A Website Dedicated to the Study of Strength, Health, Fitness and Sport Across Centuries, Countries and Contests.
Last weekend Tom Stoltman won the World Strongest Man for the third time. This is an incredible feat, given that he is 29 years old. For those who don't religiously follow the sport, and shame on you, Mariusz Pudzianowski currently holds the most victories with 5 titles. There is a very good chance that Stoltman... Continue Reading →
I... dear reader. Am getting older, and crankier. The latter attribute isn't important, although it does explain quite a lot about me. The joy of getting older is that my body is getting more snaps, crackles, and pops than I care to admit. This has encouraged me/forced me/confined me, to taking more interest in both... Continue Reading →
When I first became interested in barbells I collected a lot of data about weight- lifting records. There was a time when I could tell you the world’s record in almost any lift you could mention. I could tell you the records for the best men in the different nations at the same lift. I... Continue Reading →
An absolute goliath in the training world, Douglas Ivan Hepburn or Doug for short, was one of the most respected athletes of the mid-twentieth century. Winning gold medals at the 1953 World Weightlifting Championships, the 1954 British Empire Games and a series of other contests, Hepburn is perhaps best known for his incredible power. Indeed, the Canadian... Continue Reading →
In a former life as a teenage rugby player we did some dumb stuff in the gym. Heavy squats with bad form? Yup. Olympic lifts with rounded backs? You betcha. I trained around the time that 'functional training' was all the rage so I even have memories of friends back squatting on Swiss balls! Yes... Continue Reading →
For better or for worse I grew up in the early internet days of the fitness industry. Combining Joe Weider magazines with random forums, I hobbled together a training program guaranteed to blitz my biceps, slice my quads and shred my abs. That at least, was the promise. I remember training long hours every day... Continue Reading →
Equity in sports is a multifaceted concept that encompasses fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background, gender, race, or socio-economic status. Throughout history, various factors have influenced the level of equity within sports, including societal norms, institutional policies, and cultural attitudes. Understanding the history of equity in sports provides valuable... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time there were two skinny young men who trained in a commercial gym downtown. The gym was not overly large, nor was it especially fancy, but it had good solid equipment and lots of weight. This was probably fortunate because it was usually crowded in the evening. The gym also had lots... Continue Reading →
For my sins, I enjoy writing articles. I probably do it more often than I should for my eternal damnation. I'm currently writing an article on the evolution of the back squat, a history I've previously discussed on this website and elsewhere. As part of this research, I've been deep-diving the history of squat stands,... Continue Reading →
In pursuing personal growth and professional development, the realm of sports offers a gateway to unparalleled experiences. While local competitions and familiar training grounds serve as the foundation, venturing beyond borders to engage in sports overseas presents a myriad of transformative benefits. This journey goes beyond the mere act of playing; it encompasses cultural immersion,... Continue Reading →