scott retired to Salt Lake City, operating his personal training company Larry Scott Fitness & Nutrition. The company manufactured and sold custom gym equipment and health supplements. He was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 1999. His last public interview about his life was in 2012 on K-TALK Radio.
On March 8, 2014, Scott died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at his home in Salt Lake City, at the age of 75.
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Great bodybuilder who created some great exercises and programs.
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I'll bet his blood pressure is sky high.
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https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a37869184/frank-zane-mr-olympia-workout-diet-training-routine-interview/?utm_campaign=socialflowFBMH&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social-media&fbclid=IwAR1YLn11VtybrGPIZdafhHgQxbOe6FBLDL-18E2W_avLe2hHsBVUfsBcPXk
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CHRIS DICKERSON...1982 MR. OLYMPIA
Chris Dickerson, the winner of the 1982 IFBB Mr. Olympia award, was born August 25, 1939, in Montgomery, Alabama. Following graduation from a New York City college, he moved to Los Angeles in 1963, to train under the direction of Bill Pearl.
In 1970, Dickerson became the first African-American to win the AAU Mr. America crown and captured other major physique titles, including the 1973 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe and the 1974 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe. In 1982, he won the IFBB Mr. Olympia contest, following two consecutive years as runner-up. Standing 5' 6" tall, and weighing 190 pounds, Chris became the oldest, at age 43, to win the crown and the $25,000 first-place prize money.
On the heels of his 1982 "Olympia" victory, Chris began shuffling between Los Angeles and Manhattan to oversee his personal-training clientele. His last physique competition came at the 1994 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia where, he won the Over 50 category.
Chris passed away from heart failure, the evening of December 23rd 2021.
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CHRIS DICKERSON...1982 MR. OLYMPIA
Chris Dickerson, the winner of the 1982 IFBB Mr. Olympia award, was born August 25, 1939, in Montgomery, Alabama. Following graduation from a New York City college, he moved to Los Angeles in 1963, to train under the direction of Bill Pearl.
In 1970, Dickerson became the first African-American to win the AAU Mr. America crown and captured other major physique titles, including the 1973 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe and the 1974 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe. In 1982, he won the IFBB Mr. Olympia contest, following two consecutive years as runner-up. Standing 5' 6" tall, and weighing 190 pounds, Chris became the oldest, at age 43, to win the crown and the $25,000 first-place prize money.
On the heels of his 1982 "Olympia" victory, Chris began shuffling between Los Angeles and Manhattan to oversee his personal-training clientele. His last physique competition came at the 1994 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia where, he won the Over 50 category.
Chris passed away from heart failure, the evening of December 23rd 2021.
Pretty sure he shuffled between LA and NYC for more than personal training reasons.
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Pretty sure he shuffled between LA and NYC for more than personal training reasons.
;)
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https://www.fitfreak.online/2020/12/three-simple-exercises-to-work-your.html?fbclid=IwAR1p-WvZTSXn3EyvWR6AXYJpOAkgKeq8tJe1ur6pewdQcqQ576lhq-E1nWY
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JOHN CITRONE ... OVER 50 YEARS OF COMPETITIVE BODYBUILDING
John Citrone, born in 1943, in Durham, England, is one of the greatest enduring physique athletes of all time. His first bodybuilding contest occurred in 1958, and his last in 2005, a span of 47 years.
Although John took layoffs from competition between 1969 and 1991, no person in the sport has competed in top-level competition over such a long period of time.
Citrone began strength training at age 13, in his home-gym over his father's ice-cream shop. Four years later, he won the 1960 Junior Mr. North Britain and was runner-up at the Junior Mr. Britain. In 1961, he won the contest.
The following year, 1962, John broke the British junior record in the bench press with 401 pounds at the body weight of 168 pounds. Later, he unofficially bench pressed 490 pounds and squatted at the body weight of 175 pounds.
By the mid 1960s, Citrone was the most talk about English bodybuilder since Reg Park. His titles included "Mr. Britain" and "Britain's Most Muscular Man." In 1967, he again won his height class in the NABBA "Amateur Mr. Universe" contest and, on stage as a guest performer at the 1968 "Mr. Britain" contest, he bench pressed 488 pounds and squatted 506 pounds at a body-weight of less than 180 pounds. That year, and in 1969, John won his height class in the NABBA "Professional Mr. Universe" contest, but was forced into semi-retirement from competition in 1970, due to financial commitments.
Citrone's interest in competitive weight training was renewed by the birth of the "Masters" contests. From 1991 to 2005, his dozen or more victories ranged from "Masters Mr. Britain" to "Masters Worlds Champion," with only two defeats. one being at the NABBA "Masters Mr. Universe" in 1991 and the other in 1996. Malcolm Whyatt, publisher of Health & Strength magazine recorded:
Citrone's inspiration was Bill Pearl. His admiration was such that when he, Bill, Reg Park, Steve Reeves, and 14 other physique stars were presented on stage at the 1998 NABBA "Mr. Universe" contest, the normally very quiet John, took the microphone and paid tribute to Pearl.
In 2000, Citrone included a professional strongman act with his bodybuilding exhibitions. His feats included pressing overhead a 110-pound anvil in one hand and a 90-pound ship anchor in the other. Unfortunately, as he attempted to lift a 240-pound man from the floor in a "teeth-lift" (through the use of a leather pad connected to a light chain), John, with one horrific pull, lost several teeth!
Over the years, John Citrone has received numerous honorary awards and citations. He was inducted into the Oscar Heidenstam Hall of Fame in 2000.
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HAROLD POOLE
Harold Damien Poole, born December 25, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Harold Poole was 13 years old when his family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Shortridge High School and blossomed into an outstanding all-around athlete. His track coach, Roy Aberson, anadvocate of strength-training introduced him to weights. As a result, following three years of training at Fred Hofmeister's Gym, in Indianapolis, Haroldgained 40 pounds of muscle.
In 1960, at age 16, Poole became the youngest AAU "Mr. America" contestant, finishing in 18th place. By age 18, at a height of five-feet, ten inches and weighing 200 pounds, Harold was the starting quarterback for his high school football team. He finished fourth in the state wrestling championships, ran 440 yards in 50 seconds, and putt the 12 pound shot 55 feet.
In 1962, Loren Comstock wrote in Strength & Health magazine:
Every few years, there appears on the bodybuilding scene a personality with exceptional development. These individuals posses not only large muscular size, but have amazing definition and shape. At the time of this writing I believe a new physique star of the aforementioned proportions stands on the brink of physical greatness. The individual of whom I speak so highly is Harold Poole, an 18-year old high-scool senior from Indianapolis, Indiana. Harold was winning physique contests at age of 16, when most neophyte bodybuilders are startin to take an interest in the covers of physical culture magazines.
From the ages of 17 to 19, Harold won 11 amateur physique events, including the 1961 AAU "Junior Mr. America" and "Most Muscular" titles. He was runner-up at the 1962 and 1963 AAU "Mr. America" competitions.
There is little doubt racial prejudice prevented Poole from winning the overall AAU "Mr. America" crown. The excuse AAU judges often gave was that Harold, who suffered from a speech problem and had taken a year off from school to attend the Bogue Institute for Stammerers, would not be an "appropriate representitive" for the AAU "Mr. America" title. It is easy to imagine how hurtful this argument would be to a young man who not only dreamed of becoming "Mr. America," but had the genetiv make-up and work ethic to cause it to happen.
At age 19, realizing he would probably not overcome the AAU prejudice, Harold changed affiliations to the IFBB and won the IFBB "Mr Universe" contest. The following year, he became the first African-American officially named "Mr. America." He then became the youngest to compete at the IFBB "Mr. Olympia" contest. He placed second in 1965,1966, and 1967, and won the WBBG "Professional Mr. America" titles in 1067 and 1968.
Known for popularizing the "Most Muscular" pose, Poole lists his strength records as a 550 pound squat, a 300 pound standing press and a bench press of 380 pounds. When asked regardin steroid use, he adamantly replied, In my youth I never took steroids. I never have! I never will!
As Poole's competitive bodybuilding career neared an end,, he spent time as a bodyguard for Twiggy Lawson, the English Model/Actress. He tried his hand at professional wrestling under the alias of "Prince Poole of Tahiti," and then moved ti the in-vogue, world-famous midtown Manhatten disco nightclub, the Cheetah", where he worked up to a managerial position.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Harold returned to competitive bodybuilding as Damien Poole. He retired from competition following the 1982 IFBB "Night of Champions" after finishing out of the top ten.
In late 2009, Poole lived in Titusville, Florida, where , along with regular weight -training, he com
ntinued to practice martial arts, with his primary focus on Tae Kwon Do. At age 64, weighing 273 pounds, he was considering a return to the stage for the 2008 IFBB "Masters Olympia" competition, but was prevented from making a comeback due to a serious liver ailment that put him in intensive care for six weeks.
Harold Damien Poole was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 2004 and the WBBG Hall of Fame in 2007.
Harold died, August 7th 2014, aged 70.
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William Arnold Pearl was born in Prineville on October 31, 1930. While he was still a young boy, the family moved to Yakima, Washington, where his father opened a restaurant. Bill and his brother and sister worked in the resteraunt, Bill washing dishes,three or four nights a week and weekends, for no pay. To earn money he worked summers in Hop fields or orchards.
He began his weight training career by lifting gallon cans of vegetables overhead and by lying on the floor of their family diner hauling a gunny sack full of potatoes onto his chest and pressing it in a crude fashion as many times as possible.
When Bill was 14, his friend, Al Simmons, knowing of his desire to develop into a strongman, came to the Pearl home holding a war-time issue of Strength & Health magazine. Bill spent the intire summer saving money to purchase a York Big 10 Adjustable Barbell set.
Enlisting in the United States Navy in 1950, Pearl won the 13th Naval District "Heavyweight Wrestling Championship" and the "Pacific Northwest All-Comers"
meet in 1951. He was 11th Naval District heavyweight champion the following year, but was defeated in the first qualifying round for a place on the United States Olympic wrestling team.
While serving in the United States Navy, Pearl was stationed in San Diego, where he began training at Leo Stern's gym. Encouraged by Stern, at age 22, he won the first of several major bodybuilding contests including the 1953 AAU Mr. California and Mr. America events. The same year, he captured the NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe title in London. In 1956, he won the Professional Mr. USA contest.
Subsequently, Bill's international tours earned him NABBA Professional Mr. Universe titles in 1961, 1967, and 1971. His competitive bodybuilding career spanned a nineteen-year period.
Complementing his interest in weight training and bodybuilding, Pearl became a leader in the fitness industry. He owned and managed several gyms on the West Coast from the 1950s through the 1970s.
In 1962, Pearl purchased George Redpath's gym in central Los Angeles, that became one of the first co-ed facilities in the United States. The gym attracted national and Olympic track athletes, professional baseball players, and world-class power-lifters and bodybuilders.
During his career, Pearl trained and coached nine Mr. America winners and fourteen Mr. Universe champions. In the 1960s, he contracted with North American Rockwell's Aerospace Program to guide training protocols for Rockwell executives and astronauts. This job lasted for nearly ten years.
With Bill's fame as a world-class bodybuilder, came opportunities to speak about fitness, weight training, and bodybuilding. During the 1960s, Pearl traveled to more countries than any other Mr. America before him.
Spreading advice about fitness, weight training, and bodybuilding became a lifetime commitment for Pearl, and he wrote three best-selling books, including Keys to the Inner Universe (1978), Getting Stronger (1986), and Beyond the Universe: The Bill Pearl Story (2003).
At this time he traveled extensively for Life Fitness as, among other things, a good-will ambassador. One of the presentations he did for them was a slide presentation on The Golden Age of Strength. This was the inspiration for his (Labor of Love) "Legends of the Iron Game" which he compiled over a period of eight years.
At this time he traveled extensively for Life Fitness as, among other things, a good-will ambassador. One of the presentations he did for them was a slide presentation on The Golden Age of Strength. This was the inspiration for his (Labor of Love) "Legends of the Iron Game" which he compiled over a period of eight years.
In 2004, Pearl was awarded the Arnold Swarzenegger Classic Lifetime Achievement Award for significantly impacting the world of bodybuilding. (A list of other awards can be found on Wikipedia.)
Pearl retired from bodybuilding and settled in Talent, Oregon, in 1978, where he operated Bill Pearl Enterprises. His workout facility was housed in a barn on his property, and people came from all over the world to work out with him.
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LARRY PACIFICO ... "MR. POWERLIFTING"
Larry Pacifico, born in 1946, in Amsterdam, New York, is widely regarded as one of the greatest powerlifers of all time. Nicknamed Mr. Powerlifting, he won nine straight IPF World Powerlifting Championships from 1971-1979. During his powerlifting career, he won a total of 102 competitions and set 54 world records.
As a youngster, Pacifico was a scrawny kid who suffered from rheumatic fever, but then began lifting weights in junior high school hoping to improve his performance in sports.
Fortunately, Pacifico's health improved and his strength increased. He became captain of his high school's gymnastic team and state champion on the rings. He put a 12-pound shot 57-feet, five-inchs; threw the discus 163-feet; long-jumped 22-feet, five-inches; high jumped five-feet, ten-inches; and ran the 100 yard dash in ten seconds.
In 1956, Larry's bodybuilding talents began to surface. He moved to Dayton, Ohio, and entered local physique contests and won the 1957 AAU Mr. Miami Valley crown.
Pacifico than began to focus on powerlifting and for the following 18 years was a constant threat in the 198, 220, and 240-pound weight divisions. His best official lifts include an 832-pound squat; 611-pound bench press; 771-pound deadlift, for a 2,061-pound total.
Bill Kazmaier, three time World's Strongest Man winner and two time IPF World Champion, once stated, "The first time I went to a powerlifting meet and saw Larry, I think he was probably six or seven on his World Championships and he was pretty- much how would you say?... a god in powerlifting. He could go to any class that he wanted to. He could pretty much lift whatever weight on the day he wanted to."
Four time IPF powerlifting champion and 1979 World's Strongest Man winner Don Reinhoudt said of Larry, "I look at Pacifico, an idol to all of us ... nine time champion. Larry will alway be the Legend of All Time to us."
Some may suggest Larry paid a high price for his athletic success. He acknowledged anabolic steroids may have contributed to some of his serious health problems. In the early 2000's, he commented, "At one point my cholesterol level was over 600. I've survived three heart attacks, a seven-way coronary bypass, 15 orthopedic surgeries, chronic joint pain, and advanced arthritis. However, today my health seems good. I weigh 185 pounds at 12 percent body fat."
Larry stated he would live his life the same, if given another opportunity. "I'd do it again because that's what I needed to win," he said. "Everybody was taking steroids. I know it sounds nutty, but in those days that's what you did to keep up with competition."
In 2000, Larry was inducted into the York Barbell Hall of Fame and named National Trainer of the Year, by the Interntional Sports Science Associition (ISSA) in 2004.
In 2006, he merged his two state-of-the-art fitness centers in the Dayton area, with NeoLimits, Incorpotated.
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Did Bill Pearl Win the 1971 Mr. Universe Contest with Kindness?
Throughout bodybuilding history, contests have been won for various reasons other than someone being the most well-developed, aesthetically pleasing. Bodybuilding is a subjective sport, and the definition of perfection differs from person to person. Contests have been won due to physical attractiveness, charisma, etc. In its early years, the Mr. America contest winner needed to be a good-looking and well-spoken individual who would be a great representative of America. It is easy to see how someone as attractive as Steve Reeves, charismatic as Arnold Schwarzenegger, or as charming as John Grimek might have an edge in a subjective sport such as bodybuilding. But has a bodybuilding contest ever been won because of kindness?
Bill Pearl is and will be bodybuilding’s greatest gentleman. In a sport where competitors are often stereotyped as brutes with IQs not breaking triple digits, Pearl broke the mold. He has been a great representative of bodybuilding for eight decades now and usually praised his opponents instead of bashing them. In the rare case Pearl said something derogatory about someone it was always worth noting. Steve Reeves brought bodybuilding aesthetics, Arnold Schwarzenegger brought it into the mainstream, and Bill Pearl brought it decorum. To say Bill Pearl is a nice guy is an understatement.
Bill Pearl is also one of the most successful bodybuilders to ever compete in major contests winning 10 of the 12 contests he entered. His worst showing was taking 3rd place in the first contest he entered at age 21 (Mr. San Diego) and he took 2nd place in the 1956 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe losing to the great Jack Delinger. The only bodybuilder with a better record was the immortal and undefeated John Grimek.
Bill Pearl, Reg Park & Sergio Oliva - A Battle of the Giants
The contest in question was the 1971 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe held
September 17th in London, England. Pearl was reluctantly competing and had every right to be angry. He had been comfortably retired for the past four years and was now back on stage at almost 41 years of age feeling like he had been pulled out of retirement for the wrong reasons, and only to please others.
He had been called out by Joe Weider and Arnold Schwarzenegger in several of Weider’s muscle magazines. Apparently, Weider was upset that many of his readers frequently wrote letters to the magazine about Pearl, praising him as the greatest bodybuilder ever. Nautilus founder, Arthur Jones, and Sergio Oliva also challenged Pearl to come out of retirement for the contest. Jones and Pearl had gotten into a spat about the effectiveness of Nautilus equipment vs. free weights and Jones had been training Oliva exclusively on his equipment to try and promote his products as the builder of champions. Jones had offered Oliva $5,000 if he could beat Pearl in the contest. Pearl didn’t have any help from his longtime trainer, Leo Stern, who also challenged him to come out of retirement and shut up the critics.
Facing Pearl that day were some of the greatest bodybuilders to ever walk the stage: Sergio Oliva, Reg Park, and Frank Zane. It was arguably one of the greatest bodybuilding contests ever assembled and certainly would have been the greatest if Weider would have let Arnold compete in it. However, Weider had recently enacted a rule that any athlete would be suspended from the IFBB for a year if they competed in an event outside of the IFBB which would have made Arnold ineligible to compete in the Mr. Olympia contest the following weekend.
Before the competition began an event occurred backstage that might have played a role in Pearl winning the contest. The competitors were backstage pumping up preparing to go out and pose when according to his autobiography, Beyond the Universe: The Bill Pearl Story:
A young Belgian boy, about eleven years old, had been brought backstage, to see and possibly meet some of the contestants. The father nudged the boy, his autograph book in hand, toward Sergio. BIG MISTAKE! The moment the boy got into his space, Sergio shouted something like, "Get the hell out of here! I don't have time for autographs! See me after the show!" The outburst shocked the father and son to the point where you could actually see dismay on their faces.
Bill Pearl and the Belgium boy, identified as Chris Vandenbroele in Pearl's autobiography
Regaining his composure, the father began pushing the boy toward me. The boy walked over, his head down, autograph book at arm's length, afraid to make eye contact. Having seen the crestfallen look on the child's face, I signed my name and then picked him up and placed him on my shoulder as he flexed his skinny arm while his father snapped a photograph.
The next time I saw his father, he was looking at me while sitting at the judge's table with a smile on his face, nodding his head up and down, mouthing the word, "Yes--yes--yes."
While this is certainly an interesting story, and no doubt true if told by Bill Pearl, it begs the question; Did a judge potentially switching his vote from Oliva to Pearl make any difference? According to an article written for Muscular Development magazine shortly after the contest by its General Secretary, Oscar Heidenstam:
It was Pearl with 10 firsts, Oliva with four firsts. So Bill took his fourth Mr. Universe title, and we doubt if there will ever be another Mr. Universe contest like that again.
Based on Heidenstam’s article it appears there were a total of fourteen judges and 10 cast their first-place ballots for Pearl and 4 cast theirs for Oliva. Based on this information, if the Belgium judge in question had voted for Oliva instead of Pearl the final first place vote tally would still have given Pearl first place easily at 9 first place votes to 5.
While this story is certainly interesting, it appears Pearl would have won the contest easily even without the potential switched vote from the Belgium judge. It is worth noting however, this story proves that factors outside of the objective judging of one’s physical perfection seem to play a role in bodybuilding. It is human nature for our perception of others, including their attractiveness, to evolve as we learn more about their character. It would follow then that a great champion in a lineup of perfect bodies would have to exude some extra intangible quality like confidence, charisma, or maybe even kindness.
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BOYER COE ... THE RAGIN CAJUN
Boyer Coe holds the record for winning the most national and international bodybuilding contests, amateur and professional. His competitive career lasted from 1964 to 1995 and consisted of 91 physique contests. He won 31 first place trophies and appeared on 33 magazine covers. A sampling of Coe's physique titles include 1965 AAU "Mr. Texas," 1966 AAU "Mr. America," 1969 NABBA "Amateur Mr. Universe," plus the coveted 1973 and 1975 NABBA "Professional Mr. Universe."
A superstar throughout the 1970s, Boyer had an exceptional year in 1981. At a height of five-feet, nine-inches and weighing approximately 215 pounds, he won four of nine professional physique contests. In 1994 he competed at his all-time heaviest bodyweight of 224 pounds and placed third at the IFBB "Masters MR. Olympia," contest. His final physique competition was the 1995 IFBB "Masters Mr. Olympia," where he finished in the top ten.
A short list of his titles:
1966 AAU Teen Mr. America
1968 AAU Junior Mr. USA
1969 AAU Junior Mr. America
1969 AAU Mr. America and Most Muscular
1969 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe
1971 IFBB Mr. International
1971 WBBG Pro Mr. World
1972 WBBG Pro Mr. World
1973 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe
1974 WBBG Pro Mr. World
1975 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe
Asked what his greatest moment as a bodybuilder was, Boyer replied, "It wasn't winning a contest. I set a goal to bench press 400 pounds before I graduated from high school. I managed to accomplish that. The weight may not be a lot by current standards, but I only weighed around 180 pounds.
Boyer recalled in an interview:
"The first contest I entered was the AAU "Mr. Louisiana." I was 17 years old. I didn't own posing trunks, so I used a rolled-up swim suit. I was so excited about competing, I missed the line-up. When I realized I was the only one left in the warm-up room, I hurried out the wrong door and found myself in an alley. I ran around the block and came in through the audience and jumped on stage as the announcer called my name. I placed third, won "Most Muscular," and a couple of other bodyparts awards. On the way home, my dad said it was pretty clever how I got on stage. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was because I got locked out."
Boyer began weight-training at at the local gym in Lake Charles, Louisiana, at age 14. He remembers Lloyd "Red" Lerille, the 1960 "Mr. America" winner, coming to the Lake Charles YMCA for a posing exhibition. "He didn't do anything fancy, but he inspired everyone there. I knew from then on I wanted to become a competitive bodybuilder. Red and I became lifelong friends. He's remained a positive figure in my life."
Coe moved to Lafayette to attend the University of Southern Louisiana, where he trained at Red Lerill's Health and Racquet Club and then worked for Lerille for 14 years. Later he bought a health food store and opened a health club in New Orleans. He next worked for Arthur Jones, of Nautilus Gym Equipment, and later became the sales representitive for Body Masters Gym Equipment.
Beginning in 1994, Coe, Shawn Ray, and Lenda Murray hosted the 'Flex Magazine Work Out' on ESPN for the following five years. He commented, That's the most enjoyable thing I've done in bodybuilding, although we didn't have a good time-slot. Fans got up at two o'clock in the morning to watch the show.
In the 2000's, the "Ragin Cajun," as Coe came to be known, lives in Huntington Beach, California, where he operates an insurance company specializing in exotic, classic, and high-preformance automobiles. At age 76, he continues to take his workouts seriously, training at 5:00 a.m. at a health club near his home. He stated, "I have the gym nearly to myself and I like it that way."
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CASEY "THE KID" VIATOR
Born in 1951, Casey grew up in the heart of Cajun country, in New Iberia, Louisiana, population 30,000. He began strength-training at age 13, in his parents' garage using a barbell inherited from an uncle.
In 1968, at age 17, Viator placed third at the AAU Mr. Louisiana contest. The following year, he placed sixth at the AAU Teen Mr. America, then in 1970, he won that contest and the AAU Mr. USA event. In 1971, he was named the AAU Mr. America, becoming the youngest to win the title. At age 19, standing five-feet, eight-inches tall, and weighing 218 pounds, won the 1971 AAU Mr. America crown.
At that time, Casey's daily diet consisted of two dozen eggs, two gallons of raw milk, and a pudding made from two pounds of peanut butter, one jar of grape jelly, and three or four bananas.
He recalls his father shedding few tears when he left home.
During the decade that followed, Viator continued to engage in hardcore conditioning, In 1980, he won the IFBB Louisiana Grand Prix and the IFBB Pennsylvania Pro Grand Prix. In 1982, he finished third, ahead of Samir Bannout, Albert Beckles and Tom Platz, at the IFBB Mr. Olympia contest, won by Chris Dickerson.
Those retracing the bodybuilding scene of the 1970s remember Casey for his brief but ferocious workouts. Jan Dellinger, former staff writer of Strength & Health magazine, recalled:
Casey spent time hanging around the York gym following his AAU "Mr. America" win. A decade later, the hardcore lifters still remarked on seeing Viatore perform a bunch of reps with the intire stack on the Universal leg extension machine; with 45 pound plates on the weight leg in front of the roollers; followed immediately by full- squats with 500 pounds for reps.
Casey's phenomenal physique was in part a by-product of High-Intensity Training Principles, suggested by Arthur Jones of Nautilus Gym Equipment, and from guidance given by former Mr. America winners, Boyer Coe and Lloyd "Red" Lerille.
In 1973, Jones put Viator through the Colorado Experiment, held at Department of Physical Education at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins. During the experiment, Casey packed on 45 pounds of muscle while losing approximently 18 pounds of body-fat within a four-week period, by taking only 14 high-intensity workouts averaging 34 minutes each.
A limited explanation for such improvement was that Casey, due to losing part of a finger in an industrial accident, had not weight-trained for approximently four months. Because his weight and strength had declined considerably during his layoff, Viator was expected to make noticeable gains, but not the kind of improvement he actually attained.
Viator retired from physique competition in 1995, when he placed out the top ten at the IFBB Masters Olympia contest.
In the early 2000s, Casey reported he was still capable of a 500 pound bench press and a 600 pound squat. His hardcore, ball-busting training had not changed and he usually performed a two-days-on, one-day off, two-days-on, weekends off routine. The workouts lasted no more than 45 minutes to an hour.
Casey the "Kid" Viator died from a massive heart attack in 2013. He was 62 years old.
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HAROLD POOLE
Harold Damien Poole, born December 25, 1943, in Louisville, Kentucky.
Harold Poole was 13 years old when his family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he attended Shortridge High School and blossomed into an outstanding all-around athlete. His track coach, Roy Aberson, anadvocate of strength-training introduced him to weights. As a result, following three years of training at Fred Hofmeister's Gym, in Indianapolis, Haroldgained 40 pounds of muscle.
In 1960, at age 16, Poole became the youngest AAU "Mr. America" contestant, finishing in 18th place. By age 18, at a height of five-feet, ten inches and weighing 200 pounds, Harold was the starting quarterback for his high school football team. He finished fourth in the state wrestling championships, ran 440 yards in 50 seconds, and putt the 12 pound shot 55 feet.
In 1962, Loren Comstock wrote in Strength & Health magazine:
Every few years, there appears on the bodybuilding scene a personality with exceptional development. These individuals posses not only large muscular size, but have amazing definition and shape. At the time of this writing I believe a new physique star of the aforementioned proportions stands on the brink of physical greatness. The individual of whom I speak so highly is Harold Poole, an 18-year old high-scool senior from Indianapolis, Indiana. Harold was winning physique contests at age of 16, when most neophyte bodybuilders are startin to take an interest in the covers of physical culture magazines.
From the ages of 17 to 19, Harold won 11 amateur physique events, including the 1961 AAU "Junior Mr. America" and "Most Muscular" titles. He was runner-up at the 1962 and 1963 AAU "Mr. America" competitions.
There is little doubt racial prejudice prevented Poole from winning the overall AAU "Mr. America" crown. The excuse AAU judges often gave was that Harold, who suffered from a speech problem and had taken a year off from school to attend the Bogue Institute for Stammerers, would not be an "appropriate representitive" for the AAU "Mr. America" title. It is easy to imagine how hurtful this argument would be to a young man who not only dreamed of becoming "Mr. America," but had the genetiv make-up and work ethic to cause it to happen.
At age 19, realizing he would probably not overcome the AAU prejudice, Harold changed affiliations to the IFBB and won the IFBB "Mr Universe" contest. The following year, he became the first African-American officially named "Mr. America." He then became the youngest to compete at the IFBB "Mr. Olympia" contest. He placed second in 1965,1966, and 1967, and won the WBBG "Professional Mr. America" titles in 1067 and 1968.
Known for popularizing the "Most Muscular" pose, Poole lists his strength records as a 550 pound squat, a 300 pound standing press and a bench press of 380 pounds. When asked regardin steroid use, he adamantly replied, In my youth I never took steroids. I never have! I never will!
As Poole's competitive bodybuilding career neared an end,, he spent time as a bodyguard for Twiggy Lawson, the English Model/Actress. He tried his hand at professional wrestling under the alias of "Prince Poole of Tahiti," and then moved ti the in-vogue, world-famous midtown Manhatten disco nightclub, the Cheetah", where he worked up to a managerial position.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Harold returned to competitive bodybuilding as Damien Poole. He retired from competition following the 1982 IFBB "Night of Champions" after finishing out of the top ten.
In late 2009, Poole lived in Titusville, Florida, where , along with regular weight -training, he com
ntinued to practice martial arts, with his primary focus on Tae Kwon Do. At age 64, weighing 273 pounds, he was considering a return to the stage for the 2008 IFBB "Masters Olympia" competition, but was prevented from making a comeback due to a serious liver ailment that put him in intensive care for six weeks.
Harold Damien Poole was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 2004 and the WBBG Hall of Fame in 2007.
Harold died, August 7th 2014, aged 70.
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Joe Weider Hall Of Fame ???
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JAN TODD ... A VERY STRONG LADY
Dr. Jan Todd, born May 22, 1952, in Lock #4, Pennsylvania, remembers being troubled by insecurities as a youngster. She was nine years old when her sister, age eleven, died suddenly of a convulsive illness. Jan recalled, "Each time I got sick, I was sure I was going to die, like Susie." This vulnarability did not improve when her father abandoned the family and left Jan, her mother and younger sister with a $40 bank account.
As a teenager, Jan's mental frailty shifted from her mortality to her body image. "I wasn't really fat," she said, "but I looked like a different breed of the same animal. Most of the fit girls resembled thoroughbreds or cow ponies, but I favored the Budweiser Clydesdale, even though I outran everyone in my gym classes and was good in swimming and other sports.
In her freshman year in college, Jan accidently discovered how she possessed more than natural hand strength. At age 18, her estranged father invited her to Chicago for the Christmas holidays. The first place they visited was the Chicago Museum of Natural History. While strolling through the exhibits, they came across a device to test hand-grip strength. Jan's dad, a six-foot, 220-pound steel worker, squeezed the handle and registered a very high score. He asked Jan to try, and to the amazement of both, her score registered higher. Each tried again with the same results.
The secret of Jan's exceptional overall strength became apparent when she was a student at Georgia's Mercer University. During a picnic, a group of college male athletes attempted the "caber" toss and she accomplished what only two of the men could do, by hurling the heaviest log pole end-over-end. Dr.Terry Todd, the University's "Weightlifting Professor," was so impressed he began courting his future bride.
Terry and Jan married in 1973, and from that time forward their lives revolved around the Iron Game. Terry designed a weight-training program for Jan aimed at general conditioning, with no thought of pushing against her limits. However, in 1975, Jan entered her first powerlifting contest and deadlifted 394 1/2 pounds."
With one exception, for each competition Jan entered over the following ten years, she shattered at least one national or world record. With the hand strength to bend bottle-caps with her fingers and pound large nails into blocks of wood with her bare hands, she reigned as the only powerlifter, male or female, to rule over five body-weight divisions. Her appearane in 1977 on "The Tonight Show," where she performed a deadlift with 415 pounds for eight repetitions was seen by an estimated audience of 20 million. Lifetime drug free, Jan was the first woman to set an IPF world record that was drug-tested. She also served as Chair-Person of the IPF Women's Committee for four years
From 1975 to 1986, Jan was listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for having lifted more weight than any female. "Sports Illustrated" named her the "Strongest Woman in the World." In 1978, she became the first female to total 1,000 pounds; and, over the years,she was the first to total 1,100 and then 1,200 in the three powerlifts. She was also the first female to officially squat 500 pounds and later perform an official squat of 545 1/2 pounds. Terry remarked, "Jan was farther ahead of her peers in this lift than anyone except for Paul Anderson. I saw her squat five reps with 505 pounds , without a squat suit, while no other woman could perform one repetition, with a suit. For years, she was more than 100 pounds ahead of any female competitor in that lift."
Jan became the first woman to conquer the legendary 785 pound "Dinnie Stones," a feat no other female has yet accomplished. Each of the two stones features a heavy iron ring hand grip and weighs, respectively, 345 and 440 pounds. In1978, in front of the massive/powerful strength athlete Bill Kazmaier, Highland Games expert David Webster, husband Dr. Terry Todd and a "Sports Illustrated" photographer, Jan straddled the boulders and managed to raise them off the ground. While training for this exceptional feat, she executed, with the aid of wrist straps, a partial deadlift with 1,230 pounds.
In 1987, Jan retired from competitive powerlifting to begin work on her Ph.D. Her studies were cut short when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Unbelievable as it seems, during one phase of her recovery, she struggled to exercise with ten-pound dumbbells. "She never lost heart," Terry said, adding that in 1996, she exceeded the ADFPA world record with a deadlift of 460 pounds.
From 1983 to 1996, the Todds coached the University of Texas Longhorns to several national powerlifting championships.
Even though Jan was teaching full time, she nonetheless earned her doctoral degree in 1995, and wrote a dissertation published as a book entitled, "Physical Culture and the Body Beautiful: Purposive Exercise in the Lives of American Women". Likewise, she has written more than 100 articles for a variety of academic and popular journals, contributed several book chapters and co-authored "Lift Your Way to Youthful Fitness." .
Jan continues to act as a full professor at the University of Texas, and co-edits "Iron Game History," a quarterly journal. She also co-directs the H. J. Lutcher Stark Center for Physical Culture and Sports at the University, a combination library/museum, which houses tens of thousands of books, magazines, photographs, videos, training courses, posters and audiotapes.
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lOU FERRIGNO ... THE HULK
lou Ferrigno was the oldest of three siblings and at age two, he suffered a series of ear infections, causing him to lose 85 percent of his hearing. Lou Remarked:
When I reached the age to be aware of my affliction, I became reluctant to speak. My speech was beveled and it registered shock on the faces of those who initiated conversation with me. Kids called me 'deaf Louie' or 'tin ear.' As a result, I opted to avoid embarrassment by keeping to myself.
Lou's formal education began at St. Athanasius Shool, where he was taught by nuns. He later attended classes at the New York League of the Hard of Hearing; and at age 16, he enrolled in Brooklyn Technical High School. "I would deliberatley seek a chair near the bach of the classrooms and turn my head so teachers wouldn't see my hearing aid," he said. "I reasoned it wouldn't call attention to my impediment and tip off my classmates. Unfortunately, this put me out of range for effective lip-reading. Consequently, my grades were poor, which merely served to underscore the notion I was dumb as well as deaf."
Lou inherited his natural athletic ability from his father, Matthew, a New York City Police Department Lieutenant; but when his overly-critical parent watched him participate in organized sports, Lou invariably had a terrible game. "I'd tense up, sweat, and be so nervous because I knew he was watching and waiting to criticize me for something."
At age 14, while attending summer camp, Ferrigno noticed a counselor working out with weights. The advisor demonstrated a few basic exercises and "Big Lou" was hooked! Using the crude weight equipment his father had trained on, Lou built a home-gym in their basement; however, he concentrated so heavily on bodybuilding it affected his school grades even more. As a result, his father chained and padlocked the equipment, causing Lou, in retaliation, to use a hacksaw on the padlock and continued his training. It was finally agreed that Lou could spend time in his basement gym if he spent equal time on his studies.
Frrrigno entered his first physique contest in 1970 at age 19, and finished last out of 22 contestants! Nevertheless, he went on to win the WBBG "Professional Junior Mr. America." By his early 20s, he tipped the scale at 275 pounds, with his chest measuring 59-inches; waist, 34-inches; upper arms, 22 1/2 inches; thighs, 29-inches; and neck, 19-inches. In 1973, he won the IFBB "Mr. America" title. In 1974, Lou finished third at the IFBB "Mr Olympia"contest; and his final physique competition occured in 1994, when he placed second to Robby Robinson at the IFBB Masters Olympia event, where he weighed over 300 pounds in peak contest condition.
In 1977, golden opportunities erupted for "Big Lou," beginning with his appearance as Arnold Schwarzenegger's foil in the film Pumping Iron. Then, an excellent finish on ABC's TV Superstars, won him $13,900 in prize money and an offer to try out for a professional football team. Next, he competed in the first "World's Strongest Man" contest, where he finished fourth.
Ferrigno's largest early financial gains occurred when he landed the title role in The Incredible Hulk, the highly-rated television series that ran from 1978 to 1982. His massive physique was seen by millions as he transformed from a quiet, pleasing individual into a green-tinted 300 pound uncontrollable monster. "The Hulk" was such a success, it spawned several television movies, enabling Lou to remain busy in television and films. His filmography lists nearly 30 television and screen appearances.
In 1980, Ferrigno married Carla Green, a psychotherapist. Along with his continued big-screen, television, and public appearances, he conducts fitness training in his private gym on their multi-acre Santa Monica estate. (this is excerpted from Bill's "Legends of the Iron Game" volume 3, so is not current)
In his book, My Incredible Life as the Hulk, released in 2003, Lou remarked:
Each and every one has his own "little hulk" inside him. If I had not lost my hearing, I would not be where I am. It forced me to maximize my potential. I had to be better than average to succeed. That's why I chose bodybuilding. I knew if I was a world champion and won admiration from my peers, I could accomplish anything.
Featured on 39 magazine covers from 1972 to 1996, Lou was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 2003. On February 11, 2006 he was sworn in as Los Angeles County Reserve Deputy Sheriff. His duties include helping recruit new deputies and working with the sherriff's Youth Activities League and the Special Victims Bureau.
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https://fitnessvolt.com/hunter-labrada-update-five-weeks-2022-olympia/?fbclid=IwAR0WXFYMukaEzxPcOt6lCWJa-GNdXjEyeIWtZOxNmdwtClt3X3GdJgiYsPI
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https://fitnessvolt.com/hunter-labrada-update-five-weeks-2022-olympia/?fbclid=IwAR0WXFYMukaEzxPcOt6lCWJa-GNdXjEyeIWtZOxNmdwtClt3X3GdJgiYsPI
Looks like a zit factory.
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GARY JONES ... GENIUS, ENTREPRENEUR, AND HECK OF A NICE GUY, IN SPITE OF HIS FATHER
Gary Jones, former owner/designer of Hammer Strength exercise equipment company, was born in 1952, in New Orleans, Louisiana. He spent his early childhood in Slidell, Louisiana, where his father, the eccentric visionary Arthur Jones, of Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc., at that time, operated a "Wild Animal Farm."
Although Arthur was American, English was not Gary's primary language due to his mother's Hispanic heritage; consequently, he did not speak English until he entered grade school.
Gary experienced a more than an unusual childhood as the son of an obsessed self-seeker. Arthur, a third-world mercenary, packed a loaded pistol in his waist band and owned and operated an import/export enterprise that specialized in snakes, a variety of reptiles, and other exotic animals.
Gary recalled traveling to Latin America and Africa as a youngster, in a cargo airplane piloted by his father. On these trips, it was always, "Yes Sir...Mr.Jones," to anything Arthur demanded or required."
During the 1950's and 1960's, Arthur was also a well-known television personality. His syndicated series included: Wild Cargo, Capture, Professional Hunter, and Call of the Wild. His final television production, "Operation Elephant aired on CBS in 1970.
As a youngster, Gary did not realize how extraordinary it was to have been involved in the care and feeding of crocodiles, lions, tigers, snakes, and other creatures warehoused at his dad's Slidell, Louisiana, wild animal park. He claims he developed his people skills by showing customers and visitors around the compound and regarded bites from snakes or jaguars as common occurances.
In 1965, the Jones family moved to Africa, where Arrhur continued his extensive wildlife movie projects. Gary fortunately found the British school system to his liking as he pursued his interests in math, science and physics.
In Rhodesia, Gary discovered a more moderate mentor than his father. The man was a retired engineer who was part of the South African chess team and who, at one time, had tied with world champion Bobby Fisher.
Gary recalled being taught to practice the game of chess without the aide of the Queen or Bishops, forcing Rooks and Knights to accomplish a check-mate. "This strategy of doing something the hard way was a terrific lesson that I employed years later in my manufacturing business," he said.
Recalling their final months in Rhodesia, where his family lived on the edge of a war zone and had to travel and socialize "armed to the teeth," Gary currently views rifle-toting children of war-torn third world countries with a feeling of unpleasant familiarity.
In 1968, Gary's father had reach a point of "no-cooperation" with Rhodesian government officials and made arrangements for his $1.5 million worth of cameras, sound equipment, a helicopter, and two airplanes to be shipped state side. Unfortunately, the Rhodesian government confiscated the lot, which Arthur never recovered.
Returning to Louisiana, approximetely $5 million in debt, Arthur borrowed $2,500 from his sister to begin the design of a prototype resistance exercise machine in the family's one-car garage. Working alongside Arthur, 16-year old Gary designed an off-centered cam, configured like a seashell, which they installed in the unit to cause the resistance of the exercise to vary as the users worked their muscles through their range of motion.
Gary's father's strategy for marketing the revolutionary exercise piece became the adopted, "one-set to failure" principle, which Arthut coined as "High Intensity Training."
Labeled the "Blue Monster," the prototype version of the multi-purpose Nautilus machine was previewed at the 1970 AAU Mr. America contest, held in Culver City, California. Arthur, accompanied by Gary, had transported the unit in a rented trailer, arriving with seven dollars in change and an expired credit card.
The following 14 years, Gary worked for Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc., in conjunction with two years at Stetson University and nine years with the Orlando Fire Department.
By 1984, approximately 4,700 Nautilus Fitness Centers existed in the United States, with complete lines of Nautilus equipment in physical rehabilitation centers, professional sports team training rooms, colleges, high schools, and private training facilities.
In 1986, Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc., was sold to Texas oilman, Travis Ward for $23 million. Gary stayed on as Vice President and Director of Manufacturing for six months, but grew disguntled with the new management and walked out without a goodby.
In 1988. Gary partnered with Peter Brown and Kim Wood to found the Hammer Strength Corporation, which went into direct competition against Nautilus.
Aligning himself with Brown and Wood caused a severe rift to develope between Gary and his dad, due to the partners having sued Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc., for the violation of their distributor's franchise agreement, following the sale of the corporaton.
Furthermore, when Gary abruptly abandoned Nautilus, with Travis Ward still owing his father millions of dollars, Arthur became so bitter regarding the trio's alliance that he alledgely said, "Gary's not my son! He's given up that right."
Gary responded, "It's true. I potentially cost Nautilus millions of dollars by walking away from the company. I was the son of the founder. I had a tremendous amount of information, and I was thought to be an enemy of the corporation.
Similar to the success of Nautilus exercise machines, Hammer Strength grew to be the number-one brand for plate-loading exercise equipment almost overnight, with sales in the millions of dollars per year.
Gary, responsible for the design and manufacturing of the Hammer Strength machines, used a highly sophisticated computer program he had written and later sold to Hewlett-Packard Company. He remarked, "I was one of those kids who studied multi-dimensional calculus. I was doing flight problems for my dad before I was old enough to go to school.
In 1997, Hammer Strength sold to Life Fitness Inc., a division of Brunswick Corporation for an estimated $32 million. Gary then worked for Life Fitness as he mentored the younger engineers.
In 2019, Gary and his wife Brenda, divide their free time between homes in Florida and Colorado.
Regarding his late father, Gary commented, "I got nothing...zilch, zip, zero, from the sale of Nautilus. I had no ownership which was the way my dad wanted it. The only financial opportunity I felt I had was to start a new business competing in the field I knew. Arthur taught me a lot. I still read all his books and articles. But he believed in throwing you to the sharks. If you survived, he added more sharks. I didn't mind competing against the outside, but I didn't need that kind of competition from the inside. Understand, I'm not saying my dad was evil. It's just the way it was."
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RICKEY DALE CRAIN...THE ENERGIZER BUNNY
Rickey Dale Crain, born in Phoenix, Arizona in 1953, was teethed on a dumbbell-shaped rattle and encouraged by his powerlifting father to follow in his footsteps.
Rickey began weight training at age two and was soon deadlifting triple his bodyweight. At age ten, he deadlifted 200 pounds, and at age 26, he became the first middleweight (165 pounds) to officially squat 700 pounds.
Crain graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1971, and earned his college degree in 1978, at Black Hills State University. At BHSU, he was involved in college choir, coffee house programs, christian missionary work, and powerlifting.
In 1975, Rickey captured the first AAU "Mr. South Dakota" physique title. However, powerlifting was his major focus.
During the course of his 35 years as a powerlifter, Crain was a Pan-American Games winner, ten-time National Champion and five-time World Champion. He competed as a midleweight, (165 pounds) in which his top lifts included an 800-pound squat; 440-pound bench press, and a 716-pound deadlift.
Asked in an interview regarding one of the most important lessons his father taught him, Rickey replied, "To believe in yourself and work hard ... very hard!"
In 1978, Rickey established Crian's Muscle World, Ltd., a mail-order businesses catering to powerlifters. His involvement in the field had an unexpected pay-off when in 1981, he married Kimberly Ann Vaughn, the Teenage National Women's Powerlifting Champion. The couple authored the books, To Squat or Not to Squat; Extreme Squatting, and Extreme Deadlifting.
However, Rickey and Kimberly were not the only members of the Crian family to have excelled in powerlifting. Rickey's father, Donald, held national and world records. Rickey's brother, Randy Lee Crain, was a state and regional champion; and their sister, Gayla Sue Crain, held all the women's IPF world records in the 114-123 and 132-pound classes. Together, Rickey and Sue comprised the only brother/sister IPF World Champions. Rickey and Kimberly's children, Samantha and Rickey Lee, also developed into national and world title holders.
Dr Fred Hatfield, former world powerlifting champion and former President of the International Sports Science Association remaked: "It's rare in sports to find an athlete who's wise enough and committed enough to compete at the highest level for over 35 years. The omnipresent of injury catches up with anyone who dares to remain in the trench that long. Not so with Rickey Dale Crain. Wisdom and commitment always mitigates and Crain has both. This comes through in all that he does."
The Crain's still live in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where they oversee Crain's Muscle World Ltd. Rickey maintains his status in powerlifting by contributing articles and coaching at his gym. In the early 2000's, he made the decision to climb a group of 54 mountain peaks in Colorado whose summits are in the 14,000 foot range. In 2007, seven weeks after a total hip replacement, he rested on the top of the highest mountain in the state.
In addition to mountain climbing Crain has remained a resolute guitarist and has written hundreds of original songs, and recorded albums. He commented, "My whole family is into music. My dad was a trumpet player in the Oklahona University Marching Band. My sister and brother taught high school music. His group had a top-40 song in the 1970's. My daughter toured and released three CD's with Ramseur Records."
Rickey Dale Crain,"The Energizer Bunny," was inducted into the Powerlifting Hall of Fame in 2000. In 2010, when asked for a message to aspiring powerlifters, he responded, "If you wanna get strong ... downright strong ... you gotta do the Big One. You gotta do the SQUAT!"
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BEV FRANCES ... AT AGE 66, SCORED 6 WORLD RECORDS
In 2021, Bev Francis returned to the powerlifting scene for her first meet in more than three decades.
Bev is a legend in the world of strength, owning one of the most famous gyms. She returned to powerlifting and made a major splash in her comeback.
In 1985, was the last time that Francis made an appearance as a powerlifter, dealing with injuries that stopped her from being able to consistently compete. Since then, she has become known for her Powerhouse Gym, being dubbed the “East Coast Mecca” where multiple Mr. Olympia champions including Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, as well an actor Dwayne Johnson and powerlifters, come to New York to train there.
Bev made her return to competition by competing at a drug tested meet for Powerlifting Australia. Here, she appeared in the 65-69 year old age group for the 64kg division, where at 66 years old, she was able to get a total of 6 new world records, breaking and then re-breaking the records in squat and total, as well as setting new records for her bench press and deadlift.
This only becomes more incredible when you consider the amount and type of the injuries that Bev has delt with over the years. According to Flex Magazine, she has had rotator cuff shoulder surgery, both wrists carpal tunnel surgeries, six arthroscopic knee surgeries and two full knee replacements.
Like wise, Bev is known for more than just her powerlifting skills, as she was also an accomplished bodybuilder, competing for the Ms. Olympia title on six occasions, being the runner-up twice, and coming in third a further three times. Additionally, she won the IFBB Pro World Championships, before becoming an ambassador for the sport.
It is unclear if Bev will continue to compete, following in the steps of athletes like Rudy Kadlub and others, competing later in life.
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https://fitnessvolt.com/hunter-labrada-update-five-weeks-2022-olympia/?fbclid=IwAR0WXFYMukaEzxPcOt6lCWJa-GNdXjEyeIWtZOxNmdwtClt3X3GdJgiYsPI
Healthy skin.
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Looks like a zit factory.
279 LBS :o CLOSE TO OR ALMOST 100 LBS MORE THAN HIS DAD.....
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CORY EVERSON ... A HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT
Cory Everson (Corinna Kneuer) was born in 1958 in Racine, Wisconsin. She was a straight "A" student at Deerfield High School in Deerfield, Illinois, where she competed in four sports; gymnastics, track and field, badminton and swimming. As If not enough, she was part of the active cheerleading squad.
Cory received a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin/ Madison, where she captured four Big-Ten Conference pentathlon titles and competed in National Championships.
While attending the University, Cory met Jeff Everson, a competitive bodybuilder who worked at the University as a strength coach. He had graduated com laude and attained a post-graduate degree in physical education.
Jeff also achieved All-American status in the shot put and hammer throw and won the National Collegiate Weightlifting Championship.
Jeff encouraged Cory to weight train and soon they began competing in couples' bodybuilding contests. They married in 1962.
Following her graduation from the University, Cory won the 1980 Ms. Mid-America contest and placed third with Jeff at the 1980 American Mixed-Pairs Championships.
In 1981. she developed a blood clot in her left leg, putting her in a hospital's intensive care unit for weeks. The recovery began with water therapy, then to stationary cycling and walking without crutches. Still, she found her way back to the gym and ended the year winning three physique titles.
Cory and Jeff went on to capture the 1981 National Mixed-Pairs crowns and in successive years they won the 1982 IFBB North American Mixed-Pairs and 1983 US Bodybuilding Championship Couples titles.
Cory's leap to international fame occured in 1984, when she won her first IFBB Ms. Olympia contest, defeating former Ms. Olympia titleholders, Rachel McLish and Carla Dunlap.
Cory earned the distinction of wearing the Ms. Olympia crown for the next five years prior to retiring from competitive bodybuilding.
Cory appeared on more than 100 magazine covers and brought women's bodybuilding to an all-time high in popularity. Her movie credits include: Double Impact, Natural Born Killer, and Ballistic.
She made numerous television appearances on such popular shows as: Home Improvement, Charmed, Hercules, the Legendary Journey, and Louis & Clark.
She was the original host of the ESPN TV fitness show, BodyShaping, and then starred on Cory Everson's Gotta Sweat, which ran for seven years.
Her best selling books; Fat Free & Fit, and Cory Everson's Workouts, serve as motivational tools for men and women attempting to better themselves.
Cory was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Muscle Beach-Venice Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2005. At the 2007 Arnold Sports Festival, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, making her the first female to have attained this honor. &t=787s
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CORY EVERSON ... A HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT
Cory Everson (Corinna Kneuer) was born in 1958 in Racine, Wisconsin. She was a straight "A" student at Deerfield High School in Deerfield, Illinois, where she competed in four sports; gymnastics, track and field, badminton and swimming. As If not enough, she was part of the active cheerleading squad.
Cory received a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin/ Madison, where she captured four Big-Ten Conference pentathlon titles and competed in National Championships.
While attending the University, Cory met Jeff Everson, a competitive bodybuilder who worked at the University as a strength coach. He had graduated com laude and attained a post-graduate degree in physical education.
Jeff also achieved All-American status in the shot put and hammer throw and won the National Collegiate Weightlifting Championship.
Jeff encouraged Cory to weight train and soon they began competing in couples' bodybuilding contests. They married in 1962.
Following her graduation from the University, Cory won the 1980 Ms. Mid-America contest and placed third with Jeff at the 1980 American Mixed-Pairs Championships.
In 1981. she developed a blood clot in her left leg, putting her in a hospital's intensive care unit for weeks. The recovery began with water therapy, then to stationary cycling and walking without crutches. Still, she found her way back to the gym and ended the year winning three physique titles.
Cory and Jeff went on to capture the 1981 National Mixed-Pairs crowns and in successive years they won the 1982 IFBB North American Mixed-Pairs and 1983 US Bodybuilding Championship Couples titles.
Cory's leap to international fame occured in 1984, when she won her first IFBB Ms. Olympia contest, defeating former Ms. Olympia titleholders, Rachel McLish and Carla Dunlap.
Cory earned the distinction of wearing the Ms. Olympia crown for the next five years prior to retiring from competitive bodybuilding.
Cory appeared on more than 100 magazine covers and brought women's bodybuilding to an all-time high in popularity. Her movie credits include: Double Impact, Natural Born Killer, and Ballistic.
She made numerous television appearances on such popular shows as: Home Improvement, Charmed, Hercules, the Legendary Journey, and Louis & Clark.
She was the original host of the ESPN TV fitness show, BodyShaping, and then starred on Cory Everson's Gotta Sweat, which ran for seven years.
Her best selling books; Fat Free & Fit, and Cory Everson's Workouts, serve as motivational tools for men and women attempting to better themselves.
Cory was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Muscle Beach-Venice Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2005. At the 2007 Arnold Sports Festival, she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award, making her the first female to have attained this honor. &t=787s
She looks perfect. not like the freaks
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LENDA MURRAY... A FEMALE LEE HANEY
Lenda Murray, born in Detroit, Michigan in 1962, is hailed as the world's finest female bodybuilder. She was involved in athletics since her junior high school days. At Henry Ford High School, as a record-holding sprinter, she was named All-City in track-and-field and was a varsity cheerleader.
Lenda attended Western Michigan University where she majored in political science, with a minor in English. At the University, she continued to cheerlead and became the second African-American chosen as the schools home-coming queen. Following graduation, she became a member of the cheerleading squad for the professional football team, the Michigan Panther's.
Murray began bodybuilding in 1985. Following three months of weight training, she placed fourth at that years NPC Michigan State competition. Inspired by her good showing, Lenda went on to win the contest the following year.
After winning the 1989 NPC Junior Nationals. Lenda earned her professional status at the IFBB North American Championships. She then became a regular presence in bodybuilding magazines and a favorite subject of physique photographer, Bill Dobbins, who featured her in his book, The Women and Modern Amazons. Her startling figure and proportions awarded by her six straight IFBB Ms. Olympia titles from 1990 through 1995.
During that time, Lenda's average yearly income was over $300,000. At the height of five-feet, five-inches and weighing 155 pounds, her best training lifts included a 185 pound bench press and a 315 pound squat.
In 1996 and 1997, Murray was runner-up to Kim Chizevsky at the Ms. Olympia event, and retired from competitive bodybuilding after her second loss. She commented, "Years of hard training and dieting, had left me burned out. I felt I needed a rest. My husband, Urel McGill, and I were opening our gym in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the concern of finding a location, buying equipment and starting a fitness facility was too demanding for me to concentrate on competition."
Following a four year layoff, Lenda made a return to competition in 2002, to capture her seventh Ms. Olympia title, at the age of 40. In 2003, she won again, however, in 2004, she placed second to Iris Kyle, and again retired from competitive bodybuilding.
During the early 2000's, Lenda had been featured in the mainstream publications, Ebony, Mademoiselle, People, Vanity Fair and Sports Illustrated. Her physique had become the standard against which professional female bodybuilders are judged: an hourglass figure, with broad shoulders, tapering into a V shaped torso, mirrored by a proportionally developed lower body.
Currently residing in Los Angeles, (2010)California, Lenda is single and lives with her cats, Martin and William. A grandmother of 11 and stepmother of four, she closed this interview by saying, "Finally, I'm doing what I want to do."
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Lenda looks really good today.
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DORIAN YATES ... SIX TIME MR. OLYMPIA
During the years 1992 to 1998, the IFBB Mr. Olympia crown belonged to Englishman Dorian Yates, who competed at the height of five-feet, eleven-inches, while weighing between 255 and 265 pounds. His bodybuilding regimen became known as "blood-and-guts" training, which advocated several exercises and few sets per body part. This theory was advocated by Arthur Jones of Nautilus Sports/Medical Industries, Inc, and was the preferred method of training for bodybuilding champions, Casey Viator and the Mentzer brothers. Although he suffered serious training injuries, Dorian maintained a physique which defied description. His appearance set new standards for others to follow.
Dorian Yates, born April 19, 1962, in Sutton Coldfield, England, was raised on a small farm and showed no interest in athletics as a child. He lost his father to a heart attack at age 13.
In his late teens, Yates joined a white supremacy group, shaved his head, wore reinforced steel-toed boots, and spent weekends in local clubs listening to hard-rock music. This lifestyle led to a six-month internment in a detension center, where at age 19, he took up weight-trainng to gain the respect of the 300 inmates. Dorian commented, "I realized if I didn't modify my ways, I may end up in-and-out of prison all of my life. I was determined not to let this happen."
