Nowadays kettlebell training is the staple of modern fitness due to its flexibility and effectiveness. Yet this form of unique strength training has a history much older than we originally thought, going far back in time and around the globe. The kettlebell, originally a tool of functional strength, is now a ubiquitous force in athletic… Continue reading Guest Post: The History of Kettlebell Training: From Ancient Strength to Modern Fitness
Earlier this month I had the privilege of speaking on the Iron Culture podcast about what strength means within the context of fitness. This comes off the back of an article myself, Eric, Adrian and Walter wrote (which is available here). Hopefully you enjoy 🙂 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXoForHmHOQ
Today we discuss a bouncing deadlift done with heavy weights. Yes, really. Now before anyone loses their mind remember two things about this website It is interested in the history of fitness I am not a doctor (well technically I am a doctor of history but 'Big Medicine' won't let me give medical opinions) So… Continue reading Forgotten Exercises: The Hopper Deadlift
We always knew women could never build muscles, at least not, uh, real women. Muscles belonged on men, and women didn't want any. They didn't need them, either, not for typing 70 words a minute, not for staying at home all day baking cakes for honeybun. But we also always knew women could never run… Continue reading Dan Levin, ‘Here She Is, Miss, Well, What?, Sports Illustrated, 17 March (1980), 64-75
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0cYsrptV5c Earlier this year I had the pleasure of speaking with Marcus Kment of Barbell Films about Eugen Sandow's Curative Institute of Physical Culture. Marcus has previously made just a wonderful short film about Sandow's 1901 documentary that is a thing of beauty to watch. For those who don't know, Sandow created a series of… Continue reading New Sandow Documentary!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o391Xd0ycSM&feature=youtu.be The Mr. Olympia contest is still the pinnacle of the bodybuilding calendar. Previously on this website we've looked at the competition's contest report which spoke of the great Larry Scott, who swept all other challengers aside. Well, thanks to STG Strength and Power we also have video footage of the competition itself. Looking at the competition… Continue reading Rare 1965 Mr. Olympia Footage
The history of health clubs is a fascinating reflection of humanity's evolving relationship with physical fitness and well-being. From the early gymnasiums of ancient civilizations to the high-tech, multi-functional fitness centers of today, the journey of health clubs is one of cultural shifts, technological advancements, and changing societal norms. This evolution has been shaped by… Continue reading Guest Post: The Evolution of Health Clubs: From Ancient Gymnasiums to Modern Fitness Centers
In the competitive world of sports, the spotlight often shines on physical abilities, technical skills, and strategic thinking. However, an increasing body of research suggests that mental training is equally crucial for achieving peak performance. Mindfulness and meditation, practices rooted in ancient traditions, have been gaining traction among athletes and coaches as powerful tools for… Continue reading Guest Post: Harnessing the Power of Mindfulness and Meditation in Sports Performance
Pre-competition anxiety is a common experience for athletes of all levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, including physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweaty palms, and tense muscles, as well as psychological symptoms such as negative self-talk, lack of concentration, and overwhelming worry. However, managing this anxiety is… Continue reading Guest Post: Effective Strategies to Overcome Pre-Competition Anxiety
So much has been written of the great old timers, that I will barely touch upon their deeds and confine most of this article to the strongest men of the present. If all the great strong men of the past, many of whom have gone from this earth, could meet in a contest, what a… Continue reading Bob Hoffman, ‘The World’s Strongest Man: Past & Present,’ Strength & Health, 5, no. 10 (1937), 32-34 & 42-45.