In 1963, Dorian took up serious strength-training at the Temple Gym in Birmingham. He and his future wife, Debbie Chin, took over the small basement weight room in 1967, and equipped it to suit his training needs. With tons of free weights and dumbbells up to 220 pounds, Temple Gym became a Mecca for hard-core weight-training.
Dorian began winning major physique contests in England in1986. He traveled to New York City in 1987, to finish second in his professional debut at the IFBB Night of Champions. He returned the following year to win the event.
Yates was runner-up to Lee Haney at the 1991 IFBB Mr. Olympia contest and from 1992 through 1997, he dominated the sport by winning the event.
With prize money for six "Olympia" victories amounting to approximately $600,000, Dorian retired from competitive bodybuilding. His professional record stood at 15 victories and two runner-up's, ranking him as one of Britain's most successful bodybuilders. Assisted by Peter McCough, editor-in-chief of Flex Magazine, Dorian authored "Warrior's Story," published in 1998.
In the early 2000s, Yates continued to run Temple Gym and stated, " I just want to keep fit and heathy and stay in decent shape. That's it! I try not to irritate the injuries I've built up over the years."
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RONNIE COLEMAN ...A PHOTO IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS
Ronnie Coleman is the oldest of four children. His mother, a single parent, worked at a car wash to help support the family. Ronnie assisted by holding down one or two jobs after school and worked weekends to help with his mother's financial burdens.
Growing up in Bastrop, Louisiana, population 15,000, Ronnie graduated from high school in 1982. He played football for four years at Grambling State College, where he graduated cum laude and earned a degree in accounting.
Winner of eight consecutitive IFBB Mr. Olympia titles, Coleman evolved into one of the largest, strongest, and most muscular physiques in the history of bodybuilding.
In 1989, prior to his bodybuilding career, Ronnie was recruited into the Arlington, Texas, Police Department, but two years later, he relinquished his $46,000 policeman's salary to have more time for training and traveling. At the peak of his bodybulding career, he earned nearly $500,000 annually from prize money, endorsements and guest appearances.
Within a year of training at Brian Dobson's Metro Flex Gym, in Arlington, Coleman, the 215 pound neophyte with 20-inch flexed upper arms, had increased his bodyweight to 230 pounds. He was squatting 500 pounds for 20 reps, deadlifting 700 pounds, leg pressing nearly a ton, and performing walking lunges in the gym's parking lot with 350 pounds.He could bench press 500 pounds and handle 405 pounds for reps in bent-over rows.
The highlights of Ronnie's bodybuilding career are scattered throughout the 45 physique contests he entered. He holds the record for the most wins as an IFBB professional, with 26 victories.
In 2001, at the height of five-feet, 11-inches and weighing 265 pounds, Coleman became the first to capture the IFBB Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic in the same year. He dominated the Mr. Olympia contest from 1998 through 2005.
When asked to elaborate on the biggest competition during his professional career, Ronnie stated, "My biggest competition was myself. I mean no disrespect, but I didn't look at any of the guys as rivals for the simple reason I couldn't control how they were going to look. I could only control how I looked."
In 2004, one of the most disciplined bodybuilders in the sport, Cole man released the video, "Ronnie Coleman: The Cost of Redemption". It showcased his campaign for that years IFBB Mr. Olympia title.
The video features Ronnie at his heaviest on-stage bodyweight of 296 pounds, doing lifts which included: 160 pound dumbbell shoulder presses; 800 pound squats; 2,250 pound leg presses; 495 pound bench presses; 75 pound alternated dumbbell curls; and an 800 pound deadlift.
In 2010, at age 46, Coleman had this advice for the world, "Find a job you love and you'll never have to work another day in your life."
The extreme weights Coleman used over the course of his career competing as a powerlifter and bodybuilder, took a toll on his body and he has undergone numerous surgeries since 2007. These include two hip replacements and various attempts at alleviating chronic pain from damaged intervertebral discs.
Ronnie has continued to train despite his deteriorated condition, but could only use light weights now to try to prevent muscle loss as of 2018, and some of his surgeries had such poor outcomes that he may never be able to walk unassisted again. Coleman uses a wheelchair if he has to travel long distances.
However, Ronnie has said that he does not regret his choices and admits that he was determined to be the best bodybuilder at any cost; he said that, if anything, he regrets not having done even more to consolidate his legacy.
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ANTHONY CLARK
Anthony Clark was born in the Philippines in 1966. As a skinny youngster, he was picked on by neighborhood bullies. At age 13, his family moved to Houston, Texas, where he began weight training with his father's rusty-neglected 110 pound Sears weight set. He stated, "I thought if I built up my body, I could protect myself."
In 1981, at age 14, Anthony set his first record with a 370 pound bench press. At age 17, he set a high school bench press record of 520 pounds, and at age 19, he was the first teenager to bench press 600 pounds. In 1992, he became the first to reverse-grip bench press 700 pounds.
In 1997, at the height of five-feet, eight-inches, and weighing between 335-345 pounds, Clark completed a 1,025 pound squat, an 800 pound reverse-grip bench press, and a 771 pound dead lift, for a record total of 2,596 pounds.
Unfortunately, after videotapes of his 1,025 pound squat revealed that he did not squat until his upper thighs were parallel, even though the lift was passed by three official judges, this record was erased from some record books.
At the time, Anthony's neck measured 22 1/2-inchs; chest, 62-inches; upper arms, 24 1/2-inches; waist, 42-inches, and thighs, 33 1/2-inches.
Regarding his eating habits, Anthony commented, "I normally consume five or six meals per day. I try to eat as nutritionally as possible, taking in low-fat, low carbohydrates and high-protein meals. I require between 7,000 and 8,000 calories each day to keep my bodyweight up. My food bill runs between $1,000 and $1,300 a month. Thank God I have sponsorships to help feed me."
It was reported that what Clark did to make himself so large and powerful also made him unhealthy. His overeating and use of anabolic steroids were revealed in an Iron Man magazine article in which he admitted he wanted to stop abusing both, but was not convinced he could. He worked with teenagers, and said it bothered him when they asked if he took steroids.
During an ecceptance speech at the 1998 York Barbell Hall of Fame awards, Anthony remarked, "I want to thank God for me being here, and I want to thank all of you for supporting me. Without you, there wouldn't be a me. The claims and achievements are great; however, I want people to know me for my spirit and not my accomplishments."
Through the early 2000s, Clark spent approximately 270 days a year on the road, participating in exhibitions, motivational speaking, and spreading the gospel to youth groups. He commented, "Anthony Clark and the Warriors, a power team for Jesus, spreads the word and a positive anti-drug and self-esteem message to 200,000 to 300,000 children each year."
In 2004, Clark was asked how he cared to conclude this interview and he replied, "I'll see you at the finish line, whenever that is."
Anthoney Clark died in 2005, at age 38, from a massive heart attack.
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A Very unhealthy looking individual.
Squat was high ,
Bench press more than deadlift !! WTF
And a Noggin to Rival BWanky's Colossus !!
Died far to Young.
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STEVE STANKO ... 1944 AAU MR. AMERICA
Bulk and size were significant in choosing the winner of the 1944 AAU Mr. America contest. This proved advantageous for Steve Stanko, who was not skilled at muscular display. At a height of nearly six-feet and weighing 223 pounds, Stanko, according to Bob Hoffman, of Strength & Health magazine, "never practiced posing in front of a mirror and gave a half-hearted display on stage, but he dwarfed others with his development."
Steve Stanko was the National Senior Heavyweight Weightlifting Champion of 1938, 1939, and 1940. He won the 1944 AAU Junior Mr. America, and AAU Mr. America contests, and in 1946, he placed second to John Grimek, at the Most Muscular Man in America contest, held at the Turner's Hall in Philidelphia. Finally, in 1947, he won the first IWF Mr. Universe event.
Remaining physically outstanding until the 1960s, Stanko was consistantly exercising, despite his addiction to medications and his tightly bandaged legs do to deep-vein phlebitis (blood clots) that had begun to develope in his legs, possibly caused by a high school football injury.
Towards the end of Stanko's life, as his debilitating illness worsened, the one-time World's Strongest Man was incapable of walking more than a few yards.
Steve Sranko died in 1978, at age 61.
John Grimek, his closest friend, commented:
"Weightlifting lost a legend; Steve Stanko will be missed by everyone who knew him. Personally, I lost a close, longtime compatriot, the godfather to one of my daughters. Knowing how Steve Steve suffered, we hope and pray he rests in peace. He deserves it!
Steve Stanko was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 1999.
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https://neckberg.com/every-winner-of-the-mr-america-competition-since-1939/
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https://neckberg.com/steve-merjanian-the-powerhouse/#comment-10525
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Pretty neat and shows that steroids were not yet truly on the scene as no one in that show looked remotely as good as our very own Muscular Marvel, "Bio-Identical-bhanky".
Thanks funk! I really enjoyed looking back to when it was about Physical Culture!
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CLARENCE ROSS ... 1945 AAU MR. AMERICA
Clarence "Clancy" Ross was born in 1922 in Oakland, California. He won the 1945 AAU Mr. America contest at age 21, to become the youngest to win the title.
Clancy continued on to capture the 1946 Professional Mr. America trophy. Next, he received a cash prize of $1,000 by defeating Steve Reeves and Alan Stephan for the Professional Mr. USA title.The following year, he won the Mr. North America crown and received another $1,000. He competed for the last time in 1956, placing second to Bill Pearl at the Professional Mr. USA contest.
Ross was recognized as one of the strongest in bodybuilding. He was capable of a 280 pound snatch, an overhead press of 315 pounds and a clean-and- jerk of 360 pounds. He regularly curled 200 pounds in a loose style for ten reps and squatted with 450 pounds. His favorite exercise was Incline Laterals with 175 pound dumbbells.
After weight training for nearly 65 years, working around two knee and three hip replacements, and a severely damaged lower back, Ross was asked by a reporter, "Would you make the same sacrifices a second time to accomplish what you did to become a legendary bodybuilder?" Clany replied, " I sure would! My weight training was personal. I had no desire to become a Mr. Anything, or whatever else came along in my life. I had a lot of fun doing what I did and regret little."
Clarence Ross took his last ride down "memory lane" in 2008. He died of cardiac arrest at age 84.
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https://www.t-nation.com/living/the-sex-cult-of-venice-beach/
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https://www.t-nation.com/living/the-sex-cult-of-venice-beach/
Load of bullshit
Guy could have named names and kept his anonymity
After all there were lots of peoiple there
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GEORGE EIFERMAN... 1948 AAU MR. AMERICA / 1962 IFBB MR. UNIVERSE
George Eiferman, born in 1925, in
Philadephia, became a notable figure in the sport of bodybuilding. On his 17th birthday, George joined the US Navy. He began lifting weights seriously and added 40 pounds of muscle to his frame by the time of his discharge on his 21st birthday in 1946. He then joined Fritshe's Gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1947, Eiferman won the AAU Mr.
Philadelphia competition and placed 5th at the AAU Mr. America event in 1947.
In 1948, George scored first at the AAU
Mr. California. One month later, he won the 1948 AAU Mr. America title. He then moved to Santa Monica, California, where he worked out regularly at Muscle Beach.
During that time, Eiferman played a
part in the film, The Devil's Sleep. The 1960s, George of the Jungle cartoon character, was created by the cook on Eiferman's mine sweeper who combined George's likeness and the Tarzan character.
With his numerous physique titles,
Eiferman began traveling the United States giving speeches at high schools on living a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of weight training for the Nationwide School Assemblies of America organization.
In 1950, George appeared to my high school in Yakima, Washington. He spoke of sailors who didn't have enough strength to pull themselves up into a rescue boat. He continued to emphasize how important body strength was in daily life.
That year, 1950, I enlisted into the U. S . Navy with three years of weight lifting behind me and it served me well, doubling my strength – inspired by Eiferman's lecture.
Eiferman continued to weight train and won the 1962 IFBB Mr. Universe title. He also opened gyms in Hawaii, Vista, California, and Las Vegas.
In the 1980s, Eiferman hosted the TV show, Take 5 for Fitness, on Fox 5 in Las Vegas. As a trainer, nutritionist, and fitness ambassador, George had working relationships with weightlifters Steve Reeves, Lou Ferrigno, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as entertainers Mae West, Debbie Reynolds, Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. He also helped train celebrities like Rock Hudson, Sylvester Stallone, and Elvis Presley with body weight and other health issues.
Eiferman was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000. He died in 2002, of heart failure with his wife Bonita at his side.GEORGE EIFERMAN... 1948 AAU MR. AMERICA / 1962 IFBB MR. UNIVERSE
George Eiferman, born in 1925, in
Philadephia, became a notable figure in the sport of bodybuilding. On his 17th birthday, George joined the US Navy. He began lifting weights seriously and added 40 pounds of muscle to his frame by the time of his discharge on his 21st birthday in 1946. He then joined Fritshe's Gym in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In 1947, Eiferman won the AAU Mr.
Philadelphia competition and placed 5th at the AAU Mr. America event in 1947.
In 1948, George scored first at the AAU
Mr. California. One month later, he won the 1948 AAU Mr. America title. He then moved to Santa Monica, California, where he worked out regularly at Muscle Beach.
During that time, Eiferman played a
part in the film, The Devil's Sleep. The 1960s, George of the Jungle cartoon character, was created by the cook on Eiferman's mine sweeper who combined George's likeness and the Tarzan character.
With his numerous physique titles,
Eiferman began traveling the United States giving speeches at high schools on living a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of weight training for the Nationwide School Assemblies of America organization.
In 1950, George appeared to my high school in Yakima, Washington. He spoke of sailors who didn't have enough strength to pull themselves up into a rescue boat. He continued to emphasize how important body strength was in daily life.
That year, 1950, I enlisted into the U. S . Navy with three years of weight lifting behind me and it served me well, doubling my strength – inspired by Eiferman's lecture.
Eiferman continued to weight train and won the 1962 IFBB Mr. Universe title. He also opened gyms in Hawaii, Vista, California, and Las Vegas.
In the 1980s, Eiferman hosted the TV show, Take 5 for Fitness, on Fox 5 in Las Vegas. As a trainer, nutritionist, and fitness ambassador, George had working relationships with weightlifters Steve Reeves, Lou Ferrigno, and Arnold Schwarzenegger as well as entertainers Mae West, Debbie Reynolds, Liz Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. He also helped train celebrities like Rock Hudson, Sylvester Stallone, and Elvis Presley with body weight and other health issues.
Eiferman was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000. He died in 2002, of heart failure with his wife Bonita at his side. George Eiferman
[image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]
Height 5'7"
Weight 195
Born November 3, 1925
Died February 12, 2002
1946
Mr East Coast - AAU, Medium, Unknown placing
1947
Mr America - AAU, 5th
Mr Universe, 4th
1948
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr California - AAU, Winner
Mr Western America - AAU, 2nd
1949
Mr USA, 4th
1950
Mr USA, 2nd
Mr USA, Most Muscular, 1st
1962
Universe - IFBB, Overall Winner
Universe - IFBB, Medium, 1st
Magazines
1947 Vol 7, Num 6 IronMan
1948 February Strength and Health
1948 April Vol 5, Num 1 Muscle Power
1948 July Vol 3, Num 7 Chicago Bodybuilder
1948 August Strength and Health
1948 December Vol 8, Num 6 IronMan
1949 May Vol 11, Num 2 Your Physique
1949 July Vol 4, Num 7 Chicago Bodybuilder
1950 April Vol 13, Num 1 Your Physique
1950 November Strength and Health
1951 August Strength and Health
1953 Vol 1, Num 8 Mr Universe
1953 January Vol 15, Num 2 Muscle Power
1953 January Vol 7, Num 1 The Bodybuilder
1953 May Vol 12, Num 6 IronMan
1955 May Vol 14, Num 6 IronMan
1955 May Strength and Health
1956 October Vol 6, Num 3 Muscle Builder
1957 April Reg Park Journal
1957 July Strength and Health
1963 February Vol 12, Num 9 Muscle Builder
1967 March Vol 4, Num 3 Muscular Development
1991 November Vol 3, Num 3 Hardgainer
2001 March Vol 12, Num 5 Hardgainer
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;D &t=11s ;D
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JACK DELINGER ... 1949 AAU MR. AMERICA
Jack Delinger began weight training at age 15, and from his first workout, bodybuilding was all business. His early conditioning was done at Ed Yarick's Gym in Oakland, California, alongside Clancy Ross, Steve Reeves and Roy Hilligenn, all champions with similar hardcore attitudes toward training.
In 1948, Delinger won the AAU Mr. Western America title and placed second at the AAU Mr. America contest. He then won the 1949 Mr. America crown against the highly respected Melvin Wells, with a score of 73.5 out of a possible 75 points.
At the height of five-feet, six-inches and weighing 205 pounds, Jack's physique was often compared to John Grimek's. In 1956, he captured the overall Professional Mr. Universe title, by defeating Bill Pearl.
Retiring from physique competition, Delinger began selling exercise equipment in combination with operating his hardcore Oakland, California, gym. At that point in his life, he had restricted his conditioning to a few basic exercises and continued living a healthy and happy life for several years with his wife and son, John, named after John Grimek.
Tragically, Jack's son died in 1992 from a cerebral brain hemorrhage at only 42 years old. Devastated by his son's death, Jack went into a dark mental state and died from a heart attack less than a month later.
Despite the tragedy, Jack left an immortal footprint on the Iron Game and will be remembered by people from all generations. He was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 2001.
Jack Delinger
[image] [image] [image]
Height 5'6"
Weight 195
Born June 22, 1926
Died December 28, 1992
[magazine articles]
1945
Mr America - AAU, Did not place
1946
Mr California - AAU, Medium, 2nd
1948
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr Pacific Coast - AAU, 3rd
Mr Pacific Coast - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr Western America - AAU, Winner
1949
Mr America - AAU, Winner
1952
Mr World - AAU, Medium, 2nd
Mr World - AAU, Overall, 3rd
1956
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 1st
Magazines
1948 July Vol 9, Num 4 Your Physique
1948 August Vol 8, Num 3 IronMan
1948 September Strength and Health
1948 November Vol 77, Num 24 Health and Strength
1949 May Vol 7, Num 6 Muscle Power
1949 June Strength and Health
1949 July Vol 4, Num 7 Chicago Bodybuilder
1949 December Strength and Health
1953 August Vol 1, Num 1 Muscle Builder
1953 October Vol 16, Num 3 Muscle Power
1954 April Vol 2, Num 3 Muscle Builder
1954 July Reg Park Journal
1954 November Vol 17, Num 9 Muscle Power
1955 August Vol 18, Num 7 Muscle Power
1956 May Vol 85, Num 11 Health and Strength
1956 May Vol 6, Num 4 Muscle Builder
1956 August Vol 85, Num 16 Health and Strength
1956 August Reg Park Journal
1956 September Reg Park Journal
1957 February Vol 20, Num 1 Muscle Power
1957 July Vol 20, Num 5 Muscle Power
1958 January Vol 17, Num 4 IronMan
1958 January Vol 1, Num 1 Mr America
1960 July Vol 3, Num 4 Muscle Sculpture
1960 September Vol 89, Num 19 Health and Strength
1960 October Vol 10, Num 9 Muscle Builder
1961 October Vol 4, Num 5 Mr America
1963 April Vol 92, Num 7 Health and Strength
1963 May Vol 13, Num 7 Muscle Builder
1964 August Vol 93, Num 16 Health and Strength
1966 April Vol 8, Num 3 Mr America
1997 January Vol 8, Num 4 Hardgainer
2002 October Vol 128, Num 4 Health and Strength
© MuscleMemory
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JACK DELINGER ... 1949 AAU MR. AMERICA
Jack Delinger began weight training at age 15, and from his first workout, bodybuilding was all business. His early conditioning was done at Ed Yarick's Gym in Oakland, California, alongside Clancy Ross, Steve Reeves and Roy Hilligenn, all champions with similar hardcore attitudes toward training.
In 1948, Delinger won the AAU Mr. Western America title and placed second at the AAU Mr. America contest. He then won the 1949 Mr. America crown against the highly respected Melvin Wells, with a score of 73.5 out of a possible 75 points.
At the height of five-feet, six-inches and weighing 205 pounds, Jack's physique was often compared to John Grimek's. In 1956, he captured the overall Professional Mr. Universe title, by defeating Bill Pearl.
Retiring from physique competition, Delinger began selling exercise equipment in combination with operating his hardcore Oakland, California, gym. At that point in his life, he had restricted his conditioning to a few basic exercises and continued living a healthy and happy life for several years with his wife and son, John, named after John Grimek.
Tragically, Jack's son died in 1992 from a cerebral brain hemorrhage at only 42 years old. Devastated by his son's death, Jack went into a dark mental state and died from a heart attack less than a month later.
Despite the tragedy, Jack left an immortal footprint on the Iron Game and will be remembered by people from all generations. He was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 2001.
Jack Delinger
[image] [image] [image]
Height 5'6"
Weight 195
Born June 22, 1926
Died December 28, 1992
[magazine articles]
1945
Mr America - AAU, Did not place
1946
Mr California - AAU, Medium, 2nd
1948
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr Pacific Coast - AAU, 3rd
Mr Pacific Coast - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr Western America - AAU, Winner
1949
Mr America - AAU, Winner
1952
Mr World - AAU, Medium, 2nd
Mr World - AAU, Overall, 3rd
1956
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 1st
Magazines
1948 July Vol 9, Num 4 Your Physique
1948 August Vol 8, Num 3 IronMan
1948 September Strength and Health
1948 November Vol 77, Num 24 Health and Strength
1949 May Vol 7, Num 6 Muscle Power
1949 June Strength and Health
1949 July Vol 4, Num 7 Chicago Bodybuilder
1949 December Strength and Health
1953 August Vol 1, Num 1 Muscle Builder
1953 October Vol 16, Num 3 Muscle Power
1954 April Vol 2, Num 3 Muscle Builder
1954 July Reg Park Journal
1954 November Vol 17, Num 9 Muscle Power
1955 August Vol 18, Num 7 Muscle Power
1956 May Vol 85, Num 11 Health and Strength
1956 May Vol 6, Num 4 Muscle Builder
1956 August Vol 85, Num 16 Health and Strength
1956 August Reg Park Journal
1956 September Reg Park Journal
1957 February Vol 20, Num 1 Muscle Power
1957 July Vol 20, Num 5 Muscle Power
1958 January Vol 17, Num 4 IronMan
1958 January Vol 1, Num 1 Mr America
1960 July Vol 3, Num 4 Muscle Sculpture
1960 September Vol 89, Num 19 Health and Strength
1960 October Vol 10, Num 9 Muscle Builder
1961 October Vol 4, Num 5 Mr America
1963 April Vol 92, Num 7 Health and Strength
1963 May Vol 13, Num 7 Muscle Builder
1964 August Vol 93, Num 16 Health and Strength
1966 April Vol 8, Num 3 Mr America
1997 January Vol 8, Num 4 Hardgainer
2002 October Vol 128, Num 4 Health and Strength
© MuscleMemory
Getting shot outside the cinema was tragic
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Getting shot outside the cinema was tragic
:D
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:o I guess larry Scott shrunk 2 inches over the years.
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will we ever see a 600 lb C & jerk
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JOHN FARBOTNIK ... 1950 AAU MR. AMERICA
John Farbotnik was the popular winner of the 1950 AAU Mr. America contest, held at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The contest, with 32 competitors, was one of the most successful AAU Mr. America events. Farbotnik scored a total of 71 points out of a possible 75, with Melvin Wells at 68, and Roy Hilligenn at 65.
Farbotnik, a former pupil of John Fritsche's Gym in Philadelphia, was a finalist at the 1946 AAU Mr. America contest and placed second to Steve Stanko at the 1947 IWF Mr. Universe contest. He had previously captured the AAU Mr. Philadelphia, AAU Mr. Chicago, AAU Mr. California, and AAU Jr. Mr. America titles. His final physique victory was the 1951 Professional Mr. America crown.
At the time Farbotnik won the 1950 Mr. America title, he was an instructor at the Physical Services Institute, owned by Bruce Conner and Harold Zinkin, located in Los Angeles. Later, he partnered with Les and Pudgy Stockton to open a health club in Pasadena, California.
In the early 1960s, due to federal income tax complications, Farbotnik moved to eastern Canada and became successfully involved in commercial real estate.
John Farbotnik died in 1998, at age 72.
(Farbotnik once scolded Bill Pearl for offering his youngest son a small piece of chocolate wrapped in waxed paper. Farbotnik sternly commented, "My kids don't eat candy!")
John Farbotnik
[image] [image]
Height 5'9"
Weight 195
Born May 20, 1925 Philadelphia, PA
Died March 23, 1998
1946
Mr America - AAU, 5th
1947
Mr America - AAU, 4th
Mr Universe, 2nd
1948
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1950
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr California - AAU, Winner
Mr California - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
World-Universe - FICH, Winner
1951
Pro Mr America, Winner
Magazines
1946 September Vol 1, Num 2 Chicago Bodybuilder
1947 January Vol 2, Num 1 Chicago Bodybuilder
1947 June Vol 7, Num 3 Your Physique
1947 July Vol 3, Num 2 Muscle Power
1948 June Vol 3, Num 6 Chicago Bodybuilder
1950 May Strength and Health
1950 August Vol 5, Num 7 Chicago Bodybuilder
1950 December Strength and Health
1951 February Vol 11, Num 1 IronMan
1951 December Strength and Health
1958 April Strength and Health
1999 November Vol 11, Num 3 Hardgainer
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ROY HILLIGENN ... 1951 AAU MR. AMERICA
The life of Roy Hilligenn is a story of determination, achievement, and tragedy. Born in South Africa, Hilligenn was four years old when his father, a police sergeant, died of cancer. This left his mother the task of raising five children.
Sent to an orphanage from age 6 to 15, Roy frequently ran away and often scrounged for food in garbage cans. At age 15, he was sent to a trade school to become an apprentice electrician.
A proverbial "97-pound weakling," Hilligenn began weight-training at age 18, after falling from a four-story building, sustaining broken ribs, wrist, and fingers, plus internal injuries. Two years of convalescence, and then working out with a home-made set of weights, his body weight climbed to 101 pounds in the first year, and to 159 pounds the second. Three years following his seriouis injuries, he placed first in a novice weightlifting meet in the 148-pound class, with a 160-pound snatch, and a 240-pound clean-and-jerk.
In 1943, combining basic weightlifting and bodybuilding exercises, Hilligenn became the first South African to clean-and-jerk double his bodyweight. He captured the Mr. South Africa crown in 1943, 1944, and 1946.
Immigrating to the United States, Hilligenn placed third at the 1949 AAU Mr. California contest and won the AAU Mr. Northern California and Mr.Pacific Coast contests while training at Ed Yarick's hardcore gym in Oakland. In 1950, he placed third at the AAU Mr. America contest, behind John Farbotnik and Melvin Wells. That year, in the 198-pound class, he won the Pacific Coast Weightlifting Championships.
In 1951, weightlifting three days a week and bodybuilding on the opposite days, Roy captured the 1951 AAU Mr. America crown, weighing 176 pounds. He equalled the world record in the clean-and-jerk lift of 375 pounds, and it was reported that at a heavier bodyweight, he clean-and-jerked 405 pounds.
Hilligenn credited a large part of his strength and vitality to diet. He stated, "I believe being a vegetarian most of my life is the secret to my youthful countenance and longevity and perfect health. I believe fruit is the body's cleanser, vegetables are the body's healer, and meat is the body's premature aging agent."
In 1952, York Barbell Company sponsored a duel IWF Mr. World/World's Most Muscular Man contest. Jim Park, the current Mr. America, outscored Hilligenn by a half-a-point, for the Mr. World title, while Hilligennn captured the Most Muscular award.
At a height of five-feet, six-inches and a body weight of 175 to 186 pounds, Hilligenn's neck measured 17 1/2 inches; chest, 48 1/2 inches; waist, 31 inches; arms, 17 1/2 inches; thighs, 24 1/2 inches; and calves, 16 1/2 inches.
Sadly, Hilligenn served time in prison from 1987 to 1989, on two counts of sexual battery and three counts of assault. Shortly after release, he was sent to prison in Central Florida, to serve a 17-year sentence for grand theft and attempted sexual battery. He was released in 2008.
Roy Hilligenn died of injuries sustained after a fall in 2008, at age 85.
Roy Hilligenn
[image] [image]
Height 5'6"
Weight 178
Born November 15, 1922 South Africa
Died August 3, 2008
[magazine articles]
1949
Mr California - AAU, 3rd
Mr Pacific Coast - AAU, Winner
1950
Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1951
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr Northern California - AAU, Winner
1952
Mr World - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr World - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr World - AAU, Overall, 2nd
1975
Universe - IFBB, Short, 10th
1977
Canadian Championships - CBBF, Short, 3rd
Mr International - IFBB, LightWeight, 3rd
Magazines
1948 April Strength and Health
1949 March Vol 4, Num 3 Chicago Bodybuilder
1951 September Vol 11, Num 3 IronMan
1951 October Strength and Health
1952 April Vol 17, Num 1 Your Physique
1952 July Vol 17, Num 4 Your Physique
1952 August Vol 14, Num 3 Muscle Power
1953 March Strength and Health
1953 July Vol 16, Num 1 Muscle Power
1955 June Reg Park Journal
1977 February Vol 45, Num 2 Strength and Health
1977 October Vol 14, Num 5 Muscular Development
2000 January Vol 11, Num 4 Hardgainer
© MuscleMemory
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyltestosterone
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https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methyltestosterone
Great product 👍🏻
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http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2011/01/overload-power-system-bill-march.html &t=2s
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&t=26s
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&t=677s
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&t=26s
She was a very beautiful woman.
Women "bodybuilders" now are more WO..Man...FUGLY BITCHES.
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&t=7s
SERGIO JR,, 2nd video..huge looks fat tho,amazing then his instagrams he's 280 with abs in pics,,do they doctor there pics?
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JIM PARK ... 1952 AAU "Mr. America"
Jim Park, 1952 AAU "Mr. America," was raised in Brave, Pennsylvania, population 500. At age 13, his family moved to Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, where he attended the local high school. He wrestled on the school team and showed promise of future greatness.
At age 17, Park left school to join the United States Navy. Discharged in 1947, he moved to Chicago to attend the American Television Institute. Living at a YMCA hotel, he began weight-training in a small, but adequate gym on the Y's third floor, where he received instructions from Irvin Johnson (Rheo H. Blair), who later introduced protein suppliments to the bodybuilding world.
Park entered his first two contests in 1948, the "Mr. Chicago," in which he places fifth, and the AAU "Mr. Northern Illinois," where he finished second. While alternating workouts between Irvin Jhonson's newly opened gymnasium and the Chicago YMCA, he captured the 1949 AAU "Mr. Northern Illinois" contest. He then began training exclusively at Johnson's gym and won the 1950 AAU "Mr. Midwest" while placing ninth in the AAU "Mr. America" event.
The following year, Park placed fifth at the 1951 AAU "Junior Mr. America" and decided to have his last try at the 1952 AAU "Mr. America" contest. Approximately three months before the competition, he allowed Irvin Johnson to plan his diet and training protocol for the upcoming "Mr. America" event. The resulting system, included large amounts of milk-and-egg-based protein suppliment, while Park engaged in a combination of heavy and light weight-training workouts.
Park went on to capture the 1952 "Mr World" contest and the 1954 NABBA "Professional Mr. Universe" crown. At a height of five-feet, seven-inches and weighing 190 pounds, his arms measured 18 1/4 inches; chest 48 1/2 inches; waist, 31 1/2 inches; thighs, 25 1/2 inches; and calves' 16 1/2 inches.
Following his "Mr. America" victory, Jim worked for the York Barbell Company as a designer and fabricator for much of York's home-style exercise equipment. Later, he opened the University Gym in Morrisville, Pennsylvania, but eventually returned to Waynesburg to work as a machinist.
Jim Park died of natural causes on August 28, 2007, at age 79. Jim Park
[image] [image]
Height 5'7"
Weight 190
Born December 8, 1927
Died 2007
[magazine articles]
1949
Mr Pennsylvania - AAU, 3rd
1950
Mr America - AAU, 9th
Mr Midwest - AAU, Winner
1951
Junior Mr America - AAU, 5th
1952
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr World - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr World - AAU, Overall, 1st
Mr World - AAU, Tall, 1st
1954
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 1st
Magazines
1950 September Vol 5, Num 9 Chicago Bodybuilder
1951 April Strength and Health
1952 May Strength and Health
1952 June Vol 12, Num 1 IronMan
1952 November Strength and Health
1954 August Vol 83, Num 16 Health and Strength
1954 November Vol 8, Num 11 The Bodybuilder
1954 December Strength and Health
2002 July Vol 128, Num 3 Health and Strength
2002 November Vol 14, Num 3 Hardgainer
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https://time.com/6242949/exercise-industry-white-supremacy/
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https://time.com/6242949/exercise-industry-white-supremacy/
These people in the media see racism everywhere.
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These people in the media see racism everywhere.
They're too afraid to look in a mirror. Fuck 'em all! Foul beings without a soul of worth among them.
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DICK DUBOIS ... 1954 AAU MR. AMERICA
Richard "Dick" Dubois, 1994 AAU Mr. America, lived a life time that reads like a "rags-to-riches" fable. His family was extremely poor and lived in the Harlem district of South Bronx, New York. His journey from poverty to success proves that an indivisual can resist his environment and rise above it.
DuBois was born in 1933. From the beginning, he was an outstanding all-around athlete, winning the "Long Island Championship" in the 100 meter swim, and boxing in 147- pound division at a New York City Golden Gloves tournament.
DuBois began weight-training at age 16, and made rapid progress. At age 20, he entered the 1953 AAU Mr. America contest and placed second to Bill Pearl.
In 1954, determined to win the Mr. America crown, Dick moved to Southern California to train under the watchful eye of George Eiferman.
At the Greek Theater in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, DuBois placed first, with 68 1/2 points out of a possible 75 points. Second place honors went to Gene Bohaty with 64 points, and Irvin "Zabo" Koszewski, in third position with 63 points.
DuBois made his Hollywood screen debut in the film Athena, a musical starring Debbie Reynolds, Vic Damone and Jane Powell. He was recruited by the Mae West Revue that played to sold-out audiences for the following three years.
Winning the 1957 Mr. USA contest and retiring from competitive body-building, DuBois became an evangelist and preached the teachings of Jesus to millions. He spent 19 years as paster of Gospel Lighthouse in West Los Angeles.
Richard "Dick" DuBois died in 2007, at age 74. Dick DuBois
[image] [image]
Height 6'1"
Weight 220
Born March 4, 1933 Bronx, New York
Died September 27, 2007
Performed in the movie "Athena" as Richard Sabre
[magazine articles]
1953
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr Atlantic Coast - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, 4th
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, 4th
Mr YMCA, 2nd
1954
Mr America - AAU, Winner
1955
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
1957
Mr USA, Winner
Magazines
1954 September Vol 14, Num 2 IronMan
1954 September Vol 17, Num 8 Muscle Power
1954 November Strength and Health
1954 December Reg Park Journal
1955 February Reg Park Journal
1957 May Vol 8, Num 3 Muscle Builder
1957 August Vol 20, Num 6 Muscle Power
1957 August Reg Park Journal
1957 November Vol 9, Num 3 Muscle Builder
1957 December Vol 9, Num 3 Muscle Builder
1962 February Vol 11, Num 11 Muscle Builder
1995 November Vol 7, Num 3 Hardgainer
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1956 AAU "Mr. America" Ray Schaefer
The 1956 AAU "Mr. America" event, held at the University of Pennsylvania, was proclaimed one of the most outstanding since the first "Mr. America" winner was crowned in 1939. Raymond Norman Schaefer Jr., a 23 -year-old boiler-maker and Korean War Veteran, captured the AAU "Mr. America" title with one of the most muscular and highly-defined physiques appearing on stage. Ron Lacy was a worthy runner-up, and third place was awarded to Gene Bohaty.
Following his "America victory, Schaefer flew to London, to win the 1956 NABBA "Amateur Mr. Universe" contest against a stiff competition. He had the packed theater gasping at his unusual posing display, which highlighted his extreme muscularity.
Retiring from competitive bodybuilding following his "Universe" victory, Schaefer apparently stepped away from competitive physical culture. Little regarding his following years has been recorded. It is known that he embarked on a professional wrestling career, using the stage name of "Samson." Eventually, information began to circulate that he became confined to a wheelchair.
Schaefer was born February 28 1933, in Michigan City, Indiana. Died December 30, 2018 in Springfield, MO. Ray Schaefer
[image]
Born February 28, 1933 Michigan City, Indiana
Raymond Norman Schaefer, Jr
1955
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1956
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Universe - AAU, 2nd
Universe - AAU, Tall, 2nd
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1957
Mr USA, 7th
Mr USA, Most Muscular, 1st
Magazines
1956 September Vol 16, Num 2 IronMan
1956 September Reg Park Journal
1956 November Vol 19, Num 10 Muscle Power
1957 February Vol 86, Num 4 Health and Strength
1957 March Vol 8, Num 2 Muscle Builder
1957 June Vol 20, Num 4 Muscle Power
1960 October Vol 3, Num 5 Muscle Sculpture
2000 November Vol 12, Num 3 Hardgainer
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&t=381s
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This shows guys had access to some type of steroids in the early 50's...
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TOM SANSONE ....1958 AAU MR. AMERICA
Tom Sansone, born in 1935, in New York City, was an outstanding baseball player in high school, with major league potential. He captured the 1958 AAU Mr. America contest in Los Angeles, California, after weight training for only four years. In spite of local sentiment favoring Lynn Lyman, Sanson was the popular winner, finishing with 95 points.
As a physical education major at the City College of New York, Sansone had won the 1958 AAU Junior Mr. America event and during an interview commented, "I'm no brain. All I want is a degree and the know-how to someday operate my own gym."
Following his Mr. America victory, Sansone moved to Toronto, Canada to oversee a large chain of Vic Tanny Health Studios.
After a five-year layoff from weight training, Tom was encouraged by his friend and former training partner, Joe Abbenda, 1962 AAU Mr. America, to return to competition. As a result, Sansone captured the 1963 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe title in London.
At a height of five-feet, 11 inches and weighing 212 pounds, Sansone's neck measured 17 1/2 inches; chest, 52 inches; waist, 31 1/2 inches; biceps, 19 1/2 inches; thighs, 26 1/2 inches and calves 17 1/2 inches.
Sadly, Tom Sansone died of cancer in 1974, at age 38.
Tom Sansone
[image] [image] [image] [image] [image]
Born October 20, 1935
Died October 16, 1974
[magazine articles]
1954
Mr National Collegiate - AAU, Winner
1955
Mr National Capital - AAU, 3rd
Mr New York Metropolitan - AAU, Winner
Mr New York State - AAU, Winner
1956
Mr America - AAU, 20th
Mr New York City - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr New York City - AAU, Tall, 1st
1957
Mr America - AAU, 4th
Mr Eastern America - AAU, Tall, 2nd
1958
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, East , 1st
1963
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
Magazines
1958 February Vol 1, Num 1 Muscle Builder
1958 September Vol 18, Num 2 IronMan
1958 November Strength and Health
1958 December Vol 1, Num 9 Mr America
1959 January Vol 2, Num 2 Muscle Sculpture
1959 February Vol 1, Num 6 Muscle Builder
1959 March Vol 1, Num 7 Muscle Builder
1959 May Strength and Health
1959 December Vol 3, Num 1 Muscle Sculpture
1960 May Strength and Health
1963 February Vol 22, Num 3 IronMan
1963 June Strength and Health
1963 October Vol 92, Num 21 Health and Strength
1964 February Vol 93, Num 4 Health and Strength
© MuscleMemory
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RON LACY ... 1957 AAU MR. AMERICA
Ron "Specks" Lacy, born in 1929, in Hazard, Kentucky, was the winner of the 1957 AAU Mr. America contest. The Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, Florida, hosted the 1957 AAU Mr. America event where, for the first time, the judges applied new scoring rules, including five points for athletic ability.
The winner, 28-year old Ron Lacy, scored 97 1/2 points, which was far ahead of runner-up Gene Bohaty and third place Harry Johnson. Following the victory, Lacy competed at the 1957 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe contest held in London, placing first in his height class.
Nicknamed "Specks" because of his freckles, Lacy stood 5' 8 1/2" tall and weighed 188 pounds. His neck measured 16 1/2 inches; chest, 47 inches; waist, 30 inches; biceps, 17 1/2 inches; thighs, 26 inches; and calves, 17 1/2 inches.
Retiring from competitive bodybuilding following his Mr. America win, Ron was employed as a physical therapist in the rehabilitation center at the University of Kentucky before managing a health club in Lexington.
Lacy was an active member of Heritage Baptist Church, and he built a missionary church in the jungles of Peru.
He also volunteered with the Special Olympics.
Known for his leg strength, Lacy performed 50 consecutive 300-pound squats. In 1980, at age 51, he completed 15 half-squats with 535 pounds. In 1997, he was squatting 405 pounds for 12 reps.
Working as a fitness trainer from his home-gym, Ronald Coleman "Spec" Lacy died in 2005, at age 75. Ron Lacy
Height 5'8"
Weight 188
Born August 19, 1929 Hazard, Kentucky
Died June 18, 2005
[magazine articles]
1954
Mr America - AAU, Did not place
Mr Apollo - AAU, 3rd
Mr California - AAU, 3rd
Mr Southern California - AAU, 2nd
Mr Southern California - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1955
Mr America - AAU, 10th
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, 2nd
1956
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1957
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 1st
Magazines
1957 October Strength and Health
1958 March Reg Park Journal
1958 August Strength and Health
1958 September Vol 1, Num 3 Muscle Builder
1966 August Vol 3, Num 8 Muscular Development
1971 March Vol 8, Num 3 Muscular Development
2000 May Vol 11, Num 6 Hardgainer
© MuscleMemory
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1960 AAU Mr. America - Red Lerille
Lloyd "Red" Lerille, Jr, born June 9, 1936, in Harvey, Louisiana, became the winner of the 1960 AAU Mr. America contest held in Cleveland, Ohio.
A high school wrestling champion and a graduate from the University of Southwestern Louisiana, Lerille took the Mr. Armed Services title in 1960, and was discharged from the United States Navy just months before capturing the Mr. America title with mass, muscularity, and broad shoulders.
Red entered the 1960 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe contest and won his height class. At a height of five-feet, six-inches and weighing 185 pounds, his arms measured 17 1/4 inches; chest, 49 inches; waist, 31 inches; thighs, 24 inches; and calves, 16 1/4 inches.
In 1963, Lerille opened his original health club in Lafayette, Louisiana, in a 4,000 square-foot rented space. Presently, the Red Lerille's Health and Racquet Club a multi-purpose 195,000 square-foot faculity privately owned by Lerille, is located on 20 acres, and ranked the number-one independent health club in America. A portion of the vast facility features adult workout areas, two indoor pools, children's pool, a cold plunge,a water slide, an indoor jogging track, a basketball court, a children's workout area, indoor/outdoor tennis courts and two Olympic-size outdoor pools.
Red adds and updates the facility to stay current with fitness trends, from crossfit to pickleball.
In 2022, at age 86, Red spends little time in his office, but prefers to stand at the front door of his immaculate health facility to greet members, as fitness continues to be his way of life. He wakes at 3:30 am to open the club and works-out for an hour and fifteen minutes before attending 7 a.m. mass.
Red was the recipient of the 2005 Health Club Pioneer of the Year award; and when asked for a tip for success in the modern day business world, he replied, "Learn the two most important words in the English language: Hello and Goodbye."
Lloyd Lerille
Born 1936
Red Lerille
[ website ]
1959
Mr America - AAU, 7th
Mr East Coast - AAU, Winner
1960
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, South , 2nd
Mr Southern USA - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Short, 1st
1976
Masters Mr America - AAU, Short, 2nd
1980
Masters Mr America - AAU, MiddleWeight, 5th
Magazines
1960 August Vol 20, Num 1 IronMan
1961 March Strength and Health
© MuscleMemory
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RAY ROUTLEDGE ... 1961 AAU MR. AMERICA
Sergeant Raymond W. Routledge, Jr. of the United States Air Force was edged out of the AAU Mr. America title by the narrowest of margins in 1959 and 1960, then flew to Santa Monica, California, from his duty station in Germany, to win the AAU Mr. America event in 1961. At age 29, married and the father of five children, Routledge had decided that would be his last attempt to win the elusive crown.
Born October 9, 1931, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Routledge moved to the West Coast as a youngster. At age 16, he suffered an attack of polio, but overcame the side affects through exercise. A superb athlete in gymnastics, diving and swimming, he won the California Diving Championships at age 18.
Ray joined the United States Air Force, and began entering bodybuilding contests. He won the 1956 AAU Mr. All South award and in 1958 captured the AAU Mr. Los Angeles title.
Nosed out two years in a row for the AAU Mr. America title, Routledge made no mistakes in 1961, taking first place with 97 points out of a possible 100. While stationed at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, he spent his of off-time at Bill Pearl's Gym, preparing for the contest. That year, he was assigned to over-seas duty, but was allowed time off not only to capture the Mr. America award, but to travel to London to win the 1961 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe contest.
Following his discharge, Routledge settled in the Los Angeles area as a construction worker before opening a health club in Riverside, California. In 1971, he appeared in the B-film, The Incredible Two-Headed Transplant. His final bodybuilding competition was the 1979 Natural Mr. America contest, where he placed in the top five.
In the early 1990's, it was reported that Routledge had won a California lottery for nearly $2 million, closed his gym and moved to the state of Virginia.
Raymond W. Routledge Jr. died of cancer on November 11, 2008, at age 77, in San Bernardino, California.
Ray Routledge
[image]
Born October 9, 1931
Died November 12, 2008
1953
Mr California - AAU, Junior, 3rd
1954
Mr Southern California - AAU, Did not place
1956
Mr South - AAU, Winner
1958
Mr America - AAU, 8th
Mr California - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, West , 1st
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, Winner
Mr Pacific Coast - AAU, Did not place
1959
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1960
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1961
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1962
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1977
Masters Mr America - AAU, Tall, 3rd
1978
Masters Mr America - AAU, Tall, 3rd
1979
Natural Mr America - NBA, Masters, 4th
Magazines
1960 December Vol 89, Num 26 Health and Strength
1960 December Strength and Health
1961 July Vol 20, Num 6 IronMan
1961 October Vol 90, Num 21 Health and Strength
1962 January Strength and Health
1962 February Vol 91, Num 3 Health and Strength
1968 March Vol 27, Num 3 IronMan
1968 April Vol 97, Num 8 Health and Strength
1992 May Vol 3, Num 6 Hardgainer
2001 July Vol 13, Num 1 Hardgainer
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;D
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https://neckberg.com/raymond-routledge-u-s-air-force-bodybuilder-champion/ https://www.ironmanmagazine.com/mr-america-muscleman-ray-routledge/ https://groups.google.com/g/alt.obituaries/c/WKkMmTdJbxo?pli=1
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When coroner's officials found Ray Routledge on Wednesday, there was no one to claim him and nothing but his subsidized senior apartment in San Bernardino.
But by the time a son surfaced in Colorado on Friday afternoon, there was a rich story to be told of the 77-year-old who once took the world's biggest muscleman titles in the same year.
He was a young airman who flew from a base in Germany to win Mr. America in 1961. He was a pitchman and actor who once appeared in "The Incredible 2-Headed Transplant" alongside Oscar-nominee Bruce Dern. He owned a gym and even found time to become a prison guard and travel the United States -- alone -- for 17 years.
Story continues below
Special to The Press-Enterprise
Ray Routledge, 77, was found dead Wednesday by coroner's officials in a subsidized senior apartment in San Bernardino.
"Everyone I ever met, I always made mention of Ray Routledge," said Dan Watson, a 68-year-old Moreno Valley resident who served with him at Rhein-Main Air Force base outside Frankfurt in the early 1960s. "So many times, nobody knew who he was and it was very hard for me to deal with.
"And to learn that he was just up the road," Watson continued, a choke in his voice. "If I would have known he was there, you betcha I would have gone there."
Watson spotted Routledge while he bench pressed at the base gym, just before he became Mr. America and amateur Mr. Universe. He said the gentlemanly bodybuilder wanted to be even stronger to compensate for the half-point he was docked in a prior competition for his tattoo.
Years earlier, Jim Simmons met Routledge at Air Base Defense School in Northern California. In 1953, Routledge was already eating protein pills "by the handful," and getting all the stares from women as they walked the beaches, Simmons said.
"Ray was our guy for disagreements," Simmons, now 73 and living in Yucca Valley, said with a laugh.
"The other (unit's) guys picked this giant, he had to be 240-pounds. But Ray lifted him right up and threw him against the barracks, and boom, everything was over!"
In the 1960s, Routledge appeared on the cover of no less than eight muscle magazines. By the early 1970s he owned the San Bernardino Health Club at 10th and D streets.
That's where Tim Goddard met him. Routledge took the teen under his wing for several regional youth competitions. They kept in touch through the years of Routledge's marriage, move to Running Springs, divorce, sale of the gym, corrections job and decision to travel the country.
"He really loved it," Goddard said.
"It's kind of a sad ending, him coming back here and being in the place he was at."
When Routledge returned, he had no more money, Goddard said, and no longer talked to his sons. But he'd still visit the 48-year-old Goddard, and sit for dinner -- with dessert of a quarter of an apple pie and almost a half-gallon of ice cream.
Routledge gave Goddard all his prized bodybuilding trophies, medals and film reels. In 2003, the Old Fire burned Goddard's home and took the irreplaceable items with it.
"He was very, very saddened but his words were, 'You know, they're only possessions,'" Goddard said, his words halted by tears.
"He said, 'Your health is the main thing.'"
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https://physicalculturestudy.com/2016/06/01/bruce-randall-and-the-most-amazing-transformation-in-bodybuilding/?fbclid=IwAR39XT6mziAuHAz48C70dWCYCV5U28hGR0-XMyhutVGXvNneYN7kOn_vQKk
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JOE ABBENDA ... 1962 AAU MR. AMERICA
Joe Abbenda, born in 1939, in New York City, merged on the bodybuilding scene in the late 1950's. He competed in weightlifting as well as bodybuilding, but the latter sport was his focus from the beginning.
Following years of training in his family's cramped one-car garage, home-gym, performing basic hardcore exercises, Joe's training paid off in a large way, when he won the 1959 Teenage Mr. America event.
In 1960, Joe placed 5th at the AAU Mr. America contest, moving up to 2nd seating in 1961. The following year, he won both the 1962 AAU Mr. America and Amatuer NABBA Mr. Universe titles. In 1963, he returned to London, England, to capture the Professional Mr. Universe crown, to become the first to win back-to-back NABBA "Universe" awards.
Shortly thereafter, Abbenda enhanced his worldwide reputation when he flew to Johannesburg, South Africa, to appear with legendary Reg Park in a series of exhibitions. He went on to become an educator for several years, coaching young men and women with the regard to the benefits of exercise, particularly weight training.
Today, (2021) Joe remains active in bodybuilding while acting as a private attorney. He is an exceptionally kind human being who stays is touch regularly.
Joe Abbenda
[image] [image]
Born July 4, 1939
1959
Mr New York City - AAU, Tall, 3rd
Teen Mr America - AAU, Winner
1960
Mr America - AAU, 5th
Mr New York City - AAU, 2nd
Mr New York City - AAU, Tall, 2nd
1961
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1962
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Junior Mr America - AAU, East Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1963
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 1st
Magazines
1962 June Vol 91, Num 13 Health and Strength
1962 June Vol 21, Num 5 IronMan
1962 November Vol 91, Num 22 Health and Strength
1962 November Vol 91, Num 23 Health and Strength
1962 November Strength and Health
1963 October Vol 92, Num 21 Health and Strength
1964 February Vol 93, Num 3 Health and Strength
1964 September Vol 1, Num 9 Muscular Development
1965 July Strength and Health
1966 September Vol 95, Num 18 Health and Strength
© MuscleMemory
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In the last few months I have presented some research type articles suggesting new ideas about muscles. Basically, I took the muscles apart, and found out how they ACTUALLY worked, as opposed to how most people THOUGHT they worked. Then I tried to put the facts together into a logical set of conclusions concerning exercise. In this article we will consider the practical applications; the nuts and bolts of training, rather than more research material.
This article will make suggestions very different from many articles you have read, although it may look strangely familiar in spots, because for some time a few of the top men in bodybuilding have used some of the ideas presented here, and with great effect, although probably none of them have used all of the ideas at once.
As the reader doubtless knows, there are many routines which have a greater or lesser potential for building muscle, even though many of them seem contradictory to each other. Very good results have been achieved with a simple program of eight or 10 exercises done for two or three sets, going rather rapidly through the sequence two or three times per week. However, even considering individual differences, in this article we are going to talk about the fastest and most effective method for building muscle size.
Arthur Jones has said in print many times that the body should be worked as a unit, working one body part and going quickly to the next body part, etc., until the entire body is worked in a very short time. Although this is a fine way to build conditioning, many of my friends have found that this did little to build muscle size. In other words, it is a much better conditioning program than a muscle size building program. In such high speed routines, usually it is the whole system that fails, rather than the muscle, after the first couple of sets. So the endurance grows because it was worked to failure, but the muscles do not respond as well in most people.
To build maximum muscle size, in many ways, we want to do just the opposite! So the first principle is:
1) WORK A SMALL AREA OF THE BODY AND THEN LET THE ENTIRE BODY REST FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. Ideally you should work one body part and then let the entire body rest, although good results are had with merely working a small part of the body at one time and then letting the entire body rest in the same way; for example, the chest and shoulders. Obviously this means that you will not work all your body parts in one day. You would split them up over two or three days, even working twice a day or more. Each session will be fairly short, but should be brutally hard.
Not only will you have more energy to complete your workout if you are only working one body part at a time, but the fatigue products produced by the contracting muscles will stimulate growth if they are allowed to remain in the muscle for at least 20 minutes. After that, their chemical messages have been sent and received, and little will be lost if they are removed.
Although I developed this concept of the fatigue theory on a theoretical basis, working from existing data, I found that some people had happened onto the idea experimentally, and used it simply because they found that it worked.
For example, Vince Gironda uses this idea when he has someone who needs results in a very short time, and is willing to work hard. Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?
One of the great success stories of modern bodybuilding is Vic Downs. He did not touch a weight before he was 33, but before he was 40 he was a threat to the best in bodybuilding, having won most muscular of Canada, and making himself felt at the Mr. Universe. In order to accomplish this, even with a good potential, he had to be doing something right. As a matter of fact, he worked only one body part a day, but in his case the results were fantastic.
We could go on, but the point has been made. Of course most of us will not be able to split up our routines to this extent, because of time considerations, psychological reasons, or the inability to use a gym several times a day. But we are considering here a theoretically perfect routine, so that we may make whatever compromises we must in order to come as close to it as our own circumstances permit.
We also assume you already have a certain amount of conditioning before your tackle any advanced routine.
But these things considered, everyone who has made use of the idea so far has made progress.
Since you are trying to avoid increasing the circulation enough to "wash out" the fatigue products before they have time to do their job, DO NOT: "warm down" by doing lighter exercise, do not run right after lifting (wait at least 20 minutes), do not race right into the next body part, and do not allow yourself to get very cold. The cold constricts the blood vessels and squeezes out the fatigue products. All of these things will leave you feeling good, because the fatigue products are no longer irritating the nerve endings, but all of the above will hinder your gains.
Like most chemical reactions, those involving the fatigue products do not proceed evenly, with half the reaction the first 10 minutes and half the next. The reaction starts off fast and then tapers off, perhaps taking a great deal longer than the 20 minutes before it is 100% finished. But a great deal of the reaction is finished after only five or 10 minutes. So for those of us who cannot wait for long periods between body parts, even 5 or 10 minutes will make a difference.
For the second principle, we might consider the fact that Arthur Jones, Vince Gironda, and myself are all agreed on two points, along with many other authorities.
First . . .
that very few bodybuilders work as hard as they should for maximum gains.
It take brutally hard workouts to produce the fast superior gains we are going to talk about.
Second . . .
that most bodybuilders have NO IDEA what really hard work is.
So the second principle is:
2) WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE EVERY REP YOU DO! Only by maximum effort every rep is the ultimate muscle stimulation achieved. As I tell people who look at the Ultra Machines I invented, if header work produces better gains, why not go first class and work as hard as possible!
And make no mistake, this is the main reason the Ultra Machines were developed. Not because they are full range, not because they have variable resistance, but because they allow me to work as hard as possible every rep I do by allowing me to assist myself after the first rep with a leg press attachment, making each rep as tough as possible. The attributes above are important, but nothing makes as much difference as working as hard as possible with the tools at your disposal.
Let me clarify that statement by saying that we are talking about doing a repetition that is all you can do in good form. We are not talking about a lift that makes you wobble around for 15 or 20 seconds to finish. After all, if you almost pass out from the first lift, you won't be able to make much effort with the next four or five reps.
Since I covered this type of training in the Sept. '76 IronMan we will only mention it briefly here. But I would like to say it has probably made as much difference to my training as anything.
Note: September, 1976. Great Chet Yorton cover. Page 16. "Ultra High Intensity Workouts for Bulk and Power."
3) USE PLENTY OF ISOLATION WORK IN YOUR ROUTINE. After you have conditioned your muscles with muscle-group (compound) exercises like the bench press and the squat, most of us find that we reach a point where we no longer gain, or at best make progress very slowly.
Because a muscle can work harder during a contraction if it works alone than it can if it is a member of a team, isolation exercises, like triceps extensions and curls will work the muscle harder, and stimulate further growth.
We have found that best progress is made when we start with a compound exercise for each body part, and then do whatever isolation exercises we plan. Thus for the shoulders we do a press behind neck first, and then do lateral raises. If the laterals were done first, you are unable to put much effort into the presses.
Believe me, if you are at a plateau, hard work on isolation exercises will make you grow!
4) USE A VARIETY OF EXERCISES FOR EACH BODY PART. Most exercises only line up a segment of the muscle fibers in each muscle, so working from several angles will more fully develop the muscle. This is true even if you are using some kind of full range resistance machine. For example, pullovers will make the lats thicker, but a reverse lateral motion will make them wider.
This may seem too obvious to put on paper, but a number of people have said in print that they felt you could completely develop a muscle group with one exercise if you do enough total reps. Obviously, they were mistaken.
Don't neglect to do a number of isolation exercises that work the muscle from enough angles so that most of the mass is worked. Ultra machines enable you to do full range exercise with a method of assisting yourself. If you use Nautilus machines, you will have to have a partner assist you after the first rep if you use this kind of training. It is harder to do the maximum-every-rep type training with a dumbbell, but not impossible with a little thought.
No one exercise will develop a muscle as completely as a variety. John Grimek believed in doing one set of 10 exercises rather than 10 sets of one exercise, and he had a symmetry and proportional look that is hard to match.
Even if size was the only consideration. obviously all the fibers in a muscle were worked, you would have a better chance of building great size than if only a few of them are worked.
How many exercises do you use for each body part? The correct answer is as many as it takes to work the muscle properly. Your back muscles will require more exercises to properly work than your triceps, for example. But whatever it takes, that is what you should use.
5) WORK FAIRLY QUICKLY. This may sound like a contradiction to the first principle (work a small area of the body and then let the entire body rest for at least 20 minutes), but it is not. While you want to have a time interval between body parts, you will want to work rather quickly during each body part itself. This is because you are trying to build up a high level of fatigue products in the muscle group, and it is very difficult to do so with long rest pauses, as the bloodstream has plenty of time to remove them between sets, if you rest for five minutes between sets. I realize that large muscles have been built by heavy weights and long rests between sets, but we are speaking here of building the most muscle possible, as fast as we are theoretically able.
6) LIGHT FLUSHING MOVEMENTS DONE AT A SEPARATE TIME FROM YOUR WORKOUT WILL REMOVE THE FATIGUE PRODUCTS AND AUGMENT YOUR RECOVERY ABILITY, AS WELL AS REDUCING SORENESS, he screamed. I used to frequently feel that if I was attacked in an alley, I would probably be too sore to defend myself. I always worked very hard during my training.
But once I discovered that light reps, done after the main workout would greatly reduce soreness I have used the idea ever since. As an added effect, it will increase your recovery ability, and you will respond faster to training.
I do some very light movements late in the day, using 20 pound dumbbells in a dumbbell press, etc. No attempt should be made to tax the muscle, as this should have been done during the workout. You should attempt to increase the blood flow with as little stress to the muscle as possible. If this is done at least 20 minutes after the training is done, the fatigue products have done their work and can be safely removed.
Running and light manual labor have a similar effect. Thus you may have better progress when doing some kind of light work, than when not working at all. This brings us to the last principle, which is:
7) MAINTAIN AT LEAST A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING. A little jogging at a separate time from your training will actually increase your training results, rather than hindering them. Because the blood supply must remove the waste products and deliver the nutrients to rebuild the muscle, the more efficient the cardiovascular system is up to a point, the faster you will recover from your workouts, and the better you will progress.
However, too much running or any other conditioning will slow down or stop your gains. Russian research indicates that at this time at least, it is not possible to build great endurance at the same time as great strength. Long distance runners do not make great bodybuilding champions. Whatever you may have been told, routines that build maximum endurance DO NOT build maximum muscle size.
The amount of conditioning your need seems to vary enormously. You will want to experiment with different amounts. Some people claim they get all the conditioning they need from the workouts with the weights, but most of us need to do some conditioning work at a different time. Specific endurance for a particular muscle is different from the conditioning of the entire system.
Now that we have covered the basic principles of building muscle as fast and as much as possible, we are ready to look at some sample routines. Once again I must mention that we are talking about a theoretically perfect routine, and then we can make whatever compromises we must. Most of us simple do not have the time available to follow the above ideas exactly as they are written but they give us something to work toward. And who knows what will happen to those who are able to follow the ideas exactly? For the time being, take my word that NO ONE HAS EVER REACHEDE HIS POTENTIAL either in strength or size.
We are going to use Ultra Machine movements in this sample routine because, once again, we are talking about best results, from a routine as perfect as we can make it. Most people will have to substitute regular barbell and dumbbell movements, or Nautilus movements with partners to assist. Some of the important movements do not exist on Nautilus machines, and must be improvised.
The sample routine looks like this, with one set of each exercise done for round 10 reps in an assisted set.
1st Day:
Press Behind Neck
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Thumbs Up Lateral Raise
Rest Interval
Bench or Incline Press
Forward Rotation (a kind of full range front raise)
45 degree flyes or torso machine chest movement
2nd Day
Supinations on Special Pulley
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Regular curl, stretch position
(arms in back of body like incline curl)
Preacher Curl
Contracted or curl-behind-neck position
Rest Interval
Stretched position, overhead triceps extension
Mid-range, lying extension
Contracted position, kickbacks
Rest Interval
Reverse Wrist Curl
Wrist Curl
Super Grip Machine
All of the above except the grip machine and the supinations are done on the Super Arm Machine.
3rd Day
Squat or Full Range Leg Press
Full Range Leg Extension
Full Range Leg Curl
Rest Interval
Pulldown or Chin
Pullover Machine
Lateral Machine for Lats
Rowing Movement
Back Machine for Erectors
Those interested in lifting strength should add some pulling or deadlifting at the beginning of this day.
Rest Interval
Calf Work.
This will give you about 35 sets spread over three days. This may not sound like much, but it will be plenty, if each repetition is all you can do.
As mentioned, we have included things you probably do not have available, because we are talking about an ideal routine. Most people will do best using only one set of each exercise. Some may want to do two or three sets of each, but this may NOT be more effective.
The number of reps will vary with the individual and with different muscle groups. I will explain further in the book we have mentioned before, The Ultimate Bulk and Power Routine. For now, you will want to experiment with different numbers of repetitions for various movements.
You can either repeat the sequence after one day of rest, or you can go through the sequence twice a week and then rest one day.
As mentioned also, most of us do not have the time to spend on a routine such as this, and perhaps the emotional energy necessary as well. Other factors also may prevent us from doing so.
Many people decide that they do not want to devote themselves to their training to this extent, but would like a routine that would give good results with somewhat less time in the gym.
One of my friends uses a routine that takes four evenings a week, but retains many of the best points of the above routine. He gains at a fast rate, while working a responsible job, and living a social life. His name is Dave Allen and you will probably hear more about him.
His abbreviated version of the routine looks like this:
1st Day
Decline Press
Forward Rotations
45 degree Incline Flyes
Chest Movement on Ultra Machine
Regular Grip Laterals
Thumbs Up Laterals
Rest 10-15 minutes
Pulldowns
Pullovers
Lateral Movement for Lats
Rowing Movement
2nd Day
Supinations
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Incline DB Curl
Preacher Curl
Contracted, or Curl Behind Neck
Rest 10-15 minutes
Overhead Triceps Extension, stretched position
Lying Extension, middle position
Kickback, fully contracted position
Rest 10-15 minutes
Leg Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Rest 10-15 minutes
Calf Work
And there you have it. A compromise that still includes most of the good points of the longer routine, but to a lesser degree. Progress is still very good on this kind of routine. Of course Dave owns five of the Ultra machines and so has them handy.
We will make more discoveries about nutrition, and we are working on ways to augment the recovery ability, increase nutrient absorption, etc. But as far as exercise to stimulate the muscle goes, the principles listed above are close to ideal.
A few more points should be mentioned:
We usually do a few abdominal exercises with our conditioning work, whatever we may choose for cardiovascular work. We use one position on the Super Back and Leg machine for ab work that is very concentrated, and does not require a lot of reps and sets.
It goes without saying that diet, rest and mental attitude cannot be overestimated in importance. But these are complex subjects to other articles, even though they are as important as the routine.
Although the routines listed will give great increases in size and strength, there are always compromises in the best routines.
There is no routine that is best at everything. We have already mentioned the fact that some other training is used to create cardiovascular ability, and that the routine is time consuming, even though each segment of the workout is rather short.
One thing the routine is NOT intended for is to build great strength in a particular lift. True, the routine will build both muscle size and strength, but to have outstanding strength for your size in a particular "groove" requires changes in the nervous system and in the muscle. The principles involved are rather more complex than those involved in building size, even if the routines are not. But this too is a subject for another article. Great weights have been lifted in various lifts, but even better results will be received from the Ultimate Strength Routine.
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VERN WEAVER ... 1963 AAU MR. AMERICA
Forty contestants entered the 1963 AAU Mr. America contest held at the Zembo Mosque in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Vern Weaver captured the title with 95.5 points out of a possible 100. This was Weaver's fourth attempt to win the elusive crown.
In second place was the legendary African American Harold Poole, who walked off stage when his placing was announced. However, Poole had the consolation of winning the Most Muscular award.
Craig Whitehead, a medical student, at Tulane Medical School, placed third.
At a bodyweight of 205-pounds, Weaver represented the York Barbell Club and was a highly qualified Olympic weightlifter in the 198-pound division. At one meet he power-cleaned 370 pounds before jerking the weight overhead.
Weaver won the tall man's division at the 1964 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. His final physique competition was at the 1966 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe contest where he placed second in the tall man class.
Little is recorded regarding Vern Weaver from 1966 onward. It is known he took his life in 1993, at age 56.
Vern Weaver
[image]
Born May 18, 1937
Died July 25, 1993
(LaVerne)
[magazine articles]
1958
Mr America - AAU, 7th
Junior Mr America - AAU, East , 2nd
1959
Mr America - AAU, 5th
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1962
Mr America - AAU, 4th
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr North America - AAU, 2nd
1963
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
1964
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1966
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
Magazines
1959 March Strength and Health
1960 December Vol 20, Num 2 IronMan
1963 September Vol 92, Num 18 Health and Strength
1963 October Vol 23, Num 1 IronMan
1963 December Vol 32, Num 1 Strength and Health
1964 June Vol 1, Num 6 Muscular Development
1964 November Vol 93, Num 24 Health and Strength
1992 January Vol 3, Num 4 Hardgainer
© MuscleMemory
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In the last few months I have presented some research type articles suggesting new ideas about muscles. Basically, I took the muscles apart, and found out how they ACTUALLY worked, as opposed to how most people THOUGHT they worked. Then I tried to put the facts together into a logical set of conclusions concerning exercise. In this article we will consider the practical applications; the nuts and bolts of training, rather than more research material.
This article will make suggestions very different from many articles you have read, although it may look strangely familiar in spots, because for some time a few of the top men in bodybuilding have used some of the ideas presented here, and with great effect, although probably none of them have used all of the ideas at once.
As the reader doubtless knows, there are many routines which have a greater or lesser potential for building muscle, even though many of them seem contradictory to each other. Very good results have been achieved with a simple program of eight or 10 exercises done for two or three sets, going rather rapidly through the sequence two or three times per week. However, even considering individual differences, in this article we are going to talk about the fastest and most effective method for building muscle size.
Arthur Jones has said in print many times that the body should be worked as a unit, working one body part and going quickly to the next body part, etc., until the entire body is worked in a very short time. Although this is a fine way to build conditioning, many of my friends have found that this did little to build muscle size. In other words, it is a much better conditioning program than a muscle size building program. In such high speed routines, usually it is the whole system that fails, rather than the muscle, after the first couple of sets. So the endurance grows because it was worked to failure, but the muscles do not respond as well in most people.
To build maximum muscle size, in many ways, we want to do just the opposite! So the first principle is:
1) WORK A SMALL AREA OF THE BODY AND THEN LET THE ENTIRE BODY REST FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. Ideally you should work one body part and then let the entire body rest, although good results are had with merely working a small part of the body at one time and then letting the entire body rest in the same way; for example, the chest and shoulders. Obviously this means that you will not work all your body parts in one day. You would split them up over two or three days, even working twice a day or more. Each session will be fairly short, but should be brutally hard.
Not only will you have more energy to complete your workout if you are only working one body part at a time, but the fatigue products produced by the contracting muscles will stimulate growth if they are allowed to remain in the muscle for at least 20 minutes. After that, their chemical messages have been sent and received, and little will be lost if they are removed.
Although I developed this concept of the fatigue theory on a theoretical basis, working from existing data, I found that some people had happened onto the idea experimentally, and used it simply because they found that it worked.
For example, Vince Gironda uses this idea when he has someone who needs results in a very short time, and is willing to work hard. Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?
One of the great success stories of modern bodybuilding is Vic Downs. He did not touch a weight before he was 33, but before he was 40 he was a threat to the best in bodybuilding, having won most muscular of Canada, and making himself felt at the Mr. Universe. In order to accomplish this, even with a good potential, he had to be doing something right. As a matter of fact, he worked only one body part a day, but in his case the results were fantastic.
We could go on, but the point has been made. Of course most of us will not be able to split up our routines to this extent, because of time considerations, psychological reasons, or the inability to use a gym several times a day. But we are considering here a theoretically perfect routine, so that we may make whatever compromises we must in order to come as close to it as our own circumstances permit.
We also assume you already have a certain amount of conditioning before your tackle any advanced routine.
But these things considered, everyone who has made use of the idea so far has made progress.
Since you are trying to avoid increasing the circulation enough to "wash out" the fatigue products before they have time to do their job, DO NOT: "warm down" by doing lighter exercise, do not run right after lifting (wait at least 20 minutes), do not race right into the next body part, and do not allow yourself to get very cold. The cold constricts the blood vessels and squeezes out the fatigue products. All of these things will leave you feeling good, because the fatigue products are no longer irritating the nerve endings, but all of the above will hinder your gains.
Like most chemical reactions, those involving the fatigue products do not proceed evenly, with half the reaction the first 10 minutes and half the next. The reaction starts off fast and then tapers off, perhaps taking a great deal longer than the 20 minutes before it is 100% finished. But a great deal of the reaction is finished after only five or 10 minutes. So for those of us who cannot wait for long periods between body parts, even 5 or 10 minutes will make a difference.
For the second principle, we might consider the fact that Arthur Jones, Vince Gironda, and myself are all agreed on two points, along with many other authorities.
First . . .
that very few bodybuilders work as hard as they should for maximum gains.
It take brutally hard workouts to produce the fast superior gains we are going to talk about.
Second . . .
that most bodybuilders have NO IDEA what really hard work is.
So the second principle is:
2) WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE EVERY REP YOU DO! Only by maximum effort every rep is the ultimate muscle stimulation achieved. As I tell people who look at the Ultra Machines I invented, if header work produces better gains, why not go first class and work as hard as possible!
And make no mistake, this is the main reason the Ultra Machines were developed. Not because they are full range, not because they have variable resistance, but because they allow me to work as hard as possible every rep I do by allowing me to assist myself after the first rep with a leg press attachment, making each rep as tough as possible. The attributes above are important, but nothing makes as much difference as working as hard as possible with the tools at your disposal.
Let me clarify that statement by saying that we are talking about doing a repetition that is all you can do in good form. We are not talking about a lift that makes you wobble around for 15 or 20 seconds to finish. After all, if you almost pass out from the first lift, you won't be able to make much effort with the next four or five reps.
Since I covered this type of training in the Sept. '76 IronMan we will only mention it briefly here. But I would like to say it has probably made as much difference to my training as anything.
Note: September, 1976. Great Chet Yorton cover. Page 16. "Ultra High Intensity Workouts for Bulk and Power."
3) USE PLENTY OF ISOLATION WORK IN YOUR ROUTINE. After you have conditioned your muscles with muscle-group (compound) exercises like the bench press and the squat, most of us find that we reach a point where we no longer gain, or at best make progress very slowly.
Because a muscle can work harder during a contraction if it works alone than it can if it is a member of a team, isolation exercises, like triceps extensions and curls will work the muscle harder, and stimulate further growth.
We have found that best progress is made when we start with a compound exercise for each body part, and then do whatever isolation exercises we plan. Thus for the shoulders we do a press behind neck first, and then do lateral raises. If the laterals were done first, you are unable to put much effort into the presses.
Believe me, if you are at a plateau, hard work on isolation exercises will make you grow!
4) USE A VARIETY OF EXERCISES FOR EACH BODY PART. Most exercises only line up a segment of the muscle fibers in each muscle, so working from several angles will more fully develop the muscle. This is true even if you are using some kind of full range resistance machine. For example, pullovers will make the lats thicker, but a reverse lateral motion will make them wider.
This may seem too obvious to put on paper, but a number of people have said in print that they felt you could completely develop a muscle group with one exercise if you do enough total reps. Obviously, they were mistaken.
Don't neglect to do a number of isolation exercises that work the muscle from enough angles so that most of the mass is worked. Ultra machines enable you to do full range exercise with a method of assisting yourself. If you use Nautilus machines, you will have to have a partner assist you after the first rep if you use this kind of training. It is harder to do the maximum-every-rep type training with a dumbbell, but not impossible with a little thought.
No one exercise will develop a muscle as completely as a variety. John Grimek believed in doing one set of 10 exercises rather than 10 sets of one exercise, and he had a symmetry and proportional look that is hard to match.
Even if size was the only consideration. obviously all the fibers in a muscle were worked, you would have a better chance of building great size than if only a few of them are worked.
How many exercises do you use for each body part? The correct answer is as many as it takes to work the muscle properly. Your back muscles will require more exercises to properly work than your triceps, for example. But whatever it takes, that is what you should use.
5) WORK FAIRLY QUICKLY. This may sound like a contradiction to the first principle (work a small area of the body and then let the entire body rest for at least 20 minutes), but it is not. While you want to have a time interval between body parts, you will want to work rather quickly during each body part itself. This is because you are trying to build up a high level of fatigue products in the muscle group, and it is very difficult to do so with long rest pauses, as the bloodstream has plenty of time to remove them between sets, if you rest for five minutes between sets. I realize that large muscles have been built by heavy weights and long rests between sets, but we are speaking here of building the most muscle possible, as fast as we are theoretically able.
6) LIGHT FLUSHING MOVEMENTS DONE AT A SEPARATE TIME FROM YOUR WORKOUT WILL REMOVE THE FATIGUE PRODUCTS AND AUGMENT YOUR RECOVERY ABILITY, AS WELL AS REDUCING SORENESS, he screamed. I used to frequently feel that if I was attacked in an alley, I would probably be too sore to defend myself. I always worked very hard during my training.
But once I discovered that light reps, done after the main workout would greatly reduce soreness I have used the idea ever since. As an added effect, it will increase your recovery ability, and you will respond faster to training.
I do some very light movements late in the day, using 20 pound dumbbells in a dumbbell press, etc. No attempt should be made to tax the muscle, as this should have been done during the workout. You should attempt to increase the blood flow with as little stress to the muscle as possible. If this is done at least 20 minutes after the training is done, the fatigue products have done their work and can be safely removed.
Running and light manual labor have a similar effect. Thus you may have better progress when doing some kind of light work, than when not working at all. This brings us to the last principle, which is:
7) MAINTAIN AT LEAST A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING. A little jogging at a separate time from your training will actually increase your training results, rather than hindering them. Because the blood supply must remove the waste products and deliver the nutrients to rebuild the muscle, the more efficient the cardiovascular system is up to a point, the faster you will recover from your workouts, and the better you will progress.
However, too much running or any other conditioning will slow down or stop your gains. Russian research indicates that at this time at least, it is not possible to build great endurance at the same time as great strength. Long distance runners do not make great bodybuilding champions. Whatever you may have been told, routines that build maximum endurance DO NOT build maximum muscle size.
The amount of conditioning your need seems to vary enormously. You will want to experiment with different amounts. Some people claim they get all the conditioning they need from the workouts with the weights, but most of us need to do some conditioning work at a different time. Specific endurance for a particular muscle is different from the conditioning of the entire system.
Now that we have covered the basic principles of building muscle as fast and as much as possible, we are ready to look at some sample routines. Once again I must mention that we are talking about a theoretically perfect routine, and then we can make whatever compromises we must. Most of us simple do not have the time available to follow the above ideas exactly as they are written but they give us something to work toward. And who knows what will happen to those who are able to follow the ideas exactly? For the time being, take my word that NO ONE HAS EVER REACHEDE HIS POTENTIAL either in strength or size.
We are going to use Ultra Machine movements in this sample routine because, once again, we are talking about best results, from a routine as perfect as we can make it. Most people will have to substitute regular barbell and dumbbell movements, or Nautilus movements with partners to assist. Some of the important movements do not exist on Nautilus machines, and must be improvised.
The sample routine looks like this, with one set of each exercise done for round 10 reps in an assisted set.
1st Day:
Press Behind Neck
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Thumbs Up Lateral Raise
Rest Interval
Bench or Incline Press
Forward Rotation (a kind of full range front raise)
45 degree flyes or torso machine chest movement
2nd Day
Supinations on Special Pulley
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Regular curl, stretch position
(arms in back of body like incline curl)
Preacher Curl
Contracted or curl-behind-neck position
Rest Interval
Stretched position, overhead triceps extension
Mid-range, lying extension
Contracted position, kickbacks
Rest Interval
Reverse Wrist Curl
Wrist Curl
Super Grip Machine
All of the above except the grip machine and the supinations are done on the Super Arm Machine.
3rd Day
Squat or Full Range Leg Press
Full Range Leg Extension
Full Range Leg Curl
Rest Interval
Pulldown or Chin
Pullover Machine
Lateral Machine for Lats
Rowing Movement
Back Machine for Erectors
Those interested in lifting strength should add some pulling or deadlifting at the beginning of this day.
Rest Interval
Calf Work.
This will give you about 35 sets spread over three days. This may not sound like much, but it will be plenty, if each repetition is all you can do.
As mentioned, we have included things you probably do not have available, because we are talking about an ideal routine. Most people will do best using only one set of each exercise. Some may want to do two or three sets of each, but this may NOT be more effective.
The number of reps will vary with the individual and with different muscle groups. I will explain further in the book we have mentioned before, The Ultimate Bulk and Power Routine. For now, you will want to experiment with different numbers of repetitions for various movements.
You can either repeat the sequence after one day of rest, or you can go through the sequence twice a week and then rest one day.
As mentioned also, most of us do not have the time to spend on a routine such as this, and perhaps the emotional energy necessary as well. Other factors also may prevent us from doing so.
Many people decide that they do not want to devote themselves to their training to this extent, but would like a routine that would give good results with somewhat less time in the gym.
One of my friends uses a routine that takes four evenings a week, but retains many of the best points of the above routine. He gains at a fast rate, while working a responsible job, and living a social life. His name is Dave Allen and you will probably hear more about him.
His abbreviated version of the routine looks like this:
1st Day
Decline Press
Forward Rotations
45 degree Incline Flyes
Chest Movement on Ultra Machine
Regular Grip Laterals
Thumbs Up Laterals
Rest 10-15 minutes
Pulldowns
Pullovers
Lateral Movement for Lats
Rowing Movement
2nd Day
Supinations
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Incline DB Curl
Preacher Curl
Contracted, or Curl Behind Neck
Rest 10-15 minutes
Overhead Triceps Extension, stretched position
Lying Extension, middle position
Kickback, fully contracted position
Rest 10-15 minutes
Leg Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Rest 10-15 minutes
Calf Work
And there you have it. A compromise that still includes most of the good points of the longer routine, but to a lesser degree. Progress is still very good on this kind of routine. Of course Dave owns five of the Ultra machines and so has them handy.
We will make more discoveries about nutrition, and we are working on ways to augment the recovery ability, increase nutrient absorption, etc. But as far as exercise to stimulate the muscle goes, the principles listed above are close to ideal.
A few more points should be mentioned:
We usually do a few abdominal exercises with our conditioning work, whatever we may choose for cardiovascular work. We use one position on the Super Back and Leg machine for ab work that is very concentrated, and does not require a lot of reps and sets.
It goes without saying that diet, rest and mental attitude cannot be overestimated in importance. But these are complex subjects to other articles, even though they are as important as the routine.
Although the routines listed will give great increases in size and strength, there are always compromises in the best routines.
There is no routine that is best at everything. We have already mentioned the fact that some other training is used to create cardiovascular ability, and that the routine is time consuming, even though each segment of the workout is rather short.
One thing the routine is NOT intended for is to build great strength in a particular lift. True, the routine will build both muscle size and strength, but to have outstanding strength for your size in a particular "groove" requires changes in the nervous system and in the muscle. The principles involved are rather more complex than those involved in building size, even if the routines are not. But this too is a subject for another article. Great weights have been lifted in various lifts, but even better results will be received from the Ultimate Strength Routine.
Thanks for the tip.
-
In the last few months I have presented some research type articles suggesting new ideas about muscles. Basically, I took the muscles apart, and found out how they ACTUALLY worked, as opposed to how most people THOUGHT they worked. Then I tried to put the facts together into a logical set of conclusions concerning exercise. In this article we will consider the practical applications; the nuts and bolts of training, rather than more research material.
This article will make suggestions very different from many articles you have read, although it may look strangely familiar in spots, because for some time a few of the top men in bodybuilding have used some of the ideas presented here, and with great effect, although probably none of them have used all of the ideas at once.
As the reader doubtless knows, there are many routines which have a greater or lesser potential for building muscle, even though many of them seem contradictory to each other. Very good results have been achieved with a simple program of eight or 10 exercises done for two or three sets, going rather rapidly through the sequence two or three times per week. However, even considering individual differences, in this article we are going to talk about the fastest and most effective method for building muscle size.
Arthur Jones has said in print many times that the body should be worked as a unit, working one body part and going quickly to the next body part, etc., until the entire body is worked in a very short time. Although this is a fine way to build conditioning, many of my friends have found that this did little to build muscle size. In other words, it is a much better conditioning program than a muscle size building program. In such high speed routines, usually it is the whole system that fails, rather than the muscle, after the first couple of sets. So the endurance grows because it was worked to failure, but the muscles do not respond as well in most people.
To build maximum muscle size, in many ways, we want to do just the opposite! So the first principle is:
1) WORK A SMALL AREA OF THE BODY AND THEN LET THE ENTIRE BODY REST FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. Ideally you should work one body part and then let the entire body rest, although good results are had with merely working a small part of the body at one time and then letting the entire body rest in the same way; for example, the chest and shoulders. Obviously this means that you will not work all your body parts in one day. You would split them up over two or three days, even working twice a day or more. Each session will be fairly short, but should be brutally hard.
Not only will you have more energy to complete your workout if you are only working one body part at a time, but the fatigue products produced by the contracting muscles will stimulate growth if they are allowed to remain in the muscle for at least 20 minutes. After that, their chemical messages have been sent and received, and little will be lost if they are removed.
Although I developed this concept of the fatigue theory on a theoretical basis, working from existing data, I found that some people had happened onto the idea experimentally, and used it simply because they found that it worked.
For example, Vince Gironda uses this idea when he has someone who needs results in a very short time, and is willing to work hard. Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?
One of the great success stories of modern bodybuilding is Vic Downs. He did not touch a weight before he was 33, but before he was 40 he was a threat to the best in bodybuilding, having won most muscular of Canada, and making himself felt at the Mr. Universe. In order to accomplish this, even with a good potential, he had to be doing something right. As a matter of fact, he worked only one body part a day, but in his case the results were fantastic.
We could go on, but the point has been made. Of course most of us will not be able to split up our routines to this extent, because of time considerations, psychological reasons, or the inability to use a gym several times a day. But we are considering here a theoretically perfect routine, so that we may make whatever compromises we must in order to come as close to it as our own circumstances permit.
We also assume you already have a certain amount of conditioning before your tackle any advanced routine.
But these things considered, everyone who has made use of the idea so far has made progress.
Since you are trying to avoid increasing the circulation enough to "wash out" the fatigue products before they have time to do their job, DO NOT: "warm down" by doing lighter exercise, do not run right after lifting (wait at least 20 minutes), do not race right into the next body part, and do not allow yourself to get very cold. The cold constricts the blood vessels and squeezes out the fatigue products. All of these things will leave you feeling good, because the fatigue products are no longer irritating the nerve endings, but all of the above will hinder your gains.
Like most chemical reactions, those involving the fatigue products do not proceed evenly, with half the reaction the first 10 minutes and half the next. The reaction starts off fast and then tapers off, perhaps taking a great deal longer than the 20 minutes before it is 100% finished. But a great deal of the reaction is finished after only five or 10 minutes. So for those of us who cannot wait for long periods between body parts, even 5 or 10 minutes will make a difference.
For the second principle, we might consider the fact that Arthur Jones, Vince Gironda, and myself are all agreed on two points, along with many other authorities.
First . . .
that very few bodybuilders work as hard as they should for maximum gains.
It take brutally hard workouts to produce the fast superior gains we are going to talk about.
Second . . .
that most bodybuilders have NO IDEA what really hard work is.
So the second principle is:
2) WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE EVERY REP YOU DO! Only by maximum effort every rep is the ultimate muscle stimulation achieved. As I tell people who look at the Ultra Machines I invented, if header work produces better gains, why not go first class and work as hard as possible!
And make no mistake, this is the main reason the Ultra Machines were developed. Not because they are full range, not because they have variable resistance, but because they allow me to work as hard as possible every rep I do by allowing me to assist myself after the first rep with a leg press attachment, making each rep as tough as possible. The attributes above are important, but nothing makes as much difference as working as hard as possible with the tools at your disposal.
Let me clarify that statement by saying that we are talking about doing a repetition that is all you can do in good form. We are not talking about a lift that makes you wobble around for 15 or 20 seconds to finish. After all, if you almost pass out from the first lift, you won't be able to make much effort with the next four or five reps.
Since I covered this type of training in the Sept. '76 IronMan we will only mention it briefly here. But I would like to say it has probably made as much difference to my training as anything.
Note: September, 1976. Great Chet Yorton cover. Page 16. "Ultra High Intensity Workouts for Bulk and Power."
3) USE PLENTY OF ISOLATION WORK IN YOUR ROUTINE. After you have conditioned your muscles with muscle-group (compound) exercises like the bench press and the squat, most of us find that we reach a point where we no longer gain, or at best make progress very slowly.
Because a muscle can work harder during a contraction if it works alone than it can if it is a member of a team, isolation exercises, like triceps extensions and curls will work the muscle harder, and stimulate further growth.
We have found that best progress is made when we start with a compound exercise for each body part, and then do whatever isolation exercises we plan. Thus for the shoulders we do a press behind neck first, and then do lateral raises. If the laterals were done first, you are unable to put much effort into the presses.
Believe me, if you are at a plateau, hard work on isolation exercises will make you grow!
4) USE A VARIETY OF EXERCISES FOR EACH BODY PART. Most exercises only line up a segment of the muscle fibers in each muscle, so working from several angles will more fully develop the muscle. This is true even if you are using some kind of full range resistance machine. For example, pullovers will make the lats thicker, but a reverse lateral motion will make them wider.
This may seem too obvious to put on paper, but a number of people have said in print that they felt you could completely develop a muscle group with one exercise if you do enough total reps. Obviously, they were mistaken.
Don't neglect to do a number of isolation exercises that work the muscle from enough angles so that most of the mass is worked. Ultra machines enable you to do full range exercise with a method of assisting yourself. If you use Nautilus machines, you will have to have a partner assist you after the first rep if you use this kind of training. It is harder to do the maximum-every-rep type training with a dumbbell, but not impossible with a little thought.
No one exercise will develop a muscle as completely as a variety. John Grimek believed in doing one set of 10 exercises rather than 10 sets of one exercise, and he had a symmetry and proportional look that is hard to match.
Even if size was the only consideration. obviously all the fibers in a muscle were worked, you would have a better chance of building great size than if only a few of them are worked.
How many exercises do you use for each body part? The correct answer is as many as it takes to work the muscle properly. Your back muscles will require more exercises to properly work than your triceps, for example. But whatever it takes, that is what you should use.
5) WORK FAIRLY QUICKLY. This may sound like a contradiction to the first principle (work a small area of the body and then let the entire body rest for at least 20 minutes), but it is not. While you want to have a time interval between body parts, you will want to work rather quickly during each body part itself. This is because you are trying to build up a high level of fatigue products in the muscle group, and it is very difficult to do so with long rest pauses, as the bloodstream has plenty of time to remove them between sets, if you rest for five minutes between sets. I realize that large muscles have been built by heavy weights and long rests between sets, but we are speaking here of building the most muscle possible, as fast as we are theoretically able.
6) LIGHT FLUSHING MOVEMENTS DONE AT A SEPARATE TIME FROM YOUR WORKOUT WILL REMOVE THE FATIGUE PRODUCTS AND AUGMENT YOUR RECOVERY ABILITY, AS WELL AS REDUCING SORENESS, he screamed. I used to frequently feel that if I was attacked in an alley, I would probably be too sore to defend myself. I always worked very hard during my training.
But once I discovered that light reps, done after the main workout would greatly reduce soreness I have used the idea ever since. As an added effect, it will increase your recovery ability, and you will respond faster to training.
I do some very light movements late in the day, using 20 pound dumbbells in a dumbbell press, etc. No attempt should be made to tax the muscle, as this should have been done during the workout. You should attempt to increase the blood flow with as little stress to the muscle as possible. If this is done at least 20 minutes after the training is done, the fatigue products have done their work and can be safely removed.
Running and light manual labor have a similar effect. Thus you may have better progress when doing some kind of light work, than when not working at all. This brings us to the last principle, which is:
7) MAINTAIN AT LEAST A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING. A little jogging at a separate time from your training will actually increase your training results, rather than hindering them. Because the blood supply must remove the waste products and deliver the nutrients to rebuild the muscle, the more efficient the cardiovascular system is up to a point, the faster you will recover from your workouts, and the better you will progress.
However, too much running or any other conditioning will slow down or stop your gains. Russian research indicates that at this time at least, it is not possible to build great endurance at the same time as great strength. Long distance runners do not make great bodybuilding champions. Whatever you may have been told, routines that build maximum endurance DO NOT build maximum muscle size.
The amount of conditioning your need seems to vary enormously. You will want to experiment with different amounts. Some people claim they get all the conditioning they need from the workouts with the weights, but most of us need to do some conditioning work at a different time. Specific endurance for a particular muscle is different from the conditioning of the entire system.
Now that we have covered the basic principles of building muscle as fast and as much as possible, we are ready to look at some sample routines. Once again I must mention that we are talking about a theoretically perfect routine, and then we can make whatever compromises we must. Most of us simple do not have the time available to follow the above ideas exactly as they are written but they give us something to work toward. And who knows what will happen to those who are able to follow the ideas exactly? For the time being, take my word that NO ONE HAS EVER REACHEDE HIS POTENTIAL either in strength or size.
We are going to use Ultra Machine movements in this sample routine because, once again, we are talking about best results, from a routine as perfect as we can make it. Most people will have to substitute regular barbell and dumbbell movements, or Nautilus movements with partners to assist. Some of the important movements do not exist on Nautilus machines, and must be improvised.
The sample routine looks like this, with one set of each exercise done for round 10 reps in an assisted set.
1st Day:
Press Behind Neck
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Thumbs Up Lateral Raise
Rest Interval
Bench or Incline Press
Forward Rotation (a kind of full range front raise)
45 degree flyes or torso machine chest movement
2nd Day
Supinations on Special Pulley
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Regular curl, stretch position
(arms in back of body like incline curl)
Preacher Curl
Contracted or curl-behind-neck position
Rest Interval
Stretched position, overhead triceps extension
Mid-range, lying extension
Contracted position, kickbacks
Rest Interval
Reverse Wrist Curl
Wrist Curl
Super Grip Machine
All of the above except the grip machine and the supinations are done on the Super Arm Machine.
3rd Day
Squat or Full Range Leg Press
Full Range Leg Extension
Full Range Leg Curl
Rest Interval
Pulldown or Chin
Pullover Machine
Lateral Machine for Lats
Rowing Movement
Back Machine for Erectors
Those interested in lifting strength should add some pulling or deadlifting at the beginning of this day.
Rest Interval
Calf Work.
This will give you about 35 sets spread over three days. This may not sound like much, but it will be plenty, if each repetition is all you can do.
As mentioned, we have included things you probably do not have available, because we are talking about an ideal routine. Most people will do best using only one set of each exercise. Some may want to do two or three sets of each, but this may NOT be more effective.
The number of reps will vary with the individual and with different muscle groups. I will explain further in the book we have mentioned before, The Ultimate Bulk and Power Routine. For now, you will want to experiment with different numbers of repetitions for various movements.
You can either repeat the sequence after one day of rest, or you can go through the sequence twice a week and then rest one day.
As mentioned also, most of us do not have the time to spend on a routine such as this, and perhaps the emotional energy necessary as well. Other factors also may prevent us from doing so.
Many people decide that they do not want to devote themselves to their training to this extent, but would like a routine that would give good results with somewhat less time in the gym.
One of my friends uses a routine that takes four evenings a week, but retains many of the best points of the above routine. He gains at a fast rate, while working a responsible job, and living a social life. His name is Dave Allen and you will probably hear more about him.
His abbreviated version of the routine looks like this:
1st Day
Decline Press
Forward Rotations
45 degree Incline Flyes
Chest Movement on Ultra Machine
Regular Grip Laterals
Thumbs Up Laterals
Rest 10-15 minutes
Pulldowns
Pullovers
Lateral Movement for Lats
Rowing Movement
2nd Day
Supinations
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Incline DB Curl
Preacher Curl
Contracted, or Curl Behind Neck
Rest 10-15 minutes
Overhead Triceps Extension, stretched position
Lying Extension, middle position
Kickback, fully contracted position
Rest 10-15 minutes
Leg Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Rest 10-15 minutes
Calf Work
And there you have it. A compromise that still includes most of the good points of the longer routine, but to a lesser degree. Progress is still very good on this kind of routine. Of course Dave owns five of the Ultra machines and so has them handy.
We will make more discoveries about nutrition, and we are working on ways to augment the recovery ability, increase nutrient absorption, etc. But as far as exercise to stimulate the muscle goes, the principles listed above are close to ideal.
A few more points should be mentioned:
We usually do a few abdominal exercises with our conditioning work, whatever we may choose for cardiovascular work. We use one position on the Super Back and Leg machine for ab work that is very concentrated, and does not require a lot of reps and sets.
It goes without saying that diet, rest and mental attitude cannot be overestimated in importance. But these are complex subjects to other articles, even though they are as important as the routine.
Although the routines listed will give great increases in size and strength, there are always compromises in the best routines.
There is no routine that is best at everything. We have already mentioned the fact that some other training is used to create cardiovascular ability, and that the routine is time consuming, even though each segment of the workout is rather short.
One thing the routine is NOT intended for is to build great strength in a particular lift. True, the routine will build both muscle size and strength, but to have outstanding strength for your size in a particular "groove" requires changes in the nervous system and in the muscle. The principles involved are rather more complex than those involved in building size, even if the routines are not. But this too is a subject for another article. Great weights have been lifted in various lifts, but even better results will be received from the Ultimate Strength Routine.
Thanks for the tip.
Woops
double post
my bad.
-
In the last few months I have presented some research type articles suggesting new ideas about muscles. Basically, I took the muscles apart, and found out how they ACTUALLY worked, as opposed to how most people THOUGHT they worked. Then I tried to put the facts together into a logical set of conclusions concerning exercise. In this article we will consider the practical applications; the nuts and bolts of training, rather than more research material.
This article will make suggestions very different from many articles you have read, although it may look strangely familiar in spots, because for some time a few of the top men in bodybuilding have used some of the ideas presented here, and with great effect, although probably none of them have used all of the ideas at once.
As the reader doubtless knows, there are many routines which have a greater or lesser potential for building muscle, even though many of them seem contradictory to each other. Very good results have been achieved with a simple program of eight or 10 exercises done for two or three sets, going rather rapidly through the sequence two or three times per week. However, even considering individual differences, in this article we are going to talk about the fastest and most effective method for building muscle size.
Arthur Jones has said in print many times that the body should be worked as a unit, working one body part and going quickly to the next body part, etc., until the entire body is worked in a very short time. Although this is a fine way to build conditioning, many of my friends have found that this did little to build muscle size. In other words, it is a much better conditioning program than a muscle size building program. In such high speed routines, usually it is the whole system that fails, rather than the muscle, after the first couple of sets. So the endurance grows because it was worked to failure, but the muscles do not respond as well in most people.
To build maximum muscle size, in many ways, we want to do just the opposite! So the first principle is:
1) WORK A SMALL AREA OF THE BODY AND THEN LET THE ENTIRE BODY REST FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. Ideally you should work one body part and then let the entire body rest, although good results are had with merely working a small part of the body at one time and then letting the entire body rest in the same way; for example, the chest and shoulders. Obviously this means that you will not work all your body parts in one day. You would split them up over two or three days, even working twice a day or more. Each session will be fairly short, but should be brutally hard.
Not only will you have more energy to complete your workout if you are only working one body part at a time, but the fatigue products produced by the contracting muscles will stimulate growth if they are allowed to remain in the muscle for at least 20 minutes. After that, their chemical messages have been sent and received, and little will be lost if they are removed.
Although I developed this concept of the fatigue theory on a theoretical basis, working from existing data, I found that some people had happened onto the idea experimentally, and used it simply because they found that it worked.
For example, Vince Gironda uses this idea when he has someone who needs results in a very short time, and is willing to work hard. Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?
One of the great success stories of modern bodybuilding is Vic Downs. He did not touch a weight before he was 33, but before he was 40 he was a threat to the best in bodybuilding, having won most muscular of Canada, and making himself felt at the Mr. Universe. In order to accomplish this, even with a good potential, he had to be doing something right. As a matter of fact, he worked only one body part a day, but in his case the results were fantastic.
We could go on, but the point has been made. Of course most of us will not be able to split up our routines to this extent, because of time considerations, psychological reasons, or the inability to use a gym several times a day. But we are considering here a theoretically perfect routine, so that we may make whatever compromises we must in order to come as close to it as our own circumstances permit.
We also assume you already have a certain amount of conditioning before your tackle any advanced routine.
But these things considered, everyone who has made use of the idea so far has made progress.
Since you are trying to avoid increasing the circulation enough to "wash out" the fatigue products before they have time to do their job, DO NOT: "warm down" by doing lighter exercise, do not run right after lifting (wait at least 20 minutes), do not race right into the next body part, and do not allow yourself to get very cold. The cold constricts the blood vessels and squeezes out the fatigue products. All of these things will leave you feeling good, because the fatigue products are no longer irritating the nerve endings, but all of the above will hinder your gains.
Like most chemical reactions, those involving the fatigue products do not proceed evenly, with half the reaction the first 10 minutes and half the next. The reaction starts off fast and then tapers off, perhaps taking a great deal longer than the 20 minutes before it is 100% finished. But a great deal of the reaction is finished after only five or 10 minutes. So for those of us who cannot wait for long periods between body parts, even 5 or 10 minutes will make a difference.
For the second principle, we might consider the fact that Arthur Jones, Vince Gironda, and myself are all agreed on two points, along with many other authorities.
First . . .
that very few bodybuilders work as hard as they should for maximum gains.
It take brutally hard workouts to produce the fast superior gains we are going to talk about.
Second . . .
that most bodybuilders have NO IDEA what really hard work is.
So the second principle is:
2) WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE EVERY REP YOU DO! Only by maximum effort every rep is the ultimate muscle stimulation achieved. As I tell people who look at the Ultra Machines I invented, if header work produces better gains, why not go first class and work as hard as possible!
And make no mistake, this is the main reason the Ultra Machines were developed. Not because they are full range, not because they have variable resistance, but because they allow me to work as hard as possible every rep I do by allowing me to assist myself after the first rep with a leg press attachment, making each rep as tough as possible. The attributes above are important, but nothing makes as much difference as working as hard as possible with the tools at your disposal.
Let me clarify that statement by saying that we are talking about doing a repetition that is all you can do in good form. We are not talking about a lift that makes you wobble around for 15 or 20 seconds to finish. After all, if you almost pass out from the first lift, you won't be able to make much effort with the next four or five reps.
Since I covered this type of training in the Sept. '76 IronMan we will only mention it briefly here. But I would like to say it has probably made as much difference to my training as anything.
Note: September, 1976. Great Chet Yorton cover. Page 16. "Ultra High Intensity Workouts for Bulk and Power."
3) USE PLENTY OF ISOLATION WORK IN YOUR ROUTINE. After you have conditioned your muscles with muscle-group (compound) exercises like the bench press and the squat, most of us find that we reach a point where we no longer gain, or at best make progress very slowly.
Because a muscle can work harder during a contraction if it works alone than it can if it is a member of a team, isolation exercises, like triceps extensions and curls will work the muscle harder, and stimulate further growth.
We have found that best progress is made when we start with a compound exercise for each body part, and then do whatever isolation exercises we plan. Thus for the shoulders we do a press behind neck first, and then do lateral raises. If the laterals were done first, you are unable to put much effort into the presses.
Believe me, if you are at a plateau, hard work on isolation exercises will make you grow!
4) USE A VARIETY OF EXERCISES FOR EACH BODY PART. Most exercises only line up a segment of the muscle fibers in each muscle, so working from several angles will more fully develop the muscle. This is true even if you are using some kind of full range resistance machine. For example, pullovers will make the lats thicker, but a reverse lateral motion will make them wider.
This may seem too obvious to put on paper, but a number of people have said in print that they felt you could completely develop a muscle group with one exercise if you do enough total reps. Obviously, they were mistaken.
Don't neglect to do a number of isolation exercises that work the muscle from enough angles so that most of the mass is worked. Ultra machines enable you to do full range exercise with a method of assisting yourself. If you use Nautilus machines, you will have to have a partner assist you after the first rep if you use this kind of training. It is harder to do the maximum-every-rep type training with a dumbbell, but not impossible with a little thought.
No one exercise will develop a muscle as completely as a variety. John Grimek believed in doing one set of 10 exercises rather than 10 sets of one exercise, and he had a symmetry and proportional look that is hard to match.
Even if size was the only consideration. obviously all the fibers in a muscle were worked, you would have a better chance of building great size than if only a few of them are worked.
How many exercises do you use for each body part? The correct answer is as many as it takes to work the muscle properly. Your back muscles will require more exercises to properly work than your triceps, for example. But whatever it takes, that is what you should use.
5) WORK FAIRLY QUICKLY. This may sound like a contradiction to the first principle (work a small area of the body and then let the entire body rest for at least 20 minutes), but it is not. While you want to have a time interval between body parts, you will want to work rather quickly during each body part itself. This is because you are trying to build up a high level of fatigue products in the muscle group, and it is very difficult to do so with long rest pauses, as the bloodstream has plenty of time to remove them between sets, if you rest for five minutes between sets. I realize that large muscles have been built by heavy weights and long rests between sets, but we are speaking here of building the most muscle possible, as fast as we are theoretically able.
6) LIGHT FLUSHING MOVEMENTS DONE AT A SEPARATE TIME FROM YOUR WORKOUT WILL REMOVE THE FATIGUE PRODUCTS AND AUGMENT YOUR RECOVERY ABILITY, AS WELL AS REDUCING SORENESS, he screamed. I used to frequently feel that if I was attacked in an alley, I would probably be too sore to defend myself. I always worked very hard during my training.
But once I discovered that light reps, done after the main workout would greatly reduce soreness I have used the idea ever since. As an added effect, it will increase your recovery ability, and you will respond faster to training.
I do some very light movements late in the day, using 20 pound dumbbells in a dumbbell press, etc. No attempt should be made to tax the muscle, as this should have been done during the workout. You should attempt to increase the blood flow with as little stress to the muscle as possible. If this is done at least 20 minutes after the training is done, the fatigue products have done their work and can be safely removed.
Running and light manual labor have a similar effect. Thus you may have better progress when doing some kind of light work, than when not working at all. This brings us to the last principle, which is:
7) MAINTAIN AT LEAST A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING. A little jogging at a separate time from your training will actually increase your training results, rather than hindering them. Because the blood supply must remove the waste products and deliver the nutrients to rebuild the muscle, the more efficient the cardiovascular system is up to a point, the faster you will recover from your workouts, and the better you will progress.
However, too much running or any other conditioning will slow down or stop your gains. Russian research indicates that at this time at least, it is not possible to build great endurance at the same time as great strength. Long distance runners do not make great bodybuilding champions. Whatever you may have been told, routines that build maximum endurance DO NOT build maximum muscle size.
The amount of conditioning your need seems to vary enormously. You will want to experiment with different amounts. Some people claim they get all the conditioning they need from the workouts with the weights, but most of us need to do some conditioning work at a different time. Specific endurance for a particular muscle is different from the conditioning of the entire system.
Now that we have covered the basic principles of building muscle as fast and as much as possible, we are ready to look at some sample routines. Once again I must mention that we are talking about a theoretically perfect routine, and then we can make whatever compromises we must. Most of us simple do not have the time available to follow the above ideas exactly as they are written but they give us something to work toward. And who knows what will happen to those who are able to follow the ideas exactly? For the time being, take my word that NO ONE HAS EVER REACHEDE HIS POTENTIAL either in strength or size.
We are going to use Ultra Machine movements in this sample routine because, once again, we are talking about best results, from a routine as perfect as we can make it. Most people will have to substitute regular barbell and dumbbell movements, or Nautilus movements with partners to assist. Some of the important movements do not exist on Nautilus machines, and must be improvised.
The sample routine looks like this, with one set of each exercise done for round 10 reps in an assisted set.
1st Day:
Press Behind Neck
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Thumbs Up Lateral Raise
Rest Interval
Bench or Incline Press
Forward Rotation (a kind of full range front raise)
45 degree flyes or torso machine chest movement
2nd Day
Supinations on Special Pulley
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Regular curl, stretch position
(arms in back of body like incline curl)
Preacher Curl
Contracted or curl-behind-neck position
Rest Interval
Stretched position, overhead triceps extension
Mid-range, lying extension
Contracted position, kickbacks
Rest Interval
Reverse Wrist Curl
Wrist Curl
Super Grip Machine
All of the above except the grip machine and the supinations are done on the Super Arm Machine.
3rd Day
Squat or Full Range Leg Press
Full Range Leg Extension
Full Range Leg Curl
Rest Interval
Pulldown or Chin
Pullover Machine
Lateral Machine for Lats
Rowing Movement
Back Machine for Erectors
Those interested in lifting strength should add some pulling or deadlifting at the beginning of this day.
Rest Interval
Calf Work.
This will give you about 35 sets spread over three days. This may not sound like much, but it will be plenty, if each repetition is all you can do.
As mentioned, we have included things you probably do not have available, because we are talking about an ideal routine. Most people will do best using only one set of each exercise. Some may want to do two or three sets of each, but this may NOT be more effective.
The number of reps will vary with the individual and with different muscle groups. I will explain further in the book we have mentioned before, The Ultimate Bulk and Power Routine. For now, you will want to experiment with different numbers of repetitions for various movements.
You can either repeat the sequence after one day of rest, or you can go through the sequence twice a week and then rest one day.
As mentioned also, most of us do not have the time to spend on a routine such as this, and perhaps the emotional energy necessary as well. Other factors also may prevent us from doing so.
Many people decide that they do not want to devote themselves to their training to this extent, but would like a routine that would give good results with somewhat less time in the gym.
One of my friends uses a routine that takes four evenings a week, but retains many of the best points of the above routine. He gains at a fast rate, while working a responsible job, and living a social life. His name is Dave Allen and you will probably hear more about him.
His abbreviated version of the routine looks like this:
1st Day
Decline Press
Forward Rotations
45 degree Incline Flyes
Chest Movement on Ultra Machine
Regular Grip Laterals
Thumbs Up Laterals
Rest 10-15 minutes
Pulldowns
Pullovers
Lateral Movement for Lats
Rowing Movement
2nd Day
Supinations
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Incline DB Curl
Preacher Curl
Contracted, or Curl Behind Neck
Rest 10-15 minutes
Overhead Triceps Extension, stretched position
Lying Extension, middle position
Kickback, fully contracted position
Rest 10-15 minutes
Leg Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Rest 10-15 minutes
Calf Work
And there you have it. A compromise that still includes most of the good points of the longer routine, but to a lesser degree. Progress is still very good on this kind of routine. Of course Dave owns five of the Ultra machines and so has them handy.
We will make more discoveries about nutrition, and we are working on ways to augment the recovery ability, increase nutrient absorption, etc. But as far as exercise to stimulate the muscle goes, the principles listed above are close to ideal.
A few more points should be mentioned:
We usually do a few abdominal exercises with our conditioning work, whatever we may choose for cardiovascular work. We use one position on the Super Back and Leg machine for ab work that is very concentrated, and does not require a lot of reps and sets.
It goes without saying that diet, rest and mental attitude cannot be overestimated in importance. But these are complex subjects to other articles, even though they are as important as the routine.
Although the routines listed will give great increases in size and strength, there are always compromises in the best routines.
There is no routine that is best at everything. We have already mentioned the fact that some other training is used to create cardiovascular ability, and that the routine is time consuming, even though each segment of the workout is rather short.
One thing the routine is NOT intended for is to build great strength in a particular lift. True, the routine will build both muscle size and strength, but to have outstanding strength for your size in a particular "groove" requires changes in the nervous system and in the muscle. The principles involved are rather more complex than those involved in building size, even if the routines are not. But this too is a subject for another article. Great weights have been lifted in various lifts, but even better results will be received from the Ultimate Strength Routine.
Wait, hang on. I'm a bit confused.
So I should train shoulders for example and then wait at least 20 minutes before training chest??
-
In the last few months I have presented some research type articles suggesting new ideas about muscles. Basically, I took the muscles apart, and found out how they ACTUALLY worked, as opposed to how most people THOUGHT they worked. Then I tried to put the facts together into a logical set of conclusions concerning exercise. In this article we will consider the practical applications; the nuts and bolts of training, rather than more research material.
This article will make suggestions very different from many articles you have read, although it may look strangely familiar in spots, because for some time a few of the top men in bodybuilding have used some of the ideas presented here, and with great effect, although probably none of them have used all of the ideas at once.
As the reader doubtless knows, there are many routines which have a greater or lesser potential for building muscle, even though many of them seem contradictory to each other. Very good results have been achieved with a simple program of eight or 10 exercises done for two or three sets, going rather rapidly through the sequence two or three times per week. However, even considering individual differences, in this article we are going to talk about the fastest and most effective method for building muscle size.
Arthur Jones has said in print many times that the body should be worked as a unit, working one body part and going quickly to the next body part, etc., until the entire body is worked in a very short time. Although this is a fine way to build conditioning, many of my friends have found that this did little to build muscle size. In other words, it is a much better conditioning program than a muscle size building program. In such high speed routines, usually it is the whole system that fails, rather than the muscle, after the first couple of sets. So the endurance grows because it was worked to failure, but the muscles do not respond as well in most people.
To build maximum muscle size, in many ways, we want to do just the opposite! So the first principle is:
1) WORK A SMALL AREA OF THE BODY AND THEN LET THE ENTIRE BODY REST FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. Ideally you should work one body part and then let the entire body rest, although good results are had with merely working a small part of the body at one time and then letting the entire body rest in the same way; for example, the chest and shoulders. Obviously this means that you will not work all your body parts in one day. You would split them up over two or three days, even working twice a day or more. Each session will be fairly short, but should be brutally hard.
Not only will you have more energy to complete your workout if you are only working one body part at a time, but the fatigue products produced by the contracting muscles will stimulate growth if they are allowed to remain in the muscle for at least 20 minutes. After that, their chemical messages have been sent and received, and little will be lost if they are removed.
Although I developed this concept of the fatigue theory on a theoretical basis, working from existing data, I found that some people had happened onto the idea experimentally, and used it simply because they found that it worked.
For example, Vince Gironda uses this idea when he has someone who needs results in a very short time, and is willing to work hard. Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?
One of the great success stories of modern bodybuilding is Vic Downs. He did not touch a weight before he was 33, but before he was 40 he was a threat to the best in bodybuilding, having won most muscular of Canada, and making himself felt at the Mr. Universe. In order to accomplish this, even with a good potential, he had to be doing something right. As a matter of fact, he worked only one body part a day, but in his case the results were fantastic.
We could go on, but the point has been made. Of course most of us will not be able to split up our routines to this extent, because of time considerations, psychological reasons, or the inability to use a gym several times a day. But we are considering here a theoretically perfect routine, so that we may make whatever compromises we must in order to come as close to it as our own circumstances permit.
We also assume you already have a certain amount of conditioning before your tackle any advanced routine.
But these things considered, everyone who has made use of the idea so far has made progress.
Since you are trying to avoid increasing the circulation enough to "wash out" the fatigue products before they have time to do their job, DO NOT: "warm down" by doing lighter exercise, do not run right after lifting (wait at least 20 minutes), do not race right into the next body part, and do not allow yourself to get very cold. The cold constricts the blood vessels and squeezes out the fatigue products. All of these things will leave you feeling good, because the fatigue products are no longer irritating the nerve endings, but all of the above will hinder your gains.
Like most chemical reactions, those involving the fatigue products do not proceed evenly, with half the reaction the first 10 minutes and half the next. The reaction starts off fast and then tapers off, perhaps taking a great deal longer than the 20 minutes before it is 100% finished. But a great deal of the reaction is finished after only five or 10 minutes. So for those of us who cannot wait for long periods between body parts, even 5 or 10 minutes will make a difference.
For the second principle, we might consider the fact that Arthur Jones, Vince Gironda, and myself are all agreed on two points, along with many other authorities.
First . . .
that very few bodybuilders work as hard as they should for maximum gains.
It take brutally hard workouts to produce the fast superior gains we are going to talk about.
Second . . .
that most bodybuilders have NO IDEA what really hard work is.
So the second principle is:
2) WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE EVERY REP YOU DO! Only by maximum effort every rep is the ultimate muscle stimulation achieved. As I tell people who look at the Ultra Machines I invented, if header work produces better gains, why not go first class and work as hard as possible!
And make no mistake, this is the main reason the Ultra Machines were developed. Not because they are full range, not because they have variable resistance, but because they allow me to work as hard as possible every rep I do by allowing me to assist myself after the first rep with a leg press attachment, making each rep as tough as possible. The attributes above are important, but nothing makes as much difference as working as hard as possible with the tools at your disposal.
Let me clarify that statement by saying that we are talking about doing a repetition that is all you can do in good form. We are not talking about a lift that makes you wobble around for 15 or 20 seconds to finish. After all, if you almost pass out from the first lift, you won't be able to make much effort with the next four or five reps.
Since I covered this type of training in the Sept. '76 IronMan we will only mention it briefly here. But I would like to say it has probably made as much difference to my training as anything.
Note: September, 1976. Great Chet Yorton cover. Page 16. "Ultra High Intensity Workouts for Bulk and Power."
3) USE PLENTY OF ISOLATION WORK IN YOUR ROUTINE. After you have conditioned your muscles with muscle-group (compound) exercises like the bench press and the squat, most of us find that we reach a point where we no longer gain, or at best make progress very slowly.
Because a muscle can work harder during a contraction if it works alone than it can if it is a member of a team, isolation exercises, like triceps extensions and curls will work the muscle harder, and stimulate further growth.
We have found that best progress is made when we start with a compound exercise for each body part, and then do whatever isolation exercises we plan. Thus for the shoulders we do a press behind neck first, and then do lateral raises. If the laterals were done first, you are unable to put much effort into the presses.
Believe me, if you are at a plateau, hard work on isolation exercises will make you grow!
4) USE A VARIETY OF EXERCISES FOR EACH BODY PART. Most exercises only line up a segment of the muscle fibers in each muscle, so working from several angles will more fully develop the muscle. This is true even if you are using some kind of full range resistance machine. For example, pullovers will make the lats thicker, but a reverse lateral motion will make them wider.
This may seem too obvious to put on paper, but a number of people have said in print that they felt you could completely develop a muscle group with one exercise if you do enough total reps. Obviously, they were mistaken.
Don't neglect to do a number of isolation exercises that work the muscle from enough angles so that most of the mass is worked. Ultra machines enable you to do full range exercise with a method of assisting yourself. If you use Nautilus machines, you will have to have a partner assist you after the first rep if you use this kind of training. It is harder to do the maximum-every-rep type training with a dumbbell, but not impossible with a little thought.
No one exercise will develop a muscle as completely as a variety. John Grimek believed in doing one set of 10 exercises rather than 10 sets of one exercise, and he had a symmetry and proportional look that is hard to match.
Even if size was the only consideration. obviously all the fibers in a muscle were worked, you would have a better chance of building great size than if only a few of them are worked.
How many exercises do you use for each body part? The correct answer is as many as it takes to work the muscle properly. Your back muscles will require more exercises to properly work than your triceps, for example. But whatever it takes, that is what you should use.
5) WORK FAIRLY QUICKLY. This may sound like a contradiction to the first principle (work a small area of the body and then let the entire body rest for at least 20 minutes), but it is not. While you want to have a time interval between body parts, you will want to work rather quickly during each body part itself. This is because you are trying to build up a high level of fatigue products in the muscle group, and it is very difficult to do so with long rest pauses, as the bloodstream has plenty of time to remove them between sets, if you rest for five minutes between sets. I realize that large muscles have been built by heavy weights and long rests between sets, but we are speaking here of building the most muscle possible, as fast as we are theoretically able.
6) LIGHT FLUSHING MOVEMENTS DONE AT A SEPARATE TIME FROM YOUR WORKOUT WILL REMOVE THE FATIGUE PRODUCTS AND AUGMENT YOUR RECOVERY ABILITY, AS WELL AS REDUCING SORENESS, he screamed. I used to frequently feel that if I was attacked in an alley, I would probably be too sore to defend myself. I always worked very hard during my training.
But once I discovered that light reps, done after the main workout would greatly reduce soreness I have used the idea ever since. As an added effect, it will increase your recovery ability, and you will respond faster to training.
I do some very light movements late in the day, using 20 pound dumbbells in a dumbbell press, etc. No attempt should be made to tax the muscle, as this should have been done during the workout. You should attempt to increase the blood flow with as little stress to the muscle as possible. If this is done at least 20 minutes after the training is done, the fatigue products have done their work and can be safely removed.
Running and light manual labor have a similar effect. Thus you may have better progress when doing some kind of light work, than when not working at all. This brings us to the last principle, which is:
7) MAINTAIN AT LEAST A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING. A little jogging at a separate time from your training will actually increase your training results, rather than hindering them. Because the blood supply must remove the waste products and deliver the nutrients to rebuild the muscle, the more efficient the cardiovascular system is up to a point, the faster you will recover from your workouts, and the better you will progress.
However, too much running or any other conditioning will slow down or stop your gains. Russian research indicates that at this time at least, it is not possible to build great endurance at the same time as great strength. Long distance runners do not make great bodybuilding champions. Whatever you may have been told, routines that build maximum endurance DO NOT build maximum muscle size.
The amount of conditioning your need seems to vary enormously. You will want to experiment with different amounts. Some people claim they get all the conditioning they need from the workouts with the weights, but most of us need to do some conditioning work at a different time. Specific endurance for a particular muscle is different from the conditioning of the entire system.
Now that we have covered the basic principles of building muscle as fast and as much as possible, we are ready to look at some sample routines. Once again I must mention that we are talking about a theoretically perfect routine, and then we can make whatever compromises we must. Most of us simple do not have the time available to follow the above ideas exactly as they are written but they give us something to work toward. And who knows what will happen to those who are able to follow the ideas exactly? For the time being, take my word that NO ONE HAS EVER REACHEDE HIS POTENTIAL either in strength or size.
We are going to use Ultra Machine movements in this sample routine because, once again, we are talking about best results, from a routine as perfect as we can make it. Most people will have to substitute regular barbell and dumbbell movements, or Nautilus movements with partners to assist. Some of the important movements do not exist on Nautilus machines, and must be improvised.
The sample routine looks like this, with one set of each exercise done for round 10 reps in an assisted set.
1st Day:
Press Behind Neck
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Thumbs Up Lateral Raise
Rest Interval
Bench or Incline Press
Forward Rotation (a kind of full range front raise)
45 degree flyes or torso machine chest movement
2nd Day
Supinations on Special Pulley
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Regular curl, stretch position
(arms in back of body like incline curl)
Preacher Curl
Contracted or curl-behind-neck position
Rest Interval
Stretched position, overhead triceps extension
Mid-range, lying extension
Contracted position, kickbacks
Rest Interval
Reverse Wrist Curl
Wrist Curl
Super Grip Machine
All of the above except the grip machine and the supinations are done on the Super Arm Machine.
3rd Day
Squat or Full Range Leg Press
Full Range Leg Extension
Full Range Leg Curl
Rest Interval
Pulldown or Chin
Pullover Machine
Lateral Machine for Lats
Rowing Movement
Back Machine for Erectors
Those interested in lifting strength should add some pulling or deadlifting at the beginning of this day.
Rest Interval
Calf Work.
This will give you about 35 sets spread over three days. This may not sound like much, but it will be plenty, if each repetition is all you can do.
As mentioned, we have included things you probably do not have available, because we are talking about an ideal routine. Most people will do best using only one set of each exercise. Some may want to do two or three sets of each, but this may NOT be more effective.
The number of reps will vary with the individual and with different muscle groups. I will explain further in the book we have mentioned before, The Ultimate Bulk and Power Routine. For now, you will want to experiment with different numbers of repetitions for various movements.
You can either repeat the sequence after one day of rest, or you can go through the sequence twice a week and then rest one day.
As mentioned also, most of us do not have the time to spend on a routine such as this, and perhaps the emotional energy necessary as well. Other factors also may prevent us from doing so.
Many people decide that they do not want to devote themselves to their training to this extent, but would like a routine that would give good results with somewhat less time in the gym.
One of my friends uses a routine that takes four evenings a week, but retains many of the best points of the above routine. He gains at a fast rate, while working a responsible job, and living a social life. His name is Dave Allen and you will probably hear more about him.
His abbreviated version of the routine looks like this:
1st Day
Decline Press
Forward Rotations
45 degree Incline Flyes
Chest Movement on Ultra Machine
Regular Grip Laterals
Thumbs Up Laterals
Rest 10-15 minutes
Pulldowns
Pullovers
Lateral Movement for Lats
Rowing Movement
2nd Day
Supinations
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Incline DB Curl
Preacher Curl
Contracted, or Curl Behind Neck
Rest 10-15 minutes
Overhead Triceps Extension, stretched position
Lying Extension, middle position
Kickback, fully contracted position
Rest 10-15 minutes
Leg Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Rest 10-15 minutes
Calf Work
And there you have it. A compromise that still includes most of the good points of the longer routine, but to a lesser degree. Progress is still very good on this kind of routine. Of course Dave owns five of the Ultra machines and so has them handy.
We will make more discoveries about nutrition, and we are working on ways to augment the recovery ability, increase nutrient absorption, etc. But as far as exercise to stimulate the muscle goes, the principles listed above are close to ideal.
A few more points should be mentioned:
We usually do a few abdominal exercises with our conditioning work, whatever we may choose for cardiovascular work. We use one position on the Super Back and Leg machine for ab work that is very concentrated, and does not require a lot of reps and sets.
It goes without saying that diet, rest and mental attitude cannot be overestimated in importance. But these are complex subjects to other articles, even though they are as important as the routine.
Although the routines listed will give great increases in size and strength, there are always compromises in the best routines.
There is no routine that is best at everything. We have already mentioned the fact that some other training is used to create cardiovascular ability, and that the routine is time consuming, even though each segment of the workout is rather short.
One thing the routine is NOT intended for is to build great strength in a particular lift. True, the routine will build both muscle size and strength, but to have outstanding strength for your size in a particular "groove" requires changes in the nervous system and in the muscle. The principles involved are rather more complex than those involved in building size, even if the routines are not. But this too is a subject for another article. Great weights have been lifted in various lifts, but even better results will be received from the Ultimate Strength Routine.
"Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?"
So how exactly did he train his legs? What exercises? Reps/sets? Rest periods between sets? Frequency?...
-
In the last few months I have presented some research type articles suggesting new ideas about muscles. Basically, I took the muscles apart, and found out how they ACTUALLY worked, as opposed to how most people THOUGHT they worked. Then I tried to put the facts together into a logical set of conclusions concerning exercise. In this article we will consider the practical applications; the nuts and bolts of training, rather than more research material.
This article will make suggestions very different from many articles you have read, although it may look strangely familiar in spots, because for some time a few of the top men in bodybuilding have used some of the ideas presented here, and with great effect, although probably none of them have used all of the ideas at once.
As the reader doubtless knows, there are many routines which have a greater or lesser potential for building muscle, even though many of them seem contradictory to each other. Very good results have been achieved with a simple program of eight or 10 exercises done for two or three sets, going rather rapidly through the sequence two or three times per week. However, even considering individual differences, in this article we are going to talk about the fastest and most effective method for building muscle size.
Arthur Jones has said in print many times that the body should be worked as a unit, working one body part and going quickly to the next body part, etc., until the entire body is worked in a very short time. Although this is a fine way to build conditioning, many of my friends have found that this did little to build muscle size. In other words, it is a much better conditioning program than a muscle size building program. In such high speed routines, usually it is the whole system that fails, rather than the muscle, after the first couple of sets. So the endurance grows because it was worked to failure, but the muscles do not respond as well in most people.
To build maximum muscle size, in many ways, we want to do just the opposite! So the first principle is:
1) WORK A SMALL AREA OF THE BODY AND THEN LET THE ENTIRE BODY REST FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. Ideally you should work one body part and then let the entire body rest, although good results are had with merely working a small part of the body at one time and then letting the entire body rest in the same way; for example, the chest and shoulders. Obviously this means that you will not work all your body parts in one day. You would split them up over two or three days, even working twice a day or more. Each session will be fairly short, but should be brutally hard.
Not only will you have more energy to complete your workout if you are only working one body part at a time, but the fatigue products produced by the contracting muscles will stimulate growth if they are allowed to remain in the muscle for at least 20 minutes. After that, their chemical messages have been sent and received, and little will be lost if they are removed.
Although I developed this concept of the fatigue theory on a theoretical basis, working from existing data, I found that some people had happened onto the idea experimentally, and used it simply because they found that it worked.
For example, Vince Gironda uses this idea when he has someone who needs results in a very short time, and is willing to work hard. Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?
One of the great success stories of modern bodybuilding is Vic Downs. He did not touch a weight before he was 33, but before he was 40 he was a threat to the best in bodybuilding, having won most muscular of Canada, and making himself felt at the Mr. Universe. In order to accomplish this, even with a good potential, he had to be doing something right. As a matter of fact, he worked only one body part a day, but in his case the results were fantastic.
We could go on, but the point has been made. Of course most of us will not be able to split up our routines to this extent, because of time considerations, psychological reasons, or the inability to use a gym several times a day. But we are considering here a theoretically perfect routine, so that we may make whatever compromises we must in order to come as close to it as our own circumstances permit.
We also assume you already have a certain amount of conditioning before your tackle any advanced routine.
But these things considered, everyone who has made use of the idea so far has made progress.
Since you are trying to avoid increasing the circulation enough to "wash out" the fatigue products before they have time to do their job, DO NOT: "warm down" by doing lighter exercise, do not run right after lifting (wait at least 20 minutes), do not race right into the next body part, and do not allow yourself to get very cold. The cold constricts the blood vessels and squeezes out the fatigue products. All of these things will leave you feeling good, because the fatigue products are no longer irritating the nerve endings, but all of the above will hinder your gains.
Like most chemical reactions, those involving the fatigue products do not proceed evenly, with half the reaction the first 10 minutes and half the next. The reaction starts off fast and then tapers off, perhaps taking a great deal longer than the 20 minutes before it is 100% finished. But a great deal of the reaction is finished after only five or 10 minutes. So for those of us who cannot wait for long periods between body parts, even 5 or 10 minutes will make a difference.
For the second principle, we might consider the fact that Arthur Jones, Vince Gironda, and myself are all agreed on two points, along with many other authorities.
First . . .
that very few bodybuilders work as hard as they should for maximum gains.
It take brutally hard workouts to produce the fast superior gains we are going to talk about.
Second . . .
that most bodybuilders have NO IDEA what really hard work is.
So the second principle is:
2) WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE EVERY REP YOU DO! Only by maximum effort every rep is the ultimate muscle stimulation achieved. As I tell people who look at the Ultra Machines I invented, if header work produces better gains, why not go first class and work as hard as possible!
And make no mistake, this is the main reason the Ultra Machines were developed. Not because they are full range, not because they have variable resistance, but because they allow me to work as hard as possible every rep I do by allowing me to assist myself after the first rep with a leg press attachment, making each rep as tough as possible. The attributes above are important, but nothing makes as much difference as working as hard as possible with the tools at your disposal.
Let me clarify that statement by saying that we are talking about doing a repetition that is all you can do in good form. We are not talking about a lift that makes you wobble around for 15 or 20 seconds to finish. After all, if you almost pass out from the first lift, you won't be able to make much effort with the next four or five reps.
Since I covered this type of training in the Sept. '76 IronMan we will only mention it briefly here. But I would like to say it has probably made as much difference to my training as anything.
Note: September, 1976. Great Chet Yorton cover. Page 16. "Ultra High Intensity Workouts for Bulk and Power."
3) USE PLENTY OF ISOLATION WORK IN YOUR ROUTINE. After you have conditioned your muscles with muscle-group (compound) exercises like the bench press and the squat, most of us find that we reach a point where we no longer gain, or at best make progress very slowly.
Because a muscle can work harder during a contraction if it works alone than it can if it is a member of a team, isolation exercises, like triceps extensions and curls will work the muscle harder, and stimulate further growth.
We have found that best progress is made when we start with a compound exercise for each body part, and then do whatever isolation exercises we plan. Thus for the shoulders we do a press behind neck first, and then do lateral raises. If the laterals were done first, you are unable to put much effort into the presses.
Believe me, if you are at a plateau, hard work on isolation exercises will make you grow!
4) USE A VARIETY OF EXERCISES FOR EACH BODY PART. Most exercises only line up a segment of the muscle fibers in each muscle, so working from several angles will more fully develop the muscle. This is true even if you are using some kind of full range resistance machine. For example, pullovers will make the lats thicker, but a reverse lateral motion will make them wider.
This may seem too obvious to put on paper, but a number of people have said in print that they felt you could completely develop a muscle group with one exercise if you do enough total reps. Obviously, they were mistaken.
Don't neglect to do a number of isolation exercises that work the muscle from enough angles so that most of the mass is worked. Ultra machines enable you to do full range exercise with a method of assisting yourself. If you use Nautilus machines, you will have to have a partner assist you after the first rep if you use this kind of training. It is harder to do the maximum-every-rep type training with a dumbbell, but not impossible with a little thought.
No one exercise will develop a muscle as completely as a variety. John Grimek believed in doing one set of 10 exercises rather than 10 sets of one exercise, and he had a symmetry and proportional look that is hard to match.
Even if size was the only consideration. obviously all the fibers in a muscle were worked, you would have a better chance of building great size than if only a few of them are worked.
How many exercises do you use for each body part? The correct answer is as many as it takes to work the muscle properly. Your back muscles will require more exercises to properly work than your triceps, for example. But whatever it takes, that is what you should use.
5) WORK FAIRLY QUICKLY. This may sound like a contradiction to the first principle (work a small area of the body and then let the entire body rest for at least 20 minutes), but it is not. While you want to have a time interval between body parts, you will want to work rather quickly during each body part itself. This is because you are trying to build up a high level of fatigue products in the muscle group, and it is very difficult to do so with long rest pauses, as the bloodstream has plenty of time to remove them between sets, if you rest for five minutes between sets. I realize that large muscles have been built by heavy weights and long rests between sets, but we are speaking here of building the most muscle possible, as fast as we are theoretically able.
6) LIGHT FLUSHING MOVEMENTS DONE AT A SEPARATE TIME FROM YOUR WORKOUT WILL REMOVE THE FATIGUE PRODUCTS AND AUGMENT YOUR RECOVERY ABILITY, AS WELL AS REDUCING SORENESS, he screamed. I used to frequently feel that if I was attacked in an alley, I would probably be too sore to defend myself. I always worked very hard during my training.
But once I discovered that light reps, done after the main workout would greatly reduce soreness I have used the idea ever since. As an added effect, it will increase your recovery ability, and you will respond faster to training.
I do some very light movements late in the day, using 20 pound dumbbells in a dumbbell press, etc. No attempt should be made to tax the muscle, as this should have been done during the workout. You should attempt to increase the blood flow with as little stress to the muscle as possible. If this is done at least 20 minutes after the training is done, the fatigue products have done their work and can be safely removed.
Running and light manual labor have a similar effect. Thus you may have better progress when doing some kind of light work, than when not working at all. This brings us to the last principle, which is:
7) MAINTAIN AT LEAST A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING. A little jogging at a separate time from your training will actually increase your training results, rather than hindering them. Because the blood supply must remove the waste products and deliver the nutrients to rebuild the muscle, the more efficient the cardiovascular system is up to a point, the faster you will recover from your workouts, and the better you will progress.
However, too much running or any other conditioning will slow down or stop your gains. Russian research indicates that at this time at least, it is not possible to build great endurance at the same time as great strength. Long distance runners do not make great bodybuilding champions. Whatever you may have been told, routines that build maximum endurance DO NOT build maximum muscle size.
The amount of conditioning your need seems to vary enormously. You will want to experiment with different amounts. Some people claim they get all the conditioning they need from the workouts with the weights, but most of us need to do some conditioning work at a different time. Specific endurance for a particular muscle is different from the conditioning of the entire system.
Now that we have covered the basic principles of building muscle as fast and as much as possible, we are ready to look at some sample routines. Once again I must mention that we are talking about a theoretically perfect routine, and then we can make whatever compromises we must. Most of us simple do not have the time available to follow the above ideas exactly as they are written but they give us something to work toward. And who knows what will happen to those who are able to follow the ideas exactly? For the time being, take my word that NO ONE HAS EVER REACHEDE HIS POTENTIAL either in strength or size.
We are going to use Ultra Machine movements in this sample routine because, once again, we are talking about best results, from a routine as perfect as we can make it. Most people will have to substitute regular barbell and dumbbell movements, or Nautilus movements with partners to assist. Some of the important movements do not exist on Nautilus machines, and must be improvised.
The sample routine looks like this, with one set of each exercise done for round 10 reps in an assisted set.
1st Day:
Press Behind Neck
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Thumbs Up Lateral Raise
Rest Interval
Bench or Incline Press
Forward Rotation (a kind of full range front raise)
45 degree flyes or torso machine chest movement
2nd Day
Supinations on Special Pulley
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Regular curl, stretch position
(arms in back of body like incline curl)
Preacher Curl
Contracted or curl-behind-neck position
Rest Interval
Stretched position, overhead triceps extension
Mid-range, lying extension
Contracted position, kickbacks
Rest Interval
Reverse Wrist Curl
Wrist Curl
Super Grip Machine
All of the above except the grip machine and the supinations are done on the Super Arm Machine.
3rd Day
Squat or Full Range Leg Press
Full Range Leg Extension
Full Range Leg Curl
Rest Interval
Pulldown or Chin
Pullover Machine
Lateral Machine for Lats
Rowing Movement
Back Machine for Erectors
Those interested in lifting strength should add some pulling or deadlifting at the beginning of this day.
Rest Interval
Calf Work.
This will give you about 35 sets spread over three days. This may not sound like much, but it will be plenty, if each repetition is all you can do.
As mentioned, we have included things you probably do not have available, because we are talking about an ideal routine. Most people will do best using only one set of each exercise. Some may want to do two or three sets of each, but this may NOT be more effective.
The number of reps will vary with the individual and with different muscle groups. I will explain further in the book we have mentioned before, The Ultimate Bulk and Power Routine. For now, you will want to experiment with different numbers of repetitions for various movements.
You can either repeat the sequence after one day of rest, or you can go through the sequence twice a week and then rest one day.
As mentioned also, most of us do not have the time to spend on a routine such as this, and perhaps the emotional energy necessary as well. Other factors also may prevent us from doing so.
Many people decide that they do not want to devote themselves to their training to this extent, but would like a routine that would give good results with somewhat less time in the gym.
One of my friends uses a routine that takes four evenings a week, but retains many of the best points of the above routine. He gains at a fast rate, while working a responsible job, and living a social life. His name is Dave Allen and you will probably hear more about him.
His abbreviated version of the routine looks like this:
1st Day
Decline Press
Forward Rotations
45 degree Incline Flyes
Chest Movement on Ultra Machine
Regular Grip Laterals
Thumbs Up Laterals
Rest 10-15 minutes
Pulldowns
Pullovers
Lateral Movement for Lats
Rowing Movement
2nd Day
Supinations
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Incline DB Curl
Preacher Curl
Contracted, or Curl Behind Neck
Rest 10-15 minutes
Overhead Triceps Extension, stretched position
Lying Extension, middle position
Kickback, fully contracted position
Rest 10-15 minutes
Leg Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Rest 10-15 minutes
Calf Work
And there you have it. A compromise that still includes most of the good points of the longer routine, but to a lesser degree. Progress is still very good on this kind of routine. Of course Dave owns five of the Ultra machines and so has them handy.
We will make more discoveries about nutrition, and we are working on ways to augment the recovery ability, increase nutrient absorption, etc. But as far as exercise to stimulate the muscle goes, the principles listed above are close to ideal.
A few more points should be mentioned:
We usually do a few abdominal exercises with our conditioning work, whatever we may choose for cardiovascular work. We use one position on the Super Back and Leg machine for ab work that is very concentrated, and does not require a lot of reps and sets.
It goes without saying that diet, rest and mental attitude cannot be overestimated in importance. But these are complex subjects to other articles, even though they are as important as the routine.
Although the routines listed will give great increases in size and strength, there are always compromises in the best routines.
There is no routine that is best at everything. We have already mentioned the fact that some other training is used to create cardiovascular ability, and that the routine is time consuming, even though each segment of the workout is rather short.
One thing the routine is NOT intended for is to build great strength in a particular lift. True, the routine will build both muscle size and strength, but to have outstanding strength for your size in a particular "groove" requires changes in the nervous system and in the muscle. The principles involved are rather more complex than those involved in building size, even if the routines are not. But this too is a subject for another article. Great weights have been lifted in various lifts, but even better results will be received from the Ultimate Strength Routine.
Btw, "Calf Work" is mentioned twice in the workout routines but no examples are given as to how exactly I should train them. Can you give me some advice? I'm a natty (for life!) beginner and want to get big but not stupidly huge. My goal is to look like Marcus Ruhl did in 2002 by this Christmas. I have good genetics and drink lots of supps fyi.
-
VAL VASILIEFF ... 1964 AAU MR. AMERICA
The 1964 AAU Mr. America contest, held at Lane Technical High School in Chicago, was won by Val Vasilieff of Sickerville, New Jersey. In 1961, Val won the AAU Mr. New Jersey award, and placed third at the 1963 AAU Junior Mr. America. In his 1964 Mr. Ameria victory, he triumphed over Sergio Oliva, John Decola, Mike Ferraro, Craig Whitehead, M.D., and Bill Seno, Randy Watson placed third, with John Gourgott, M.D., in runner-up position.
Val credits his uncle, whom he reported had been, "the greatest of all USSR strongmen," for the inspiration to begin strength-training. At age 11, with his 13-year old brother, Val would perform handstands and other stunts for crowds who gathered to watch. The two had no weights, so they improvised. "We made up two buckets of cement and placed a water pipe in between." Val said, "By age 19, I was perfoming a one-hand clean-and-jerk with 240 pounds with a standard barbell at a bodyweight of 185 pounds."
At a height of five-feet, 11-inches and weighing 218 pounds, Vasilieff was capable of a 600-pound deadlift and a strict 240-pound barbell curl. His best Olympic lifts were a 330-pound press, a 270-pound snatch and a 360-pound clean-and-jerk. At a bodyweight of 225 pounds, he executed a strict straight-arm flag with a reverse flip, without supporting his elbows.
In combinaton with physical pursuits, Val studied nutrition and sports science and earned a doctorate degree in naturopathy.
In the early 2000's, he, and his wife , Susan, a former Miss World Fitness winner, hosted their own TV series that promoted a healthy lifestyle and their line of health products.
Val Vasilieff
[image]
(Valentino)
(later changed to Vasilef)
[ website ]
1961
Mr New Jersey - AAU, Winner
1963
Mr America - AAU, 9th
Junior Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
1964
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Mr Eastern America - AAU, Medium-Tall, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
World-Universe - FICH, Tall, 3rd
1965
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
Magazines
1964 March Vol 32, Num 4 Strength and Health
1964 September Vol 23, Num 6 IronMan
1964 October Strength and Health
1965 May Vol 2, Num 5 Muscular Development
1965 December Strength and Health
1967 April Vol 4, Num 4 Muscular Development
1971 March Vol 39, Num 3 Strength and Health
1972 September Vol 40, Num 9 Strength and Health
1972 November Vol 40, Num 11 Strength and Health
1974 March Vol 42, Num 3 Strength and Health
1975 June Vol 43, Num 4 Strength and Health
1976 October Vol 44, Num 6 Strength and Health
1980 July Vol 48, Num 4 Strength and Health
© MuscleMemory
-
VAL VASILIEFF ... 1964 AAU MR. AMERICA
The 1964 AAU Mr. America contest, held at Lane Technical High School in Chicago, was won by Val Vasilieff of Sickerville, New Jersey. In 1961, Val won the AAU Mr. New Jersey award, and placed third at the 1963 AAU Junior Mr. America. In his 1964 Mr. Ameria victory, he triumphed over Sergio Oliva, John Decola, Mike Ferraro, Craig Whitehead, M.D., and Bill Seno, Randy Watson placed third, with John Gourgott, M.D., in runner-up position.
Val credits his uncle, whom he reported had been, "the greatest of all USSR strongmen," for the inspiration to begin strength-training. At age 11, with his 13-year old brother, Val would perform handstands and other stunts for crowds who gathered to watch. The two had no weights, so they improvised. "We made up two buckets of cement and placed a water pipe in between." Val said, "By age 19, I was perfoming a one-hand clean-and-jerk with 240 pounds with a standard barbell at a bodyweight of 185 pounds."
At a height of five-feet, 11-inches and weighing 218 pounds, Vasilieff was capable of a 600-pound deadlift and a strict 240-pound barbell curl. His best Olympic lifts were a 330-pound press, a 270-pound snatch and a 360-pound clean-and-jerk. At a bodyweight of 225 pounds, he executed a strict straight-arm flag with a reverse flip, without supporting his elbows.
In combinaton with physical pursuits, Val studied nutrition and sports science and earned a doctorate degree in naturopathy.
In the early 2000's, he, and his wife , Susan, a former Miss World Fitness winner, hosted their own TV series that promoted a healthy lifestyle and their line of health products.
Val Vasilieff
[image]
(Valentino)
(later changed to Vasilef)
[ website ]
1961
Mr New Jersey - AAU, Winner
1963
Mr America - AAU, 9th
Junior Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
1964
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Mr Eastern America - AAU, Medium-Tall, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
World-Universe - FICH, Tall, 3rd
1965
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
Magazines
1964 March Vol 32, Num 4 Strength and Health
1964 September Vol 23, Num 6 IronMan
1964 October Strength and Health
1965 May Vol 2, Num 5 Muscular Development
1965 December Strength and Health
1967 April Vol 4, Num 4 Muscular Development
1971 March Vol 39, Num 3 Strength and Health
1972 September Vol 40, Num 9 Strength and Health
1972 November Vol 40, Num 11 Strength and Health
1974 March Vol 42, Num 3 Strength and Health
1975 June Vol 43, Num 4 Strength and Health
1976 October Vol 44, Num 6 Strength and Health
1980 July Vol 48, Num 4 Strength and Health
© MuscleMemory
Can you please answer my questions regarding this post of yours?
In the last few months I have presented some research type articles suggesting new ideas about muscles. Basically, I took the muscles apart, and found out how they ACTUALLY worked, as opposed to how most people THOUGHT they worked. Then I tried to put the facts together into a logical set of conclusions concerning exercise. In this article we will consider the practical applications; the nuts and bolts of training, rather than more research material.
This article will make suggestions very different from many articles you have read, although it may look strangely familiar in spots, because for some time a few of the top men in bodybuilding have used some of the ideas presented here, and with great effect, although probably none of them have used all of the ideas at once.
As the reader doubtless knows, there are many routines which have a greater or lesser potential for building muscle, even though many of them seem contradictory to each other. Very good results have been achieved with a simple program of eight or 10 exercises done for two or three sets, going rather rapidly through the sequence two or three times per week. However, even considering individual differences, in this article we are going to talk about the fastest and most effective method for building muscle size.
Arthur Jones has said in print many times that the body should be worked as a unit, working one body part and going quickly to the next body part, etc., until the entire body is worked in a very short time. Although this is a fine way to build conditioning, many of my friends have found that this did little to build muscle size. In other words, it is a much better conditioning program than a muscle size building program. In such high speed routines, usually it is the whole system that fails, rather than the muscle, after the first couple of sets. So the endurance grows because it was worked to failure, but the muscles do not respond as well in most people.
To build maximum muscle size, in many ways, we want to do just the opposite! So the first principle is:
1) WORK A SMALL AREA OF THE BODY AND THEN LET THE ENTIRE BODY REST FOR AT LEAST 20 MINUTES. Ideally you should work one body part and then let the entire body rest, although good results are had with merely working a small part of the body at one time and then letting the entire body rest in the same way; for example, the chest and shoulders. Obviously this means that you will not work all your body parts in one day. You would split them up over two or three days, even working twice a day or more. Each session will be fairly short, but should be brutally hard.
Not only will you have more energy to complete your workout if you are only working one body part at a time, but the fatigue products produced by the contracting muscles will stimulate growth if they are allowed to remain in the muscle for at least 20 minutes. After that, their chemical messages have been sent and received, and little will be lost if they are removed.
Although I developed this concept of the fatigue theory on a theoretical basis, working from existing data, I found that some people had happened onto the idea experimentally, and used it simply because they found that it worked.
For example, Vince Gironda uses this idea when he has someone who needs results in a very short time, and is willing to work hard. Another example is my friend Ron Thompson, who was five time best legs winner in major contests. Part of the reason is that Ron works his legs at a separate time from anything else. This gives him plenty of time and energy to work them, and allows him to take advantage of the fatigue product theory. That is, after the fatigue products have been created, why remove them before they have time to do their job by going to the next body part?
One of the great success stories of modern bodybuilding is Vic Downs. He did not touch a weight before he was 33, but before he was 40 he was a threat to the best in bodybuilding, having won most muscular of Canada, and making himself felt at the Mr. Universe. In order to accomplish this, even with a good potential, he had to be doing something right. As a matter of fact, he worked only one body part a day, but in his case the results were fantastic.
We could go on, but the point has been made. Of course most of us will not be able to split up our routines to this extent, because of time considerations, psychological reasons, or the inability to use a gym several times a day. But we are considering here a theoretically perfect routine, so that we may make whatever compromises we must in order to come as close to it as our own circumstances permit.
We also assume you already have a certain amount of conditioning before your tackle any advanced routine.
But these things considered, everyone who has made use of the idea so far has made progress.
Since you are trying to avoid increasing the circulation enough to "wash out" the fatigue products before they have time to do their job, DO NOT: "warm down" by doing lighter exercise, do not run right after lifting (wait at least 20 minutes), do not race right into the next body part, and do not allow yourself to get very cold. The cold constricts the blood vessels and squeezes out the fatigue products. All of these things will leave you feeling good, because the fatigue products are no longer irritating the nerve endings, but all of the above will hinder your gains.
Like most chemical reactions, those involving the fatigue products do not proceed evenly, with half the reaction the first 10 minutes and half the next. The reaction starts off fast and then tapers off, perhaps taking a great deal longer than the 20 minutes before it is 100% finished. But a great deal of the reaction is finished after only five or 10 minutes. So for those of us who cannot wait for long periods between body parts, even 5 or 10 minutes will make a difference.
For the second principle, we might consider the fact that Arthur Jones, Vince Gironda, and myself are all agreed on two points, along with many other authorities.
First . . .
that very few bodybuilders work as hard as they should for maximum gains.
It take brutally hard workouts to produce the fast superior gains we are going to talk about.
Second . . .
that most bodybuilders have NO IDEA what really hard work is.
So the second principle is:
2) WORK AS HARD AS POSSIBLE EVERY REP YOU DO! Only by maximum effort every rep is the ultimate muscle stimulation achieved. As I tell people who look at the Ultra Machines I invented, if header work produces better gains, why not go first class and work as hard as possible!
And make no mistake, this is the main reason the Ultra Machines were developed. Not because they are full range, not because they have variable resistance, but because they allow me to work as hard as possible every rep I do by allowing me to assist myself after the first rep with a leg press attachment, making each rep as tough as possible. The attributes above are important, but nothing makes as much difference as working as hard as possible with the tools at your disposal.
Let me clarify that statement by saying that we are talking about doing a repetition that is all you can do in good form. We are not talking about a lift that makes you wobble around for 15 or 20 seconds to finish. After all, if you almost pass out from the first lift, you won't be able to make much effort with the next four or five reps.
Since I covered this type of training in the Sept. '76 IronMan we will only mention it briefly here. But I would like to say it has probably made as much difference to my training as anything.
Note: September, 1976. Great Chet Yorton cover. Page 16. "Ultra High Intensity Workouts for Bulk and Power."
3) USE PLENTY OF ISOLATION WORK IN YOUR ROUTINE. After you have conditioned your muscles with muscle-group (compound) exercises like the bench press and the squat, most of us find that we reach a point where we no longer gain, or at best make progress very slowly.
Because a muscle can work harder during a contraction if it works alone than it can if it is a member of a team, isolation exercises, like triceps extensions and curls will work the muscle harder, and stimulate further growth.
We have found that best progress is made when we start with a compound exercise for each body part, and then do whatever isolation exercises we plan. Thus for the shoulders we do a press behind neck first, and then do lateral raises. If the laterals were done first, you are unable to put much effort into the presses.
Believe me, if you are at a plateau, hard work on isolation exercises will make you grow!
4) USE A VARIETY OF EXERCISES FOR EACH BODY PART. Most exercises only line up a segment of the muscle fibers in each muscle, so working from several angles will more fully develop the muscle. This is true even if you are using some kind of full range resistance machine. For example, pullovers will make the lats thicker, but a reverse lateral motion will make them wider.
This may seem too obvious to put on paper, but a number of people have said in print that they felt you could completely develop a muscle group with one exercise if you do enough total reps. Obviously, they were mistaken.
Don't neglect to do a number of isolation exercises that work the muscle from enough angles so that most of the mass is worked. Ultra machines enable you to do full range exercise with a method of assisting yourself. If you use Nautilus machines, you will have to have a partner assist you after the first rep if you use this kind of training. It is harder to do the maximum-every-rep type training with a dumbbell, but not impossible with a little thought.
No one exercise will develop a muscle as completely as a variety. John Grimek believed in doing one set of 10 exercises rather than 10 sets of one exercise, and he had a symmetry and proportional look that is hard to match.
Even if size was the only consideration. obviously all the fibers in a muscle were worked, you would have a better chance of building great size than if only a few of them are worked.
How many exercises do you use for each body part? The correct answer is as many as it takes to work the muscle properly. Your back muscles will require more exercises to properly work than your triceps, for example. But whatever it takes, that is what you should use.
5) WORK FAIRLY QUICKLY. This may sound like a contradiction to the first principle (work a small area of the body and then let the entire body rest for at least 20 minutes), but it is not. While you want to have a time interval between body parts, you will want to work rather quickly during each body part itself. This is because you are trying to build up a high level of fatigue products in the muscle group, and it is very difficult to do so with long rest pauses, as the bloodstream has plenty of time to remove them between sets, if you rest for five minutes between sets. I realize that large muscles have been built by heavy weights and long rests between sets, but we are speaking here of building the most muscle possible, as fast as we are theoretically able.
6) LIGHT FLUSHING MOVEMENTS DONE AT A SEPARATE TIME FROM YOUR WORKOUT WILL REMOVE THE FATIGUE PRODUCTS AND AUGMENT YOUR RECOVERY ABILITY, AS WELL AS REDUCING SORENESS, he screamed. I used to frequently feel that if I was attacked in an alley, I would probably be too sore to defend myself. I always worked very hard during my training.
But once I discovered that light reps, done after the main workout would greatly reduce soreness I have used the idea ever since. As an added effect, it will increase your recovery ability, and you will respond faster to training.
I do some very light movements late in the day, using 20 pound dumbbells in a dumbbell press, etc. No attempt should be made to tax the muscle, as this should have been done during the workout. You should attempt to increase the blood flow with as little stress to the muscle as possible. If this is done at least 20 minutes after the training is done, the fatigue products have done their work and can be safely removed.
Running and light manual labor have a similar effect. Thus you may have better progress when doing some kind of light work, than when not working at all. This brings us to the last principle, which is:
7) MAINTAIN AT LEAST A MINIMUM AMOUNT OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING. A little jogging at a separate time from your training will actually increase your training results, rather than hindering them. Because the blood supply must remove the waste products and deliver the nutrients to rebuild the muscle, the more efficient the cardiovascular system is up to a point, the faster you will recover from your workouts, and the better you will progress.
However, too much running or any other conditioning will slow down or stop your gains. Russian research indicates that at this time at least, it is not possible to build great endurance at the same time as great strength. Long distance runners do not make great bodybuilding champions. Whatever you may have been told, routines that build maximum endurance DO NOT build maximum muscle size.
The amount of conditioning your need seems to vary enormously. You will want to experiment with different amounts. Some people claim they get all the conditioning they need from the workouts with the weights, but most of us need to do some conditioning work at a different time. Specific endurance for a particular muscle is different from the conditioning of the entire system.
Now that we have covered the basic principles of building muscle as fast and as much as possible, we are ready to look at some sample routines. Once again I must mention that we are talking about a theoretically perfect routine, and then we can make whatever compromises we must. Most of us simple do not have the time available to follow the above ideas exactly as they are written but they give us something to work toward. And who knows what will happen to those who are able to follow the ideas exactly? For the time being, take my word that NO ONE HAS EVER REACHEDE HIS POTENTIAL either in strength or size.
We are going to use Ultra Machine movements in this sample routine because, once again, we are talking about best results, from a routine as perfect as we can make it. Most people will have to substitute regular barbell and dumbbell movements, or Nautilus movements with partners to assist. Some of the important movements do not exist on Nautilus machines, and must be improvised.
The sample routine looks like this, with one set of each exercise done for round 10 reps in an assisted set.
1st Day:
Press Behind Neck
Upright Row
Lateral Raise
Thumbs Up Lateral Raise
Rest Interval
Bench or Incline Press
Forward Rotation (a kind of full range front raise)
45 degree flyes or torso machine chest movement
2nd Day
Supinations on Special Pulley
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Regular curl, stretch position
(arms in back of body like incline curl)
Preacher Curl
Contracted or curl-behind-neck position
Rest Interval
Stretched position, overhead triceps extension
Mid-range, lying extension
Contracted position, kickbacks
Rest Interval
Reverse Wrist Curl
Wrist Curl
Super Grip Machine
All of the above except the grip machine and the supinations are done on the Super Arm Machine.
3rd Day
Squat or Full Range Leg Press
Full Range Leg Extension
Full Range Leg Curl
Rest Interval
Pulldown or Chin
Pullover Machine
Lateral Machine for Lats
Rowing Movement
Back Machine for Erectors
Those interested in lifting strength should add some pulling or deadlifting at the beginning of this day.
Rest Interval
Calf Work.
This will give you about 35 sets spread over three days. This may not sound like much, but it will be plenty, if each repetition is all you can do.
As mentioned, we have included things you probably do not have available, because we are talking about an ideal routine. Most people will do best using only one set of each exercise. Some may want to do two or three sets of each, but this may NOT be more effective.
The number of reps will vary with the individual and with different muscle groups. I will explain further in the book we have mentioned before, The Ultimate Bulk and Power Routine. For now, you will want to experiment with different numbers of repetitions for various movements.
You can either repeat the sequence after one day of rest, or you can go through the sequence twice a week and then rest one day.
As mentioned also, most of us do not have the time to spend on a routine such as this, and perhaps the emotional energy necessary as well. Other factors also may prevent us from doing so.
Many people decide that they do not want to devote themselves to their training to this extent, but would like a routine that would give good results with somewhat less time in the gym.
One of my friends uses a routine that takes four evenings a week, but retains many of the best points of the above routine. He gains at a fast rate, while working a responsible job, and living a social life. His name is Dave Allen and you will probably hear more about him.
His abbreviated version of the routine looks like this:
1st Day
Decline Press
Forward Rotations
45 degree Incline Flyes
Chest Movement on Ultra Machine
Regular Grip Laterals
Thumbs Up Laterals
Rest 10-15 minutes
Pulldowns
Pullovers
Lateral Movement for Lats
Rowing Movement
2nd Day
Supinations
Reverse Curl
Hammer Curl
Incline DB Curl
Preacher Curl
Contracted, or Curl Behind Neck
Rest 10-15 minutes
Overhead Triceps Extension, stretched position
Lying Extension, middle position
Kickback, fully contracted position
Rest 10-15 minutes
Leg Press
Leg Extension
Leg Curl
Rest 10-15 minutes
Calf Work
And there you have it. A compromise that still includes most of the good points of the longer routine, but to a lesser degree. Progress is still very good on this kind of routine. Of course Dave owns five of the Ultra machines and so has them handy.
We will make more discoveries about nutrition, and we are working on ways to augment the recovery ability, increase nutrient absorption, etc. But as far as exercise to stimulate the muscle goes, the principles listed above are close to ideal.
A few more points should be mentioned:
We usually do a few abdominal exercises with our conditioning work, whatever we may choose for cardiovascular work. We use one position on the Super Back and Leg machine for ab work that is very concentrated, and does not require a lot of reps and sets.
It goes without saying that diet, rest and mental attitude cannot be overestimated in importance. But these are complex subjects to other articles, even though they are as important as the routine.
Although the routines listed will give great increases in size and strength, there are always compromises in the best routines.
There is no routine that is best at everything. We have already mentioned the fact that some other training is used to create cardiovascular ability, and that the routine is time consuming, even though each segment of the workout is rather short.
One thing the routine is NOT intended for is to build great strength in a particular lift. True, the routine will build both muscle size and strength, but to have outstanding strength for your size in a particular "groove" requires changes in the nervous system and in the muscle. The principles involved are rather more complex than those involved in building size, even if the routines are not. But this too is a subject for another article. Great weights have been lifted in various lifts, but even better results will be received from the Ultimate Strength Routine.
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https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-27176-9 https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2022.867140/full https://www.psypost.org/2020/08/study-links-frustrated-psychological-needs-to-muscle-dysmorphia-in-male-bodybuilders-57596 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-30-mn-59073-story.html https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/issa10.htm https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa14/2014/10/07/is-bodybuilding-a-disorder/ this explains a lot.
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JERRY DANIELS ... 1965 AAU MR. AMERICA
Jerry Daniels was born in 1944 in Chattanooga, Tennesse. He had an on-again-off-again relationship with bodybuilding, but not before he ruffled feathers by winning the 1965 AAU Mr. America title at the Embassy Auditorium in Los Angeles, California.
Daniels was a star football player in high school, with a father who was reluctant to let him work out with weights, believing it would hamper his ability in other sports. A conversation with Dave Collier, manager of the Colonial Health Studios in Chattanooga, put his father's fears to rest, and Jerry was permitted to continue weight-training.
Working out for approximately three years, Daniels won the 1963 AAU Teen-Age Mr, America title. In 1964, he placed sixth at the AAU Junior Mr. America contest.
The year 1965, proved to be Daniels banner year in bodybuilding. He won the AAU Junior Mr. America and captured the Senior title. At age 21, at a height of six-feet, weighing 215 pounds, he shared honors with Dick DuBois as the youngest to win either competition. The judges thought his combination of size, exceptional skin tone, athletic ability, carriage, personality, and over-all physique placed him in the top position. Bob Gajda was runner-up, and Randy Watson placed third. Sergio Oliva won the Most Muscular award.
Little has been heard of Jerry Daniels since his sensational and controversial Mr. America victory. He appeared on three magazine covers from 1965 to 1970.
Jerry Daniels
[image]
Born 1944
[magazine articles]
1963
Teen Mr America - AAU, Winner
1964
Junior Mr America - AAU, 6th
1965
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Magazines
1965 September Vol 24, Num 6 IronMan
1965 October Strength and Health
1970 January Strength and Health
© MuscleMemory
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Bob Gajda
[image]
Born September 13, 1940
Died January 16, 2022
1964
Mr America - AAU, 11th
1965
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 4th
Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1966
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
World-Universe - FICH, Overall Winner
World-Universe - FICH, Tall, 1st
Magazines
1965 December Vol 25, Num 1 IronMan
1966 February Strength and Health
1966 September Vol 25, Num 6 IronMan
1966 October Vol 3, Num 10 Muscular Development
1967 March Vol 9, Num 1 Mr America
© MuscleMemory BOB GAJDA ... 1966 AAU MR. AMERICA
Bob Gajda, born September 13, 1940, was announced winner of the 1966 AAU Mr. America contest. It was the first year the competition was conducted on a seperate evening from the Senior National Weightlifting Championships. The contest, held at the High School Auditorium in York, Pennsylvania, was a success with any one of the top six competitors a worthy choice. Gajda, the winner, worked at the Duncan YMCA in Chicago, and trained with that year's Mr.America runner-up and Most Muscular winner, Sergio Oliva.
Preparing for this competition, Gajda had devised a system of weight-training he called Peripheral Heart Action (PHA), which he claimed developed muscles quickly and was beneficial aerobically.
Bob had entered the Mr. America contest for the first time in 1964, but placed out of the top ten. In 1965, he had an outstanding year, winning the AAU Mr. USA and the Most Muscular award after taking second place at the Mr. America event. At a height of five-feet, nine-inches and weighing 195 pounds, his arms measured 19 inches; chest, 49 inches; waist, 29 inches; thighs, 25 1/2 inches; and calves, 18 inches.
Retiring from competitive bodybuilding, Gajda went on to earn two Masters' degrees and during his Ph.D. course work, he finalized his system Peripheral Heart Action training.
Dr. Bob Gajda was director of Gajda Health Plus Network, and was recognized as one of the worlds most prominent kinesiotherapist and sports trainers. He was inducted into the National Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2007.
Bob Gajda passed away January 16, 2022.
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1966 MR. AMERICA WINNERS
WHERE EACH CONTESTANT PLACED
Contestant Club Points
1. Bob Gajda Duncan YMCA 69
2. Sergio Oliva Duncan YMCA 66½
3. Ralph Kroger Coast Health Studio 66½
4. Randy Watson Atlanta, Ga. 65½
5. James Haislop Tampa Health Club 65½
6. Dennis Tinerino Brooklyn, N.Y. 64½
7. Will Whitaker Parkview Health Club 64
8. Charles Estes Cosmopolitan H.C. 64
9. Tom Helms York Barbell Club 58½
10. Bill St. John York Barbell Club 57½
11. Eugene Dickerson Lea's Gym 56½
12. Eugene Kuczinski Eastern Health Studio 56½
13. Gene Wells Fritshe's Gym 56
14. Nick Spano Physical Fitness H. C. 55
15. Wm. Parker Bel Air Health Club 55
16. Steve Johnson Fritshe's Gym 53
Contestant Club Points
17. Charles Fautz Surf Breakers AC 52½
18. Tom Hutson St. Louis, Mo. 52
19. Jim Dorn York Barbell Club 52
20. Kent Kuehn Lansing, Mich. 51
21. Jerry Doetrrel York AC, Buffalo 50
22. Jose Lopez Roberto Santana H. C. 49
23. Steve Sakoulos Irving Park YMCA 49
24. Ken Covington Boodley's Gym 47
25. Dan Howard Univ. of Tulsa 46½
26. Bob McNeill Don's H. C. 46½
27. John Kaczynski Eastern Health Studio 46
28. James Kowalski Pittsburgh Boys' Club 46
29. Flaubert Peltier Boston YMCA 44
30. Ray Melendez Fritshe's Gym 41½
31. George Papp Buffalo, N.Y. 38
JR. MR. AMERICA
Sergio Oliva, Duncan Y, Chicago 74
Robert Gajda, Duncan Y, Chicago 73½
John Corvello, San Jose HC 68
Kenneth McCord, MHS, San Leandro 67½
Boyer Coe, Lerille's, Lafayette, La. 65½
Dennis Tinerino, Brooklyn, N.Y. 59½
Eugene Dickerson, Seven Seas, Sand Diego 53
Bud Schosek, York AC, Buffalo, N.Y. 52½
Joe Townsell, San Jose YMCA 47
Robert Steele, Arcadia, Calif. 46½
Judges: John Terpak, Peary Rader, Mabel Rader, Bob Hise, Bud Mucci, Betty Harris, Ralph Countryman.
MOST MUSCULAR
Sergio Oliva, Duncan YMCA, Chicago 25
Kenneth McCord, MHS, San Leandro 23½
Robert Gajda, Duncan Y, Chicago 22
John Corvello, San Jose HC 20½
Boyer Coe, Lerille's Lafayette, La. 19½
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DENNIS TINERINO ... 1967 AAU MR. AMERICA
Dennis Tinerino was born in 1945 in Brooklyn, New York. As a youngster, he shared his father's interest in boxing and baseball. In high school, he took up the sport of fencing, prompted by a fellow student commenting, "He's probably too muscle-bound to participate."
In 1964, at age 19, Dennis won the AAU Teen Mr. America, AAU Jr. Mr. USA, and placed in the top ten at the AAU Mr. America contests. The following year, he was crowned AAU Mr. USA and finished sixth at the AAU Mr. America events.
The year 1967, saw Tinerino sweep the board as he won the AAU Junior Mr. America and Most Muscular awards, followed by capturing the AAU Mr. America crown. At a height of six-feet, weighing 217 pounds, his arms measured 19 3/4 inches; chest, 52 inches; waist, 32 inches; thighs, 27 inches; and calves, 18 inches.
On the heels of his Mr. America victory, Dennis flew to London to win the 1968 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. Thirteen years later, in 1981, he captured the IFBB Professional Mr. Universe. He retired from competitive bodybuilding after placing out of the top ten at the 1982 IFBB Mr. Olympia contest.
In 2007, Tinerino released his book, "Super Size Your Faith: Tapping Into God's Miracle Power."
Following a battle with cancer, Dennis died in 2010, at age 54, with his family at his side.
Dennis Tinerino
Height 6'0.5"
Weight 220
Born Dec 23, 1945 Brooklyn
Died May 7, 2010
[magazine articles]
1964
Mr Atlantic Coast - AAU, Winner
Mr East Coast - AAU, Winner
Teen Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Teen Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
1965
Mr America - AAU, 9th
Junior Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr North America - AAU, Winner
Teen Mr America - AAU, Winner
Teen Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr USA - AAU, 2nd
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
1966
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr America - AAU, 6th
Junior Mr America - AAU, 6th
Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1967
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
1968
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1969
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
1970
Pro Mr America - WBBG, 2nd
1971
Mr World - IFBB, Tall, 1st
Pro Mr World - WBBG, 3rd
1972
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1973
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 1st
Mr World - IFBB, Tall, 2nd
1975
Universe - Pro - IFBB, Disqualified
World Pro Championships - IFBB, Overall Winner
World Pro Championships - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1977
Olympia - IFBB, 6th
Olympia - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 3rd
1978
Natural Mr America - NBA, Professional, 1st
Night of Champions - IFBB, 6th
Olympia - IFBB, 9th
Olympia - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 4th
1979
Best in the World - IFBB, Professional, 4th
Canada Diamond Pro Cup - IFBB, 4th
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Vancouver - IFBB, 4th
Olympia - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 2nd
1980
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 3rd
Olympia - IFBB, 8th
1981
Grand Prix World Cup - IFBB, 5th
Olympia - IFBB, 7th
Professional World Cup - IFBB, 5th
Universe - Pro - IFBB, Winner
World Pro Championships - IFBB, Winner
1982
Olympia - IFBB, 14th
Magazines
1966 January Vol 3, Num 1 Muscular Development
1967 May Strength and Health
1967 September Vol 96, Num 19 Health and Strength
1967 October Vol 26, Num 6 IronMan
1967 October Vol 4, Num 10 Muscular Development
1968 January Strength and Health
1968 October Vol 97, Num 18 Health and Strength
1969 April Vol 28, Num 3 IronMan
1969 April Vol 6, Num 4 Muscular Development
1969 June Num 20 Muscle Training Illustrated
1971 September Vol 8, Num 9 Muscular Development
1971 December Vol 39, Num 12 Strength and Health
1972 July Num 33 Muscle Training Illustrated
1973 March Vol 102, Num 3 Health and Strength
1973 May Vol 32, Num 4 IronMan
1974 April Vol 11, Num 4 Muscular Development
1974 November Vol 103, Num 11 Health and Strength
1976 March Vol 13, Num 2 Muscular Development
1978 March Vol 1, Num 9 Bodybuilding World
1978 July Vol 37, Num 5 IronMan
1978 October Num 70 Muscle Training Illustrated
1978 December Vol 2, Num 5 Muscle Digest
1980 December Vol 41, Num 12 Muscle and Fitness
1981 June Vol 42, Num 6 Muscle and Fitness
1982 April Vol 6, Num 3 Muscle Digest
1982 May Vol 43, Num 5 Muscle and Fitness
© MuscleMemory
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JIM HAISLOP ... 1968 AAU Mr. America
The William Penn Auditorium in York, Pennsylvania, was the venue for the 1968 AAU Mr. America competition. Jim Haislop, from Tampa, Florida, was awarded first place. Often compared to Steve Reeves, Haislop had similar broad shoulders, a small waist and outstanding legs. At a height of five-feet, 11-inches and weighing 220 pounds, his arms measured 18 3/4 inches; chest, 51 1/2 inches; waist, 32 inches and thighs, 27 1/2 inches.
At age 23, Jim won the 1965 Mr. Florida contest and the following year, captured the Mr. North America award. In 1967, he won the Mr. Southern States; the Mr. USA and placed second at Mr. America event. In 1968, Jim was crowned Junior Mr. America prior to winning the Mr. America title over 27 contestants. This was the first AAU physique competition in which competitors were allowed a one-minute posing time, rather than the traditional three-pose limitation.
Following his Mr. America victory, Haislop,flew to London and placed second in the tall class at the NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. In 1969, he returned to London and placed first in his division. His final competition was the 1992 Over 50 Mr.Florida, which he easily won.
In 2005, Bill Pearl had the good fotune of lunching with Haislop while attending a fitness trade show in Orlando, Florida. Jim had retired from Southern Bell Telephone and Telegram Company and had continued weight-training. The robust 67-year-old former bodybuilding champion had kept his bodyweight around 220 pounds and appeared to be ready to take on all comers.
Jim Haislop
[image] [image] [image] [image]
Born 1942
1965
Mr Florida - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, 3rd
1966
Mr America - AAU, 5th
Mr North America - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, 3rd
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 5th
1967
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr Southern States - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
1968
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 2nd
1969
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
Magazines
1965 September Vol 2, Num 9 Muscular Development
1966 May Strength and Health
1966 July Vol 25, Num 5 IronMan
1967 February Strength and Health
1967 December Vol 4, Num 12 Muscular Development
1968 June Vol 97, Num 13 Health and Strength
1968 July Strength and Health
1968 September Vol 27, Num 6 IronMan
1968 September Vol 5, Num 9 Muscular Development
1968 November Vol 97, Num 19 Health and Strength
1969 November Num 22 Muscle Training Illustrated
1970 January Vol 99, Num 1 Health and Strength
1970 April Vol 99, Num 4 Health and Strength
2003 January Vol 129, Num 1 Health and Strength
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Dwarfing Mentzer. It seems a lot of bodybuilders did that to Mike.
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BOYER COE 1969 AAU Mr. America
Boyer Coe, born August 18, 1946, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was the winner of the 1969 AAU Mr. America contest, held at DePaul's Alumni Hall in Chicago. He captured the title over Chris Dickerson by one-half point.
Boyer Coe holds the record for winning the most national and international bodybuilding contests, amateur and professional. His competitive career lasted from 1964 to 1995 and consisted of 91 physique contests. He won 31 first place trophies and appeared on 33 magazine covers. A sampling of Coe's physique titles include 1965 AAU "Mr. Texas," 1966 AAU "Mr. America," 1969 NABBA "Amateur Mr. Universe," plus the coveted 1973 and 1975 NABBA "Professional Mr. Universe."
A superstar throughout the 1970s, Boyer had an exceptional year in 1981. At a height of five-feet, nine-inches and weighing approximately 215 pounds, he won four of nine professional physique contests. In 1994 he competed at his all-time heaviest bodyweight of 224 pounds and placed third at the IFBB "Masters MR. Olympia," contest. His final physique competition was the 1995 IFBB "Masters Mr. Olympia," where he finished in the top ten.
A short list of his titles:
1966 AAU Teen Mr. America
1968 AAU Junior Mr. USA
1969 AAU Junior Mr. America
1969 AAU Mr. America and Most Muscular
1969 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe
1971 IFBB Mr. International
1971 WBBG Pro Mr. World
1972 WBBG Pro Mr. World
1973 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe
1974 WBBG Pro Mr. World
1975 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe
Asked what his greatest moment as a bodybuilder was, Boyer replied, "It wasn't winning a contest. I set a goal to bench press 400 pounds before I graduated from high school. I managed to accomplish that. The weight may not be a lot by current standards, but I only weighed around 180 pounds.
Boyer recalled in an interview:
"The first contest I entered was the AAU "Mr. Louisiana." I was 17 years old. I didn't own posing trunks, so I used a rolled-up swim suit. I was so excited about competing, I missed the line-up. When I realized I was the only one left in the warm-up room, I hurried out the wrong door and found myself in an alley. I ran around the block and came in through the audience and jumped on stage as the announcer called my name. I placed third, won "Most Muscular," and a couple of other bodyparts awards. On the way home, my dad said it was pretty clever how I got on stage. I didn't have the heart to tell him it was because I got locked out."
Boyer began weight-training at at the local gym in Lake Charles, Louisiana, at age 14. He remembers Lloyd "Red" Lerille, the 1960 "Mr. America" winner, coming to the Lake Charles YMCA for a posing exhibition. "He didn't do anything fancy, but he inspired everyone there. I knew from then on I wanted to become a competitive bodybuilder. Red and I became lifelong friends. He's remained a positive figure in my life."
Coe moved to Lafayette to attend the University of Southern Louisiana, where he trained at Red Lerill's Health and Racquet Club and then worked for Lerille for 14 years. Later he bought a health food store and opened a health club in New Orleans. He next worked for Arthur Jones, of Nautilus Gym Equipment, and later became the sales representitive for Body Masters Gym Equipment.
Beginning in 1994, Coe, Shawn Ray, and Lenda Murray hosted the 'Flex Magazine Work Out' on ESPN for the following five years. He commented, That's the most enjoyable thing I've done in bodybuilding, although we didn't have a good time-slot. Fans got up at two o'clock in the morning to watch the show.
In the 2000's, the "Ragin Cajun," as Coe came to be known, lives in Huntington Beach, California, where he operates an insurance company specializing in exotic, classic, and high-preformance automobiles. At age 76, he continues to take his workouts seriously, training at 5:00 a.m. at a health club near his home. He stated, "I have the gym nearly to myself and I like it that way."
Boyer Coe
[image]
Height 5'7"
Born August 18, 1946
[ website ]
[magazine articles]
1964
Mr Texas - AAU, 2nd
1965
Teen Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Teen Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Mr Texas - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr Texas - AAU, Winner
1966
Junior Mr America - AAU, 5th
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 5th
Teen Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, 2nd
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
1967
Mr America - AAU, 5th
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 5th
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Mr Southern States - AAU, 2nd
1968
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr USA - AAU, 2nd
1969
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 1st
1970
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 1st
Mr World - AAU, Pro Short, 2nd
1971
Mr America - IFBB, Medium, 1st
Mr International - IFBB, Medium, 1st
Mr International - IFBB, Overall Winner
Pro Mr World - WBBG, Winner
1972
Mr Galaxy - WBBG, 2nd
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 2nd
Pro Mr World - WBBG, Winner
1973
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 1st
Pro Mr World - WBBG, Winner
1974
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 2nd
Pro Mr World - WBBG, Winner
1975
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 1st
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
Universe - Pro - PBBA, Winner
Pro Mr World - WBBG, Winner
1976
Olympia - IFBB, LightWeight, Did not place
1977
Olympia - IFBB, 4th
Olympia - IFBB, LightWeight, 3rd
1978
Night of Champions - IFBB, 4th
Olympia - IFBB, 4th
Olympia - IFBB, LightWeight, 2nd
Professional World Cup - IFBB, 5th
1979
Best in the World - IFBB, Professional, 5th
Canada Diamond Pro Cup - IFBB, 3rd
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 3rd
Florida Pro Invitational - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Vancouver - IFBB, 3rd
Night of Champions - IFBB, 4th
Olympia - IFBB, LightWeight, 2nd
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, 5th
1980
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix California - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Miami - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, 5th
Olympia - IFBB, 4th
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, 5th
1981
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Belgium - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix California - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Massachusets - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix New England - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Wales - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Washington - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix World Cup - IFBB, Winner
Night of Champions - IFBB, 3rd
Professional World Cup - IFBB, Winner
World Grand Prix - IFBB, Winner
1982
Grand Prix Belgium - IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 9th
Olympia - IFBB, 11th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 2nd
1984
Olympia - IFBB, 13th
1994
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 3rd
1995
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 10th
Magazines
1969 January Vol 28, Num 2 IronMan
1969 July Vol 6, Num 7 Muscular Development
1969 July Strength and Health
1969 October Vol 98, Num 9 Health and Strength
1970 January Vol 7, Num 1 Muscular Development
1971 February Vol 30, Num 3 IronMan
1972 March Num 31 Muscle Training Illustrated
1972 April Vol 9, Num 4 Muscular Development
1972 November Vol 101, Num 11 Health and Strength
1973 February Vol 102, Num 2 Health and Strength
1973 October Vol 102, Num 10 Health and Strength
1973 November Vol 102, Num 11 Health and Strength
1974 October Vol 103, Num 10 Health and Strength
1975 Vol 104, Num 7 Health and Strength
1975 Vol 104, Num 9 Health and Strength
1976 Vol 105, Num 7 Health and Strength
1976 Vol 105, Num 10 Health and Strength
1976 May Vol 35, Num 4 IronMan
1976 May Num 54 Muscle Training Illustrated
1977 February Vol 18, Num 1 Muscle Builder
1977 August Vol 18, Num 7 Muscle Builder
1978 October Vol 2, Num 4 Muscle Digest
1979 June Vol 3, Num 3 Muscle Digest
1980 September Vol 41, Num 9 Muscle and Fitness
1981 July Vol 2, Num 6 Muscle World
1981 July Vol 42, Num 7 Muscle and Fitness
1981 August Num 25 Muscle Mag International
1981 October Num 95 Muscle Training Illustrated
1982 June Vol 6, Num 5 Muscle Digest
1982 June Vol 43, Num 6 Muscle and Fitness
1983 September Num 109 Muscle Training Illustrated
1983 December Vol 7, Num 12 Muscle Digest
1984 February Num 41 Muscle Mag International
© MuscleMemory
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meet the flintstones.
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there is also the Jim Manion press, it involves forcing a fitness models face into the pillow
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CHRIS DICKERSON...1970 AAU MR. AMERICA
Chris Dickerson, born August 25, 1939, in Montgomery, Alabama was the youngest of triplets. Following graduation from a New York City college, he moved to Los Angeles in 1963, to train under the direction of Bill Pearl.
In 1970, Dickerson became the first African-American to win the AAU Mr. America crown and captured other major physique titles, including the 1973 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe and the 1974 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe. In 1982, he won the IFBB Mr. Olympia contest, following two consecutive years as runner-up. Standing 5' 6" tall, and weighing 190 pounds, Chris became the oldest, at age 43, to win the crown and the $25,000 first-place prize money.
On the heels of his 1982 "Olympia" victory, Chris began shuttling between Los Angeles and Manhattan to oversee his personal-training clientele. His last physique competition came at the 1994 IFBB Masters Mr. Olympia where, he won the Over 50 category.
Chris passed away from heart failure, the evening of December 23rd 2021.
Chris Dickerson
[image] [image] [image] [image] [image] [image]
Born August 25, 1939 New York, NY
Died December 23, 2021
[magazine articles]
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1966
Mr Atlantic Coast - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr Eastern America - AAU, Overall Winner
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr New York City - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr New York Metropolitan - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr New York State - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr North America - AAU, 2nd
1967
Mr America - AAU, 6th
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 4th
Mr California - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, 4th
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 5th
1968
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
1969
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1970
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr Universe - NABBA, Short, 1st
1971
Mr Universe - NABBA, Short, 1st
1973
Pro Mr America - WBBG, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Short, 1st
1974
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 1st
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
1975
Universe - Pro - PBBA, 2nd
Pro Mr World - WBBG, 2nd
1976
Olympus - WBBG, 4th
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 3rd
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Short, 2nd
1979
Canada Diamond Pro Cup - IFBB, 2nd
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Vancouver - IFBB, 2nd
Olympia - IFBB, LightWeight, 4th
1980
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, Winner
Florida Pro Invitational - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix California - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Louisiana - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Miami - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, 2nd
Night of Champions - IFBB, Winner
Olympia - IFBB, 2nd
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, 2nd
1981
Grand Prix California - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Louisiana - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix New England - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Washington - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix World Cup - IFBB, 2nd
Night of Champions - IFBB, Winner
Olympia - IFBB, 2nd
Professional World Cup - IFBB, 2nd
1982
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1984
Olympia - IFBB, 11th
1990
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 8th
1994
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 4th
Magazines
1968 July Vol 27, Num 5 IronMan
1969 March Strength and Health
1969 September Vol 28, Num 6 IronMan
1970 January Strength and Health
1970 June Vol 7, Num 6 Muscular Development
1970 July Vol 29, Num 5 IronMan
1970 July Strength and Health
1971 October Vol 100, Num 10 Health and Strength
1971 November Vol 100, Num 11 Health and Strength
1972 May Vol 31, Num 4 IronMan
1972 June Vol 9, Num 6 Muscular Development
1972 September Num 34 Muscle Training Illustrated
1973 November Vol 102, Num 11 Health and Strength
1973 December Vol 102, Num 12 Health and Strength
1974 March Vol 103, Num 3 Health and Strength
1974 May Vol 33, Num 4 IronMan
1974 September Vol 103, Num 9 Health and Strength
1975 Vol 104, Num 1 Health and Strength
1975 Vol 104, Num 2 Health and Strength
1975 March Vol 12, Num 2 Muscular Development
1975 May Num 48 Muscle Training Illustrated
1980 February Vol 109, Num 2 Health and Strength
1980 July Vol 41, Num 7 Muscle and Fitness
1980 September Vol 39, Num 6 IronMan
1980 October Vol 2, Num 7 Muscle Up
1981 Muscle Mag Annual
1981 January Num 22 Muscle Mag International
1981 August Vol 42, Num 8 Muscle and Fitness
1982 January Num 96 Muscle Training Illustrated
1983 Vol 1, Num 1 Body Building News
1983 January Health and Strength
1983 March Vol 42, Num 3 IronMan
1983 March Vol 7, Num 3 Muscle Digest
1983 March Num 34 Muscle Mag International
1983 April Vol 1, Num 1 Flex
1983 May Num 35 Muscle Mag International
1984 October Num 117 Muscle Training Illustrated
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CASEY VIATOR ... 1971 AAU MR. AMERICA
Casey Viator, born September 4, 1951, in Lafayette, Louisiana, roared onto the bodybuilding scene like a run-away freight train. In 1971, at age 19, he became the youngest competitor to win the Mr. America title.
A year earlier, Viator had won the Teen Mr. America and Most Muscular awards; the Mr. USA and Most Muscular titles; and placed third at the Mr. America event.
He then captured the 1971 Junior Mr. America; the Mr. America and Most Muscular crowns, while winning all body part trophies, except Best Abdominals. His final physique competition was the 1982 IFBB Mr. Olympia event where he placed third.
Those recalling the bodybuilding scene of the 1970's, remember Casey for his brief, but ferocious workouts that were featured in Strenght and Health magazine. Jan Dellinger, former staff writer for the magazine recalled: "Casey spent time around the York gym following his Mr. America victory. A decade later, the hard-core lifters still training at York remember watching Viator perform a bunch of reps with the entire weight stack on a Universal leg extension machine, before loading 45-pound plates on the weight peg in front of the leg rollers. Next, he immediately went to full-squats with 500 pounds, for at least 20 reps."
In the 2000's, Casey, the "Kid" Viator, lives in Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, conducing a certification training facility. In 2010, at age 58, he was still capable of a 500-pound bench press and 600-pound squat. He was inducted into the Joe Weider Hall of Fame in 2004. Casey Viator
[image] [image] [image]
Born September 4, 1951 New Iberia, Louisiana
Died September 4, 2013
[ website ]
1969
Teen Mr America - AAU, 6th
1970
Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Teen Mr America - AAU, Winner
Teen Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1971
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1978
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 2nd
1979
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 5th
1980
Grand Prix California - IFBB, 3rd
Grand Prix Louisiana - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Miami - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, Winner
Night of Champions - IFBB, 5th
Olympia - IFBB, 14th
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, Winner
1981
Grand Prix California - IFBB, Did not place
1982
Grand Prix Belgium - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 3rd
Olympia - IFBB, 3rd
1995
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 12th
Magazines
1970 September Vol 29, Num 6 IronMan
1970 October Strength and Health
1971 April Vol 8, Num 4 Muscular Development
1971 September Vol 30, Num 6 IronMan
1971 October Num 29 Muscle Training Illustrated
1971 December Num 30 Muscle Training Illustrated
1972 July Vol 31, Num 5 IronMan
1973 July Vol 10, Num 7 Muscular Development
1978 Vol 107, Num 5 Health and Strength
1978 November Vol 38, Num 1 IronMan
1979 January Vol 47, Num 1 Strength and Health
1979 March Num 74 Muscle Training Illustrated
1979 April Vol 16, Num 2 Muscular Development
1980 June Num 84 Muscle Training Illustrated
1980 December Vol 2, Num 8 Muscle Up
1981 January Vol 2, Num 3 Muscle World
1982 December Vol 43, Num 12 Muscle and Fitness
1983 March Vol 7, Num 3 Muscle Digest
1983 May Num 35 Muscle Mag International
1984 April Num 42 Muscle Mag International
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STEVE MICHALIK ... 1972 AAU MR. AMERICA
The Masonic Temple in Detroit, Michigan, was the site for the 1972 AAU "Mr. America" competition. Steve the "Phantom" Michalik, captured the title, placing Pete Grymkowski as runner-up and Jim Morris as third.
Steve Michalik was born in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York. His road to bodybuilding stardom began at age eight, due to being locked in a family closet for hours at a time by his abusive father.
It was in that closet where Steve stumbled across a stack of old comic books and found his inspiration, "Captain America."
Like his comic book hero, Michalik decided that stength, wisdom, and integrity would be his weapons against his father's injustice. Not one to neglect his education, he graduated from high school and completed a two-year commercial art course.
During his tour of duty with the Eighth Air Force in Vietnam, Michalik ignored sniper fire to perform bench presses in a clearing by using a cinder-block barbell. Upon discharge, he captured the 1971 AAU "Mr. Apollo" crown and the "Most Muscular" award.
On his first attempt, Steve won the 1972 AAU "Mr. America" trophy. At age 22, standing five feet, ten inches tall and weighing 215 pounds, his chest measured 50 inches; waist, 28 inches; arms, 19 inches; thighs, 27 inches,; and calves, 18 inches.
Remembered for his hellacious six-day a week, five-hour training sessions, a typical workout for Michalik consisted of squatting 450 pounds for reps; warming up with 315 pounds on the incline press; and performing 50 sets of barbell curls, plus 60 sets of heavy back work. Like many hardcore bodybuilders of his era, Steve was seriously addicted to anabolic steroids and often ingested a coctail of up to 14 drugs, including speed, to get through his workouts, followed by downers, so he could sleep.
Invited to compete at the 1975 NABBA "Amateur Mr. Universe" contest in London, Steve won the tall man's class, but his chemical abuse nearly caused him to die on stage.
Shortly after the 1975 "Universe" contest, Michalik was involved in a serious automobile accident, leaving him paralyzed from the waist-down, and confined to a wheel chair for three years. At the 1980 IFBB "Miami Grand Prix" event, he made his dramatic comeback by placing fourth in the event and qualifying for the newly formed IFBB "Grand Prix" tour.
During the early 1980's, Steve supervised the training and preparation of the powerlifter, Bev Francis for her starring role in "Pumping Iron II-The Women." In the film, he was shown encouraging Bev during her workouts and in a brief scene in which he gave an outstanding posing exhibition. Steve's final competition was the 1984 IFBB "World Pro Championships," where he placed out of the top ten.
In 2010, Michalik, acted as Director of Training at Steve Michalik's Powerhouse Gym in Farmingdale, New York, where he lectured teenagers on the dangers of drug abuse and encouraged healthy methods of packing on muscle by utilizing his Intensity/Insanity Training Principles. His message to all users of anabolic steroids and similar bodybuilding drugs was, "Stop now! Before it's too late.
Famous for the expression "death is no excuse" Steve Michalik sadly, died from a self inflicted gunshot wound, May 24, 2012 at the age of 63. He had survived bouts of cancer, a heart attack, and a stroke. He left this earth on his own terms, in control to the end. Steve Michalik
Height 5'10"
Weight 210
Born 1948
Died May 24, 2012
1968
Teen Mr America - AAU, 3rd
1971
Mr Apollo - AAU, Winner
Mr Apollo - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr USA - AAU, 2nd
Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr World - AAU, 3rd
Mr World - AAU, Most Muscular, 5th
Mr World - AAU, Tall, 2nd
1972
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 4th
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1975
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1980
Grand Prix Miami - IFBB, 4th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 6th
1981
Grand Prix California - IFBB, Did not place
1983
Grand Prix Denver - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Portland - IFBB, 7th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 11th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 11th
1984
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 11th
Magazines
1972 January Vol 31, Num 2 IronMan
1972 March Vol 9, Num 3 Muscular Development
1972 September Vol 31, Num 6 IronMan
1972 October Vol 101, Num 10 Health and Strength
1972 October Vol 40, Num 10 Strength and Health
1973 May Num 38 Muscle Training Illustrated
1976 Vol 105, Num 3 Health and Strength
1980 August Vol 2, Num 6 Muscle Up
1982 December Num 103 Muscle Training Illustrated
1983 October Num 110 Muscle Training Illustrated
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MILHALIK was interesting,intense,methodical,and maybe part insane,,he was a hard trainer and 'user'hardcore,like alzado regretted his actions..
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JIM MORRIS ... 1973 AAU MR. AMERICA
Jim Morris, born August 31,1935, in Brooklyn, New York, was a clear winner of the 1973 AAU Mr. America contest, held in Williamsburg, Virginia. The runner-up, for third straight year, was Pete Grymkowski, with Anibal Lopez placing third.
At age 32, standing five-ten inches and weighing 215 pounds, Morris had 18 1/2 inch arms, a 54-inch chest, a 34-inch waist,24-inch thighs, with calves that measured 16 inches.
In Jim's initial physique contests, he won the 1967 Mr. New York Metropolitan, the Mr. New York State, and the Junior Mr. USA events. In 1970, he captured the Mr.Los Angeles and Mr. California titles. Two years later, he won the 1972 Mr. USA trophy and placed third at the Mr. America competition.
Following the Mr. America, he won the 1974 WBBG World Bodybuilding Guild, and the IFBB Mr. International contests.
Not content resting on his laurals, Jim flew to London to win the tall class division at that year's NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe. He finished his competitive bodybuilding career 23 years later by winning the 1996 IFBB Masters Olympia Over 60 event.
Jim's interest in physical culture began in the 1950s, when he was dragged into the central Queens YMCA by an enthusiasic friend. Rather than jumping into serious weight-training, he put himself through a year-long course in biology, anatomy, nutrition, kinesiology, and related subjects pertaining to the human body. Later, he became an instructor at the Queens YMCA.
In 1959, Morris formed the New York Weighlifting Club. As a light-heavy weight, he snatched 280 pounds, pressed 260 pound and clean-and-jerked 335 pounds. His official powerlifting records were a 405-pound bench press; a 550-pound squat and a 600-pound deadlife.
Following a four-year tour in the United States Air Force, Morris received an Associate degree from New York's Pratt Univerity, prior to becoming a firefighter for New York City. He moved to Los Angeles in 1969, to train under the watchful eyes of Bill Pearl. Jim stated, "Bill taught me the mechanics of training and how to train others. With his guidance, I was able to win the Mr. America title. My employer, at Carnation Co., sent me on a nationwide media tour."
In 1973, for the following 15 years, Jim became the bodyguard for pop star Elton John. Between tours, he acted as a private fitness trainer for several Hollywoood notables. In 1978, Jim opened a gym in West Hollywood and trained competitive bodybuilders Larry Jackson, James Joseph, Rufus Howard, Rory Leidelmeyer, Bob Paris and others.
At age 72, Jim was one one of the oldest men to be featured in Iron Man Magazine. In the article he stated, "Some say 'you look good for your age.' I don't think so. I believe this is how a 70-year-old should look."
In January of 2016, at age 81, while living in a cozy one-bedroom home in Venice, still training, living an apparent healthy lifestyle and instructing others, Jim shot and killed himself after a phone call to make sure his faithful dog would be cared for.
Jim Morris
[image] [image]
Born Aug 31, 1935
Died January 28, 2016
[ website ]
[magazine articles]
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1959
Mr New York Metropolitan - AAU, 3rd
1967
Junior Mr America - AAU, 8th
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr New York Metropolitan - AAU, Winner
Mr New York State - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, 9th
1968
Mr America - AAU, 10th
1969
Junior Mr America - AAU, 5th
1970
Mr America - AAU, 7th
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 8th
Mr California - AAU, Winner
Mr California - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, Winner
1971
Mr International - IFBB, Tall, 2nd
1972
Mr America - AAU, 3rd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1973
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1974
Mr International - WBBG, Winner
Mr International - WBBG, Tall, 1st
1977
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1996
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 10th
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, Masters 60+, 1st
Magazines
1976 January Num 52 Muscle Training Illustrated
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RONALD E. THOMPSON ... 1974 AAU MR. AMERICA
Ron Thompson, winner of the 1974 AAU Mr. Ameria contest held in York, Pennsylvania, was born in 1943, in Flint, Michigan.
Thompson won his first physique contest at the 1970 Mr. Michigan event. In 1971, he ranked near the bottom of the 30-odd competitors at his first Mr. America try. A year later, Ron was victorious at the 1972 Junior Mr. USA and Mr. World contests.
In 1974, after winning the AAU Junior Mr. America crown, Thompson captured the AAU Mr. America title, with Paul Hill in second place and Doug Beavor in third. (This contest was the first in which the general public was invited to view the pre-judging.)
A trip to London saw Thompson placing second in the medium class division at the 1974 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe contest. He tried again the following year and managed to place fourth. His final bodybuilding competition was the 1976 WBBG Pro Mr. World, where he ranked third.
In addition to his bodybuilding, Ron was also classified as a Physical Fitness Specialist. He taught ecology, environmental science, microbiolgy, general biology, anatomy, and physiology, at the State University of New York-Plattsburg and at Penn State, from 1965 to 2002.
Ronald E. Thompson, noted as one of the most dominate bodybuilders of the golden era, died in 2003, at age 59. His burial monument is inscribed: "Step softly, a dream lies buried here..."
Ron Thompson
Born December 26, 1943
Died November 10, 2003
1969
Mr Midwest - AAU, 4th
1970
Mr Michigan - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr Midwest - AAU, 5th
1971
Mr America - AAU, 30th
1972
Mr America - AAU, 7th
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Mr USA - AAU, 6th
Mr World - AAU, Winner
Mr World - AAU, Medium, 1st
1973
Junior Mr America - AAU, 9th
Mr USA - AAU, 5th
1974
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 2nd
1975
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 4th
1976
Pro Mr World - WBBG, 3rd
Magazines
1974 September Vol 11, Num 7 Muscular Development
1974 November Vol 34, Num 1 IronMan
1976 Vol 105, Num 2 Health and Strength
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Grip strength is inversely associated with DNA methylation age acceleration
Mark D. Peterson, Stacey Collins, Helen C.S. Meier, Alexander Brahmsteadt, Jessica D. Faul
First published: 09 November 2022
Full Report: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/jcsm.13110
SECTIONS
PDF
Abstract
Background
There is a large body of evidence linking muscular weakness, as determined by low grip strength, to a host of negative ageing-related health outcomes. Given these links, grip strength has been labelled a ‘biomarker of aging’; and yet, the pathways connecting grip strength to negative health consequences are unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether grip strength was associated with measures of DNA methylation (DNAm) age acceleration.
Methods
Middle age and older adults from the 2006 to 2008 waves of the Health and Retirement Study with 8–10 years of follow-up were included. Cross-sectional and longitudinal regression modelling was performed to examine the association between normalized grip strength (NGS) and three measures of DNAm age acceleration, adjusting for cell composition, sociodemographic variables and smoking. Longitudinal modelling was also completed to examine the association between change in absolute grip strength and DNAm age acceleration. The three DNAm clocks used for estimating age acceleration include the established DunedinPoAm, PhenoAge and GrimAge clocks.
Results
There was a robust and independent cross-sectional association between NGS and DNAm age acceleration for men using the DunedinPoAm (β: −0.36; P < 0.001), PhenoAge (β: −8.27; P = 0.01) and GrimAge (β: −4.56; P = 0.01) clocks and for women using the DunedinPoAm (β: −0.36; P < 0.001) and GrimAge (β: −4.46; P = 0.01) clocks. There was also an independent longitudinal association between baseline NGS and DNAm age acceleration for men (β: −0.26; P < 0.001) and women (β: −0.36; P < 0.001) using the DunedinPoAm clock and for women only using the PhenoAge (β: −8.20; P < 0.001) and GrimAge (β: −5.91; P < 0.001) clocks. Longitudinal modelling revealed a robust association between change in grip strength from wave 1 to wave 3 was independently associated with PhenoAgeAA (β: −0.13; 95% CI: −0.23, −0.03) and GrimAgeAA (β: −0.07; 95% CI: −0.14, −0.01) in men only (both P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Our findings provide some initial evidence of age acceleration among men and women with lower NGS and loss of strength over time. Future research is needed to understand the extent to which DNAm age mediates the association between grip strength and chronic disease, disability and mortality.
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DALE ADRIAN ... 1975 AAU MR. AMERICA
The 1975 AAU Mr. America contest was held at the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium in Culver City, California. The winner was the virtual unknown, Dale Adrian. The second place award went to Clint Beyrele, and Pat Neve came in a strong third.
Dale was born in 1951 in Oxnard, California. At the height of five-feet, eight-inches, weighing 200 pounds, his reported measurements included an 18-inch neck, 19.4-inch flexed upper arms, a 53-inch chest, a 30-inch waist , 26-inch thighs, and 18-inch calves.
Adrian had an even shorter spell in the Iron Game than Ron Thompson, the 1974 AAU Mr. America winner.
Dale's first win was the 1974 AAU Mr. Los Angeles contest. In 1975, he captured the AAU Mr. California, and the AAU Mr. America event. He then traveled to London, England to place second in the medium class at the 1975 NABBA Mr. Universe.
In 1976, Adrian was awarded third in the medium class at the NABBA "Universe" and second at the WBBG Professional Mr. World event......before dropping out of sight.
Dale Adrian
Height 5'8"
Weight 200
Born 1951 Oxnard, California
1971
Mr Southern California - AAU, 3rd
1972
Mr California - AAU, 5th
1973
Mr California - AAU, 2nd
1974
Mr California - AAU, 3rd
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, Winner
1975
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr California - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 2nd
1976
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 3rd
Pro Mr World - WBBG, 2nd
Magazines
1975 September Vol 34, Num 6 IronMan
1975 September Vol 12, Num 5 Muscular Development
1975 November Num 51 Muscle Training Illustrated
1975 December Vol 44, Num 1 Strength and Health
1976 Vol 105, Num 2 Health and Strength
1976 December Vol 1, Num 4 Muscle Digest
1977 March Num 59 Muscle Training Illustrated
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KALMAN SZKALAK ... 1976 AAU MR. AMERICA
The 1976 AAU Mr. America contest, held in Philadelphia, saw a newcomer, Kalman Szkalak, defeat several of the nation's top bodybuilders.
Born in 1953, Kalman was among the Hungarian refugees forced to flee their homeland, following the unsuccessful attempt to overthrow the Soviet-supported regime ruling their country. The family settled in Wilmington, Delaware, and Kalman, an athletic youngster, began weight training, at age 17. His first contest was a Mr. Delaware event, which he won.
Kalman went on to win the 1976 AAU Mr. California title, and weeks later, the 1976 AAU Mr. America crown. Then, in 1977, he walked home with the IFBB Mr.USA award.
At the height of five-feet, ten-inches, and weighing 215 pounds, Szkalak's arms measured 20 inches; chest, 52 inches; waist, 30 inches; thighs, 26 1/2 inches; and calves, 17 inches.
In 1978, Kalman attempted to organize a professional bodybuilding union in opposition to the IFBB's control over competing professional bodybuilders. However, his efforts failed. That year, he brought a $1 million lawsuit against the Weider organization for breach of contract.
With the 1978 IFBB Mr. Olympia contest taking place during Szkalak's legal action against the Weider brothers, he placed fifth at the event. In retaliation for what he regarded as an inequitably low placing, Kalman promptly struck a martyr's pose on stage: both arms outstretched; head hanging to one side; feet crossed; saying later, he was "crucified by bodybuilding hierarchy." He did not compete again in any IFBB event.
At the 1980 World Amateur Bodybuilding Association (WABBA) Pro World Cup, Szkalak placed second in his class and then second at the 1982 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe. He retired from hardcore bodybuilding to become a hardcore competitive cyclist and was still winning trophies in the early 2000's. Kalman Szkalak
[image] [image]
Height 5'10"
Weight 210
Born January 16, 1953 Budapest, Hungary
(Skull-ack)
1976
Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Tall, 1st
Mr California - AAU, Winner
1977
Mr USA - IFBB, Overall Winner
Mr USA - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
Universe - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1978
Olympia - IFBB, 5th
Olympia - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 3rd
1980
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 2nd
1981
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 6th
1982
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 2nd
Magazines
1976 July Vol 1, Num 1 Muscle Digest
1976 September Vol 13, Num 5 Muscular Development
1976 November Vol 36, Num 1 IronMan
1976 November Vol 17, Num 8 Muscle Builder
1976 November Num 57 Muscle Training Illustrated
1977 December Vol 1, Num 6 Bodybuilding World
1978 February Vol 19, Num 1 Muscle Builder
1978 July Vol 2, Num 3 Muscle Digest
1978 October Vol 2, Num 4 Muscle Digest
1979 Muscle Mag Annual
1979 December Vol 3, Num 6 Muscle Digest
1980 December Vol 4, Num 6 Muscle Digest
1981 July Num 24 Muscle Mag International
1983 March Health and Strength
1983 July Vol 7, Num 7 Muscle Digest
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Melvin Wells
Born February 2, 1919
Died March 17, 1994
1949
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr New York State - AAU, Winner
1950
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1951
Mr Strength and Health, Winner
1954
Mr Strength and Health, Tall, 3rd
Magazines
1949 January Strength and Health
1950 October Vol 10, Num 5 IronMan
1999 July Vol 11, Num 1 Hardgainer
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DAVE JOHNS ... 1977 AAU MR. AMERICA
The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium was packed for the 1977 AAU Mr. America contest. On his third attempt Dave Johns was declared the winner. Runner-up was Manuel Perry and Clint Beyerle placed third.
At the height of five-feet, nine-inches, and weighing 218 pounds, Dave's upper arms measured 19 inches and his waist 30 inches.
Johns captured the 1974 AAU Jr. Mr. USA and the 1976 AAU Jr. Mr. America crowns. In 1977, he won the AAU Mr. California contest along with the AAU Mr. America title.
The following year, Dave flew to London to win the 1978 NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe contest. From 1982 to 1984, he placed in the top ten at seven IFBB professional competitions. His final physique event was the 1985 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe in which he placed fifth.
Sadly, David Johns died of the rare Valley Fever disease in 1986, at age 41.
Dave Johns
[image]
Height 5'9"
Weight 215
Born August 5, 1945
Died July 26, 1986
1971
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, 3rd
Mr Physique USA - AAU, 3rd
Mr Southern California - AAU, 2nd
1973
Mr California - AAU, 3rd
Mr World - AAU, 4th
Mr World - AAU, Most Muscular, 5th
1974
Mr America - AAU, 6th
Mr California - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 4th
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Winner
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, 2nd
Mr Pacific Coast - AAU, 2nd
Mr USA - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr USA - AAU, Medium, 1st
1975
Mr America - AAU, 14th
Mr America - AAU, Medium, 6th
Mr California - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, 4th
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 4th
1976
Mr America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 5th
Mr California - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr USA - AAU, Medium, 1st
1977
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr California - AAU, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 3rd
World Championships - WABBA, Medium, 2nd
1978
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 1st
1979
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 2nd
1980
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 2nd
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 3rd
1981
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 2nd
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 3rd
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 5th
1982
Night of Champions - IFBB, 8th
1983
Grand Prix Denver - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Las Vegas - IFBB, Did not place
Grand Prix Portland - IFBB, 5th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 7th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 10th
1984
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 6th
World Grand Prix - IFBB, 12th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 10th
1985
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 5th
Magazines
1976 October Vol 1, Num 2 Muscle Digest
1977 Vol 1, Num 8 Muscle Digest
1977 March Vol 36, Num 3 IronMan
1977 August Vol 1, Num 2 Bodybuilding World
1977 October Vol 1, Num 4 Bodybuilding World
1977 December Vol 14, Num 6 Muscular Development
1978 Vol 107, Num 6 Health and Strength
1979 March Vol 38, Num 3 IronMan
1979 October Vol 3, Num 5 Muscle Digest
1980 September Vol 109, Num 9 Health and Strength
1981 June Vol 5, Num 2 Muscle Digest
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TONY PEARSON ... 1978 AAU MR. AMERICA
September 2, 1978 saw a standing room only crowd jammed into the Cincinnati Music Hall Auditorium to witness the crowning of a new AAU Mr. America. The spectators also witnessed the posing exhibition of a man who had won the event a quarter of a century earlier. According to Jan Dellinger in the December, 1978, edition of Muscular Development magazine:
"The proceedings got underway with a
resounding bang as Bill Pearl
commemorated the 25th anniversary
of his 1953 'Mr. America' victory, by
staging an absolutely phenomenal
posing display. This was a rare treat
indeed, for it afforded comparative
newcomers, and long-time followers
of the bodybuilding game, an
opportunity to watch the famed Pearl's
physique in action, and believe me, at
age 48, he's still got it! When he
completed his posing routine, the sell-
out audience showed its appreciation
with a standing ovation and
thunderous applause.
The contest was another star-studded line-up, with Tony Pearson winningthe Mr. America trophy, with Ron Teufel as runner-up and Manuel Perry placing third.
Tony Pearson, born in 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, was raised by his aunt who lived in St. Louis, Missouri. He was not interesed in school or athletics, but at age 14, he had the good fortune to meet the legendary Muhammad Ali, (Cassius Clay) who was speaking at a local school. During his presentation, Ali stressed the importance of a quality education, sports and a healthy lifestyle.
Tony began weight training at George Turner's Gym in St. Louis, and Turner quickly noticed Pearson's bodybuilding potential. Under Turner's watchful eye, Pearson's body weight climbed from 140 to 160 pounds in a matter of months.
After high school graduation, Pearson arrived in Los Angeles, California, on a one-way bus ticket, with two pairs of jeans and $75.00 in his pocket. He headed for Venice Beach, where a short time later, he began a string of first place wins at local and regional contests.
Pearson's competitive bodybuilding career lasted 19 years and he competed in 58 physique contests up to 1994. His most noted victories were the 1978 AAU Mr. America and the 1980 NABBA Pofessional Mr. Universe titles.
Today, living in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tony works as a successful fitness trainer/nutritional consultant. He recentally commented, “My current goal is to show, by example, that the best lifestyle is a natural one. My message to the younger generation is to always keep your future goals in sight. Stay focused no matter what the obstacle. There’ll be challenges along the way, regardless of what you pursue. But, if you are persistant, have a positive outlook, and surround yourself around positive individuals, you’ll have a better chance at achieving your ultimate dream.”
Tony Pearson was inducted into the Muscle Beach/Venice Bodybuilding Hall of Fame in 2007.
Tony Pearson
[image] [image]
Born January 11, 1957
1976
Gold's Classic - AAU, Teen Overall Winner
Gold's Classic - AAU, Teen Short, 1st
1977
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Short, 3rd
Mr Los Angeles - AAU, Junior, 1st
Mr Southern California - AAU, Junior, 1st
1978
Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr California - AAU, Short, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Junior Mr America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Overall Winner
Junior Mr USA - AAU, Medium, 1st
USA World Qualifier - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 2nd
1979
Olympus - WBBG, Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Medium, 2nd
Pro Mr World - WBBG, Winner
World Championships - WABBA, Overall Winner
World Championships - WABBA, Medium, 1st
1980
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Winner
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 3rd
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 5th
1981
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Belgium - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Wales - IFBB, 5th
Universe - Pro - IFBB, 3rd
Pro World Cup - WABBA, 7th
World Grand Prix - IFBB, 4th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 3rd
1982
Night of Champions - IFBB, 6th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 6th
1983
Grand Prix Denver - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Las Vegas - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Portland - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Switzerland - IFBB, 6th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 8th
1984
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 3rd
Olympia - IFBB, 12th
World Grand Prix - IFBB, 3rd
1985
Night of Champions - IFBB, 9th
Olympia - IFBB, 12th
1986
Los Angeles Pro Championships - IFBB, 5th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 4th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 9th
1987
Night of Champions - IFBB, Did not place
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 8th
1988
Grand Prix US Pro - IFBB, 6th
Niagara Falls Pro Invitational - IFBB, 5th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 8th
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 8th
1989
Grand Prix France - IFBB, 11th
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Spain (2) - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 11th
1990
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 6th
Houston Pro Championships - IFBB, 6th
Ironman Pro Invitational - IFBB, 8th
1991
WBF Grand Prix - WBF, 11th
1993
Chicago Pro Championships - IFBB, 13th
Night of Champions - IFBB, Did not place
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, 16th
1994
Ironman Pro Invitational - IFBB, 14th
San Jose Pro Invitational - IFBB, 16th
2014
USA Nationals - NABBA, Masters 50+ Short, 1st
USA Nationals - NABBA, Short, 1st
Magazines
1979 Vol 108, Num 10 Health and Strength
1980 July Vol 109, Num 7 Health and Strength
1980 August Vol 109, Num 8 Health and Strength
1980 September Vol 109, Num 9 Health and Strength
1981 November Vol 2, Num 8 Muscle World
1985 October Vol 3, Num 7 Flex
1986 October Num 60 Muscle Mag International
© MuscleMemory
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THE CONCLUSION OF THE AAU PHYSIQUE COMMITTEE
By the late 1970s, interest in AAU physique contests had drastically diminished as the top bodybuilders aligned with the IFBB, in hopes of becoming professional competitors, with a payday in sight. By the early 1980s, the AAU National Physique Committee was spun-off as a seperate organization and became the amateur wing of the IFBB.
With the takeover by the NPC, the AAU "Mr. America" contest lost even more of it's magic, and began to fizzle as the caliber of physiques subsided. In 1999, the Amateur Athletic Union voted to no longer recognize bodybuilding as an AAU sanctioned event.
AAU Mr. America winners from to 1999.
1979: Ray Mentzer
1980: Gary Leonard
1981: Tim Belknap
1982: Rufus Howard
1983: Jeff King
1984: Joe Meeko
1985: Michael Antorino
1985: Glenn Knerr
1986: Richard Barretta
1988: William Norberg
1989: Mat DuFresne
1990: Peter Miller
1991: Joe DeAngelis
1992: Mike Scarcella
1993: Billy Nothaft
1994: Andres Sivert
1995: Terrence Hairston
1996: Doug Rieser
1997: Bill Davey
1998: Harvey Campbell
1999: Tracey Dorsey
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THE 1948 NABBA MR. UNIVERSE CONTEST
London's Scala Theatre was the venue for what became a fantastic physique affair, with three top international champions battling to provide a thrilling finale.
Henry J. Atkin recapped the 1948 NABBA Mr. Universe for Vigour magazine.
"Came the moment we were waiting for, the final judging of the 1948 Mr. Universe contest. The top three were Andre Drapp (France), John Grimek (USA), and Steve Reeves (USA). They took the stage in that order, and were allowed reasonable time to exhibit their general abilities. Andre Drapp posed very well and demonstrated that he was capable of some unique hand-balancing and was exteremly supple.
When John Grimek appeared we all expected something sensational and we certainly got it! I do not suppose there is another person in the world capable of putting over a posing and muscle control display to approach John Grimek. He began by presenting his physique in poses from all angles, and then embarked on his demonstration of muscle control. Others may carry out similar controls, but no one possesses such colossal muscular size. When John finished his routine with a famous muscle dance, the crowd was on their feet screaming for more. Closing his routine, as he faced the audience, he dropped easily and lightly into a full split, as any ballet dancer, and then placed his hands on the floor, to press into a handstand, from which he decended into an arch position. Grimek then bowed to the audience and walked off-stage with cheers so overwhelming and consistant, he returned for an encore.
Steve Reeves had the unenviable task of following Grimek on stage. His demonstration of posing, although good, in no way compared with Grimek. The final three were re-called on stage to announce John Grimek the victor, as the audience shouted for John to make a speech. He thanked the crowd for his reception and commented it had been his ambition to appear in London, as the previous strongmen, Arthur Saxon and Eugen Sandow, had done before him.
Runner-up Steve Reeves, sportingly took the microphone and announced John Grimek as the "Greatest Bodybuilder Who Ever Lived."
(Excerpted from Bill Pearl's Legends of the Iron Game , Volume 3)
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“Muscles over bad nerves soon become weaker under the power of mis-directed nerve force"
Every trainer, sooner or later, will run into a sticking point, a point where both muscle and strength gains seem to slow down and stop altogether! We call this a "sticking point" or a "rut" or "going stale," etc. So what do you do when you hit a sticking point? Well, there are many things you could do when you hit such a point, but the first thing you can do is to try to avoid (at least as much as possible) sticking points altogether! Now, how can you do that? Vince developed quite a knowledge of natural training by experimenting on himself and never advocated anything that he did not try out on himself first! He said 'train for 21 days, and rest for seven.
"I have found three weeks of concentrated training to be about enough, and the point at which most body builders become bored and stale. And at this point, after three weeks of hard training, I find that one week of rest to be much better than would a change of program, because the softening up of muscle tissue allows for renewed energy by the storing up of vitality and re-stimulation to muscles for the resumption of training."Vince goes on to explain that the one week rest was more for the nerves than for the muscles:
"Rest is nature's method of restoring the nerves and whole body. Surely this is logical. If anyone robs himself of needed rest and allows his enthusiasm to govern him, he then continues on nerve force which will soon prove detrimental for muscle-growth. And if one cares to go into precise physiological technicalities he will readily find that the nerves need rest more than do the muscles. Muscles over bad nerves soon become weaker under the power of mis-directed nerve force."
-Vince
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Muscle Builder, Vol 6 No 3, Page 23, October 1956
The Hoffman Exposé
by Barton Horvath
The putrid stench stirred up by Bob Hoffman's questionable actions at the American Mr. Universe contest held at Virginia Beach on June 9 and 10 has created a bodybuilding rebellion. Buck Cowling, director of the event has refused to accept the decision of the judges and he brands Hoffman a 'liar' and a 'fraud'. When the facts were presented to Dan Parker, America's favorite sport's columnist, Dan was moved to blast Hoffman in his Daily Mirror column. Hoffman was put on the spot by reporters after the contest and when asked to explain his irregular actions, sneered . . . "I'm interested in getting rid of these physique contests anyway. They are sissified things. . ." For the full facts of Hoffman's flagrant violations of AAU rules and for the details concerning his conuct unbecoming an AAU official, read this explosive expose now!
FOR FAR TOO LONG A PERIOD OF TIME one Robert C. Hoffman of York, Pa., has bellowed his way into the limelight of AAU bodybuilding contests, usurping powers never officially delegated to him in series of ludicrous attempts to establish himself as the czar of the muscle world.
His latest faux pas, committed at the 2 day American Mr. Universe Contest last June 9 and 10 at Virginia Beach, raised a tidal wave of indignation that may sweep him completely out of AAU and Olympic Committee affiliation.
When the first night's balloting showed a decisive first place victory for Ray Schaefer, Mr. America 1956, Hoffman's pride and dignity were hurt. He alone, from a panel of seven duly accredited judges had voted first place to his protegé Steve Klisanin, who ranked no better than fourth in the general consensus.
Hoffman, who has become quite a controversial figure among bodybuilding enthusiasts because of his annoying tendency to take irregular steps to assure contest victories for his favorites, after realizing that Klisanin would not win in a fair contest, flaunted self-assumed authority and contrived to have the first night's balloting declared merely a trial run.
Then, by deftly maneuvering the replacement of two duly delegated AAU Officials with judges of his own liking, and convincing another that his original scoring had been in error, Hoffman rigged the event and manipulated a new score on the second night, with an astounding reversal that gave fourth place Klisanin the winner's trophy and Schaefer the No. 2 spot.
A crowd of 1500, braving a drizzling rain, was stunned by the announcement of Klisanin's victory. With Schaefer, Harry Johnson, Bob Hinds and Gene Bohaty all vastly superior in muscle architecture to Klisanin, unbiased observers immediately recognized the rhubarb of which Hoffman was guilty.
If the crowd was shocked, more so was Buck Cowling, the director of the Mr. Universe Contest, who was issued the sanction by the local Virginia Registration Committee.
Hoffman's total disregard of fair play so incensed Buck Cowling, that he not only REFUSED to accept the verdict of the judges, but he has informed this office that he has instituted legal action against Hoffman as an "incompetent official", "a liar", and "a fraud".
Photosttic copies of the balloting as well as tape recordings of pertinent conversations in Cowling's posession should serve as complete evidence that Cowling's charges are just.
Further proof of Hoffman's partiality in this even is that immediately after the Virginia Beach fiasco, Schaefer made the trip to England for their Mr. Universe event and won the title handily, over a dozen international stars!
If Cowling's charges can be proved to the satisfaction of the AAU Officials, then disciplinary action will have to be taken, to the point of ousting Hoffman from the Association.
The specific charges are:
He lied.
He changed judges in a middle of a contest to permit his favorite to win.
He used an AAU sanctioned contest to promote personal business.
He insisted he was empowered with officiating rights he did not possess.
He ignored specific AAU rules and thereby jeopardized the amateur standing of every contestant, including Chuck Vinci, and Paul Anderson who gave lifting exhibitions.
he swayed the opinion of at least one judge.
He is guilty of incompetence.
He is guilty of actions unbecoming an AAU official.
An imposing list of charges which if proved, should sound the swan song to an already fading Hoffman career. Do they stand up? The reader and the AAU investigation committee should have no difficulty in deciding for themselves.
Newspaper Clippings
Pot Still Bubbling:
'Mr. Universe' Type Contests 'Sissified', Hoffman Asserts
Robert Hoffman, storm center of a rhubarb that has taken some of the sheen off of Virginia Beach's "Mr. Universe" contest, yesterday told The Viriginian-Pilot that physique contests are "sissified".
He also flatly contradicted Promotor Buck Cowling's assertion that he had exceeded his authority in chanigng judges while the contest was in progress.
"I could do as I liked and I actually only made one change," said Hoffman in a telephone converstation from his headquarters in York, Pa. "I made the change on Horvath (Bart Horvath, of Jersey City, N.J.) because I don't consider him a quailfied AAU official."
He conceded that Ray Schaefer, Mr. America for 1956 and runner up to winner Steve Klisanin at Virginia Beach, was in first position at the end of the semi-final balloting Saturday while Klisanin was in fourth place. "But Klisanin only had to pick up two and one-half points to finish first," he said. "The light was bad the first night and some of the judges couldn't see blemishes that showed up on the second night."
Conclusions Criticized
Hoffman also said he thought the voting conclusions the first night "were not at all good," and that this influenced his decision to make changes the second night.
Horvath, he said, was replaced by Paul Anderson, of Toccoa, Ga., a world record holding weight lifter. "I only put Horvath in there the first night to try to educate him around the right line," he said.
Horvath is publisher of a rival magazine to Hoffman's "Strength and Health".
AAU Asked To Probe 'Universe'
Promoter Charges Change of Judges In Beach Contest
VIRGINIA BEACH--The Junior Chamber of Commerce here has asked the National Amateur Athletic Union to conduct an investigation of the judging at a "Mr. Universe" contest held here last weekend.
The action was announced today following a four-hour meeting of the organization Tuesday night, at which the refusal of Buck Cowling, promoter and faction-hoder of the contest, to accept the decision of the judges, was discussed.
In a letter to Carl Hansen, president of the National AAU, William Robertson, president of the resort Jaycee organization, said: "(We) request and strongly urge that a high and impartial AAU official conduct a thorough and complete investigation of all questions raised concerning the judging of this contest..."
The Jaycees are also asking that the AAU make public its findings.
Cowling, the day after the two-day contest was completed, announced that he would not accept the decision of the judges and charged Bob Hoffman, head judge and Olympic Weight Lifting Team coach, had changed judges in the middle of the contest.
The Junior Champber of Commerce, which sponsored the contest, as part of this city's Golden Jubilee Celebration, said through a spokesman today and in its letter to Hansen that it is not interested in the personalities involved and therefore will not attempt to resolve the issues recently raised.
Cowling said upon announcing his decision that he had evidence to back up charges that first night ballots were changed during the second night of the contest.
Cowling however was not at the Jaycee meeting held here last night. A club spokesman said today that he wanted to make it clear that Cowling was not a member of the sponsoring organization and that the organization is taking no sides in the controversy.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
- On Sat. June 9, Doug Biller has Schaefer and Hinds tied for 1st place. Klisanin was a full point behind. Vinci had only 10 points. (see score sheet at far left.) After Hoffman's insistence that judges be changed inthe middle of a contest because he was dissatisfied, Biller DROPPED Schaefer ½ point, INCREASED Klisanin 1½ points and upped Vinci 2 points. (see score sheet at close left). DOUG BILLER - WHY DID YOU ALTER YOUR SCORE?
- Does Bob Hoffman really rank Chuck Vinci above Ray Schaefer? Does Ottley Coulter really agree with him? Score sheet at close right shows ludicrous Hoffman score. He gave VINCI 13½ points, Schaefer only 13. He voted Vinci above Schaefer, Johnson, hinds and Bohaty. He voted KLISANIN above Schaefer. BOB HOFFMAN, WHY DID YOU VOTE AS YOU DID? At far right, note unusual similarity of score sheet of Ottley Coulter, a substitute HOFFMAN JUDGE, to Hoffman's score. Coulter sat next to Hoffman in contest. COULTER - WHY DID YOU VOTE AS YOU DID?
- Both Hoffman and Coulter voted Chuck Vinci at close right ABOVE SCHAEFER, at far right. No wonder the director of the Mr. Universe contest has refused to accept the decision of the judges when gross incompetence of this sort was demonstrated. Read the explosive facts here that could spell an end to Hoffman's AAU affiliation.
- Line-up of contestants. Compare Vinci and Klisanin with Schaefer. Hoffman engineered to have judges changed in the middle of a contest when Schaefer was decisively ahead to establish Klisanin as winner.
- Here is section of beautifully-decorated stadium where Virginia Beach Mr. Universe Contest was held. Despite patriotic decor, 'fair play' did not prevail.
- He WON! Hoffman's judges thought these muscles earned Klisanin top award.
- HE WAS A LOSER. Hofman placed both Vinci and Klisanin above sensational Bob Hinds!
- HE ONLY WON SHORT MAN CLASS. Hoffman voted both Vinci and Klisanin above Johnson!
- Barton Horvath interviews Ray Schaefer before contest. Ray was 'discusted' with officiating.
- This is Horvath's Official's car Terpak refused to honor!
- COMPARE Ray Schaefer, left with Chuck Vinci, below. WHO possesses better physique? Hoffman voted Vinci ABOVE Schaefer. Read all about it here.
- Peary Rader and Harry Johnson enjoy some refreshments at the Sand and Surf Motel.
If you find these articles interesting and useful, please
MuscleMemory
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https://zacheven-esh.com/ep-323/?fbclid=IwAR3Tb6owyihoJbAIv7j5anLmE60HDvsFWRg2xkObqLtgd_AJEOmAb9SNygc
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&t=20s &t=232s
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https://plagueofstrength.com/peds-and-lifting-go-together-like-cocaine-and-waffles-and-weve-been-combining-them-at-least-as-long-as-weve-combined-wheels-and-axles-part-1/
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ate every hour and a half eating 12 meals
slept 4 times a day 3 hours at a time
Sounds like hes studied at the Hankins school of mathematics
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&t=1s Jeff King
1979
Mr New Jersey - AAU, Teen Tall, 1st
1980
Teen Mr America - AAU, HeavyWeight, 1st
Teen Mr USA - AAU, HeavyWeight, 1st
1981
Mr New York City - AAU, Teen Overall Winner
Mr New York City - AAU, Teen Tall, 1st
1982
Collegiate Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Collegiate Mr America - AAU, Medium-Tall, 1st
1983
Mr America - AAU, Medium-Tall, 1st
Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Eastern USA Championships - NPC, Tall, 1st
Eastern USA Championships - NPC, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1984
World Championships - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1985
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 2nd
1987
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 2nd
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 2nd
1988
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 6th
Magazines
1981 October Vol 3, Num 13 Muscle Up
1983 November Health and Strength
1983 December Vol 20, Num 6 Muscular Development
1984 February Vol 8, Num 1 Muscle Digest
1984 March Vol 43, Num 3 IronMan
1984 March Vol 6, Num 21 Muscle and Bodybuilder
1984 December Num 47 Muscle Mag International
1985 March Vol 53, Num 2 Strength and Health
1985 April Vol 22, Num 2 Muscular Development
1989 April Health and Strength
© MuscleMemory
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&t=1s Jeff King
1979
Mr New Jersey - AAU, Teen Tall, 1st
1980
Teen Mr America - AAU, HeavyWeight, 1st
Teen Mr USA - AAU, HeavyWeight, 1st
1981
Mr New York City - AAU, Teen Overall Winner
Mr New York City - AAU, Teen Tall, 1st
1982
Collegiate Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Collegiate Mr America - AAU, Medium-Tall, 1st
1983
Mr America - AAU, Medium-Tall, 1st
Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Eastern USA Championships - NPC, Tall, 1st
Eastern USA Championships - NPC, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1984
World Championships - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1985
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 2nd
1987
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 2nd
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 2nd
1988
Universe - Pro - NABBA, 6th
Magazines
1981 October Vol 3, Num 13 Muscle Up
1983 November Health and Strength
1983 December Vol 20, Num 6 Muscular Development
1984 February Vol 8, Num 1 Muscle Digest
1984 March Vol 43, Num 3 IronMan
1984 March Vol 6, Num 21 Muscle and Bodybuilder
1984 December Num 47 Muscle Mag International
1985 March Vol 53, Num 2 Strength and Health
1985 April Vol 22, Num 2 Muscular Development
1989 April Health and Strength
© MuscleMemory
COUD HAVE GONE FURTHER ,,,,SMART TO STOP...
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wow
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&t=63s saved for later. ;D
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Dave remains perhaps my biggest influence physique-wise. When I was young, I wanted so badly to look like Dave Draper. When I met him, he was very kind to me and in later years we occasionally corresponded via email. His wife Laree is a wonderful person too. When Dave passed away it was like a part of my youth had momentarily gone missing but not for very long.
Thank you, funk.
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https://www.ironhistory.com/forum/index.php?/topic/27552-unknown-war-forbodybuilding-in-the-eastern-europe/
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Dave remains perhaps my biggest influence physique-wise. When I was young, I wanted so badly to look like Dave Draper. When I met him, he was very kind to me and in later years we occasionally corresponded via email. His wife Laree is a wonderful person too. When Dave passed away it was like a part of my youth had momentarily gone missing but not for very long.
Thank you, funk.
Dave was the guy from that period ,
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https://physicalculturestudy.com/2016/03/22/the-swingbell/
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Cutler was immense ,like a tank,waist aside got in great condition had good muscle shape overall as well,traps and delt/chest were swole ..
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https://www.sqbpdl.com/?m=1
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DAN LURIE ... SEALTEST DAN, THE MUSCLE MAN
Dan Lurie was one of of six siblings. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1922. His father operated a moving business and weight-trained with professional strength athletes, Siegmund Breitbart and Warren Lincoln Travis. Still, the family was so poor, neighbors assisted with burial expenses when his younger sister, Pearl, was burned to death, due to her cousin prankishly placing a lighted match in her coat pocket.
Through the 1940's and 1950's, Dan carved a niche in weightlifting, as pound for pound, one of the world's strongest and most muscular men.
Lurie's first taste of stardom, however, was the result of lifting objects no heavier than a plastic disk, as he won the "New York State Checker Championships." He attended Tilden High School in Brooklyn, where he trained as a boxer, planning to enter the 1939 New York Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament, only to be disqualified because of a serious heart murmur.
At age 17, Dan joined the Adonis Athletic Club of Brooklyn. Two years later, he finished last place at the annual Mr. New York City physique contest. He recalled, "This made me work out with even more determination."
In 1942, 1943, and 1944, at a bodyweight of 168 pounds, Lurie was runner-up at the AAU Mr. America contest and captured the Most Muscular award all three years.
Not allowed to compete in the 1945 AAU Mr. America event because he appeared in advertisements for Joe Weider's "Your Physique" magazine, Lurie commented, "Bob Hoffman, owner of York Barbell Company and Strength & Health magazine, controlled the AAU. He hand-picked the winners. John Grimek won the 1940 and 1941 Mr. America contest and he appeared in York Barbell ads. Yet, he was recognized as an amateur. Why him and not me?"
Lurie partnered with Joe Weider in 1942, to estabish the Dan Lurie Barbell Company. The following year, he established the first of his nine health clubs in the New York area. One facility, an old 50,000 square-foot YMCA building, was equippped with a swimming pool, steam room, and sauna.
Dan insisted that he, rather than the Weider's originated the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) in opposition to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He said, "The Weider's stole the name from me after the AAU denied me a sanction for the 1946 Mr. East Coast contest.
Throughout the middle 1950's, Lurie appeared on CBS TV's "The Big Top Circus Show" as "Sealtest Dan, the Muscle Man." His strength feats included 1,655 pushups in 90 minutes; 1,225 parallel dips in 90 minutes and he often performed barbell bent-presses with 200 pounds, at a bodyweight of 165 pounds. Not surprising, his slogan for life remained, "Health is your greatest wealth."
In 1965, Lurie formed the World Bodybuilding Guild (WBBG) to promote local and international physique competitions. For 20 years, his meets drew major physique contestants: Harold Poole, Rick Wayne, Chris Dickerson, Ralph Kroger, Scott Wilson, Don Ross, Boyer Coe, Serge Nubret, Tony Pearson, Lou Ferrigno, Sergio Oliva and others.
That same year, Lurie published the first issue of Muscle Training Illustrated with Reg Park on the cover. In 1971, he was one of the first to feature a cover story on anabolic steroid abuse. Over the following years, he published a series of informative articles written by Dr. Bob Goldman on the dangers and misuse of sport-enhancing drugs.
In 1984, Dan Lurie and President Ronald Reagan, squared off for a supposedly legitimate arm-wrestling match held in the oval office. Lurie explained, " I sent a letter to the White House requesting permission to present President Reagan with a plaque honoring him as the Most Fit President of all Time. The next thing I knew, I was ushered into the oval office."
"Making the presentation, I jokingly challenged President Reagan to an arm-wrestling contest. His reply was, 'Sure.' We positioned ourselves at his desk and...plunk, he flattens me in about 30 seconds. I screamed for a rematch, only to be put down a second time in about 40 seconds."
A photograph of the historic event appeared on the front page of the New York Times with the caption reading: "Dan Lurie going one-on-one with President Reagan."
In 2010, Lurie was still taking "power walks" for an hour each morning, before his conventional weight-training workout. He remarked, "Now I use light weights and I rest longer between sets. I figure I no longer have a great deal to prove. With little or no regrets, my biggest pride and love in life are my five children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
"Sealtest Dan, the Muscle Man," died in 2013, at age 90.
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DAN LURIE ... SEALTEST DAN, THE MUSCLE MAN
Dan Lurie was one of of six siblings. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1922. His father operated a moving business and weight-trained with professional strength athletes, Siegmund Breitbart and Warren Lincoln Travis. Still, the family was so poor, neighbors assisted with burial expenses when his younger sister, Pearl, was burned to death, due to her cousin prankishly placing a lighted match in her coat pocket.
Through the 1940's and 1950's, Dan carved a niche in weightlifting, as pound for pound, one of the world's strongest and most muscular men.
Lurie's first taste of stardom, however, was the result of lifting objects no heavier than a plastic disk, as he won the "New York State Checker Championships." He attended Tilden High School in Brooklyn, where he trained as a boxer, planning to enter the 1939 New York Golden Gloves Boxing Tournament, only to be disqualified because of a serious heart murmur.
At age 17, Dan joined the Adonis Athletic Club of Brooklyn. Two years later, he finished last place at the annual Mr. New York City physique contest. He recalled, "This made me work out with even more determination."
In 1942, 1943, and 1944, at a bodyweight of 168 pounds, Lurie was runner-up at the AAU Mr. America contest and captured the Most Muscular award all three years.
Not allowed to compete in the 1945 AAU Mr. America event because he appeared in advertisements for Joe Weider's "Your Physique" magazine, Lurie commented, "Bob Hoffman, owner of York Barbell Company and Strength & Health magazine, controlled the AAU. He hand-picked the winners. John Grimek won the 1940 and 1941 Mr. America contest and he appeared in York Barbell ads. Yet, he was recognized as an amateur. Why him and not me?"
Lurie partnered with Joe Weider in 1942, to estabish the Dan Lurie Barbell Company. The following year, he established the first of his nine health clubs in the New York area. One facility, an old 50,000 square-foot YMCA building, was equippped with a swimming pool, steam room, and sauna.
Dan insisted that he, rather than the Weider's originated the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) in opposition to the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). He said, "The Weider's stole the name from me after the AAU denied me a sanction for the 1946 Mr. East Coast contest.
Throughout the middle 1950's, Lurie appeared on CBS TV's "The Big Top Circus Show" as "Sealtest Dan, the Muscle Man." His strength feats included 1,655 pushups in 90 minutes; 1,225 parallel dips in 90 minutes and he often performed barbell bent-presses with 200 pounds, at a bodyweight of 165 pounds. Not surprising, his slogan for life remained, "Health is your greatest wealth."
In 1965, Lurie formed the World Bodybuilding Guild (WBBG) to promote local and international physique competitions. For 20 years, his meets drew major physique contestants: Harold Poole, Rick Wayne, Chris Dickerson, Ralph Kroger, Scott Wilson, Don Ross, Boyer Coe, Serge Nubret, Tony Pearson, Lou Ferrigno, Sergio Oliva and others.
That same year, Lurie published the first issue of Muscle Training Illustrated with Reg Park on the cover. In 1971, he was one of the first to feature a cover story on anabolic steroid abuse. Over the following years, he published a series of informative articles written by Dr. Bob Goldman on the dangers and misuse of sport-enhancing drugs.
In 1984, Dan Lurie and President Ronald Reagan, squared off for a supposedly legitimate arm-wrestling match held in the oval office. Lurie explained, " I sent a letter to the White House requesting permission to present President Reagan with a plaque honoring him as the Most Fit President of all Time. The next thing I knew, I was ushered into the oval office."
"Making the presentation, I jokingly challenged President Reagan to an arm-wrestling contest. His reply was, 'Sure.' We positioned ourselves at his desk and...plunk, he flattens me in about 30 seconds. I screamed for a rematch, only to be put down a second time in about 40 seconds."
A photograph of the historic event appeared on the front page of the New York Times with the caption reading: "Dan Lurie going one-on-one with President Reagan."
In 2010, Lurie was still taking "power walks" for an hour each morning, before his conventional weight-training workout. He remarked, "Now I use light weights and I rest longer between sets. I figure I no longer have a great deal to prove. With little or no regrets, my biggest pride and love in life are my five children, 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
"Sealtest Dan, the Muscle Man," died in 2013, at age 90.
Dan Lurie
Height 5'5"
Weight 165
Born April 1,1923 Brooklyn, NY
Died November 8, 2013
Publisher of Muscle Training Illustrated
Chairman of WBBG
[ website ]
[magazine articles]
1942
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr New York City - AAU, Unknown placing
1943
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1944
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1946
Most Muscular Man in America, Professional, 2nd
Magazines
1942 March Vol 2, Num 3 Your Physique
1943 September Vol 3, Num 4 Your Physique
1944 June Vol 4, Num 2 Your Physique
1947 January Vol 6, Num 5 Your Physique
1968 October Num 16 Muscle Training Illustrated
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MARVIN EDER ... BICEPS FROM THE BRONX
Marvin Eder is recognized as one of the world's strongest natural strength athletes. Declared a professional athlete by the AAU over a $15 disputed guest appearance, Eder ceased competitive weight-training while in his prime.
Inspired by John Grimek, Eder began strength-training at age 15. As a member of the East Side Barbell Club of Brooklyn, New York, Marvin included free-hand exercises such as parallel bar dips and chins into his hardcore weight-training.
In 1950, Eder won the IFBB Mr. Eastern America title' and in 1951, placed a respectable third, at the AAU Mr. America contest.
Eder was beaten by half a point at the 1951 AAU Junior Mr. America, but won Best Arms, Best Chest, and Best Back subdivisions. Weighing 203 pounds, his waist measured 34-inches; chest, 49-inches; neck, 19-inches; biceps, 19-inches; thighs, 26-inches; and calves, 17-inches.
At the 1953 YMCA Nationals, Eder clean-and-pressed 355 pounds as a middle-heavyweight. This lift surpassed the official American record. His parallel bar dip of 434 pounds, at a bodyweight of 198 pounds, has never been equalled. He also became the third to officially bench press 500 pounds, and the first, weighing less than 200 pounds.
Marvin commented to veteran bodybuilder/journalist David Robson concerning the present trends in bodybuilding:
"Health was never divorced from my training. I never, under any circumstances, considered the use of artificial drugs to stimulate my muscle growth. What's going on now is a nightmare, an obscenity. In a way, I hope the whole thing will disappear. But, it's getting worse with time. I will not lend my presence to any show, even if they were to honor me. That's in the past. I don't care what present bodybuilders' goals are. If you want to get muscular and stronger, work out hard and look after yourself like I did. Still, you can't beat genetics. Can everyone be an Einstein? No they can't!
Marvin Eder died February 1, 2022at 90 years old.
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anyone have york victory barbells ???
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HAROLD ZINKIN ...FOUNDER OF UNIVERSAL GYM EQUIPMENT
Harold Zinkin, born May 11,1922, to immigrant Russian parents, grew up in East Los Angeles, where his family settled when he was five years old.
As a youngster, football, track, and gymnastics were Harold's primary interest. Harry Spencer, director of Physical Education for Belvedere Junior High School, had him executing back somersaults, with a full-twist and fast flip-flops, in a matter of months.
As a freshman at Roosevelt High School, Zinkin lettered in track, football and gymnastics; and his junior year, with no formal Olympic-style training, he pressed 170 pounds, snatched 170 pounds, and clean-and-jerked 245 pounds.
Because of an illness in the family, Harold worked eight to ten hour days throughout his final two years of high school. His extra-curricular activity was a twenty-mile weekend bicycle ride to Muscle Beach. There he absorbed and attempted to duplicate the feats other gymnasts, strongmen, and acrobats had mastered. In 1939, Harold won the light-heavyweight "California State Weightlifting Championship," followed by the 1940 "Tri-State and Western Division Championships."
In 1941, at age 19, Zinkin won the first AAU "Mr. California" contest. Vic Tanny, the organizer of the competition, held the contest in his Santa Monica Gym and entered him in the event without Harold's permission. In Zinkin's book, Remembering Muscle Beach, published in 1999, he recalled:
"I didn't enjoy bodybuilding for posing purposes and I told Mr. Tanny so. I reminded him I didn't stand a chance of winning the contest over the giants competing against me. Regardless, I was a kid and Tanny was an adult gym operator, therefore, I did what I was told. I'd never watched a bodybuilding contest and took my posing ideas from muscle magazines. And I won against future AAU "Mr. America contenders."
During World War II, Zinkin was assigned to the Naval Physical Instructor's School in Bainbridge, Maryland. He was transferred as a Company Commander to the San Diego Naval Training Station. Later reassigned to the Navy Physical Rehabilitation School at Sampson, New York, and finished his naval obligation at the Long Beach Naval Hospital.
In 1945, Zinkin won his division in the "National Weightlifting Championships" and the same day, placed second to Clarence Ross at the AAU "Mr. America" contest.
In 1949, after winning the professional clean-and-jerk championships, Harold retired from competitive weightlifting and bodybuilding. He had the distinction of never experiencing defeat in an official weightlifting contest.
In 1948, Zinkin partnered with Bruce Connor to establish Bruce Connor's Physical Services in West Los Angeles. The combination healthclub/ rehabilitation center was staffed by registered physical therapists, along with AAU "Mr. America winners John Forbotnik and George Eifferman. To raise venture capital for their new business, Zinkin and Connor toured as an acrobatic duo, duplicating feats they had perfected at Muscle Beach.
Relocating to Fresno, California, in 1953, Zinkin expanded his health club operation to 30 American Health & Silhouette Figure Form Studios throughout Central and Northern California.
After designing and fabricating the multi-station Universal Gym exercise machine in 1957, Harold founded the Universal Gym Equipment Company. This revolutionary exercise unit featured seperate weight stacks that moved up and down on solid runner guides, with weight changes made quick and easy through a weight-key system. In 1968, the company sold to the Whittaker Corporation in a multi-million-dollar transaction, and Zinkin remained as CEO.
Over the next 25-years, Harold established shopping centers and other real estate ventures. However, he remarked, "If I'm proud of anything, it's the Universal machine. There probably isn't a professional athlete who hasn't trained on a Universal at least once."
Harold's numerous honorary achievements included the Big Heart Award from the American Heart Association and his induction into the World Acrobatic Association Hall of Fame in 2000.
Harild Zinkin died September 22, 2004, at age 82, from a fall in his home.
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DR. WALTER MARCYAN ....PROUD TO THE END
Dr. Walter Marcyan, (Walt Marcy) born in 1913, was raised on the tough side of Chicago, Illinois. When recalling his youth, he stated: "My dad was a braggart, a thief, a womanizer, and an all-around scroundrel. When I reached the age of ten, he abandoned our family of five and my uncle became my mentor. He took me to a Polish Turner Hall (Turnervein) to practice hand-balancing, tumbling, gymnastics and apparatus work, while encouraging me to live a clean life and not smoke or drink. "
At the age of 12, Walt received his first home-style weight set and dedicated his life to the pursuit of physical excellence. On his 18th birthday, he received a badly wanted 205-pound Milo barbell.
Already an avid reader of Physical Culture and Strength magazines, Marcyan was facinated by the history of old-time strongmen and their records.
In 1933, Walt organized the Marcy Weightlifting Club to compete for state championships. In 1934, in the 165-pound class, he won the Illinois State Championship, Central AAU Championship, and the German-Polish Turnverein Championship. He held the California and Pacific Coast titles from 1936 to 1938.
In 1935, before moving to Southern California, Walt teamed with his training partners, Irv Fulton and Ed Fruche, to form the hand-balancing trio known as the Three Sizes. He noted: "Not that we made big money! It was a living! Vaudeville was on the way out. You might work one weekend and do nothing for two or three. Playing the Fox Theater in Detroit and training at Ed Jacobson's Gym, I was the lightest in the United States to clean and jerk 300 pounds."
A major event in Marcyan's early stage career occurred when he and his two partners were invited to perform at the Scala Theatre in Berlin. After arriving in Germany, Adolph Hitler invaded Poland and the trio was barely able to flee the country and return to the United States before war erupted throughout Europe.
Marcyan scored high at the 1941 AAU Mr. California physique contest and placed sixth at the 1949 Professional Mr. USA, against Clarance Ross, Steve Reeves, Alan Stephan, Eric Pedersen and Floyd Page.
In 1946, Walt opened the House of Health fitness center on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, with seperate facilities for men and women. This was the first of seven gyms Walt established throughout the Los Angeles area.
Marcyan published Physical Power magazine from 1960 to 1965, co-edited by Gene Mozee, the California bodybuilder with a near-photographic memory. The bi-monthly journal, aimed at promoting bodybuilding in high schools and colleges, was mailed free to approximately 25,000 athletic directors and coaches throughout the United States.
In 1965, although Marcyan's formal education ended at the eighth grade, he graduated from Los Angeles College of Chiropractic Medicine and passed the California State Board and National Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
In addition to Marcy's House of Health seven health facilities, he opened a retail store under the name of Marcy Fitness Products to help in the distribution of his new line of exercise machines. The Circuit-Trainer a multi-station unit that he designed in the mid-1960's, enabled up to 16 trainees to exercise simultaneously. Over a period of 20 years, total figures from his equipment sales grew from $35,000 to $36 million per year.
In 2007, when asked by 86-year-old Leo Stern, how life was treating him, 94-year-old Walter Marcyan replied: "I had a back fusion in 1968; both hips and a knee replacement since. I was diagnosed wih cancer of the prostate in 1979, however, this is in remission. Other than that, eveything seems to be going pretty well. Oh yeah, I'm drinking Tart Cherry Juice for arthritic aches and pain, It works pretty well. You should try it."
Dr. Walter Marcyan died in 2007, at age 94. His wife died one day earlier. Their deaths occurred of natural causes.
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tool ::) ;D :D
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NEXT to kawak right of him end vic terra awesome build...tried npc would have been like a thicker labrada type in that late 80 to early 90's era..
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https://www.bigginsiron.com/
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https://labrada.com/
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Eldridge Wayne Coleman, better known by his ring name, "Superstar" Billy Graham, is an American retired professional wrestler. An iconic figure in the grappling world, he gained recognition for his tenure as the WWWF Heavyweight Champion in 1977 and 1978. Some of his wrestling progeges include Holk Hogan, Jesse Ventura, and Ric Flair.
Coleman was born in 1943 into a working-class family in Phoenix, Arizona. As a teenager he was an avid reader of bodybuilding magazines, his idols being Steve Reeves and John Grimek.
Coleman was a shotput champion in high school and participated in Golden Gloves boxing tournaments. At age 26, he tried out for the Canadian Football League's Calgary Stampedes but was traded to the Montreal Alouettes. In between football engagements, he worked as a bouncer in various nightclubs.
In 1961, Coleman won the West Coast division of the AAU Teeenage Mr. America contest. He began intense training in 1968 at Gold's Gym in Santa Monica, where he worked out with Dave Draper, Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He was able to bench presss 605 pounds, which amounted to 11-pounds shy of Pat Casey's world bench press record.
In 1969, Coleman (now known as Billy Graham) debuted as a professional wrestler and continued hardcore weight training. At the 1975 WBBG Pro Mr. America contest, held in NewYork City, his 22-inch upper arms captured the Best Developed Arms division.
In 1980, weighing 325 pounds, Graham took part in the World's Strongest Man competition, held in Great Gorge, New Jersey. He finished seventh in spite of injuring himself in one of the events. That same year he hosted the U.S. International Powerlifting Championship in Phoenix, Arizona.
Graham has suffered severe health conditions since retiring from the ring in 1989. In 2002, he received a liver transpant and was hospitalized in 2006, due to a bowel obstruction.
His serious ailments have continued as years rolled by. In 2016, he underwent medical procedure due to internal bleeding.
Today, (on the good side) Eldridge Wayne Coleman, ("Superstar" Billy Graham) at age 76, lives in Paradise Valley, Arizona, with his loving wife Valerie, whom he married in 1978.
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VIC TANNY ....PIONEER OF MODERN-DAY HEALTH CLUBS
Vic Tanny was born in Rochester, New York in 1912. In 1935, while a full-time school teacher, he opened his first fitness club, located in his parent's Rochester garage. The small gym was adorned with carpeting, bright lights, and background music.
In 1939, Tanny closed the gym and moved to the West Coast to attend the University of Southern California to earn an advanced teaching degree.
Vic's younger brother, Armand, also moved west in 1939. That year, the two emptied their joint bank account of $500, borrowed another $200, and opened their first West Coast Tanny Gym, near Santa Monica Beach.
Two additional gyms, one located in Long Beach, the other in Los Angeles opened in 1941. World War II quickly deminished gym users, and both studios closed.
During the postwar resurgence in gym goers, Tanny's original gym relocated to a former USO facility of 7,000 square feet located in Santa Monica. The gym soon became the hub of every famous Muscle Beach regular, including Steve Reeves, George Eiferman, and future gym owner Joe Gold.
Vic agressively expanded his clubs, catering to bodybuilders, housewives and celebrities. Some of the new faclities had bowling alleys, swimming pools, saunas, movie screens and ballet classes. Others appeared as Swiss chalets, or had palm trees growing behind glass walls.
Vic Tanny centers made up of nearly 100 locations in the United States and Canada, flourished from the 1950s through the early 1960s. He also pioneered the annual membership, and offered a budget plan to attract working-class families. Yet, he demanded of salespersons, tactics so agressive that the New York State Attorney General responded by imposing a fair-practice code on all gyms.
In the 1960s, apparently by over-expansion, poor management, and insufficient capital, the Tanny chain declared bankruptcy. Some facilities sold or closed. Others retained his name, while others joined the Bally Total Fitness network.
During semi-retirement in Florida, Vic made a few unsuccessful attempts to restore his brand. In 1985, at age 73, following a debilating stroke, he died of heart failure.
Although the earlier, traditional gyms might have eventually evolved similarly without him, Vic Tanny was a visonary...the most arguably competitor being Jack LaLanne...who also assisted in ushering in today's familiar modern fitness club.
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ARMAND TANNY... PIONEER MUSCLE BEACH BODYBUILDER
Amand Tanny was born March 5, 1919, in Rochester, N.Y. In his early teens, he was competing in weightlifting competitions. In 1941, he placed second in the heavyweight class in the Junior Nationals competition in Akron, Ohio. In that competition, he managed 230, 250 and 330 pounds in the three Olympic lifts (press, snatch, and clean and jerk). He was able to clean a 300-pound barbell one-handed.
Tanny attended the University of Rochester before moving to Los Angeles in the late 1930s, where he enrolled at UCLA. But World War II intervened, and Tanny joined the Coast Guard and served until he suffered a knee injury. He left the service and went back to school in Westwood, earning a degree in physical therapy. He also had uncredited parts in some Hollywood films, including “Lady in the Dark” (1944) and “Frenchman’s Creek” (1944). Meanwhile, he kept perfecting his body for the emerging sport of bodybuilding.
Armand was a pioneering figure in bodybuilding who won national titles in 1949 and 1950 and was a popular figure on Muscle Beach in Santa Monica during its heyday in the 1940S.
When Armand wasn’t at the beach with early bodybuilding pals, including Steve Reeves, Tanny was at the gym in Santa Monica started by his brother, Vic, who years later pioneered the creation of modern health clubs, which were a big part of the Southern California fitness scene in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Vic Tanny’s fitness empire eventually included gyms across the country.
Originally a weightlifter, Tanny won the Mr. 1949 title, the 1949 Pro Mr. America title and the 1950 Pro Mr. USA titles in bodybuilding. In the days before steroids, he credited his wins to diet and hard work. He was a firm believer in the benefits of raw foods, including tuna, beef, liver and lobster as well as nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables.
During the 1950s, Armand was one of the original nine bodybuilders from Muscle Beach who were part of Mae West’s traveling nightclub act. According to the book “Remembering Muscle Beach” by Harold Zinkin with Bonnie Hearn-Hill (Angel City Press, 1999), the nine were known as Mae’s Muscle Beach Men. They included such prominent bodybuilders as Joe Gold, George Eiferman, Richard DuBois, whom Zinkin and Hearn-Hill called “the star” of the group, Harry Schwartz, Dom Juliano, Lester “Shifty” Schaefer, Irvin “Zabo” Koszewski, Chuck Krauser and Tanny.
According to Hearn-Hill, Armand organized a strike with Gold when West cut their $250-a-week salaries in half to boost the take at a New York club.
“Armand and Joe were ready to board the plane,” Hearn-Hill told The Times on Wednesday. “Mae quickly caved in and they got their full salaries.”
Tanny turned to professional wrestling in the 1950s. However, for much of Armands' adult life, he earned his living writing for Joe Weider's publications, including Muscle Power magazine.
In 1949, Armand married Shirley Luvin, whom he had met at Muscle Beach. His daughter, Mandy, was born in 1950.
Tanny left Santa Monica and Muscle Beach in the late 1950s and lived in Hawaii for a decade before moving to the San Fernando Valley and going to work for Weider.
Armand Tanny died in 2009, at age 90
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https://www.sorinex.com/pages/our-story
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BRUCE WILHELM ... GREAT BIG GREAT GUY
Bruce Wilhelm, born in 1945, in Watsonville, California, was a strapping healthy youngester and by age 12, wore size 13 shoes. Because of poor posture and being pigeon-toed, his parents sent him to tap dance lessons for three years as part of the cure.
Bruce began weightlifting in high school. In his senior year, standing six-feet, three inches tall and weighing 230 pounds, he was the 1963 California State Shot Put Champion and runner-up in the discus. He was also All Northern California in water polo and State Heavyweight Wrestling Champion.
Although Bruce was awarded a Stanford University track and field scholarship, he joined the wrestling team in his sophomore year and went undefeated as a heavyweight to win the Pacific-10 Conference. By mid-season he was All American and finished fourth at the National Freestyle Championships. During track season he hit 56 feet, nine inches in the shot put, and 162 feet in the discus.
Transferring to Oklahoma State University, Bruce was selected for the wrestling tryouts for the 1966 World Championship team. He also finished the year as the Big 8 Conference Champion in the shot put and second in the discus. His best Olympic lifts in training had increased to a 295-pound press, a 275-pound snatch and a clean-and-jerk of 340 pounds. In 1968, he became the first Oklahoma athlete to hurl the 16-pound shot over 60 feet.
Finishing at Oklahoma State, Wilhelm entered graduate school at San Jose State Univerity. In 1969, he was ranked in the top ten with a shot put of 64 feet, eight inches. His Olympic lifts had improved to a 315-pound press, a 310-pound snatch, and a 375-pound clean-and-jerk. At the bodyweight of 265 pounds, he captured his second power meet with a 600 pound squat, a 420 pound bench press and a 610 pound deadlift.
During his two-year commitment in the U S Army, Bruce won the 1970 World Military Championships and placed fourth in the shot put at the AAU Senior Nationals. In 1972, he was named the alternate for the United States Olympic track and field team.
In 1974,while living in Phoenix, Arizona, and teaching high school, Wilhelm began concentrating more on weightlifting at Thorbeck's Gym, where Jon Cole, one of the world's strongest men, became his training partner. As a result, Wilhelm won a silver medal at the 1975 Pan-American Games, and placed fifth at the 1976 Olympic Games. Weighing 325 pounds, Bruce snatched 380 1/4 pounds and completed a 485 pound clean-and-jerk. He went on to become the first American to snatch 400 pounds.
Wilhelm won the first World's Strongest Man competition in 1977 and repeated his victory in 1978. He then spent years helping to organize and officiate strongman events.
Bruce allso served as a member of the executive board of the United States Olympic Committee for 12 years. Other noted positions he held were the Athletic Advisory Council, the Substance and Drug Abuse Committee, the Sports Medicine Committee, and the Games Preparation Committee.
In the 1990's, Wilhelm switched from the athletic arena to working as Vice President of Malcolm Drilling Company, one of the world's largest drilling contractors.
In an 2010 interview, Wilhelm stated:
"Growing up, I thought the greatest honor I could receive was to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games. I've learned you can only do what you can with what you have. Fortunately, I'm blessed with a wonderful wife and two great children. My son is attending the University of Southern California and is on the track team, and hopefully will follow in my footsteps. Although he's finding my shoes fairly large.....still I'm really not worried. His foot measurement is one size larger than mine!"
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norm kommich
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DOUG HEPBURN ... ONE OF HISTORIES STRONGEST MEN
Douglas (Doug) Ivan Hepburn, born September 16, 1926, in Vancouver, British, Columbia, Canada became one of histories strongest men, despite more than his share of misfortune.
Doug arrived in this world by a forceps delivery which permanently scarred his temples, and was born with a clubfoot, a fused ankle, and crossed eyes.
His father, who deserted the famly when Doug was too young to remember, was an alcoholic, as was his stepfather. He, not surprisingly, fought a lifelong battle with the desease. These unfortunate childhood circumstances possibly contributed to Hepburn's bouts with heavy psychological depression during the course of his life.
Perhaps upset by his physical and subconscious battles, Hepburn developed an unrelenting determination to reign at the highest in the Iron Game, and follow in the footsteps of famed Canadian strongmen, Louis Cyr and Horace Barre. "My childhood handicaps merely served to sharpen my perserverance, making me even more determined to accomplish my goals."
At age 17, standing five-feet, eight-inches tall, weighing 145-pounds, Hepburn dropped out of school to undergo corrective eye surgery. Fortunately he was taken under the wing of Mike Poppell, a local strength athlete, who taught him basic weight-training skills. Doug set out to become as powerful as possible. He stated "I wasn't a natural strongman. I attained my stature and physical power through hard work and common sense."
By 1948, Hepburn's bodyweight had increased to 208 pounds. He was performing 12 reps in the handstand press and five reps in the Tiger-bend and capable of pressing a barbell weighing over 200 pounds.
Doug consistantly trained with heavy poundage, although his fused ankle hampered him in the clean and the snatch. He established his first Canadian weightlifting record in 1950, with a clean-and-press of 371 1/2 pounds.
Doug broke the 15-year reign of American John Davis to win the heavyweight division at the 1953 "World Weightlifting Championships," with a 371-pound press, a 297-pound snatch, and a 364-pound clean-and-jerk.
In Stockholm, for the "World Championships," preparing for his competition against John Davis, Doug was given the services of a trainer employed by the Soviet federation. This more than angered the American team, since the Soviets would gain team points in the event Davis lost to Hepburn.
In 1954, Hepburn's hometown of Vancouver, B.C., provided him with a token weekly allowance of $150 towards his preparation for that year's "British Empire Games". Later the city council failed to deliver on the promise of a permanent job. Still, Hepburn won his weight class and set a new record of 1040 pounds for the three Olympic lifts.
Reaching his strength peak at bodyweights between 280 and 300 pounds, Doug was the first to officially push-press 400, 450, 500, and 550 pounds, with his best at 580. He squatted 760 pounds; pressed 440 off racks; dumbbell-pressed 175 pounds; pressed behind-the-neck 350 pounds; and curled a 260 pound barbell. He was the first to officially push-press 500 pounds off racks.
Extremely aware of his eating habits, Hepburn oftentimes force-fed himself to maintain his strength and bodyweight. He consumed four or five meals per day and drank up to three quarts of milk during a two-hour workout. He rarely snacked on candy, soft drinks or white flour products, and remarked, "I'd rather sacrifice sleep than food. As long as I can eat, I can get stronger."
In 1954, Hepburn embarked upon a professional wrestling career by apprenticing in the basement gym of Maple Leaf Gardens, in Toronto, Ontario, under the watchful eyes of Whipper Watson, Frank Tunney and Pat Frayley. His weight training and super strength, however, did not have their desired effect, on his new career for he eventually came to realize he was not cut out for that life. Doug wrote:
With my superior strength and lifting ability, wrestling should've been easy for me. It wasn't! While weightlifting, for the most part, is composed of well-balanced straight-line pushing and pulling movements, wrestling is more to do with off-balance twisting and rolling. The skills I was strong at and the skills my wrestling opponents were strong at, were often at odds. This left me confused enough to scream. Add to this my less than enthusiastic desire to learn, or associate with the wrestling game...it made for long days.
For nearly five years, Hepburn performed throughout Canada, at two or three wrestling events per week, grappling all comers, while entertaining crowds during intermissions by ripping license plates, crushing cans of oil, and hoisting heavy weights with his little finger. However, his frustration and fits of depression led to more unhappiness, along with his alcohol consumption, which caused wrestling promoters to release him from his contract. He managed nevertheless, to get his life back under control and began heavy training again.
Bill Pearl recalled a few of his public appearances with Hepburn during the 1960s and 1970s:
"Doug and I were in the dressing room at a theater in Oakland, California, and he asked me for an American quarter, which I gladly handed him. He placed the coin against the edge of a steel cabinet and bent it to a 45-degree angle by using thumb and forefinger, and then asked for another, I said, NO."
"Then, at a physique contest held in Vancouver, where we appeared, Hepburn, weighing around 260 poinds, finished his routine by jumping off the five-foot high stage...head first to the auditorium floor to land gracefully in a handstand position! He held his balance without a quiver. It nearly blew my mind! On another occasion we met at a Chinese restaurant/nightclub where he was acting as bouncer. I watched a drunken customer attempt to get into a fist-swinging brawl with him, but Hepburn grabbed the guy by the chest and tore a hole through the drunk's shirt and ripped a large piece of skin from the man's pectoral. The next I recall, someone was screaming, 'send for an ambulance.'"
By the 1980s Hepburn, with his beautiful tenor voice, often entertained at local Vancouver lounges. He continued to operate his basement gym in North Burnaby, B.C., which included a crude printing press, a protein suppliment mixing machine, and a small area for manufacturing a unique strerngth device. Sticking to hard-core training, at age 68, he was still able to one-arm clean-and-press a 100 pound dumbbell.
A bachelor, Doug spent his later years alone, in a $45-a-month apartment. He died of a perforated stomach ulcer on November 22, 2000, at age 74.
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DAVID PAUL and PETER PAUL ... THE BARBARIAN TWINS
David Paul and Peter Paul (twins) were born in 1957 in Hartford, Connecticute. The two began weight training at an early age. They later became known as being "totally-off-the-wall" and the first to workout wearing construction boots, bandanas and torn tank tops.
As the barbarian brothers progressed in weight lifting they selected HIT (high intensity training) as their method. Still, they were frequently seen in Joe Weider's publications advocating his principles for attaining a championship physique.
David nor Peter competed successfully despite their upper body strength at bench pressing over 500 pounds and performing standing or seated presses with more than 300 pounds. Yet, they made an exciting duo on a movie set.
Their movie careers lasted nearly ten years. Peter after acting in a number of different films with famous actors and directors like Oliver Stone, became a producer himself as well as a TV personality.
Below is a list of the movies they made, some together ... some with well known box office attraction.
D.C. Cab (1983) as Buddy and Buzy
The Flamingo Kid (1984)
The Barbarians (1987)
The Road Raiders (1989) (TV)
Ghost Writer (1989) as Tony and Marco
Think Big (1990) as Rafe and Victor
Double Trouble (1994) as David Jade and Peter
Natural Born Killer (1994) as The Nun Brothers
Twin Sitters (1994) as Peter Falcone and David Falcone
Souled Out (2005) as Ace Stevens
Faith Street Corner Tavern (2013) as David Paul
David Paul died in 2020, just two days before his 63rd birthday. The cause of death is not known, but sources believe he died in his sleep.
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steve reeve's actual sweat.
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DAVID PAUL and PETER PAUL ... THE BARBARIAN TWINS
David Paul and Peter Paul (twins) were born in 1957 in Hartford, Connecticute. The two began weight training at an early age. They later became known as being "totally-off-the-wall" and the first to workout wearing construction boots, bandanas and torn tank tops.
As the barbarian brothers progressed in weight lifting they selected HIT (high intensity training) as their method. Still, they were frequently seen in Joe Weider's publications advocating his principles for attaining a championship physique.
David nor Peter competed successfully despite their upper body strength at bench pressing over 500 pounds and performing standing or seated presses with more than 300 pounds. Yet, they made an exciting duo on a movie set.
Their movie careers lasted nearly ten years. Peter after acting in a number of different films with famous actors and directors like Oliver Stone, became a producer himself as well as a TV personality.
Below is a list of the movies they made, some together ... some with well known box office attraction.
D.C. Cab (1983) as Buddy and Buzy
The Flamingo Kid (1984)
The Barbarians (1987)
The Road Raiders (1989) (TV)
Ghost Writer (1989) as Tony and Marco
Think Big (1990) as Rafe and Victor
Double Trouble (1994) as David Jade and Peter
Natural Born Killer (1994) as The Nun Brothers
Twin Sitters (1994) as Peter Falcone and David Falcone
Souled Out (2005) as Ace Stevens
Faith Street Corner Tavern (2013) as David Paul
David Paul died in 2020, just two days before his 63rd birthday. The cause of death is not known, but sources believe he died in his sleep.
I didn't realize they were in so many movies.
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EARL MAYNARD ... THE BEST OF THE BEST
Earl Maynard, born 1935 on the island of Barbados, is a champion bodybuilder, professional wrestler, movie actor, producer, director...and a very nice person.
At age 17, Earl stood 5-feet, 11-inches tall and weighed 120 pounds. He was often sick and stuggled with bronchitus and pneumonia. He decided to join a gym to improve his mental and physical health.
Maynard moved to London, England when he was 18 to complete his education by earning a degree in physiotheraphy.
Earl's major bodybuilding wins include the 1964 NABBA Professional Mr. Universe, 1965 IFBB Mr. Universe, plus the 1978 AAU Master Mr. America contests. Throughout his professional career, he trained with the best including Mohammad Ali and the Kansas Chief's American football team.
Maynard began wrestling while in the Royal Air Force, stationed in Cyprus. He became a professonal grappler in 1960 when a British wrestling promoter, on vacation on Cyprus, spotted him and liked what he saw. However, it was Gus Karras who brought Maynard to the United States to carry on his square-ring career.
By the late 1960's, Earl was fighting in the Pacfic Northwest Wrestling and Canada's Stampede Wrestling circuits. He became America's Tag Team Champion in 1979 and 1982. (Interestingly, his major bodybuilding wins were captured during the same time.)
Throughout the highlights of his professional career, filmmaking touched Maynard the heaviest. He made over 20 appearances as an actor. Two of the high points were starring in "The Deep" and "The Brawl". He stated: "It came naturally for me act in films as I had already learned to be adaptable. I usually played the bad guy. I worked with some top stars such as Nick Nolte and Jackie Chan. This gave me worldwide recognition. I'm in the UK and US Halls of Fames, and been honored all over the world."
Following retirement from the ring and screen, Maynard returned to Barbados and began directing his own films and work in realestate. He still hits the weights at least four times a week at his private home-gym.
His advice to others in the Iron World is: "Don't take shortcuts. Get good nutrution and exercise sensibly. Your health is more important than your physique."
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GEORGE F. JOWETT ... THE YOUNG HACKENSCHMIDT
George Jowett was one of the most colorful and interesting personalities of newer Iron Game history. He was intelligent, energetic, charismatic and often sretched the truth to put himself and other well-known physical culturists in a stronger light.
At the body weight of 154 pounds, he claimed to have been the first in America to lift double body weight overhead. He also claimed to have clean and jerked 340 pounds while weighing 176 pounds. At the body weight of 192 pounds, to have been the first in America to one-arm swing 210 pounds overhead.
Jowett had a heavy-boned frame with large hands, thick wrists and a deep rib cage. For certain, he regularly performed strength feats which often combined balance and power. He was doing "standing back-flip's" and "handstand press-ups" into his 60's.
He was also known for bringing other stongmen to their knees with a hand shake. His fingers were the size of sausages, with 8 1/4-inch wrists; forearms, 15-inches and upper arms, 17 3/4-inches.
During his early years, Jowett, the blacksmith, likewise worked as a paid entertainer for carnivals and fairs. He specialized in bending/breaking horseshoes, snap-breaking chains, hoisting awkward objects and shouldering heavy kegs and huge wooden barrels.
In later years, he appeared on stage as "Young Hackenschmidt." His most famous, but questioned strength feat was hoisting by the horn, a 168-pound iron anvil to his shoulder, with one hand and pressing it to arm's length overhead.
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https://www.chaosandpain.com/blogs/chaos-and-pain/baddest-mofos-ever-armand-screw-cooking-food-ill-eat-raw-bloody-tanny
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https://www.chaosandpain.com/blogs/chaos-and-pain/baddest-mofos-ever-armand-screw-cooking-food-ill-eat-raw-bloody-tanny
Has Jamie died of AIDS yet?
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:)
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GEORGE HAKENSCHMIDT ... ONE OF THE GREATEST PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS
George Hackenschmidt, known as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of his time, used weight training to increase his strength on the mat while he also won major weightlifting tournaments. His signiture wrestling maneuver was the "bear-hug" which allowed him to win many of his 3,000 matches in less than ten minutes.
One of Hackenschmidt's favorite leg exercises was to hold a barbell firmly against his lower buttocks and squat until his upper thighs were parallel to the floor and then return to starting position. At a guest performance in 1902, he performed 50 repetitions of this movement with a 110-pound barbell. The lift is now referred to as the "Hack Squat".
Because of Hackenschmidt's vast popularity, especially throughout Europe, it appeared easy for him to profit from his extensive knowledge and interest in social philosophy by examining the in-vogue field of physical culture from that perspective.
Most of "Hacks" published works dealt with the significance of proper mental attitude in obtaining strength. He claimed that harmful thoughts, depression, and lack of perseverance, hindered the progression of health and strength. Coffee, tobacco and alcohol were considered poison.
At age 80, Hackenschmidt remained in excellent physical condition and still participated in weight training and wrestling. While in his middle 70s, he regulary performed several repetition jumps over a rope stretched the height of the backs of two kitchen chairs. He stated he obtained his muscle building protein from the 11 pints of milk he daily drank.
Hackenschmidt died of natural causes in 1968, at age 89. He was quoted as saying, "Througnout my extensive career, I've not bothered as to whether I was a champion or not a champion. The only title I've desired to be known by, is simply my Christian name, George Hackenschmidt."
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MIKE KATZ ... TRUE GENTLEMAN,GREAT ATHLETE
Mike Katz, born in 1944, in New Haven, Connectiut, is a former professional bodybuilder and former professional football player, possibly most famous for his appearance with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1977 bodybuilding documentary "Pumping Iron."
Mike played football for Southern Connecticut State University and the New York Jets before ending his NFL career due to a leg injury.
As a child, Mike suffered intense bullying that caused him to begin weight training, which transformed his size and strength, along with his confidence. His outstanding bodybuilding career included winning the 1972 IFBB Mr. Universe competition and placing second at a Mr. Olympia event.
At the height of 6-feet, 1-inch and weighing 240 pounds, with his major role in the film "Pumping Iron," Mike quickly became one of bodybuilding's most popular "Golden Age" competitors.
Throughout the years in which he pursued his athletic career and beyond, Katz taught in the Connecticut school system for more than 30 years.
Katz expanded his teachings outside the school system when he opened one of the first World Gyms in the United States and later 5 Planet Fitness facilities. He was also one of the earliest celebrities to promote the revered Special Olympics.
Mike appeared in the documentary "Challenging Impossibility," commenting on the weightlifting odyssey of spiritual teacher and peace advocate Sri Chinmoy. The film was an Official Selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.
"Mighty" Mike Katz continues to stay active while his son, Mike Jr. oversees the daily operation of their health club facilities. He and his partner Jerry Mastrangelo are promoting Northern States bodybuilding contests through their Connecticut Productions organization.
On a tastier note, Mike has recently gone into the Pizza business. I doubt he delivers to Oregon, or I'd order one. Mike is a truly kind gentle giant.
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https://generationiron.com/uk-man-tattoo-abs-summer/
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DR. FRED HATFIELD, Ph.D. ...CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
Fred Hatfield, PhD., born in 1942, was raised in Connecticut orphanages until age 19. In high school, he competed in track and field, soccer, basketball, cross-county, and was considered the school's "best athlete." Following high school, Fred spent two years in the Office of Naval Intelligence for the U. S. Marine Corps, in the Philippines.
Discharged in 1964, Hatfield enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University, where he competed at the National Gymnastics Championships for three consecutive years.
Hatfield accepted a teaching fellowship at the University of Illinois at Champaign / Urbana, where he completed his Master's degree and earned a Doctorate from Temple University of Wisconsin. There, he conducted research in sports psychology and taught undergraduate and graduate programs.
Fred left academia in 1985, to establish a fitness equipment and weight facility in New Orleans. He relocated to California to launch Sports Fitness magazine for Weider Health and Fitness, Inc. From 1991 to 1994, he served as Director of Research & Development for Titan Sports Inc.
More than 200 of Fred's articles on sports training, fitness, bodybuilding, and performance nutrition have been published. A defender of steroid use, one of his best selling books, Anabolic Steroids: What Kind and How Many, was printed in 1982.
Hatfield's unsurpassed accomplishment in powerlifting occurred at age 45. At the height of five-feet, six-inches, and weighing 245 pounds, he completed a 1,014-pound squat; then, the heaviest squat in official competition. He captured three World Powerlifting Championships and held national and world records in different weight classes. His top official and unofficial lifts include the 1,014-pound squat; 523-pound bench press; 766-pound deadlift; 275-pound snatch; and a clean and jerk of 369-pounds. He continued competitive lifting until the late 1990's.
Hatfield commented on the 1,014-pound squat that he completed in 1987, at the Hawaii World Record Breaker's Meet. He said, "I never really had any goals except for squatting the 1,000 pounds. There's a fine line between passion and obsession, and I'm not an obsessive person. So once I got as far as I thought I could go without getting a lot heavier, which I didn't want to do because I was eating about 10,000 calories a day, I took advantage of my success and I quit."
Affectionately known in the strongman world as Doctor Squat, Fred was awarded the 1991 Alumni Citation Award from Southern Connecticut State University in recognition of his achievements and distinguished professional career. He was inducted into the Powerlifting Hall of Fame in 2000.
In 2010, Dr. Hatfield, co-founder and president of the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), jokingly commented to a group of enthusiastic weightlifters, "I may not know "diddley," but I do know "squat!"
Another of his memorable quotes was recorded at a strength-coaching symposium, where an interviewer asked Hatfield his opinion of Nautilus exercise machines. Fred politely replied, "Well, they're good for one thing. They can be melted down and made into free weights."
Doctor Squat died in 2017, at age 74.
(A poem copied from The Hardcore Bodybuilding Club)
Down this road, in a gym far away,
A young man was heard to say,
"I've repped high and I've repped low"
"No matter what I do, my legs won't grow"
He tried leg extensions, leg curls, and leg presses, too
Trying to cheat, these sissy workouts he'd do.
From the corner of the gym where the big men train, through a cloud of chalk and the midst of pain
Where the iron rides high and threatens lives,
and the noise is made with big forty fives,
a deep voice bellowed as he wrapped his knees,
a very big man with legs like trees.
Laughing as he snatched another plate from the stack
chalking his hands and monstrous back,
he said, "boy stop lying and don't say you've forgotten,
the trouble with you is you ain't been squattin!"
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KEN WALLER ... CAST AS VILLIAN
Ken Waller was born on March 20, 1942. He is originally from Jeffersonville, Indiana. He attended Western Kentucky University at Bowling Green (class of 1965), where he was a member of the undefeated 1963 Tangerine Bowl football team. A photograph of Waller still hangs in the WKU football team's locker room. Ken could often be found at the 13th St. Barber Shop near WKU where his buddies, Howard Poindexter, Fred Turner, and Slick Thurman cut hair. He went on to play professional football in Canada, after serving in the United States Marine Corps and teaching high school in Louisville.
Waller, at six feet tall and 230 pounds, was one of the most frequent winning amateur bodybuilders of the 1970s. His most notable win was depicted in the film Pumping Iron, at the Mr. Universe contest of 1975. In a controversial contest, he edged out Roger Walker of Australia, Paul Grant of Wales and his fellow Pumping Iron co-star, Mike Katz, of the US, to take the first place. He went on to compete at the professional level the following year in the 1976 Mr. Olympia contest, where he again defeated Mike Katz to win first place in the heavyweight (over 200 pound) division.He continued to place in the 1977, 1980 and 1981 Mr. Olympias, taking second place in the tall category and fifth overall in 1977. Unlike Frank Zane or lighter competitors, Waller was not known for an aesthetic physique, rather, like fellow competitors, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, he relied on size to gain the attention from judges, which at the time, was only beginning to gain popularity.
Unfortunately for him, he was cast as the villian/antagonist to Mike Katz in the film documentary Pumping Iron, which left a lasting impression on those who viewed the film, that he was devious and underhanded.
Waller and Katz were, in fact, friends, as Waller recounted in (Raw Iron ...The Making of Pumping Iron), but his reputation as "villian" stuck in people's minds. He stated: "I would go to contests and get booed, after that!"
Among his many wins were;
1969 AAU Junior Mr. USA
1969 Mr. USA
1970 AAU Mr. America 2nd
1970 AAU Mr. World
1971 IFBB Mr. America
1971 IFBB Mr. International
1971 NABBA Mr. Universe
1975 IFBB Universe
Ken waller will be 80 years old March 20th. I have no information on his current state of health or activities. ??? &t=144s
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DANNY PADILLA...THE GIANT KILLER
Dennis "Danny" Padilla, born in 1951, began weight training when he was seven years old in Rochester, New York. He acquired a York Big Ten Barbell/Dumbbell set as a hand-me-down from his older brother Ray, and determined to become a champion bodybuilder.
At age 18, while still in high school, Danny won the 1970 Mr. Rochester contest. He continued to win competitions in the upstate New York area and progressed to participating in the 1974 AAU Junior Mr. America and AAU Mr. America contests and finished in the top 20 of both events.
Padilla then entered the 1974 AAU World Championships in the lightweight division, He recalled, "I lost to a guy who didn't even shave his legs!" After the show, an AAU judge was "kind" enough to inform Danny that, in his opinion, he had a great physique, however, at 5' 2" tall, he was much too short to be a major competitive bodybuilder.
Danny made the decision to change affiliations and compete in the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) events. His first contest was the 1975 IFBB Mr. USA that took place at the old Madison Square Garden in NYC. To his surprise the 23-year-old not only won the lightweight division, but captured the overall trophy. It was during that outing with the IFBB that Padilla met Joe Weider who invited him to train in California.
Padilla arrived in Los Angeles, in time to take part in the filming of Pumping Iron. He then trained for three months to prepare for the upcoming IFBB Mr. Universe competition in South Africa.
Disaster struck in Pretoria. Minutes before the Universe competition was to begin, Danny was informed that he could not compete. The IFBB had made the decision to have two heavyweights represent the United States...Ken Waller and Mike Katz...and one middleweight, Robby Robinson. Their reasoning was that since Katz was retiring, they would let him attempt to win the contest one more time.
Padilla quickly maneuvered to get a spot on Portugal's team. The IFBB would have none of this and disqualified him in order to avoid the embarrassment that his potential win for Portugal would cause the IFBB organization.
The following year, Danny competed in the IFBB Universe, but placed runner-up to Mohamed Makkawy. In 1977, he walked off the stage with the first place trophy for the IFBB Mr. America and the Mr. Universe titles. It was the first time a lightweight had defeated both a middleweight and heavyweight for the overall winner.
Padilla became one of the only two men in the history of the sport to win both the IFBB America and the IFBB Universe in the same year, the other being Frank Zane.
Today, the "Giant Killer" works as a personal trainer. He was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2009, and the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame in 2015.
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JIMMY PAYNE ... 1950 IFBB MR. AMERICA
Jimmy Payne was born in 1926, in Oakland, California. As a child, his family lived in Alameda, near Neptune Beach, which was considered by many to be the "Muscle Beach" of Northern California.
In his early teens, Payne began practicing gymnastics and weight training at Carl Cathy's Gym and later at Jack LaLanne's studio. At Neptune Beach, he engaged in hand balancing with LaLanne, 12 years his senior, and Ed Yarick, owner of a gym where Clancy Ross, Steve Reeves and Jack Delinger trained.
In 1943, at age 17, Jimmy joined the U. S. Navy and due to his athletic background he became a P. T. Instructor at San Francisco's Treasure Island Naval Air Station.
Upon discharge, Payne opened a health studio in Oakland and began entering weightlifting events, while perfecting a "sensational" hand balancing act with LaLanne. For years, they performed at local and state fairs, high schools, churches, nightclubs and athletic events.
(Jimmy told the story that in one of the hand balancing acts that he performed with LaLanne, they missed a trick, but nobody in the audience left. The reason? They were in San Quentin, the state prison in Califonia.)
Standing 5" 6" and weighing 150 pounds, Payne was declared the 1950 IFBB Mr. America. The same year, he worked as a lifeguard, bartender and entertainer. (Equally adept to muscle control as he was at hand balancing, Jimmy was a sought-after emcee, comedian, and tap dancer.)
At the body weight of 150 pounds, Payne was credited with a military press of 245 pounds, a 210 pound snatch, and a clean and jerk with 280 pounds, which earned him third place as a lightweight at the 1951 World Championships in Milan, Italy. He also squatted 425 pounds, deadlifted 500 lbs, and on his 52nd birthday, performed 51 hand-stand pressups.
However, Payne's most notable feats were in wrist wrestling, where he was four-time lightweight world champion and emceed the World Wrist-Wrestling Championships for several years.
In the early 1970s, as a publicity stunt, Jimmy wrist-wrestled young Arnold Schwarzenegger who out-weighed him by over 80 pounds. When asked how he had done, Payne replied. "I whipped his ass."
Jimmy Payne, a true pioneer bodybuilder, died in 2012, at age 85.
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Great thread Funk.....thanks !! :)
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;D ::) ???
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PAUL WYNTER
Paul Wynter, born in 1935, in St. John's Antigua, is best known for his two NABBA Mr. Universe crowns. He was awarded the title in 1960 and again in 1966, while placing high in the competition over several years prior to his first place victory.
During Paul's bodybuilding career he was admired for having one of the most symmetrical physiques of that era. At the height of 5-feet, 8-inches tall and weighing 180 pounds, he was featured in world-wide fitness magazines along with fourteen times in Strength & Health Magazine, as late as 1997.
In the early 1960's, during the golden era of sword and sandal films, Wynter co-starred with Gordon Mitchell and Mark Forest in three movie productions, while he appeared in several French-made comedies. In 1974, he performed a strongman act on a popular TV variety show.
In 2009, Wynter, at age 68, and his wife, two years younger, managed a care home in New Moston, Manchester, England. In that year, a mentally unstable neighbor broke into their home and viciously stabbed them with a knife. Paul was hit in the chest and sustained a punctured lung. Fortunatly, both survived the incident.
Paul stated, "I still work out and doctors said that had I been built like most people my age, I would probably have died. The muscle stopped the knife from entering further than it did and that's why I am still here."
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THE RISE AND FALL OF BODYBUILDING
(contributed by Tom McCormack)
Bodybuilding was like a day of smooth surf until the 1975 movie “Pumping Iron” created a crashing tsunami of public attention. A handful of builders became overnight celebrities. Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger rode the arching crest of the wave into Hollywood. Commercial gyms, personal trainers, and instant experts popped up in the roiling wake. Suddenly everyone wanted to “get big.”
The builders themselves were a gullible lot, always looking for that elusive “secret” so they might be the next Arnold, the next Big Lou, the next Mike Katz. This gullibilty attracted even those at the top to make a pilgrimmage to Florida, but it didn’t take them long to realize that “one set to failure” on exotic new machines was a fool’s errand. But the newbies, the rising stars, started training that way and High Intensity Training (HIT) was born. It worked for a while until it broke their bodies down. And if there actually was a “secret,” it was the right cocktail of Andogenic Anabolic Steroids (AAS) that, like HIT, worked until it didn’t.
A 2017 report from Harvard Medical School showed a clear connection between AAS and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The bottom line: when you take steroids it causes a weakening of the heart muscle within 2-years and accelerates narrowing of the heart arteries by 20-years. AAS use is now so widespread that it is estimated that 1% of all males between 15 and 30 have used steroids, and most of them are not even athletes.Today steroids are a common CVD risk factor, right along with high LDL cholesterol, smoking, obesity, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.
HIT left crippled bodies in its wake, while AAS led to annulled gold medals, invalidated home run records, and an early grave. Still, youngsters with visions of biceps dancing in their heads shoot up and pump up and scream against immovable weights in a forest of urban gyms that never close.
Meanwhile, a few of the oldtime star bodybuilders—Steve Reeves, Bill Pearl, and Frank Zane—stubbornly resisted the destructive “new wave” and continued to espouse sane training and a healthy lifestyle. Reeves invented Power Walking to add to your weight training, Pearl adopted a meatless diet and quietly continued his high-volume, moderate intensity training, and Frank Zane published newsletters and books on authentic training and a healthy lifestyle. Reeves was unlucky and got hit with cancer, and now Bill Pearl is gone too. Only Frank Zane is still with us. When he is gone, we won’t have any living models to follow. There’s nothing of use in any of the glossy magazines unless you want to waste money on useless expensive supplements. A new personal trainer in a chrome-plated sparkling mirrored gym doesn’t have any answers either because authentic bodybuilding is already a thing of the past.The tsunami of ’75 washed away the old beach and there doesn’t seem to be anything ridable lining up on the horizon.
So, what to do? Each one of us who understands this situation must try to become a living model ourselves, based on the sensible training styles of Steve Reeves, Bill Pearl, and Frank Zane. Their information is still out there, at least for now--please practice it and teach the next generation if you can.
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FRANK ZANE ... THREE TIME MR. OLYMPIA CHAMPION
Frank Zane, the classical, no-nonsense, legendary bodybuilder, captured the 1968 IFBB Mr. America contest and one week later, won the IFBB Mr. Universe title, over Arnold Schwarzenegger. In 1970, he gained the NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe title and in 1972, was awarded the NABBA Professional Mr. Universe crown.
In 1977, 1978 and 1979, Zane walked away with the Sandow Trophy as the winner of the IFBB Mr. Olympia contests. At the height of five-feet, nine-inches, and weighing 180 pounds, his reign represented a shift of emphasis from muscular mass to aesthetics. When on stage, you could bet he was in his finest physical condition, and was a master poser.
In the course of his 23 years of physique competition, Frank appeared on 59 magazine covers and wrote a bestseller, The Zane Way to a Beautiful Body. The book, published in 1979, tallied one quarter of a million sales in hardcover and paperback. He was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 1999, and received the Arnold Schwarzenegger Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. In 2005, he was placed into the Muscle Beach Venice Bodybuilding Hall of Fame.
These days Frank continues to train for fitness,meditate, play music, and enjoy life.
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&t=96s borrowed from another thread
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&t=725s another good find, these guys make the current crop look like bags of smashed assholes. sorry but it's true.
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CLARENCE BASS... LEAN FOR LIFE
Clarence Bass, born in 1937, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, graduated from the University of New Mexico and the University of New Mexico Law School. He practiced law until 1994, and then decided to devote himself to his lifelong interest in fitness and health.
Following a fine career in weightlifting, Clarence moved into bodybuilding and won his height class at the 1979 AAU Past-40 Mr. America contest. He then captured the 1980 AAU Past-40 Mr. USA event. In the latter competition, he also earned the Most Muscular, Best Abs and Best Legs sub-divisions.
Among Bass's numerous achievements is his ability to maintain his body fat at an extremely low level. Tests at the University of New Mexico Human Performance Laboratory measured him at three percent or less.
When asked if he followed a strict diet to remain so lean, Clarence replied, "I don't diet. I prefer to think in terms of an eating style. I stick mainly to whole foods with high quality protein and good fat at each meal. I enjoy what I eat and I'm never hungry."
However, Clarence is probably best known for the instruction and inspiration he has provided to others. It started with his classic book "Ripped". Espousing the benefits of a healthy diet and proper exercise, he is living proof that this philosophy works.
After his initial book publication, Clarence went on to produce a series of books and vidoes that have reached thousands around the world with his prescriptions for a healthy living and with a lean and muscular body.
Now in his mid 80's, Clarence remains in phenomenal physical condition as his audience continues to grow.
His website, maintained by he and his wife Carol, is always a timely source of information on nutrition, training, and a healthy lifestyle.
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The guy is still ripped!
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VINCE ANELLO ... STRENGTH/CONDITIONING COACH STILL GOING STRONG
Anello Body Fitness was opened by powerlifting legend Vince Anello in 2000, in Cleveland, Ohio, and has been changing peoples' lives ever since.
Vince Anello is a five-time world champion powerlifter who holds 20 world records in deadlifting. His career has also included professional bodybuilding and physical education. All this knowledge and passion has been distilled into the Anello training facility.
Vince goes one-on-one with his clients to help give them the physical strength and mental fortitude necessary to achieve their goals. He has learned there's more to gaining strength and getting in shape than just lifting and running — it takes focus, dedication, and a positive mental attitude. That's why Anello focuses on developing the mind just as much as the body.
Training with Vince is intense — you feel every workout getting you closer to your immediate goals. If you're having trouble breaking through sticking points, he has been known as a powerlifting legend around the world for decades, and is considered to be one of the greatest powerlifters in history.
Anello was the first to deadlift over 800 lbs at a bodyweight under 200 lbs! Vince was inducted into the Strength Hall of Fame in York, Pennsylvania in 1998, and the AAU World's Strength Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. He holds 5 world championship titles in addition to 20 world records in deadlifting. He was included in the Top 100 Strongest Coaches to Learn From in 2016.
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mr average 1957
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JOHNNY FULLER ... A STAR OF THE 1970's AND '80's
Johnny Fuller was renowned at his bodybuilding peak, for the vascularity, muscle density and rockhard condition he brought to the stage. Even more noteworthy was his ability to pack on 220 quality pounds on his five-foot, six-inch frame.
Highly popular in America, Johnny trained for a short time in California with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu. He did not limit his talents to just bodybuilding. He was a professional boxer and earned a karate black belt.
Born in Jamacia in 1942, Fuller moved to England in 1978. He competed all over the world in the 1970's and 1980's, and won in European and World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships.
Fuller began his professional bodybuilding career after winning the light heavyweight division at the 1980 IFBB Amateur World Championship. He continued on to compete in four Mr. Olympia contests where his best showings were in the top ten in 1981 and 1983.
In 1981 and 1982, Fuller competed in 16 pro contests and never placed out of the top five. His final competion was the 1987 World Pro Championship, where he placed out of the top ten.
Johnny Fuller, a star of the '80's, ... who took physical condition to the highest level ... died in 2006, at age 63, following a long-fought battle with leukemia.
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JOE GREENSTEIN ... THE MIGHTY ATOM
Greenstein was born to a Jewish family in Suwałki, Poland, in 1893. As a child he suffered from respiratory ailments, and at age 14, a team of doctors predicted he would die from tuberculosis. Around that time, he became acquainted with a Russian circus strongman, Champion Volanko, who mentored Greenstein. Greenstein traveled with Volanko and the Issakoff Brothers Circus for eighteen months, learning the strongman's training regimen. After this, he returned to Poland and married his wife, Leah.
He began his career as a wrestler. However, due in part to rising anti-Semitism in Eastern Europe, he then left for the United States. He first went to Galveston, Texas, working as a dockworker and oil field worker. He also wrestled professionally at this time as Kid Greenstein. In 1914, The Houston Daily Post reported that a friend of Greenstein accidentally shot him in the middle of the forehead. The report states the bullet did not enter his skull, and "flattened out against his forehead".strongmanThis experience sparked Greenstein's interest in the mental powers associated with strength, and he gradually developed an array of strongman feats.
He was featured five times in Ripley's Believe It Or Not and in the 1976 Guinness Book of World Records.Two of Greenstein's feats included biting through an iron nail and bending iron horseshoes by hand. An iron nail and iron horseshoes are on display at the Weightlifting Hall of Fame in York, Pennsylvania.
Later in life, Greenstein sold coconut oil soaps and health elixirs at fairs and farmers' markets. He traveled in an old Model A truck with panels that opened to show his extensive collection of newsclippings and citations from civic leaders and organizations. New York City Mayor LaGuardia issued a proclamation, thanking Greenstein for showing his skills to the city's police department. Greenstein had volunteered to teach jujutsu techniques to members of the New York City auxiliary police during World War II. It was many years before the technique was known to most Americans.
Greenstein continued performing his strongman feats well into his eighties, giving his last performance at his great-grandchild's first birthday on May 11, 1977, at Madison Square Garden at the age of 84. He dazzled the audience by bending horseshoes and driving spikes through metal with the palm of his hand.
Joe and Leah Greenstein had ten children.
Greenstein succumbed to cancer on October 8, 1977, at age 84.
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Paul Anderson is a hugely influential and celebrated name in powerlifting which often went hand in hand with bodybuilding in his era.
Credited as being the strongest man in the world during his competitive days, Paul also holds the record for ‘the greatest weight ever raised by a human being’. 2840kg lifted in a back lift.
In 1955 at the height of the Cold War he travelled to the Soviet Union and beat all challengers in their own back yard, lifting 402.5lbs in an overhead lift. The gathered crowd laughed and snickered as he stepped up to the bar. The spectators had never seen such a weight lifted and they expected Paul to fail.
Yet Paul hoisted the bar overhead and the laughs turned to cheers. The crowd appreciating the incredible feat, even though it was done by an American in their country. The announcer stating solemnly ‘we rarely have such weights lifted’.
This amazing achievement by Paul became a rallying cry for for everyone. Both American and Soviet, Paul had made a huge statement with his successful lift.
During the world championships in Munich 1955, Paul took an easy win setting two further world records. Returning home he was welcomed by President Nixon who personally thanked him for being such a wonderful goodwill ambassador.
Paul’s career as strongman and power lifter flourished. He dominated strength contests for several years.
In 1961 along with his wife Glenda he set up the Paul Anderson Youth Home. A centre for troubled children in Vidalia Georgia. The home was funded by Paul’s strength and speaking engagements, of which he did on average 500 per year. Even though he was now suffering from congenital kidney disease. He would still perform feats like hammering a nail with his bare fist and raising a table loaded with eight men onto his back.
Paul died in 1994 at the age of 61 from chronic congenital kidney disease. What Paul achieved as a lifter was incredible. He did what Stallone did in Rocky IV decades before it was an idea in someone’s head. He did it for real too, stepping in to a country that was at best full of hostility and derision.
Yet he won them over with his strength and personality. As a person Paul achieved even more, helping countless children gain a better future. Giving back to the community with generosity and spirit. Rip Paul Anderson.
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1970 Universe - Pro - NABBA
THE 1970 NABBA MR. UNIVERSE CONTEST - AS I SAW IT!by ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER, "Mr. Olympia"
It is fitting that I should give thanks to Joe Weider, on behalf of Dave Draper, Franco Columbu, Frank Zane and myself, for making our trip to London and the Mr. Universe contest possible. It cost Joe a whole heap of dollars, some 3,000 in fact, and I am really happy with the way things turned out.
The London fans expressed their gratitude too, for this was the greatest line-up of top physiques ever assembled together on one London stage. It says much for Joe's love of bodybuilding that he actually spends money to help make the NABBA show a success.
I have listed the results of the contests, the Amateur and Professional sections, below. But I wish to comment here on these results. I thought Reg Park was indeed lucky to have placed above Dave Draper and I believe the accompanying photographs will supply the evidence.
Frank Zane was lucky too. He was pushed all the way by Frank Richard. It is interesting to note that a special judging panel of girls was .asked to vote for its choice. They all voted in favor of Frank Zane. I guess this must prove something.
I totally disagreed with the results of the short class contest. How Chris Dickerson ended up ahead of Franco Columbu still puzzles me. I thought Franco was so far ahead. Again judge for yourself from the accompanying photos. One judge actually told me Franco displayed too many muscles. He just had to be kidding!
I am sorry I had to be the one to burst the Reg Park bubble. This was only the second time that Reg was beaten in a physique contest. The first time by Reeves. Reg is to be congratulated, however. He was not satisfied to rest on his laurels. He trained and competed. I am sure he was not disgraced. Let's not forget he is now over forty and I am just twenty-three. It was Reg who first inspired me to take up bodybuilding. I read about his background in the Weider magazines during my youth in Germany and I made up my mind to be as great as he was. Later, of course, I decided to be even greater, and, thanks to Joe Weider, I accomplished my dream. But back to Reg Park. I hope he will not allow this defeat to end his days of competition. I am almost certain he will be back next year. I so wish he would decide to compete in the Mr. Olympia event. You have shown the stuff you are made of Reg; you are not a coward. More than I can say for some of the so-called greats in America.
Wouldn't it be nice to see Bill Pearl on the Mr. Olympia stage? I am positive your fans would like to see how you make out against Sergio and me Bill. How about it? A year's hard training should get you into contest condition!
I am rambling. Let's get back to the Mr. Universe contest. This turned out to be a great show. The packed house received the IFBB team most enthusiastically and begged us to return next year. I don't know about that, this is my fifth win over there. But you can bet I shall be in the greatest shape of my life, I say that each year I guess, at the next Mr. Olympia. What more can I say. I try to be as good as I possibly can each year. And with Joe Weider as my trainer, I manage to keep my word.
Editor's Note: Three years ago I appeared in a show in London with Reg Park and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Backstage, Reg made this prophesy. "In just two years this kid will wipe the floor with all existing competition. He'll be the greatest!" I don't know whether Reg included himself however. Strange coincidence that Arnold should have found himself training under Joe Weider soon afterward, just as Reg had done a couple of decades before. But such is a life!
Overall Winner Arnold Schwarzenegger
Tall
1 Arnold Schwarzenegger
2 Reg Park
3 Dave Draper
4 John Bubb
5 Jacques Louvier
Short
1 Boyer Coe
2 Kassem Yazbek
3 Fani Dutoit
4 Nicolas Kemp
5 Moktari Abdelsallem
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LEE LABRADA...CEO OF LABRADA NUTRITION
Lee Labrada, born in 1960 in Havana, Cuba, spent his early years growing up in Chicago, Illinois, and Jacksonville, Florida. He is a former IFBB professional bodybuilder, a published author, and current CEO of Labrada Nutrition. He attended Northwestern University and holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston.
Lee holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB Mr. Universe and IFBB Mr. Olympia contests. He has appeared on the cover of more than 100 bodybuilding and fitness magazines and has been featured on CNBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, CNN, and ESPN as a fitness and nutrition expert.
In 1995, Labrada launched his line of award-winnning sports and nutrition supplement products under the name of Labrada Nutrition. Equally successful in the health club business, he led Labrada Nutrition to become one of the fastest-growing privately owned companies in the United States.
In 2002, Labrada was appointed the first Fitness Czar for the city of Houston. He is credited with helping Houston shed the title of the Fattest City in America.
In 2005, Lee's nutrition and exercise book, The Lean Body Promise, became a Barnes & Noble.com Best Seller. In 2004 and 2008, he was a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
In 2018, living in Houston with his wife and three sons, Labrada released his CD entitled Eternity, which shows his talent and passion for music, especially the guitar. He owns a large collection and music continues to be an inspiration for his ongoing wholesome lifestyle.
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LEE LABRADA...CEO OF LABRADA NUTRITION
Lee Labrada, born in 1960 in Havana, Cuba, spent his early years growing up in Chicago, Illinois, and Jacksonville, Florida. He is a former IFBB professional bodybuilder, a published author, and current CEO of Labrada Nutrition. He attended Northwestern University and holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston.
Lee holds 22 professional bodybuilding titles, including the IFBB Mr. Universe and IFBB Mr. Olympia contests. He has appeared on the cover of more than 100 bodybuilding and fitness magazines and has been featured on CNBC, FOX, ABC, CBS, CNN, and ESPN as a fitness and nutrition expert.
In 1995, Labrada launched his line of award-winnning sports and nutrition supplement products under the name of Labrada Nutrition. Equally successful in the health club business, he led Labrada Nutrition to become one of the fastest-growing privately owned companies in the United States.
In 2002, Labrada was appointed the first Fitness Czar for the city of Houston. He is credited with helping Houston shed the title of the Fattest City in America.
In 2005, Lee's nutrition and exercise book, The Lean Body Promise, became a Barnes & Noble.com Best Seller. In 2004 and 2008, he was a finalist in the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition.
In 2018, living in Houston with his wife and three sons, Labrada released his CD entitled Eternity, which shows his talent and passion for music, especially the guitar. He owns a large collection and music continues to be an inspiration for his ongoing wholesome lifestyle.
class act...great physique and still in shape .
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MARK FOREST ... SON OF SAMPSON
Mark Forest, born Louis Lorenzo Degni, in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933, is best known for playing the lead role in a series of Italian low-budget, sword-and-sandal, muscleman movies in the late 1950's and 1960's.
Lou began bodybuilding at the age of 13. He moved to California and became a part of the muscle-building scene on Muscle Beach. At the age of 19, he finished 27th at the 1952 AAU Mr. America contest. In 1954, he placed second at the Mr. Muscle Beach event.
A Hollywood talent scout came across Degni's physique photographs and invited him to audition for the role of Tarzan. Though Lou did not get the part, he became part of Mae West's troupe of musclemen in her Las Vegas stage act.
Following the worldwide success of the 1958 film, Hercules, starring legendary Steve Reeves, Degni became the second American actor to be recruited by Italian producers. In 1960, he was signed to a three-picture contract with "Goliath and the Dragon" being his first film.
Forest continued his film career until 1964, by starring in "Hercules Against the Barbarians", but then left the cinema for a career as a European opera singer.
After moving back to Southern California, the "Son of Samson"worked as a singer, voice teacher, and personal trainer.
Mark Forrest / Lou Degni passed away January 7, 2022.
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Dan Lurie
Height 5'5"
Weight 165
Born April 1,1923 Brooklyn, NY
Died November 8, 2013
Publisher of Muscle Training Illustrated
Chairman of WBBG
[ website ]
[magazine articles]
1942
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr New York City - AAU, Unknown placing
1943
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1944
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Junior Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
1946
Most Muscular Man in America, Professional, 2nd
Magazines
1942 March Vol 2, Num 3 Your Physique
1943 September Vol 3, Num 4 Your Physique
1944 June Vol 4, Num 2 Your Physique
1947 January Vol 6, Num 5 Your Physique
1968 October Num 16 Muscle Training Illustrated
dan lurie would have been 100 on april's fool day.
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Before joining the three stooges, Larry Fine was a boxer calling himself "Kid Roth " . Here he is teaching Moe a few things lol
He may got slapped around on film , but will whip your butt in the streets ! Lol
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Larry Fine was a fine fella who helped a lot of struggling actors out financially. He also was a degenerate gambler.
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PHIL HEATH ... "THE GIFT"
Phillip Jerrod Heath, born in 1979, in Seattle, Washington, is an American IFBB professional bodybuilder. He is a seven-time Mr. Olympia winner, having won the competition every year from 2011 to 2017. His latest victory tied him with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the joint-third number of all-time Mr. Olympia wins, behind Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman, who are joint-first, with eight wins each. At the height of 5-feet, 9-inches, his contest weight was 240 pounds.
Heath attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, where he was team captain and shooting guard on the varsity basketball team. He attended the University of Denver on an athletic scholarship, majoring in business administration while playing shooting guard for the university's Division I basketball team.
Heath entered bodybuilding in 2002. In 2005, he won the overall title at the National Physique Committee (NPC) USA Championships, earning the right to compete as an IFBB Pro. He won his first two IFBB professional events the following year: The Colorado Pro Championships and The New York Pro Championship.
In 2007, Heath placed fifth at the Arnold Classic. Although he still qualified to compete in the 2007 Mr. Olympia contest, Heath, nevertheless, did not enter the contest, stating that he needed additional time to improve his appearance.
Heath won the 2008 Iron Man contest and placed second to Dexter Jackson at the 2008 Arnold Classic. In his 2008 Mr. Olympia debut, Heath finished third to become the first novice to place in the top three since Flex Wheeler in 1993.
Heath claimed the fifth position at the 2009 Mr. Olympia title and second place at the 2010 event. He gained the crown in 2011. He defended the title of Mr. Olympia consecutively six times since then until 2018 when he placed second to Shawn Rhoden.
(During the countdown to the Bound for Glory wrestling pre-event in 2013, Heath accompanied brothers, Jessie and Robbie Godderz, to the ring for their tag team gauntlet match, which they won; later, partnered with them to their World Tag Team Championship bout against Gunner and James Storm. After the match, he celebrated their title victory with them in the ring and backstage during an interview.)
Reportedly, Heath is contemplating a comeback in the 2023 Mr Olympia contest. If he does compete, he would be just six weeks from his forty-forth birthday. He has had a three year hiatus since his last competition, and November will be six years since his last Olympia win. What do you think? Should he try for number eight?
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PHIL HEATH ... "THE GIFT"
Phillip Jerrod Heath, born in 1979, in Seattle, Washington, is an American IFBB professional bodybuilder. He is a seven-time Mr. Olympia winner, having won the competition every year from 2011 to 2017. His latest victory tied him with Arnold Schwarzenegger for the joint-third number of all-time Mr. Olympia wins, behind Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman, who are joint-first, with eight wins each. At the height of 5-feet, 9-inches, his contest weight was 240 pounds.
Heath attended Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, where he was team captain and shooting guard on the varsity basketball team. He attended the University of Denver on an athletic scholarship, majoring in business administration while playing shooting guard for the university's Division I basketball team.
Heath entered bodybuilding in 2002. In 2005, he won the overall title at the National Physique Committee (NPC) USA Championships, earning the right to compete as an IFBB Pro. He won his first two IFBB professional events the following year: The Colorado Pro Championships and The New York Pro Championship.
In 2007, Heath placed fifth at the Arnold Classic. Although he still qualified to compete in the 2007 Mr. Olympia contest, Heath, nevertheless, did not enter the contest, stating that he needed additional time to improve his appearance.
Heath won the 2008 Iron Man contest and placed second to Dexter Jackson at the 2008 Arnold Classic. In his 2008 Mr. Olympia debut, Heath finished third to become the first novice to place in the top three since Flex Wheeler in 1993.
Heath claimed the fifth position at the 2009 Mr. Olympia title and second place at the 2010 event. He gained the crown in 2011. He defended the title of Mr. Olympia consecutively six times since then until 2018 when he placed second to Shawn Rhoden.
(During the countdown to the Bound for Glory wrestling pre-event in 2013, Heath accompanied brothers, Jessie and Robbie Godderz, to the ring for their tag team gauntlet match, which they won; later, partnered with them to their World Tag Team Championship bout against Gunner and James Storm. After the match, he celebrated their title victory with them in the ring and backstage during an interview.)
Reportedly, Heath is contemplating a comeback in the 2023 Mr Olympia contest. If he does compete, he would be just six weeks from his forty-forth birthday. He has had a three year hiatus since his last competition, and November will be six years since his last Olympia win. What do you think? Should he try for number eight?
EHH,,NOT GOOD IDEA MOVE ON..MASTERS MRO I CAN SEE AND HE WOULD BE FRONT RUNNER,,TOO MUCH UGLY MASS OUT THERE ON THE MRO NOW,EVEN TOP 10 WOULD BE DISSAPOINTMENT..IMAGINE WALKER BEATING HIM...
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samson burke now 94 years old. :o :o :o
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HOLY BOTOX/FAKE TAN...OTHERWISE LOOKS LEAN AND RIPPED PROPS,,,
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TERRIBLE VOICE OVER,,,AND NARRATIVE ,,,MAKING HIM OUT LIKE A HERO FOR OVERCOMING DEPRESSION TO RETURN TO DRUG GLORY..
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WILLIAM (BILL) SMITH ... BODYBUILDER/ACTOR
Bill was born in Columbia, Missouri in 1933, on a cattle ranch owned by his parents. His love of horses and western lifestyle became an important part of what he would bring to the screen in many of the roles he played throughout his career.
Smith began his acting career at age 8, as a child extra and appeared in many films including "The Ghost of Frankenstein," "Song of Bernadette" and "A Tree Grows n Brooklyn."
Enlisting in the U S Air Force in 1951, Smith won the 200-pound (91 kg) arm-wrestling championship of the world and also captured Air Force weightlifing events. A lifelong bodybuilder, he was a record holder for reverse-curling his own body weight. His trademark arms taped 19 1/2 inches.
Following his military tour, Bill continued the education he began while in the service, studying at the Syracuse University, the University of Munich, the Sorbonne in Paris, and finally at UCLA, where he graduated Com Laude with a Master's degree and worked toward a Doctorate. Bill would also teach at UCLA. He continued to hone his bodybuilding skills, and served as a volunteer fireman, fighting Calirfornia wildfires.
Bill found that his fluency in languages, including Russian, German, French, and Serbo-Croatian, had him recruited by both CIA and the NSA. During the Korean War, he was flying on secret missons over Russia and other Eastern Bloc countries.
Between the period of 1961 to 2014, Smith estabilished himself as a prolific and profoundly talented charactor actor with roles in a diverse range of genres ... his muscular frame and athletic agility, plus his intensity made him suited to TV and B-rated pictures, Westerns as outlaws, Native America Indian medicine men and cowboys. Simultaneously, in biker films, his athleticism saw Bill alternate as villains and tough guys.
Although it was reported Smith retired from film in 2014, with his last screen appearance in the Steve Carell comedy "Irresistible" in 2020.
Actor William (Bill) Smith who played bikers, brawlers, cowboys and tough guys in films an TV shows, died on July 5, 2021, at age 88. R.I.P.
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SIEGMUND KLEIN ..."TRAIN FOR SHAPE AND STENGTH WILL FOLLOW"
Siegmund "Sig" Klein, the youngest of eight chldren, immigrated with his family from Thorn, West Prussia, to Cleveland, Ohio when he was two years old. At age 17, fascinated by the strongmen playing local theaters, and having discovered Strength magazine, Klein took up weight-training in the attic of his family's home.
Klein's first weights were a 100-pound plate-loading barbell and a set of makeshift kettlebells made from two discarded iron weights used to counter-balance the raising and lowering of heavy windows.
Klien also began to practice muscle control as a strict disciple of the master Maxick (Max Sick), and soon blossomed into an outstanding tumbler, hand-balancer, muscle control perfectionist, and weightlifting champion. For decades he appeared on the cover of nearly every physical culture magazine throughout the world.
For years, Klein reigned as the "unofficial" Professional Lightweight and Middleweight Weightlifting Champion of America. He stood five-feet, four-and-a-half inches tall, and weighed from 148 to 152 pounds.
In 1925, Edmond Desbonnet's "La Culture Physique" voted Klein, World's Best Built Man. In 1946, at age 44, Klein won the Professional Most Muscular Man contest. His weight-training philosophy was, "Train for shape and strength will follow."
In 1927, Klein moved his previously operating health studio into the heart of New York City's theater district. The ambiance of his new studio was created by artistically framed strongman photos on the walls, accompanied by historic exercise equipment featuring barbells and dumbbells previously owned by Professor Louis Attila, Eugen Sandow, George Rowlando, and Louis Cyr.
The studio's lavish appointments were capped off by an extensive collection of rare beer steins that lined a part of the gym's walls.
Klein celebrated his 80th birthday in 1982, and was presented a trophy from Vic Boff in honor of his lifelong dedication to the Iron Game. His subsequent birthday celebrations were primarely organized by Boff and evolved into the Association of Oldetime Barbell and Strongmen Dinner. In 1985, the AOBS honored Klien as part of his 83rd birthday celebration, and he received special recognition as the first IFBB Hall of Fame inductee.
On May 23, 1987, having spent the evening with the AOBS at their annual reunion, Sigmund Klein retired to his brickstone home and died the following day at age 85.
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LARRY SCOTT ... THE BOY NEXT DOOR
Larry Dee Scott (October 12, 1938 – March 8, 2014), nicknamed "The Legend" and "The Golden Boy," was an American IFBB professional bodybuilder. He won the inaugural 1965 Mr. Olympia competition and defended the crown at the 1966 Mr. Olympia contest before retiring.
Scott was born in Pocatello, Idaho to Thea Scott and machinist Wayne Scott. He began training at age 16 and won the Mr. Idaho competition in 1959 at age 20. After moving to California, he promptly won Mr. California (1960), Mr. Pacific Coast (1961), Mr. America (1962), and Mr. Universe (1964). When Joe Weider created the IFBB's Mr. Olympia title, Scott won the first two contests in 1965 and 1966. Although retiring after his 1966 Olympia win, he staged a brief comeback in 1979 before he finally retired from competition in 1980. He studied electronics at the California Air College, and was known to be a devout Mormon. He married Rachel Scott (née Ichikawa). The Scotts had five children: daughter Susan, and sons Erin, Nathan, Derek, and Michael. Derek died in a motorcycle accident in 1992, and Michael died in 1993.
Scott played a minor role in the 1964 movie Muscle Beach Party. When he started weight training in 1956, his narrow shoulders were a particular weak spot. He trained with Vince Gironda, a well-known bodybuilder of the time, and became best known for his arm development, particularly his impressive and unusually long biceps. He attributed his biceps to an exercise called the "Preacher Curl", invented by Gironda, later known as the "Scott Curl" due to its association with Scott.
Scott stated in a 1965 Iron Man interview that his diet consisted of "a lot of meat, cheese and eggs", coupled with protein supplements. He was a popular physique model during the early to mid-1960s, working for photographers Bruce of Los Angeles, Don Whitman (of the Western Photography Guild), and Pat Milo. Milo introduced Scott to a larger audience and helped him hone his posing and photographic persona: the "boy next door".
Larry regularly appeared in all of Joe Weider's bodybuilding magazines, including Mr. America and Muscle Builder, also appearing in Demi Gods, Muscleboy, Muscles a Go-Go and The Young Physique. As an IFBB member, he wrote exclusively for Joe Weider's publications.
From 1960 until his first retirement in 1966, Scott was bodybuilding's top superstar. Bodybuilding magazines soon began capitalizing on his clean-cut, all-American image. His popularity become known as "Larry Fever" and reached its apex at the first Mr. Olympia competition in 1965, winning the "jewel"- encrusted crown against Harold Poole. Scott defended his title and won the 1966 Mr. Olympia title, receiving a $1,000 prize.
News of Scott's retirement at the age of 28 shocked the sport, but he prioritized his second marriage and felt he had done all he could in competitive bodybuilding after two Olympia wins.
Rod Labbe, a freelance writer and fan, collaborated with Scott on five articles: a two-part interview in Flex magazine, two articles in Ironman, the "Poetry in Motion" article in MuscleMag International, a promotional article/interview for Scarlet: the Film Magazine about American International's Muscle Beach Party (1964), with Don Rickles. Five years after his passing, Labbe wrote a Scott tribute article for the March 2019 issue of Muscle & Fitness entitled, "My friend, Larry Scott."
Scott retired to Salt Lake City, operating his personal training company Larry Scott Fitness & Nutrition. The company manufactured and sold custom gym equipment and health supplements. He was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 1999. His last public interview about his life was in 2012 on K-TALK Radio.
On March 8, 2014, Scott died of complications from Alzheimer's disease at his home in Salt Lake City, at the age of 75.
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the comeback.
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Lee Haney
Height 5'11"
Born November 11, 1959 South Carolina
[ website ]
1978
Mr Coastal USA - AAU, Teen, 4th
1979
Mr Coastal USA - AAU, Teen, 4th
Teen Mr America - AAU, Overall Winner
Teen Mr America - AAU, Tall, 1st
1980
Mr USA - AAU, HeavyWeight, 4th
1982
Junior Nationals - NPC, Overall Winner
Junior Nationals - NPC, HeavyWeight, 1st
Nationals - NPC, Overall Winner
Nationals - NPC, HeavyWeight, 1st
World Amateur Championships - IFBB, HeavyWeight, 1st
1983
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Las Vegas - IFBB, Winner
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 2nd
Grand Prix Switzerland - IFBB, 3rd
Night of Champions - IFBB, Winner
Olympia - IFBB, 3rd
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 3rd
1984
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1985
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1986
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1987
Grand Prix Germany (2) - IFBB, Winner
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1988
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1989
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1990
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1991
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
Magazines
1983 January Vol 7, Num 1 Muscle Digest
1983 July Vol 1, Num 4 Flex
1983 August Num 108 Muscle Training Illustrated
1983 November Vol 5, Num 19 Muscle and Bodybuilder
1984 November Vol 44, Num 1 IronMan
1985 February Vol 46, Num 2 Muscle and Fitness
1985 March Vol 2, Num 12 Flex
1985 March Num 50 Muscle Mag International
1987 January Vol 46, Num 2 IronMan
1987 February Vol 4, Num 11 Flex
1987 September Vol 48, Num 9 Muscle and Fitness
1988 April Vol 6, Num 2 Flex
1989 January Vol 6, Num 11 Flex
1989 September Vol 3, Num 4 NPC News
1989 November Num 154 Muscle Training Illustrated
1990 February Vol 7, Num 12 Flex
1991 Vol 28, Num 13 Muscular Development
1991 January Num 163 Muscle Training Illustrated
1991 February Vol 8, Num 12 Flex
1991 February Vol 28, Num 2 Muscular Development
1991 September Vol 28, Num 9 Muscular Development
1991 December Vol 50, Num 12 IronMan
1992 May Vol 6, Num 2 NPC News
1993 January Vol 30, Num 1 Muscular D EE HANEY CHAMPION / FAMILY MAN
Lee Haney dominated the IFBB Mr. Olympia scene for eight years, by winning the competition from 1984 to 1991. At age 24, the six-foot tall, 243-pound Lee Haney became the youngest to win the title, and the most heavily muscled athlete to capture the crown. His total "Olympia" prize money to nearly $500,000.
Lee Haney was born November 11,1959, in Fairburn, Georgia, and raised in a strict Southern Baptist family. At age 14, he received a pair of plastic-covered dumbbells for Christmas. He commented, "I am sure my dad expected me to get bored with the gift. But I used the weights relentlessly, and when I was too tired to lift them, I read everything I could find pertaining to strength-training or nutrition."
By 1975, Lee was first-string on his high school football team, which required four days per week of mandatory weightlifting. A high school councilor assisted Lee in getting an educational grant to Spartanburg Methodist College, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice and Youth Counciling.
In 1979, Haney won the AAU Teenage Mr. America event. He stated in his book, "Totally Awesome," published in 1987:
"Around seven months away was the Mr.Teenage America competition, the first national event I'd thought about, I'd never flown and the prospect of flying didn't interest me. I had a dilapidated little old car with a dead battery and precious little money; all of that needed for vitamins. But I trained with the confidence that I'd get to Detroit. And I got there.....thanks to my girlfriend Shirley, who invested an entire pay-check, from her job at the local library, for a new battery. Three weeks later we drove to Detroit and I became Mr.Teenage America. I'll never forget the thrill or the reassurance of her support."
From 1982 to 1991, Lee entered 19 major physique contests. His eight-year consecutive "Olympia" record lasted for14 years, until Ronnie Coleman equaled his number in 2005. In 1994, he and his wife Shirley, established a 40-acre retreat farm for children of all ages, creeds, and nationalities. Lee, then served as a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports from 1999 to 2002.
In 2010, the Lee Haney World Class Fitness Center opened in Atlanta, Georgia, and became known as the official wellness center for the city.
Lee Haney was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 1999.
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https://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/mark-wahlberg-jack-lalannne-biopic-documentary/?fbclid=IwAR3KUzSdcBV9QvVCf258RctgR97yTduTtFu0yIFT3dpqBQ5-ojolVG-iGgc
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&t=58s
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SAMIR BANNOUT ... 1983 MR. OLYMPIA
Samir Bannout, born November 7, 1955, in Beirut, Lebenon, won the 1983 IFBB Mr. Olympia crown with his powerful yet graceful physique. He moved to Detroit, Michigan, and achieved his professional status by winning the light-heavy weight class at the 1979 IFBB World Amateur Championships. He relocated to Santa Monica, California, and placed 4th at the 1982 Mr. Olympia contest and the following year, won the title.
Bannout's body weight for the event was 196 pounds, making him the last winner to weigh under 200 pounds.
After placing fourth at the 1984 "Olympia," the IFBB suspended Samir for three years because of his participation in a WABBA contest. His final win was the1990 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Invitational, ending his 17-year participation in nearly 60 major physique contests.
Samir Bannout currently lives in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and three children. He was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2002. Samir Bannout
[image] [image]
Height 5'8"
Born November 7, 1955 Lebanon
[ website ]
1974
Universe - IFBB, Medium, 7th
1976
Universe - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 12th
1977
Mr International - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 2nd
1978
Mr International - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 2nd
Mr Michigan - AAU, Overall Winner
1979
Best in the World - IFBB, Amateur, 1st
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, Did not place
World Amateur Championships - IFBB, Light-HeavyWeight, 1st
1980
Grand Prix California - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, 7th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 10th
Olympia - IFBB, 15th
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, Did not place
1981
Grand Prix California - IFBB, 7th
Grand Prix New England - IFBB, 6th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 10th
Olympia - IFBB, 9th
1982
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 2nd
Olympia - IFBB, 4th
1983
Olympia - IFBB, Winner
1984
Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 5th
Olympia - IFBB, 6th
World Grand Prix - IFBB, 5th
1985
World Championships - WABBA, Professional, 1st
1988
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 10th
Grand Prix Italy - IFBB, 9th
Olympia - IFBB, 8th
1989
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 4th
Grand Prix Finland - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix France - IFBB, 8th
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Holland - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Spain (2) - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Sweden - IFBB, 3rd
Olympia - IFBB, 9th
1990
Arnold Classic - IFBB, Disqualified
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 6th
Grand Prix Finland - IFBB, 5th
Grand Prix Italy - IFBB, 6th
Houston Pro Championships - IFBB, 3rd
Olympia - IFBB, 8th
Pittsburgh Pro Invitational - IFBB, Winner
World Championships - NABBA, Professional, 2nd
1991
Olympia - IFBB, Did not place
1992
Arnold Classic - IFBB, Did not place
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 11th
Olympia - IFBB, Did not place
1993
Arnold Classic - IFBB, 13th
Ironman Pro Invitational - IFBB, 15th
San Jose Pro Invitational - IFBB, 10th
1994
Grand Prix England - IFBB, 14th
Grand Prix Germany - IFBB, 13th
Grand Prix Italy - IFBB, 12th
Grand Prix Spain - IFBB, 12th
Olympia - IFBB, Did not place
1996
Olympia - Masters - IFBB, 6th
2011
Masters Pro World - IFBB, 11th
Magazines
1979 April Vol 3, Num 2 Muscle Digest
1981 March Vol 49, Num 2 Strength and Health
1982 July Num 30 Muscle Mag International
1983 March Vol 7, Num 3 Muscle Digest
1983 April Vol 7, Num 4 Muscle Digest
1983 June Vol 1, Num 3 Flex
1983 July Num 36 Muscle Mag International
1984 January Health and Strength
1984 January Num 40 Muscle Mag International
1984 February Num 112 Muscle Training Illustrated
1984 March Vol 1, Num 12 Flex
1984 March Vol 45, Num 3 Muscle and Fitness
1984 April Vol 8, Num 2 Muscle Digest
1984 April Vol 6, Num 28 Muscle Up
1984 May Vol 43, Num 4 IronMan
1984 May Num 43 Muscle Mag International
1984 December Num 118 Muscle Training Illustrated
1985 April Num 51 Muscle Mag International
1985 November Vol 22, Num 6 Muscular Development
1986 March Vol 23, Num 3 Muscular Development
1989 May Vol 1, Num 1 Power
1989 August Num 87 Muscle Mag International
1989 August Num 152 Muscle Training Illustrated
1990 July Vol 49, Num 7 IronMan
1990 September Num 100 Muscle Mag International
© MuscleMemory
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https://www.evolutionofbodybuilding.net/rachel-mclish-matt-mendenhalls-final-days/?fbclid=IwAR0g_fBvcf8-DR8iWZx_o8JgdZ63gb-Lt-45wTEL-vqyaYkSQiiOM7nacAY
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https://www.evolutionofbodybuilding.net/rachel-mclish-matt-mendenhalls-final-days/?fbclid=IwAR0g_fBvcf8-DR8iWZx_o8JgdZ63gb-Lt-45wTEL-vqyaYkSQiiOM7nacAY
One of the greatest amateur physiques of all time!
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https://www.evolutionofbodybuilding.net/rachel-mclish-matt-mendenhalls-final-days/?fbclid=IwAR0g_fBvcf8-DR8iWZx_o8JgdZ63gb-Lt-45wTEL-vqyaYkSQiiOM7nacAY
My buddy steve smacked him across the face in the Marina Athletic Club in the 80s. then rachel started screaming at him.
he grabbed her by the hair and dragged her over to where matt was pouting and said to him
'shut her up or i'm gonna hit you again!'
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&t=1s
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https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/706-Gentry-Dr-Arlington-TX-76018/29278497_zpid/
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1994 Olympia - Masters - IFBB
1 Robby Robinson
2 Lou Ferrigno
3 Boyer Coe
4 Chris Dickerson
5 Olev Annus
6 Bernard Sealy
7 Danny Padilla
8 Bill Grant
9 Hubert Metz
10 Ed Corney
11 Scott Wilson
12 Herman Hoffend
Masters 60+
1 Ed Corney
© MuscleMemory
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Today’s brotherly duo are The Barbararian Brothers, Peter and David Paul. Although they never competed, their profile was remarkably high for non competitive bodybuilders.
Their outfits, outlandish personas and incredible strength & intensity in the gym ensured they were never anything less than noticeable.
With huge physiques and strength to match the twin brothers were regular features in magazines. They were also musicians and had several acting roles and movie credits.
David passed away in his sleep on March the 6th 2020, two days before his 63rd birthday. In a touching interview shortly before his death, David explained how he now eschewed the bodybuilding lifestyle. Choosing to be humble, philosophical and radiating a calmness and energy that was most endearing.
Little has been heard from Peter, who maintains a low profile, away from social media and publicity.
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The lady pictured below won’t be recognized by many, in fact I’d be very surprised if any member could name her.
She played a very important role in shaping the lives of many of the famous bodybuilders of the Silver Era. It’s perhaps no exaggeration to say she may have in a small way contributed to the direction bodybuilding itself took.
Her name is Fleurett ‘Joy’ Crettaz and she was born March the 13th 1891. Joy over the course of her life ended up moving to 1659 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica California. Her place of residence would end up becoming a place of salvation for many up and coming bodybuilders.
So well known did Joy’s home become that it was dubbed Muscle house and was home for a time for individuals like Steve Reeves, Vince Edwards, Jack Delinger, George Eiferman, Dave Draper and Bill ‘Peanuts’ West.
Located within close proximity of Muscle Beach which was in its pomp during the time Joy owned Muscle House, Joy provided lodgings for nominal cost and would prepare meals for those passing through her home. A godsend for her lodgers who were strapped for cash at the time and welcomed this opportunity to have a roof over the head at minimal cost.
Joy would treat those living in her home like she would her own children. Ensuring they were cared for and also fed. Her kindness was something all of those blessed to have met her commented upon.
However Joy did have one condition she would not budge on. Anyone staying in her Muscle House would have to observe a vegetarian diet whilst there. She did not allow meat under her roof. Although it’s said some did try to sneak meat in and hide it in her fridge. Steve Reeves would tell the story of George Eifferman who would do his best to conceal salami at the back of the fridge.
Steve would imitate Joy’s loud voice as she shrieked ‘What is this?! What is this?!’ The incident providing much mirth for both Steve and George who were the first pair to take up residence with Joy in Muscle House.
Bill ‘Peanuts’ West got around Joy’s proviso by eating huge amounts of peanuts to get the protein he needed. Eating one pound of raw peanuts, ½ a cup of peanut butter, and six spoonfuls of peanut oil daily. It was Joy in fact who gave him the name Peanuts due to his huge consumption of the nut.
Joy continued providing lodgings for bodybuilders right up until the 70s. Having commenced in the late 40s, Muscle House was a mainstay for over twenty years. A temporary home for some illustrious names and providing the break they needed before embarking on their individual journeys to stardom.
Joy passed away on January the 13th 1975 aged 83, little has been documented about this wonderful lady and sadly we’ll never know her personal journey or how she became the lady of Muscle House.
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&t=43s
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OM PLATZ ... MISTER LEGS
Tom Platz, born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1955, began competitive bodybuilding in 1973. He won numerous physique contests as an amateur, including the 1978 World Amateur Championships middle weight division.
In 1978, Tom moved to California with $50 in his pocket and a dream to win the Mr. Olympia contest. For the next nine years he competed as a professional. Though he never placed first at the "Olympia," he had a series of top ten finishes with a third placing in 1981.
Standing 5-feet, 7-inches tall, weighing 215 pounds, Platz became famous for his remarkable leg development. Flex magazine readers agreed that he possessed the most impressive quadriceps and hamstrings of all time.
Tom retired from bodybuilding competition in 1987, but made a 'comeback' in 1995 to be awarded the title Honorary Mr. America. He continued on to become one of the most sought-after guest speakers in the world of bodybuilding, nutrition and general fitness.
Acting as a Professor and the Director of Bodybuilding Science at ISSA for 14 years, Tom (the Quadfather) Platz, obtained a Masters Degree in Fitness Science from Wayne State University and Michigan State University, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of California. Tom Platz
Height 5'7"
Born June 26, 1955
1974
Teen Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Teen Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
1975
Mr Michigan - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr Southeastern USA - AAU, 3rd
1976
Mr America - AAU, Short, 3rd
1977
Mr America - AAU, Short, 2nd
Mr Southeastern USA - AAU, Winner
1978
Mr America - AAU, Short, 2nd
USA World Qualifier - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 1st
World Amateur Championships - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 1st
1979
Olympia - IFBB, LightWeight, 8th
1980
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, 10th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 12th
Olympia - IFBB, 9th
Universe - Pro - IFBB, 2nd
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 2nd
1981
Olympia - IFBB, 3rd
1982
Olympia - IFBB, 6th
1984
Olympia - IFBB, 9th
1985
Olympia - IFBB, 7th
1986
Olympia - IFBB, 11th
1987
Detroit Pro Championships - IFBB, 6th
Magazines
1978 January Num 64 Muscle Training Illustrated
1980 June Vol 2, Num 5 Muscle Up
1982 February Vol 6, Num 1 Muscle Digest
1982 March Num 28 Muscle Mag International
1982 August Vol 43, Num 8 Muscle and Fitness
1982 October Vol 43, Num 10 Muscle and Fitness
1983 January Num 33 Muscle Mag International
1983 August Num 108 Muscle Training Illustrated
1983 December Vol 1, Num 9 Flex
1984 January Vol 6, Num 20 Muscle and Bodybuilder
1984 June Num 114 Muscle Training Illustrated
1984 July Num 44 Muscle Mag International
1984 September Vol 2, Num 6 Flex
1984 October Vol 45, Num 10 Muscle and Fitness
1985 June Vol 7, Num 26 Muscle and Bodybuilder
1985 September Num 53 Muscle Mag International
1986 September Vol 4, Num 6 Flex
1987 April Num 64 Muscle Mag International
1988 April Vol 47, Num 4 IronMan
1988 August Vol 6, Num 6 Flex
1994 August Num 39 Muscle Media 2000
1995 January Num 151 Muscle Mag International
1995 February Vol 54, Num 2 IronMan
1995 November Vol 32, Num 11 Muscular Development
2005 May Vol 64, Num 5 IronMan
© MuscleMemory
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OM PLATZ ... MISTER LEGS
Tom Platz, born in Fort Sill, Oklahoma in 1955, began competitive bodybuilding in 1973. He won numerous physique contests as an amateur, including the 1978 World Amateur Championships middle weight division.
In 1978, Tom moved to California with $50 in his pocket and a dream to win the Mr. Olympia contest. For the next nine years he competed as a professional. Though he never placed first at the "Olympia," he had a series of top ten finishes with a third placing in 1981.
Standing 5-feet, 7-inches tall, weighing 215 pounds, Platz became famous for his remarkable leg development. Flex magazine readers agreed that he possessed the most impressive quadriceps and hamstrings of all time.
Tom retired from bodybuilding competition in 1987, but made a 'comeback' in 1995 to be awarded the title Honorary Mr. America. He continued on to become one of the most sought-after guest speakers in the world of bodybuilding, nutrition and general fitness.
Acting as a Professor and the Director of Bodybuilding Science at ISSA for 14 years, Tom (the Quadfather) Platz, obtained a Masters Degree in Fitness Science from Wayne State University and Michigan State University, and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of California. Tom Platz
Height 5'7"
Born June 26, 1955
1974
Teen Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Teen Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
1975
Mr Michigan - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr Southeastern USA - AAU, 3rd
1976
Mr America - AAU, Short, 3rd
1977
Mr America - AAU, Short, 2nd
Mr Southeastern USA - AAU, Winner
1978
Mr America - AAU, Short, 2nd
USA World Qualifier - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 1st
World Amateur Championships - IFBB, MiddleWeight, 1st
1979
Olympia - IFBB, LightWeight, 8th
1980
Grand Prix Pennsylvania - IFBB, 10th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 12th
Olympia - IFBB, 9th
Universe - Pro - IFBB, 2nd
World Pro Championships - IFBB, 2nd
1981
Olympia - IFBB, 3rd
1982
Olympia - IFBB, 6th
1984
Olympia - IFBB, 9th
1985
Olympia - IFBB, 7th
1986
Olympia - IFBB, 11th
1987
Detroit Pro Championships - IFBB, 6th
Magazines
1978 January Num 64 Muscle Training Illustrated
1980 June Vol 2, Num 5 Muscle Up
1982 February Vol 6, Num 1 Muscle Digest
1982 March Num 28 Muscle Mag International
1982 August Vol 43, Num 8 Muscle and Fitness
1982 October Vol 43, Num 10 Muscle and Fitness
1983 January Num 33 Muscle Mag International
1983 August Num 108 Muscle Training Illustrated
1983 December Vol 1, Num 9 Flex
1984 January Vol 6, Num 20 Muscle and Bodybuilder
1984 June Num 114 Muscle Training Illustrated
1984 July Num 44 Muscle Mag International
1984 September Vol 2, Num 6 Flex
1984 October Vol 45, Num 10 Muscle and Fitness
1985 June Vol 7, Num 26 Muscle and Bodybuilder
1985 September Num 53 Muscle Mag International
1986 September Vol 4, Num 6 Flex
1987 April Num 64 Muscle Mag International
1988 April Vol 47, Num 4 IronMan
1988 August Vol 6, Num 6 Flex
1994 August Num 39 Muscle Media 2000
1995 January Num 151 Muscle Mag International
1995 February Vol 54, Num 2 IronMan
1995 November Vol 32, Num 11 Muscular Development
2005 May Vol 64, Num 5 IronMan
© MuscleMemory
GREAT PIC OF PLATZ..
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Today’s brotherly duo are The Barbararian Brothers, Peter and David Paul. Although they never competed, their profile was remarkably high for non competitive bodybuilders.
Their outfits, outlandish personas and incredible strength & intensity in the gym ensured they were never anything less than noticeable.
With huge physiques and strength to match the twin brothers were regular features in magazines. They were also musicians and had several acting roles and movie credits.
David passed away in his sleep on March the 6th 2020, two days before his 63rd birthday. In a touching interview shortly before his death, David explained how he now eschewed the bodybuilding lifestyle. Choosing to be humble, philosophical and radiating a calmness and energy that was most endearing.
Little has been heard from Peter, who maintains a low profile, away from social media and publicity.
Peter was banned from social media.
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Peter was banned from social media.
&t=57s with good reason.
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Philip (Phil) Grippaldi was born in 1946, in Newark, New Jersey and grew up in Belleville. As a boy, he got acquainted to weightlifting by Mike Gubliano, a professional bodyguard obsessed with heavy arm training. Gubliano's flexed upper arms measured a massive 22 inches and he worked with Phil to bring him to this level. By age 16, Phil's arms topped 19 inches.
At this point, Phil began training with a more mainstream coach, Butch Toth, who taught him the three Olympic lifts, at that time: press, snatch and clean-and-jerk.
Phil continued to show progess and power. He exploded onto the international weighlifting scene in 1966 at age 19, pressing 345 pounds to top the junior world record by 35 pounds.....and coming within 13 pounds of the senior men's mark. Perhaps most amazing was that he stood 5' 6" and tipped the scales at under 200 pounds.
Phil placed second at the 1966 U.S. Senior Nationals. During the 1967 meet, he lifted 410 pounds in the clean-and- jerk.....just 8 pounds shy of the world record. In 1968, he won his first national title. This meet featured great performances by several young lifters including Russ Knipp and Bob Bednarski.
Many proclaimed that a golden era of American lifting was on the horizon. However, it was not to be. One by one, these athletes drifted away from the sport, and none excelled on the international scene. Phil was the best of the bunch. He finished 7th in the 1968 Olympics and won a silver medal at the 1970 World Championships.
Unfortunately, Phil's best lift......the press.....was eliminated from Olympic competition. Focusing on the snatch and jerk, he just missed a bronze medal at the 1972 Summer Games. He flunked a drug test at the 1976 Olympics in Montreal.
Grippaldi retired from competition in 1977. He was the U.S. champion six times between 1967 and 1977, and Pan American Games champion in 1967, 1971 and 1975. He was named Lifter of the Year by Strength & Health magazine in 1970 and 1974.
Sadly, Phil struggled to find himself after his competitive career ended. Eventually, he got involved in drug trafficking, and was convicted three times.... most recently in 2008 for dealing crack at a strip mall.
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&t=57s with good reason.
Classic video!
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;D bodybuilding the fountain of youth, esp if U R "NATURAL"
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RHEO H. BLAIR ... BLAIR PROTEIN POWDER
Rheo H. Blair, (Irvin Johnson) born in 1921 in New Jersey was a nutritionist of legendary status, who at an early age was stricken with many health problems, with some considered nearly fatal.
The family moved to the Chicago, Illinois area and at around the age of 15, Irvin Johnson showed interest in singing, which he later performed solo at Carnegie Hall and eventually sang on the Lawrence Welk show.
Irvin's interest in bodybuilding came when his older brother began to develope a physique, which he decided to duplicate. In 1948, he opened a gym in Chicago, which at that time consisted of some barbells and dumbbells, with a wooden floor, that catered to gymnastics.
It was at this time that Johnson began using the name Rheo H. Blair and got involved in nutrition. He studied the science so well, that he believed that nutrition was all chemistry, and that all he had to do was unlock the real secrets.
He began to use members of his gym to run blood tests, to measure the chemistry of certain supplements, that could accelerate gains. One of his experimental students was Jim Park, winner of the 1952 AAU Mr. America title. Blair outlined his training and eating regimen months before the contest.
Blair was one of the first to suggest eating six small meals a day. However, his big advantage was his special protein powder that bodybuilders found to have a positive effect with their progress. Larry Scott, the winner of Mr. Olympia crowns, relied on the protein for his training.
Blair's Protein Powder was based on nonfat dry milk and egg-white protein with additional dried whole eggs added, along with vanilla flavoring and iron phosphates.
The eggs and milk were processed in a specific manner... a low-heat vacuum that handled the protein in an undenatured form. One scoop of Blair's powder provided nearly 20 grams of the highest quality of protein. (about the perfect amount needed for muscle recovery following a hard workout, according to recent research.)
Rheo was a big advocate of not just his powder, but stressed the importance of amino acids, liver extract, etc. All kinds of myths have sprouted about his legendary products and many have tried to duplicate what he concocted long ago.
Rheo H. Blair, the world famous nutritionist, died in 1983 in his early 60's. He was born with only one good working kidney and spent his last years on Dialysis.
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&t=465s
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&t=17s
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&t=90s
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That is an insane dumbbell rack.
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Damn - that video always brings tears to my eyes, My best friend Pete,
Miss him every day - 10yrs now he's gone RIP.
So many mad stories about Pete. Real one off Character. :)
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;D
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;D
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;D
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https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/interactive/2022/manion-bodybuilding-competition-npc-subversion/?itid=hp-more-top-stories_p003_f001
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;D
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That's an old house. A real dungeon home gym. Nice.
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;D
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^ Sergio and Dorian didn't get the dress memo.
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;D
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::)
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;D
Is that all your stuff, Funk?
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Is that all your stuff, Funk?
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D I wish just the top pic.
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&t=2648s
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&t=10s
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&t=195s doctor's degree in bodybuilding :o :o :o
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&t=5s
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;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D I wish just the top pic.
Still nice.
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:'(
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My God, Coleman looks like he lost a foot in height.
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My God, Coleman looks like he lost a foot in height.
Sad.
Probably won't live to 100.
But totally worth it.
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My God, Coleman looks like he lost a foot in height.
Thought that was John Amos in good Times
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;D
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:o :o :o :o 150 dollars a month protein allowance :o :o :o :o
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&t=1118s
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My God, Coleman looks like he lost a foot in height.
2023 Coleman's more Gary than Ronnie.
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2023 Coleman's more Gary than Ronnie.
;D
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2023 Coleman's more Gary than Ronnie.
"Watchu talkin bout Willis?"
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&t=308s
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;D
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(https://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=676287.0;attach=1451611;image)
"I have to come to your office and do "WHAT NOW" just to be in a magazine"??? ??? ???
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"I have to come to your office and do "WHAT NOW" just to be in a magazine"??? ??? ???
Joe lurking around Gold's in a shirt and tie drooling over the guys while his smoking hot wife sat at home alone all horny and ready. :-\
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Joe lurking around Gold's in a shirt and tie drooling over the guys while his smoking hot wife sat at home alone all horny and ready. :-\
;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D joe was always ready to lend a hand if a bber was in need of a lube job. ;) ;) ;) ;)
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https://tikkaykhan.com/stuart-sutherland-the-rising-star-of-open-bodybuilding/?fbclid=IwAR06US99e2B3vEuW0yEY0WI0hzBe4fmkwfsmFVh14N8sfZ2uJogo3I27wS4
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https://tikkaykhan.com/stuart-sutherland-the-rising-star-of-open-bodybuilding/?fbclid=IwAR06US99e2B3vEuW0yEY0WI0hzBe4fmkwfsmFVh14N8sfZ2uJogo3I27wS4
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&t=265s
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https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-fitness/average-bench-press#how-to-gain-strength
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&t=7s
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&t=6s
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Quality over quantity.
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Quality over quantity.
Zane had a swimmer's physique.
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&t=832s
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&t=1197s
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&t=158s
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&t=85s
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;D
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https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/ss/slideshow-7-least-effective-exercises?ecd=wnl_spr_080323_remail&ctr=wnl-spr-080323-remail_lead_cta&mb=TWWfLJXGougtd3q3JPCq8RXFE73IOX1cD%40AdNkB3fjE%3D
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the human cadaver is back for another run at the title. ;D good 4 him.
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what's the point of these shirts. 584 raw and over 800 with a shirt.
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Muscular Development, Vol 12, No 1, Page 24, January 1975
The Demise Of Tom Sansone
THE TRAGIC NEWS shocked us!
Tom Sansone, Mr. America of 1958 died . . . and still only in his thirties. It just couldn't be we thought; Tom, we heard, was always in fairly good shape, rugged and strong.
It was late July when we first heard that Tom was in hard training and making the kind of gains that every weight trainee strives to achieve. But something wasn't right. Tom used to complain about internal pain and it bothered him considerably for months, all the while growing more intense. He then got a medical checkup which proved that one kidney was badly infected and there were other complications. But the doctors couldn't even guess the seriousness of his condition because even at this stage Tom was indeed a massive, muscular specimen and terminal cancer was the farthest thing from their minds. An exploratory operation was suggested to determine the seriousness of the condition and to mend the kidney if possible.
What they found was not very encouraging. One kidney was removed, part of his lungs had to be cut away and there some complications about Tom's heart.
Yet for a time, Tom seemed to rally. He came out of the operation in fine shape and those who visited him after his surgery said he looked great and looked like he would make it. He had none of the "dragged out, drawn feeling" that most people who undergo surgery show, especially those who undergo major surgery. Everyone who saw Tom felt that after another few days rest, he would be on the road to complete recovery. Even the doctors were optimistic although they did inform Tom that he had cancer, then adding that they felt sure they removed all the infected areas and that his chances for complete recovery were excellent.
A short time later we received a call from a concerned friend who said that Tom's case was terminal and that it was only a matter of weeks. This was hard news to accept and we felt sure that it was only a rumor, an error, so we promptly forgot it. Instead we expected to hear news of how Tom was back in training again and making good progress in his training. So it was with some shock that the tragic news of Tom's death on October 16th hit us. We were really disturbed and the news was most difficult to accept but facts are facts and there was no way we could alter them.
The sad details of Tom's death could not be pieced together immediately, and even now the facts are not clear except that Tom was just another cancer victim in spite of his massiveness and muscularity.
As many readers may recall, Tom began training as a teenager and during the early 50s he made an impact in physique contests around New York City. By mid-summer of 1956 he developed sufficiently enough to win the Mr. New York City title, which was always of great importance. Two years later he entered and won the Mr. America contest, which proved to be another great achievement for him. Then London was the scene for two more great victories. In 1963 he won the amateur Mr. Universe crown there and sometime later he went back to garner the professional title.
That, to our knowledge, was the last time that Tom participated in a physique contest, although we had heard that he always stayed in great shape, since working in a health studio afforded him a better opportunity than any other vocation. However, we had heard rumors that Tom smoked a lot and was addicted to using tissue building drugs - steroids. When he was hospitalized we heard more of such rumors. If Tom was a steroid user, and there was evidence to prove that he did take anabolics, there can be no doubt that this contributed to his untimely death at 38 years of age. The sad facts remain that while steroids can and do stimulate tissue growth, these steroids are unable to differentiate between benign and malignant cells and the reaction is the same on both...stimulating and encouraging growth! [THIS IS FALSE]
It's very possible that Tom's internal system harbored cancer cells that laid dormant and just waiting for a catalyst of some sort to send them off on a tangent, and such a catalyst is the anabolic drug - steroids.
It's really sad and kind of frightening to think what some bodybuilders will do just to gain a couple extra pounds or put on an extra quarter-inch of muscle here and there. Dedication is fine, but to try and build your body at the risk of losing your life is downright idiotic!
It's really unfortunate that anyone should be so rock-headed as to assume that he can beat the odds, although he may . . . for a time. Eventually, however, it will get to him and then what would be the purpose of all that training, sweating and sacrificing when, in the end, he winds up dead and all he leaves behind are some unpaid bills!
Tom's is not an isolated case. It's happened before and continues to happen but little is heard about them. One of our men (some years ago) started taking these drugs without supervision and for no apparent reason except, "I feel better when taking them" he said. This "better" feeling didn't last too long, however, because the cancer cells which were lying dormant in his lower duodenum started to grow, stimulated by the anabolics he took and hastened his demise!
Actually in his case his muscles or strength never responded very much to the drug, and when he finally underwent surgery, he never recovered, leaving this mortal coil with nothing but a big hospital and doctor bill. Moreover, had he survived long enough to see himself, and to see exactly how much size he lost aver undergoing surgery, I am sure that this would have made him turn over and die for he could never stand to lose even one-eighth of an inch anywhere. In his case he lost everything, everywhere and all his previous efforts for years went for naught! Whatta utter waste of time and effort!
Don't let it happen to you. Leave all drugs alone and train sensibly. It may take a little longer but you won't be running any great risks.
PHOTO CAPTIONS
- Some exercise pictures selected from the Tom Sansone file, all of which were taken during the time he wrote and posed for his Mr. America series in S&H magazine.
- An impressive pose of the late Tom Sansone.
- Tom as he worked in one of the health studios instructing one of the students.
Muscular Development, Vol 12, No 3, Page 7, May 1975
Mail From Muscledom
To the Staff of MD:
I have just read your article on "The Demise of Tom Sansone" and I must take exception to the entire premise of your story. If you wanted to pay tribute to Tom's memory, you should have gotten in touch with someone who knows the true story at first hand and not someone with hearsay information.
Tom was first stricken with a pain in the left kidney area in June 1974 and not months before. He immediately went through a series of tests which showed a tumor had grown around the kidney - an infection it wasn't. Subsequent tests showed it had already spread to the Vena Cava and into the chamber of the heart as well as both lungs. A lung biopsy showed that the cancerous tissue was a type of childhood tumor called Wilm's Tumor, somewhat common in children and less common in adults. The mother cell are based in the kidney and had spread from there.
The doctors knew from the onset what it was so whoever told you they "couldn't even guess" was all wrong. There was no exploratory operation. The doctors, some of the best in the United States, decided to remove the kidney, clean out the Vena Cava (a major vein from the kidney area) and perform open heart surgery. They couldn't do any radical lung surgery at all. They treated the lung tumor with chemicals.
For you to try to convince people not to use questionable medicine and drugs is commendable but to have readers infer that Tom died because you think or heard he used steroids borders on libel. To print rumors or innuendo that Tom was "addicted" to steroids in unforgivable and the lowest form of journalism not to mention defamation of character.
I can tell you right now that the only "addiction" he had was to desiccated liver tablets, vitamins and wholesome foods. He also consumed huge quantities of milk.
Following your questionable "logic", these wholesome foods may have acted as the "catalyst for stimulating and encouraging growth". Taken one step further we can also assume that the hundreds of children who die yearly from Wilm's Tumor also used steroids and that we may expect thousands of men and women to die from the same tumor because there doctors prescribed steroids for their various ills. Your premise is totally absurd and downright idiotic.
It is really unfortunate that you could be so rock-headed to print unfounded rumors and uneducated guesses to defame a man who is loved and respected by all who knew him.
What makes you think you know the cause of cancer when the brightest minds in medical science do not know?
I was with Tom throughout most of his life and with him daily during his ordeal and we tried to figure out what the trigger was for this disease. We couldn't come up with any evidence either.
I hope you have the courage and good sense to print this letter in its entirety even though you may be pictured as a misinformed and unprofessional in your journalistic approach to researching an article.
Looking forward to reading your magazine, I remain, Tom's brother.
Joseph Sansone
E. Northport, N.Y.
The facts concerning the death of Tom Sansone, Mr. America 1958, as given by his brother Joseph, certainly must be correct. We sincerely regret that our information came from three reporters, none of whom were sufficiently experienced in properly verifying there information.
Joseph's letter should clear up and doubts and give readers the actual facts which differ from MD's unintentional and seemingly unfair account. - Editor
Thirty years later, there is no evidence that anabolic steroids cause or contribute to cancer.
If you find these articles interesting and useful, please
MuscleMemory
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Tom Sansone
[image] [image] [image] [image] [image]
Born October 20, 1935
Died October 16, 1974
[magazine articles]
1954
Mr National Collegiate - AAU, Winner
1955
Mr National Capital - AAU, 3rd
Mr New York Metropolitan - AAU, Winner
Mr New York State - AAU, Winner
1956
Mr America - AAU, 20th
Mr New York City - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr New York City - AAU, Tall, 1st
1957
Mr America - AAU, 4th
Mr Eastern America - AAU, Tall, 2nd
1958
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Junior Mr America - AAU, East , 1st
1963
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
Magazines
1958 February Vol 1, Num 1 Muscle Builder
1958 September Vol 18, Num 2 IronMan
1958 November Strength and Health
1958 December Vol 1, Num 9 Mr America
1959 January Vol 2, Num 2 Muscle Sculpture
1959 February Vol 1, Num 6 Muscle Builder
1959 March Vol 1, Num 7 Muscle Builder
1959 May Strength and Health
1959 December Vol 3, Num 1 Muscle Sculpture
1960 May Strength and Health
1963 February Vol 22, Num 3 IronMan
1963 June Strength and Health
1963 October Vol 92, Num 21 Health and Strength
1964 February Vol 93, Num 4 Health and Strength
© MuscleMemory
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I get a kick out of watching the people in the background, real hard core gym right as compared to ronnie's old metroflex days.
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WTF idiotic twat is narrating the video about Arnold .
Also its crap , skipped through it - not worth wasting an hour of your life
Listening to that nonsense.
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Stephan Merjanian has died Actor
Jackie Chan in Battle Creek Brawl (1980)
Battle Creek Brawl
The Moroccan (uncredited)
1980
Jacqueline Bisset and Michele Carey in The Sweet Ride (1968)
The Sweet Ride
Biker (uncredited)
1968
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Planet of the Apes
Gorilla (uncredited)
1968
June Lockhart, Angela Cartwright, Mark Goddard, Jonathan Harris, Marta Kristen, Bill Mumy, and Guy Williams in Lost in Space (1965)
Lost in Space
Alien Hippie #4 (uncredited)
TV Series
1967
1 episode
Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork in The Monkees (1965)
The Monkees
Strongman Abdul (uncredited)
TV Series
1967
1 episode
Muscle Beach Party (1964)
Muscle Beach Party
Tug - Muscle Man (as Steve Merjanian)
1964
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RIP
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http://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2023/08/looking-back-at-last-50-years-john.html
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https://ditillo2.blogspot.com/2008/10/pushing-for-power-part-one-bill-seno.html?fbclid=IwAR3KN1R5R2ubKoWAkUMBmkwID4TiK87NcbqF_hFkNr9QfcpBZe2Znkvnrmc
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&t=308s
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Stephan Merjanian has died Actor
Jackie Chan in Battle Creek Brawl (1980)
Battle Creek Brawl
The Moroccan (uncredited)
1980
Jacqueline Bisset and Michele Carey in The Sweet Ride (1968)
The Sweet Ride
Biker (uncredited)
1968
Planet of the Apes (1968)
Planet of the Apes
Gorilla (uncredited)
1968
June Lockhart, Angela Cartwright, Mark Goddard, Jonathan Harris, Marta Kristen, Bill Mumy, and Guy Williams in Lost in Space (1965)
Lost in Space
Alien Hippie #4 (uncredited)
TV Series
1967
1 episode
Micky Dolenz, Davy Jones, Michael Nesmith, and Peter Tork in The Monkees (1965)
The Monkees
Strongman Abdul (uncredited)
TV Series
1967
1 episode
Muscle Beach Party (1964)
Muscle Beach Party
Tug - Muscle Man (as Steve Merjanian)
1964
Kevin James looking jacked!
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https://www.cbass.com/WeiderMuseum.htm
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Have you ever thought about this?
In 100 years like in 2123 we will all be buried with our relatives and friends.
Strangers will live in our homes we fought so hard to build, and they will own everything we have today. All our possessions will be unknown and unborn, including the car we spent a fortune on, and will probably be scrap, preferably in the hands of an unknown collector.
Our descendants will hardly or hardly know who we were, nor will they remember us. How many of us know our grandfather's father?
After we die, we will be remembered for a few more years, then we are just a portrait on someone's bookshelf, and a few years later our history, photos and deeds disappear in history's oblivion. We won't even be memories.
If we paused one day to analyze these questions, perhaps we would understand how ignorant and weak the dream to achieve it all was.
If we could only think about this, surely our approaches, our thoughts would change, we would be different people.
Always having more, no time for what's really valuable in this life. I'd change all this to live and enjoy the walks I've never taken, these hugs I didn't give, these kisses for our children and our loved ones, these jokes we didn't have time for. Those would certainly be the most beautiful moments to remember, after all they would fill our lives with joy.
And we waste it day after day with greed, greed and intolerance.
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Have you ever thought about this?
In 100 years like in 2123 we will all be buried with our relatives and friends.
Strangers will live in our homes we fought so hard to build, and they will own everything we have today. All our possessions will be unknown and unborn, including the car we spent a fortune on, and will probably be scrap, preferably in the hands of an unknown collector.
Our descendants will hardly or hardly know who we were, nor will they remember us. How many of us know our grandfather's father?
After we die, we will be remembered for a few more years, then we are just a portrait on someone's bookshelf, and a few years later our history, photos and deeds disappear in history's oblivion. We won't even be memories.
If we paused one day to analyze these questions, perhaps we would understand how ignorant and weak the dream to achieve it all was.
If we could only think about this, surely our approaches, our thoughts would change, we would be different people.
Always having more, no time for what's really valuable in this life. I'd change all this to live and enjoy the walks I've never taken, these hugs I didn't give, these kisses for our children and our loved ones, these jokes we didn't have time for. Those would certainly be the most beautiful moments to remember, after all they would fill our lives with joy.
And we waste it day after day with greed, greed and intolerance.
Good post.
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Good post.
;D
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That is pretty funny.
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^ Lumberjack lifting. :-\
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two naturals for life,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, and Arnold and O'Hearn.. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Arnold looks damn good for being over 70.
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this dude is coming to my town gym. never heard of him.
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John DeFendis Interview - Bob Gruskin (1979)
Article Courtesy of Liam Tweed
Anyone can bodybuild, but in the strictest sense, only a very select few can ever earn the distinction and honor of being designated a bodybuilder. On the scroll of greats which includes Schwarzenegger, Zane, Corney, Robinson, Grimek, and Coe, there is a space which destiny has left blank. In recent months another name has been penciled in, but the months ahead will see it etched with the force of hammer hitting steel. That name is John DeFendis.
In the years I've been associated with bodybuilding, I've never been more impressed by anyone. You can be awed by watching a skinny kid grow into a monster. You can be awed by his definition, size, cuts, by his superior posing or his perfect symmetry, but that's the shell only. It's the core that makes the man and if he is rotten inside he will wither and perish. However, if he is strong of will and purpose, respectful, considerate of others and honest with himself, then he will mature, prosper, and succeed in all things.
This is John DeFendis. This is the young man who is destined to become the newest and greatest sensation. He will surely rise to the apex in Physique. This is the young man I've grown to respect and admire. This is the young man I've gotten to know and would also like for you to know. He's a very special person and will be in the spotlight from now on.
"I've always wanted to be the best at something. I started lifting weights when I was 13 to get bigger and stronger. I was 5'0" and weighed 100 pounds at the time. I was always thick-boned, but thin. My brother, Anthony, used to beat the hell out of me. He'd get me down on the ground, pin my arms, spit on my head, and beat me up until I'd buy him an ice cream. I tried my hand at wrestling and baseball and did well, but Anthony was still too good for me. In fact, he was an All-American wrestler in college. It took me six years to find out that instead of trying to equal or surpass his accomplishments (I did bring home trophies and even won a college scholarship for wrestling), I could really excel in something else.
"In high school I would to into the weight room and watch the big guys lift their heavy weights. Wow, how I wished I could do that too. I was always impressed with strength and I had been training for three years at home, so I had some pretty good size myself. But I really didn't know what I was doing. In tenth grade, my father brought home a magazine and there was an article on Dave Draper. I was impressed! I did everything exactly as he did. I would come home from school and spend a couple of hours each day all alone in the basement.
"All through the summer I lifted. When September came, I had a totally different body. I returned to school and everyone was impressed. I was happy and that's when I really got the push to continue weight training. For a while it was great when someone asked me 'Do you lift weights?' But later when they'd ask me, I'd get mad and say, 'No. I play basketball and do track.' That really confused them. I continued to lift to get bigger, and the more people noticed, the harder I trained.
"I graduated from high school at 17. By then I had accumulated about 400-500 pounds of weights, a bench, a chin bar and some springs. That summer I moved into the garage and set up my little gym. My brother kept telling me about a friend of his named Dave Spector who was into bodybuilding. One day, Dave pulled into the driveway. He was big and I was stunned when he invited me down the next day to train with him. That was in August of '76.
"I was working full time in my brother's delicatessen. When September came, I went to a college nearby. After a semester I decided that college might be great for some, but it wasn't for me. By this time, I was dreaming, eating, and sleeping bodybuilding. I continued to train with Dave at the Olympic Health Club regularly. He told me that in six months I could be the second best guy in the gym, but he would be the best. That sparked something in me and I was determined to one day surpass him.
"Because I was again working full time for my brother, I had little time to train at the club in the evening. So I took most of my savings and spent between $2,000 and $3,000 setting up my basement gym better. I bought an Olympic set, incline and behind-the-neck benches, curling machine, Universal leg machine, ab board, hack squat, dipping bar, and a few other pieces.
"I continued to train at night, alone, or with some friends. Their push was good but not enough. For starting out in bodybuilding, home training is great, but the knowledge in the gym is something you cannot get at home. You need to have people around you doing the same thing. You can't learn everything from books. So I began to train both at home and at the gym. I was making progress but nothing substantial.
"In January of 1977 I entered my first contest, the Teenage Suburban in Orange, New Jersey. My friend, Bobby Green, helped me with my posing and he must have done a good job as I got some applause. Looking at the photo you took, Bob, I can tell that my best bodypart was my mustache! Actually it was my back. I was one of those skinny geeks who wear a loose bathing suit too high on the side. I couldn't find my Bermuda shorts so I wore the trunks. The way my legs looked then, I would have been better off wearing pants! I didn't do very well in the contest. There were four guys in my height class and all three placed ahead of me.
"After this big victory, I was psyched to train for the Mets (AAU Metropolitan Association) two weeks later. I was 5'8" and now weighed 168. I took second in the Teenage and placed fifth in the Open. I was happy with that, and though I was a star. I even had a victory party. I really hadn't made much in the way of gains those past two weeks, what really helped was that the competition was weaker.
"After the Mets I took three months off from training. I was working 80 hours a week so that I could get married. Remember, I was all of 18, pushing 19. My fiance and I had a long talk. We decided that there was still much for both of us to accomplish so we broke our engagement.
"I began training again in May. There were only six short weeks to get ready for the 1977 Teenage America. I trained really hard six days a week, 18-20 sets for each bodypart. I was doing the same routine for the Teenage America that I did for the Mets. I just didn't know any better.
"Just before the contest I went to see Tony Pandolfo. He spent over three hours working on my posing. What a difference it made! For the first time I felt I could pose. Tony helped me immensely, and I credit my subsequent success in posing to Tony's influence.
"Before the Teenage America, Denie came to the gym to take some shots of me for an article which later appeared in the August, 1978 issue of Muscle Training Illustrated. I dropped from 188 to 168 and looked like a drowned pigeon."
I had remembered John from the Mets several months earlier, but the first time I actually spoke with him was a week before the Teenage America. He was sitting in the audience watching the prejudging of Chris Devin's Pro Cup. The mustache was gone and his hair was neatly styled, sun-bleached and groomed. He looked good and hard, but not very talkative. When I asked him how he looked he said briskly, "You'll see next week." When I asked to see his arm, he pulled it away saying, "Get out of here. Don't touch my arm. You'll see it at the contest."
John and I both chuckle about this incident today. He was uptight from dieting for the impending contest and didn't know that I was in the sport. Just looking at him, I had the vibrations that he would be good, real good. One day soon I knew that I would be doing a write-up on him. But what a beginning!
"I traveled up to Boston the next week for the Teenage America and really thought I was going to win it. I went with my whole rooting section, consisting of my girl, Annmarie, my parents, grandma and brother. I went into the contest at 170, two pounds heavier than at the Mets. By this time I had some thigh cuts and better lines. I was a Frank Zane with no muscle.
"I was really sucked-out. One of the so-called pros told me to eat two pounds of chocolate the night before (for carbs) to bring out vascularity. I lost six pounds in the bathroom that night, and the next day when I woke up I had no veins, no cuts, and no muscle! I did very well to have placed ninth in my height class, beating out a couple of swimmers.
"Three weeks later I went down to Georgia for the Teenage USA which Doc Neely was holding. I took fifth in my height class. I was on a hot streak. I went to Boston and came home with nothing and went to Atlanta and came back with nothing. I was discouraged, but determined to grow and take the '78 Mets if it killed me. I still felt that I had the potential to be really good, and I still loved the sport."
John did have the potential. The basic foundation was there. He was only just beginning to show signs of maturation and greatness; at least I thought so. I phoned him after his return to Georgia to get an interview. I intended to feature his as a Rising Star in my column which was then appearing in The American Body Builder. It was the first time he had appeared in print.
"Six months remained until the Mets. I trained really hard (six days a week) from September until mid-October. Then, I suddenly realized that if I was going to win the Mets, I could only do so by training with someone better than me, someone who really know training. That's when I dediced to go over to Steve Michalik's Mr America Gym and train under his supervision.
"Steve put me on a very vigorous training program. I had let myself run down and I contracted a very bad strep/tonsillitis infection. I've had problems with this in the past, but this time my throat closed completely. I was running a 104 degree temperature, and was hospitalized for two weeks in mid-December. I went into the hospital at 204 pounds, looking pretty decent. I got out two days before Christmas at 184, smooth, and looking like 'poppin fresh dough.' I figured my chances were over.
"I went back to training in my basement. I had eight weeks for the Mets, but there was also another contest at the end of January - the Teenage Suburban. I wanted to enter it, but 10 days before the contest my temperature shot up, my throat closed, and I was back in the hospital.
"Taking these contests meant a lot to me and I did not want to blow them. I called up Tony Pandolfo and he told me to keep pumping and flexing all my bodyparts whenever I could to keep up the muscle tone. I was doing 500 situps a day with the intravenous needle still in my arm. It popped out two or three times and the nurses had to re-jab me. It was painful but I wanted to win. The doctors thought I was crazy, but they helped me as best as they could.
"I got out one week before the Suburban. That whole week I trained like a demon, but I was still smooth from all the sugar in me. I took the height class but lost the overall to Francis Meeter. I really thought I had won. I thought that if I couldn't beat this 17 year old kid, then how could I beat Dave Spector? Only four weeks remained.
"I continued to train hard and three weeks later flew to Georgia where I won the Teenage Atlantic States. I took the overall and every bodypart but abs. My confidence was returning. Spector also flew down. He won the Open.
"February 25th finally arrived, and with it, the Mets. I entered both the Junior (teenage) and Senior divisions. I was elated winning the Junior, but when they announced me as the winner of the Senior, it was an unbelievable feeling. All I could think as I stood on the platform accepting my trophy was that I accomplished what I set out to do. Winning this event meant more to me than anything ever before. After everything I'd been through, this was a big payoff."
Two days after the Mets, I received a call from John. "Guess what," the voice croaked. "I'm back in the hospital. They decided to remove my tonsils once the infection and temperature subside." What a lucky break for John this didn't happen two days earlier!
"After the Mets I took two months off from training. My body needed it. I went from 174 to 212. I looked awful but needed the rest. I went back to Steve's gym because I realized that if it were not for his coaching, I might not have won.
In October, my legs were unshapely. All I was doing was squats and extensions. Steve taught me to use extensions, leg press, squats, hack squats, lunges, cycling, and supersetting. He helped burn in the shape and cuts. Even though I didn't train at Steve's just before the Mets, he taught me what to do in my basement gym.
John DeFendis talking about Steve Michalik, training, and the gym, here:
https://www.strength-oldschool.com/blogs/news/mr-america-steve-michalik-intensity-or-insanity
"I figured that he could help me improve even more; though he often drives me into the ground. Soon, I began to build up an immunity to his insane training routines as my stamina and strength increased.
"My whole body was smooth and small when I returned to training, but in one month's time it began to change. I was getting bigger and more muscular. The change was incredible. Each day I trained under Steve I learned something new. In fact, I am still learning. Just a turn of the wrist, or bending your knees a little can make a big difference and give a different tension and movement.
"I believe that Steve Michalik is he greatest person to train under because he is a perfectionist, like me. I'm never entirely happy with myself, and I guess that's what leads you to greatness. It's the guys that are too happy or contented with themselves that stop growing."
Last May, John turned 20. He missed out on the '78 Teenage America by eight weeks. I feel that had he been eligible, he would have won, thus becoming the most sensational Teenage America since Casey Viator. But . . .
"I had next planned to enter the AAU Apollo in October, and had begun training intensively eight weeks earlier. I was doing 40-60 sets per bodypart, training 6 days a week, maintaining a strict diet, and taking in plenty of vitamin and mineral supplements. I was really looking good within three weeks, so I decided to enter the AAU Gotham on September 16th. If all went well it was my plan to hit the AAU Region 1 the next day.
"Steve drove me into the ground. I'd train at seven in the morning (for about three hours), go home, and then be in a coma for the next six hours. After that there was work. It was very tough. I would do arms, then legs. He would rush me to the nearby track where he'd start screaming at me until I completed my laps. There was no way I was going to slow down because he's a madman, but also I knew he was busting his ass for me!
"Eight pounds of chicken a day. I wish I had Frank Purdue as a relative! Six weeks on broiled chicken breasts with diet soda and supplements, and then two more on boiled chicken and supplements, this time minus everything but water. My only consumption was one-half cantaloupe after training. My energy was low, but this program did the trick. Like Vince Lombardi said . . .
"I came into the Gotham at 194 ripped. There were about 22 good contestants; one very good one was Derek Prescod. I took my height class, the overall, best legs, abs, poser, back, and most muscular. Everything but chest and arms. I went home and carbed up. My energy level was getting high, and I remember asking you with every mouthful, 'Bob, am I getting smooth? Will my cuts disappear?' All I remember you saying is, 'No problem. You'll be bigger and more cut tomorrow!' And I was!
"The next day we all traveled up to Springfield, Massachusetts for the Region 1. I went in at 196, more cut and more vascular, the best I'd ever been. I took the contest and four more trophies. I couldn't hold another four weeks for the Apollo. I was afraid I'd burn out. So I started to eat, relax, and grow again. My body wanted to grow! I'm not holding at 212 and still training heavy. In March I'll begin training for the Colonial America, and then I hope to enter the 1979 Mr. USA and America in the summer.
"As you can see, our training routine (Steve's mine) is totally opposite the Mentzer routine. Instead of doing 4-6 sets per bodypart, we do 40-60. It works for both of us. I can afford to take a one week layoff every so often because four days back on the routine will burn off any accumulated fat. Also, I try to eat good food, but I do binge once in a while. I really enjoy ice cream and pizza.
"I don't smoke and I don't drink. To relax, I enjoy reading or listening to the music of Elton John or other soft rock. A good movie will give me the chance to unwind, and I enjoy the company of my friends. Basically, I like the quiet life. I want bodybuilding to be my future. I sincerely believe that I can go somewhere in this sport. If I didn't think I could be a Mr. America, I would not be doing this. I had a few doubts before the Gotham and Region 1, but after all 11 trophies in one weekend - no shot!
"I hope to get married after I win the America. I want my wife to have the best I can give her. My parents gave me the best, and I would like my wife and children to have the same. I think I've got the best girl in Annmarie. We've been together for over two years. She's understanding, not demanding, and she sacrifices much of her time and interests for me. I could ask for none better.
"I've met a lot of great people in the sport so far, far more than I ever dreamed possible. There are so many that I just can't begin to express my thanks and appreciation. I hope to repay their faith, confidence, and all the time and effort they have put into me by winning the America one day soon."
As I said in the beginning, John DeFendis is a very special person, and after reading this story I'm sure you will agree. This is his story. It is written in the first person and not the third because I wanted you to get a true insight into the complete individual; not just John DeFendis the bodybuilder. For only in this way could I convey his sense of humor, sincerity, appreciation for others, and the determination that will drive him to be the very best in bodybuilding.
Tony Pandolfo recently paid tribute to John by commenting, "John DeFendis, aside from being a fine bodybuilder is a fine human being. I expect to see him win the America within the next two years. His potential is fantastic. He looks good, and he's an excellent poser. He has great symmetry, skin tone, and the determination necessary to become a winner. He's also respectful and considerate in spite of his success. He shows a great deal of interest in others and always tried to give advice and assistance. I think that John's a good man for bodybuilding. He's got as much, if not more potential than anyone I've ever seen. It's unbelievable, really. There is no chance why he can't go all the way.
TRAINING ROUTINE
Abs: six days a week -
Roman Chair, 2 x 100 reps
Incline Situp, 2 x 50.
Calves: six days a week -
Standing Calf Raise, 5 sets
Seated Calf Raise, 5 sets
Standing Bodyweight Calf Raises for shape.
Day One: Chest/Back/Biceps
Day Two: Shoulders/Legs/Triceps
All exercises to failure including forced reps and negatives.
Day One:
Chest - 50 sets total, 5 sets per exercise.
Cable Crossover
Dumbbell Flye
Pec Deck
Inclines
Flat Bench to Neck
Declines
Single Arm Alternate Cable Pullover
Dumbbell Pullover
Dumbbell Incline Flye
Back - 60 sets total, 5 sets per exercise.
Cable Pulldown to Front on Angle
Cable Pulldown to Back of Neck
Cable Pulldown to Chest from Overhead
Seated Cable Row (straps)
Reverse Grip Pulldown (leaning back)
Seated Cable Row (different handle)
Standing Straight Arm Pulldown (close grip)
Pulldown Machine (wide grip bar)
Nautilus Pullover
Cable Rear Laterals (bent over)
Bentover Barbell Row
Biceps - 40 sets total, 5 per exercise.
Single Arm DB Preacher Curl
superset with
One Arm Dumbbell Curl
Standing Barbell Curl
superset with
Bentover Barbell Curl (barbell concentration curl)
Cable Curl (seated on floor)
Machine Preacher Curl
superset with
Nautilus Machine Curl
Lying Down Pulley Concentration Curl
Day Two:
Shoulders - 55 sets total, 5 per exercise.
Nautilus Lateral Raise Machine
Dumbbell Lateral
Pulley Laterals on Cable Crossover
Barbell Behind the Neck Press (pyramid up to 150 lbs.)
Barbell Behind the Neck Press (150 x 5 sets)
Nautilus Behind the Neck Press
Nautilus Rear Deltoid
Dumbbell Rear Lateral (flat bench)
Pulley Rear Lateral
Shrugs (in front)
Shrugs (behind body)
Triceps - 45 sets, 5 per exercise
Triceps Pressdown (angle bar)
Triceps Pressdown (straight bar)
Triceps Pressdown (Nautilus Close Grip)
Cable French Press
Rope Pull (top setting of crossover machine)
Rope Pull (bottom of crossover machine)
Close Grip Dips
Wide Grip Dips
Reverse Grip Behind the Neck Pressdown
Legs 55 sets total, 5 per exercise.
Leg Curl
Leg Extension (Nautilus Multi-Leg)
Leg Extension (Nautilus Extension)
Leg Extension (Leg Extension Table)
Leg Press
Leg Press Machine
Ducks (leg press with toes pointing out)
Strict Squats on Machine (2 second pause at bottom)
Squats on Machine
Hack Squats
Regular Squats
Running - total of 1.5 miles, within 15 minutes after squatting. Jog 2 laps, sprint 1 lap, rest 30 seconds, repeat 3 times
COLLAPSE.
There's drop sets on a lot of this. Rest pause. Stripping weight with no rest, etc.
Defendis. Another bs artist. 50 to 60 sets a bodypart 😂😂😂😂😂😂
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wink, wink, nudgem, nudge.
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&t=384s
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TALK ABOUT AN ODD PHYSIQUE (https://www.facebook.com/reel/594397779487173)
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moroons. ;D ;D ;D ;D
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https://strongmanproject.com/features
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::) ::)
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Guy with a pink bumbag saying the gym isnt hardcore
Got to be parody
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&t=5s
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Man I`d love to train there!
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When Your Workout Stops Working
Fitness progress can stall. Here’s how to get over the hump.
The New York Times
By Connie Chang
Sept. 20, 2023
The first weeks of a new exercise routine can be hard — your muscles tremble, your lungs burn, your heart races. But after a month or two, it gets easier: You’re running faster and longer, or lifting weights with more ease. Then suddenly, progress slows or stalls. You’ve hit a workout plateau.
Such periods, when you stop seeing fitness improvements despite continuing to train, are common, said Chris Perrin, a personal trainer and co-owner of Cut Seven, a gym in Washington, D.C. “I’ve yet to meet a fitness enthusiast who hasn’t hit one.”
Plateaus can happen once the body adapts to a new workout. After just a few training sessions, the brain can become more skilled at telling muscles to move. And, usually over the course of weeks or months, the body itself changes.
For example: “The heart gets stronger and better at pumping blood to the muscles,” said Jeff Horowitz, an exercise physiologist at the University of Michigan.
But plateaus can also be caused by insufficient recovery — skimping on sleep or doing another intense workout too soon. With your tank half-full, you may struggle to push yourself, making it likelier you’ll get stuck in a rut.
For those who are satisfied with an exercise routine that feels similar from one day to the next, a plateau isn’t necessarily a problem. “I’m trying to maintain my fitness as I continue to get older,” Dr. Horowitz said. “So to me, a plateau is a good thing.”
But for those who want to continue improving, the key is to challenge muscles in new ways while ensuring you rest properly. Here are some strategies for moving beyond an unwelcome plateau.
Increase the stress.
Exercising multiple muscles at once saves time, but it’s not the best way to increase strength if your body has adapted to it, said Jeremy Loenneke, an exercise scientist at the University of Mississippi. Pairing a bicep curl with a lunge is great for overall fitness, but it shortchanges your leg muscles, which can bear more weight than your arms.
Focus your workout with leg press machines or heavy squats, said Fiona Judd, a personal trainer in Orem, Utah. Or add a few pulses to every squat — lifting and lowering an inch from the deepest part of the movement.
Another option is to wear a cuff around a muscle during exercise. This practice, known as blood restriction therapy, limits blood flow to mimic the effect lifting weights has on the muscle. “It allows your muscles to work smarter, not harder,” gaining strength while lifting less weight, said Brian Grawe, a sports medicine physician at the University of Cincinnati.
While the tool is safe, Dr. Grawe recommended consulting a personal trainer or doctor before using one.
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You're arms are bigger than Arnold's. :o :o :o ::) ::) ::)
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1964 IFBB Mr. America Harold Poole was born on December 25, 1943, in Louisville, KY. Though he was quarterback on his football team at Shortridge High School in Indianapolis, placed fourth in the state high school wrestling championships, ran 440 yards in 50 seconds and put the 12 pound shot 55 feet, he became interested in bodybuilding. So interested, in fact, that in 1960 at the age of 16, Poole became the youngest competitor in the AAU Mr. America contest where he placed a respectable 18th out of 25 contestants. During the next year he improved greatly, and at only 17 went from 18th to 4th in the 1961 AAU Mr. America contest. At the age of 18 he placed second in the 1962 AAU Mr. America while winning the Most Muscular award. Despite losing a close contest to Joe Abbenda in the 1963 AAU Mr, America, it was understandable since Abbenda had placed above Poole in the previous two AAU Mr. America contests. The major muscle magazines of the day had no problem with this outcome and Poole appeared happy with the outcome based on pictures of the contest after the awards were given.
With Abbenda unable to compete again, Poole was the sure favorite to win the 1963 AAU Mr. America contest. When the awards for the 1963 AAU Mr. America were given, Poole would again win the Most Muscular award but finish second to Vern Weaver whom he had had beaten in placement the year before. Two weeks later insult would turn to injury as Poole, still being only 19 years of age, entered the AAU Teenage Mr. America contest and placed second to Jerry Daniels. This is incredibly hard to fathom that Poole was good enough to place second two years in a row against the top amateurs in the AAU Mr. America contest but could not win the teenage version of it.
Many have theorized that the AAU was a racist organization and was against having a black Mr. America at the time. Racism would be difficult to prove as they had allowed black competitors in the contest since the early 1940s at a time when black athletes could not compete in most sports organizations. It should be noted that the AAU Mr. America contest was not judged primarily on muscularity (as Poole won the Most Muscular award two years in a row but finished second each year). Education, personality, and character were also judged to determine who would represent America best. Poole had a speech impediment which caused him to stutter. Many believe this issue held him back from winning the Mr. America contest with the AAU. Poole was aware this was an issue that held him back from winning the 1962 contest and attended a special speech school for a year to help him before the 1963 contest.
Believing he could not win an AAU Mr. America contest, Poole defected to the up and coming IFBB and quickly defeated Larry Scott in the 1963 IFBB Mr. Universe contest while still a teenager at 19 years old. The following year he won the 1964 IFBB Mr. America contest over Chet Yorton, Don Howorth, and Freddy Ortiz amongst others.
In his coverage of the 1964 IFBB Mr. America in the February 1965 edition of Muscle Builder Bud Parker made a statement that described the iron brotherhood that I often talk about: “We bodybuilders are a funny breed. We don't care what color a man is what religion or nationality he is. If he's a bodybuilder, we like him. Everywhere throughout the world tension is released and enemies become pals when bodybuilding is the meeting place.” The difference, though, is that the AAU Mr. America was not just a muscle contest, but a contest to find the best built male who had some athletic history and also would present himself well in interviews to the general public, whereas the IFBB Mr. America was purely a muscle contest.
The 1964 IFBB Mr. America results demonstrate the rise in the quality of competition with men that would eventually win Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles in the future:
Tall
1 Harold Poole
2 Chester Yorton
3 Don Howorth
Medium
1 Hugo Labra
2 Dominick Juliano
3 Nick Perrotti
Short
1 Freddy Ortiz
2 Joe Nista
3 Johnny Maldonado
Poole’s long 22 year competitive history:
1960 Junior Mr. Indianapolis Winner
Mr America - AAU, 18th
Mr Mid-America - AAU, Most Muscular, 2nd
1961 Mr America - AAU, 4th
Junior Mr America - AAU, Central Overall Winner
1962 Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Mr North America - AAU, Winner
1963 Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 1st
Teen Mr America - AAU, 2nd
Universe - IFBB, Overall Winner
Universe - IFBB, Tall, 1st
1964 Mr America - IFBB, Overall Winner
Mr America - IFBB, Tall, 1st
1965 Olympia - IFBB, 2nd
1966 Olympia - IFBB, 2nd
1967 Pro Mr America - WBBG, Winner
Olympia - IFBB, 3rd
1968 Pro Mr America - WBBG, Winner
1971 Mr USA - IFBB, Tall, 1st
1972 Mr World - IFBB, Tall, 3rd
1979 Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, Did not place
1980 Night of Champions - IFBB, 11th
1981 Canada Pro Cup - IFBB, 9th
Grand Prix California - IFBB, Did not place
Grand Prix New England - IFBB, 9th
Night of Champions - IFBB, 6th
1982 World Pro Championships - IFBB, 9th
Night of Champions - IFBB, Did not place.
Poole had been an active businessman operating a gym and discothèque. He was also a bodyguard for fashion model Twiggy travelling across North & South America as well as the UK.
Yet after not placing in the 1982 Night of Champions Poole retired from bodybuilding and replaced the limelight of the bodybuilding stage with a new career and athletic pursuits. These included personal training, Taekwondo instructing, and professional wrestling, just to name a few.
Harold later moved to Florida where he continued with his active lifestyle consisting of weight training, coaching others, and playing sports.
Suffering from ill health in his later years, Harold Poole would die on August 7, 2014, in New York City,
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&t=177s
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https://www.mikementzerheavyduty.com/mike-mentzer-genetics.html?fbclid=IwAR1MuD-i2MYdEKJPbx2RDnjUrQhpmF1Snl2Le6l9MSJz7q3Kn4u3Uehhl9w
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Ah, Carved Outta Stone (lol) is still driving the anti Arnold bs.
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&t=3770s ::)
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https://scarletthefilmmagazine.wordpress.com/2015/10/13/still-rockin-on-muscle-beach-a-conversation-with-the-first-mr-olympia-larry-scott-by-rod-labbe/
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Though he would lose almost every contest he entered in his bodybuilding career, Mickey Hargitay would win the 1955 NABBA Mr. Universe.
Miklós Karoly Hargitay (or Hargitai) was born in Budapest, Hungary, on January 6, 1926. He was the son of Ferenc and Mária (Rothsischer) Hargitay (or Hargitai). He and his three brothers were all brought up as athletes by their athletic father. In fact, as a youngster Hargitay was part of an acrobatic act with his brothers. The act was so popular that the brothers performed throughout all Hungary, including the largest opera house in Budapest. After being introduced to speed skating by his brother, Hargitay began competing in that sport. In fact, in 1946, he would win the Middle European championship at 500 and 1,500 meters, and place second in the 5,000 meter race. He also participated in football and even became an underground fighter during World War II.
At age 21 in 1947 Hargitay left Hungary for the United States to avoid being drafted into military service by the Soviet Union. Settling in Cleveland, Hargitay worked as a plumber and carpenter as well as performing in an acrobatic act with his first wife, Mary Birge. Then he was inspired to begin bodybuilding after seeing an image of Steve Reeves on the cover of a magazine.
Hargitay began entering bodybuilding contests with little success until 1955 when he won the NABBA Mr. Universe.
1951 Mr Mid-America - AAU, 3rd
1952 Mr America - AAU, 9th
Mr World - AAU, Overall, 7th
Mr World - AAU, Tall, 4th
1953 Mr America - AAU, 12th
1954 Mr America - AAU, 8th
Junior Mr America - AAU, East , 3rd
1955 Mr America - AAU, 6th
Mr National Capital - AAU, 2nd
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1963 Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 5th
What’s interesting is that he would win the contest against some formidable competition, including Mr. America Dick Dubois as well as John Lees and Henry Downs who would both go on to win the Mr. Universe. The subdivision winners illustrate that Hargitay didn’t just walk away with the title, but had some stiff competition,
Sub-division Winners:
Best arms: Mahmoud Namdjou (Persia)
Best Chest: John Lees (England)
Best Back: John Lees (England)
Best Legs: Mickey Hargitay (USA)
Best Abdominals: Ted White (England)
As Wally Wright mentioned in an article in the September 1955 Iron Man: “Here we wonder how the judges are going to separate the smoothness of DuBois' shape from the definition of Hargitay and the bulk of Britain's Lees.”
Then Hargitay is declared the winner of the tall class as reported in the September 1955 Muscle Builder: “The Amateur Division found handsome Mickey Hargitay fulfilling the prediction we had made back in 1952 when we introduced him to the bodybuilding world as a star to watch. He scored a stunning upset to beat out Dick Dubois, Mr. America 1954 for top spot in the Tall Man's Class.”
Tall
1 Mickey Hargitay (United States)
2 Dick DuBois (United States)
3 John Lees (England)
4 Henry Downs (England)
5 Peter Deakin (England)
5 Ted White (England)
Medium
1 John Penman (New Zealand)
2 Mohamed El Zoe (Syria)
3 Cecil Addison (Jamaica)
4 Tony Hilman (England)
5 Keith Pickering
6 Norman Mann
Short
1 Paul An (Vietnam)
2 Jimmy Stevens (England)
3 Ahmed Khurshid (Pakistan)
4 Reuben Govender (South Africa)
5 Mahmoud Namdjou (Iran)
6 Ernie Coates
Then it was time to announce the overall winner. As Wright reports: “’And finally, Amateur Mr. Universe for 1955 . . . Mickey Hargitay of America.’ The Palladium must never have realized a more enthusiastic audience for any of its world famous variety turns as was the roar which greeted this announcement.”
Then after Mae West saw his photo on a magazine cover, Hargitay joined West's muscleman revue. He met Jane Mansfield in 1956 while he was performing in The Mae West Show at the Latin Quarter. In fact, his first film role came when Jayne Mansfield demanded that he be cast in her movie, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957). Though the two fell in love and were described as inseparable. 20th Century Fox did not want Hargitay to appear in Rock Hunter because they disliked Mansfield's view of Hargitay as her "only" lover; Fox preferred their sex symbols to be single. Defying Fox, the couple married on January 13, 1958 and had three children: Miklós, Zoltán, and Mariska
In 1960, Hargitay and Mansfield played the lead roles in the Italian flick The Loves of Hercules. Over the next four years, Hargitay and Mansfield would appear together in Promises! Promises! (1963) and Primitive Love (1964).
Unfortunately, the couple divorced on August 26, 1964, just months after the birth of their daughter, actress Mariska Hargitay. Then in 1965, Hargitay played the lead role in Bloody Pit of Horror without Mansfield.
Two years later Jayne Mansfield died in a car crash on June 29, 1967. Hargitay would sue Mansfield's estate for over $5,000 to support their three children whom he raised.
In April 1968 Hargitay married his third wife, Ellen, a former flight attendant,. By the early 1970s, he abandoned his acting career for a thriving career in contracting and landscaping.
Later, though, Hargitay did act in Hungarian director György Szomjas' 1988 film, Mr. Universe, and then in 2003, Hargitay guest-starred on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the series in which his daughter Mariska stars.
After a long life, Hargitay died September 14, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, at 80, from a long bout with multiple myeloma.
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Fucking guy custernino should put his clothes back on and walk away. Lee smokes him and guy has always sucked.
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Amazing bodybuilder in that he was a powerlifter too. Then he moves on becoming a multimillionaire in the car industry.
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https://7news.com.au/sport/bodybuilding/former-mr-universe-bodybuilder-shaun-davis-dies-aged-57-devastated-c-12800088?fbclid=IwAR1ihL_P6b_x3yjIrEAxB3GjvHqFGPH2XsZGe0Ui5jfxkzR50Rw_gBHgXNE
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https://7news.com.au/sport/bodybuilding/former-mr-universe-bodybuilder-shaun-davis-dies-aged-57-devastated-c-12800088?fbclid=IwAR1ihL_P6b_x3yjIrEAxB3GjvHqFGPH2XsZGe0Ui5jfxkzR50Rw_gBHgXNE
How could this have happened?
(https://media1.tenor.com/images/c5372935b530ec8f063816c6b3cd1b44/tenor.gif?itemid=13175857)
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Neat
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Joe Abbenda would win the 1962 NABBA Mr. Universe. (See my coverage of his life on the August 2, 2023, post on him winning the 1962 AAU Mr. America title.)
It was not a run away win as you can see by the competition below:
Tall
1 Joe Abbenda (United States)
2 Adrian Heryet (England)
3 Didier Goetgebuer (Belgium)
4 Hossein Shokouh (Iran)
5 Christian Barreau (France)
6 Geoffrey Whitaker (England)
Medium
1 John Hewlett (England)
2 Harry Henry (Grenada)
3 Beresford Morris (Jamaica)
4 Raymond Garnett (England)
5 Louis Lanhove (Belgium)
6 David Stroud (England)
Short
1 Clancy Ang (Malaysia)
2 Ronald Sterlington (United States)
3 Ronald Steinwall (Sri Lanka)
4 Phil Wood (Barbados)
5 Mohamed Umar Butt (Pakistan)
6 Ted Gutteridge (England)
Details of his win are covered by Oscar Heidenstam in the December 1962 issue of Iron Man magazine:
“Three classes, everyone a tough one, and with 16 to 20 competitors in each.
The under 5'6" were truly terrific. The "scintillating" Clancy Ang of Malaya, as he was described, who was second in this class last year, was a convincing winner. Taking into consideration racial characteristics and the fact that this lad has small bone structure, his physique is nothing short of fantastic. Second and not far behind was an unknown quantity, and what a surprise he proved to be-Ronald Sterlington, USA. A truly rugged man, but a little light in the legs. A magnificent achievement for anyone seeing the opposition. Third was a very symmetrical and muscular Ronald Steinwall, current Mr. Ceylon; fourth a West Indian, Phil Wood; fifth a Pakistani, Umar Butt, twice runner-up in the Mr. Asia contest and four times Mr. Pakistan. Our own Mr. Britain runner-up took sixth place. He is Ted Gutteridge. Such was the standard.
CLASS 2-Showed us for the fourth time a magnificent John Hewlett, of London, a great winner. John is a former Mr. Britain and one of our most modest and strongest physique men. He must surely take the Universe title one year! Business never allows him to train quite as he would like. Second was Harry Henry of Granada, one of our most stalwart triers, who took second place to Enrico Tomas when he won his title in 1956! Third place went to Beresford Morris of Jamaica; fourth to an English newcomer and a very promising one, Ray Garnett; fifth was a Belgian, Louis Lanhove, and sixth, our current Mr. Britain, David Stroud, which says something for the overall standard. And so to Class 1 for men over 5'9". Here we were to see Joe Abbenda, whom we felt was probably a great deal better than his pictures and he surely was! Also Hossein Shokough, well known to us and one we expected to be well in the running. But we had our own Adrian Heryet, former Mr. Britain, who has twice before been runner-up in this class, and was looking magnificent. A very hard man to beat. There was also an up and coming and very formidable Belgian, Didier Goetgebuer, current Mr. Belgium, and a score of other top men.
It was when Joe Abbenda came to pose that we were all amazed, and his back must be truly one of the greatest ever. Joe was a worried man though when he saw the opposition. Second again was Adrian Heryet; third was the Belgian, Didier Goetgebuer, and fourth Hossein Shokough, like Sam Martin in the professionals, never realising the standard would be so high. Hossein said he will come again in top form and we hope he will. Fifth was Christain Barreau of France, twice Mr. Europe winner, and sixth was one of our own newcomers, Geoffrey Whitaker, who
Vote for the Amateur title lay between three class winners, and although John Hewlett took two of the votes, Joe Abbenda took the rest to be an outstanding and very popular winner.”
Thus Joe Abbenda became still another Mr. America to claim the NABBA Mr. Universe title.
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1959
Mr New York City - AAU, Tall, 3rd
Teen Mr America - AAU, Winner
1960
Mr America - AAU, 5th
Mr New York City - AAU, 2nd
Mr New York City - AAU, Tall, 2nd
1961
Mr America - AAU, 2nd
1962
Mr America - AAU, Winner
Mr America - AAU, Most Muscular, 3rd
Junior Mr America - AAU, East Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Overall Winner
Mr Universe - NABBA, Tall, 1st
1963
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Overall Winner
Universe - Pro - NABBA, Tall, 1st
Magazines
1962 June Vol 91, Num 13 Health and Strength
1962 June Vol 21, Num 5 IronMan
1962 November Vol 91, Num 22 Health and Strength
1962 November Vol 91, Num 23 Health and Strength
1962 November Strength and Health
1963 October Vol 92, Num 21 Health and Strength
1964 February Vol 93, Num 3 Health and Strength
1964 September Vol 1, Num 9 Muscular Development
1965 July Strength and Health
1966 September Vol 95, Num 18 Health and Strength
1962 Mr America - AAU
1 Joe Abbenda
2 Harold Poole
3 Hugo Labra
4 Vern Weaver
5 Vic Seipke
6 Mike Ferraro
7 William Stathes
8 Bill Seno
9 Joe Lazzaro (1)
10 Kenny Hall
11 Joseph Simon
12 Joseph LaPorta
13 Ralph Kleiner
14 Tuny Monday
15 Billy LeMacks
16 Carl Stelzen
17 Steve Sakoulos
18 Norman Bedell
19 Jerry Doettrel
20 Gary Steuer
21 Chester Yorton
22 Robert Girard
23 Robert Herzong
24 Jack Allen
Most Muscular
1 Harold Poole
2 Hugo Labra
3 Joe Abbenda
3 Vern Weaver
Related Article
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https://thebarbell.com/sergio-oliva/?fbclid=IwAR1QAMqj0Adf3eLY9DSBPL8NSIZrMfL7T26SttQ9TulqvvzRW-9OUTcGHgs
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ADDENDUM: THE PRO BODYBUILDER DEATHS (AGES & CAUSES)
Baitollah Abbaspour (36, complications from vasculitis), Agathoklis Agathokleous (33, cancer), Art Atwood (37, heart attack), Mohammed Benaziza (33, heart failure), Leon Brown (74, liver cancer), Mario Carrier (54, unreleased), Gianluca Catapano (47, natural causes), Franco Columbu (78, heart attack), Ed Corney (85, brain aneurism), Vince Cummerford (52, heart attack), Nelson Da Silva (51, unreleased), Miroslaw Daszkiewicz (60, natural causes: chronic disease), David Dearth (55, heart attack), Chris Dickerson (82, pneumonia after a heart ailment), Greg DeFerro (53, heart failure), Paul DeMayo (37, heroin overdose), Dave Draper (79, heart failure), Nasser El Sonbaty (47, kidney failure), Johnny Fuller (62, leukemia), Josef Grolmus (59, unreleased), Pavel Grolmus (37, murder), Jose Guzman (61, natural causes), Phil Hernon (55, sudden decline/chronic kidney disease), Frank Hillebrand (45, heart attack), Dave Johns (40, Valley Fever), Eduardo Kawak (47, heart attack), Rod Koontz (64, kidney cancer), Greg Kovacs (44, heart attack), Kent Kuehn (85, natural causes), Reg Lewis (85, unreleased), Mike Matarazzo (48, heart failure), Dallas McCarver (26, heart attack), Cedric McMillan (44, heart attack), Ray McNeil (29, murder), Mike Mentzer (49, heart failure), Ray Mentzer (47, kidney failure), Steve Michalik (63, suicide), Andreas Münzer (31, multiple organ failure), Serge Nubret (72, natural causes), Sergio Oliva (71, kidney failure), Bill Pettis (69, accidental: drowning), Harold Poole (70, natural causes), Tom Prince (52, cancer), Jorma Raty (60, heart attack), Shawn Rhoden (46, heart attack), Carlos Rodriguez (46, stomach cancer), Don Ross (48, heart attack), Salvador Ruiz (68, leukemia), Heinz Sallmayer (32, heart failure, linked to diuretic use), Luke Sandoe (31, heart failure), Sonny Schmidt (50, cancer), Larry Scott (75, Alzheimer’s), Daniele Seccarecci (32, heart attack), Mike Sheridan (51, undisclosed), Chuck Sipes (60, suicide), Daryl Stafford (59, heart attack), Wilfred Sylvester (64, Alzheimer’s), Ron Teufel (45, liver disease), Dennis Tinerino (64, stomach cancer), Ed Van Amsterdam (40, heart attack), Casey Viator (62, heart attack), Derrick Whitsett (37, heart attack), Jusup Wilkosz (71, unreleased), Scott Wilson (67, skin cancer), Luke Wood (35, failed kidney transplant), Don Youngblood (51, heart attack)
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https://thebarbell.com/sergio-oliva/?fbclid=IwAR1QAMqj0Adf3eLY9DSBPL8NSIZrMfL7T26SttQ9TulqvvzRW-9OUTcGHgs
Great pic from the site...
(https://thebarbell.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/sergio-oliva-1068x888.jpg)
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Can't wait for this!
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ADDENDUM: THE PRO BODYBUILDER DEATHS (AGES & CAUSES)
Baitollah Abbaspour (36, complications from vasculitis), Agathoklis Agathokleous (33, cancer), Art Atwood (37, heart attack), Mohammed Benaziza (33, heart failure), Leon Brown (74, liver cancer), Mario Carrier (54, unreleased), Gianluca Catapano (47, natural causes), Franco Columbu (78, heart attack), Ed Corney (85, brain aneurism), Vince Cummerford (52, heart attack), Nelson Da Silva (51, unreleased), Miroslaw Daszkiewicz (60, natural causes: chronic disease), David Dearth (55, heart attack), Chris Dickerson (82, pneumonia after a heart ailment), Greg DeFerro (53, heart failure), Paul DeMayo (37, heroin overdose), Dave Draper (79, heart failure), Nasser El Sonbaty (47, kidney failure), Johnny Fuller (62, leukemia), Josef Grolmus (59, unreleased), Pavel Grolmus (37, murder), Jose Guzman (61, natural causes), Phil Hernon (55, sudden decline/chronic kidney disease), Frank Hillebrand (45, heart attack), Dave Johns (40, Valley Fever), Eduardo Kawak (47, heart attack), Rod Koontz (64, kidney cancer), Greg Kovacs (44, heart attack), Kent Kuehn (85, natural causes), Reg Lewis (85, unreleased), Mike Matarazzo (48, heart failure), Dallas McCarver (26, heart attack), Cedric McMillan (44, heart attack), Ray McNeil (29, murder), Mike Mentzer (49, heart failure), Ray Mentzer (47, kidney failure), Steve Michalik (63, suicide), Andreas Münzer (31, multiple organ failure), Serge Nubret (72, natural causes), Sergio Oliva (71, kidney failure), Bill Pettis (69, accidental: drowning), Harold Poole (70, natural causes), Tom Prince (52, cancer), Jorma Raty (60, heart attack), Shawn Rhoden (46, heart attack), Carlos Rodriguez (46, stomach cancer), Don Ross (48, heart attack), Salvador Ruiz (68, leukemia), Heinz Sallmayer (32, heart failure, linked to diuretic use), Luke Sandoe (31, heart failure), Sonny Schmidt (50, cancer), Larry Scott (75, Alzheimer’s), Daniele Seccarecci (32, heart attack), Mike Sheridan (51, undisclosed), Chuck Sipes (60, suicide), Daryl Stafford (59, heart attack), Wilfred Sylvester (64, Alzheimer’s), Ron Teufel (45, liver disease), Dennis Tinerino (64, stomach cancer), Ed Van Amsterdam (40, heart attack), Casey Viator (62, heart attack), Derrick Whitsett (37, heart attack), Jusup Wilkosz (71, unreleased), Scott Wilson (67, skin cancer), Luke Wood (35, failed kidney transplant), Don Youngblood (51, heart attack)
he used to post here, I took the piss out of his shitty calves.
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Jeff King – Training in der Rabengasse 1984 | Teil 1 &t=355s
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town gym.
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thats not big ro...
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Sly seems like a cool, very likeable dude. Not full of himself.
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https://garagegymexperiment.com/2022/07/07/vintage-weights-deep-dive/
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&t=94s ;D ;D ;D ;D
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Repeating the same bs.
Steroids had been used with racehorses in the 1940s.
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a bottle of the legendary ciba dianabol on the table?? in front of the fella next to robby at 3:45
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