Category: Resources

Resources by Conor HeffernanDec 13, 201810:06 pm

Guest Post: The History of Lacrosse. Who Invented Lacrosse?

The Origin of Lacrosse

Invented in the 1100s by the Native American tribes, Lacrosse was a game being played by the people who were based on plain states in the north which is present-day Canada.

Initially, this game involved hundreds of men who played the game using, a ball and sticksof different structures and they participated without using any protective gear. It was one of the most widely played team sport during its time. The people who took part in the native version of this game considered it as an athletic contest of great pride, spiritual significance, and skills.

Forgotten Exercises: The Rader Chest Pull

Having previously discussed the history of the squat exercise, today’s post examines the creation of the Rader Chest Pull, an exercise that Peary Rader, one of the Irongame’s biggest names in the twentieth-century, often used […]

Resources by Conor HeffernanDec 7, 201810:10 am

The Secret of Rheo H. Blair’s Protein Powder

Blairs_Protein

Having discussed Bob Hoffman’s (failed) attempts to create a protein powder that was both tasty and efficient, the time seems right to examine Rheo H. Blair’s famous protein powder from the mid-twentieth century.

Iron game historians will long be aware that Blair’s protein powder was the go to supplement for bodybuilders, average trainees and even Hollywood stars of the 1960s and 1970s. It was one of the first protein supplements and was highly regarded by others in the industry including Vince Gironda.

Heck, so highly regarded was Blair’s protein that it was credited with adding pounds upon pounds of muscle in a short space of time. Some bodybuilders spent months eating nothing but the protein powder alongside some vitamin capsules.

So what exactly was in Blair’s protein and what made it so special?

Resources by Conor HeffernanDec 5, 201810:08 am

Reg Park – Basic Principles for Gaining Definition (1951 Article)

Whenever I hear some bodybuilders use the term “definition” I always feel like asking them just what they think it means. It is a loosely used word, with certain authorities in particular throwing it about without any deep thought of what the development of muscular definement entails, or if certain types of lifters actually CAN acquire it. In fact, it is common to hear many novices talk of definition development before they have even built the foundations of a good physique.

Resources by Conor HeffernanNov 30, 20189:52 am

The History of Fitness

There is an apparent correlation between industrial advancements and fitness when we look back at the history of humans. Early man had no locomotive to move around. Getting food was a task that involved walking, running, and skills that most of us in this new age cannot even fathom. What we call exercise now, was back then just the way of life.

Resources by Conor HeffernanNov 28, 201810:46 am

Harry B. Paschall, ‘Training for the Working Man’, Bosco Strength Notebook,1: 2 (1951), 23-25

From my daily mail I arrive at the conclusion that many barbell bugs have been considerably confused by the numerous super duper four-hour workout schedules credited to the prominent physique specialists in some of the […]

Resources by Conor HeffernanNov 26, 20187:20 am

Reg Park – Basic Principles for Gaining Definition (1951 Article)

Resources by Conor HeffernanNov 23, 20187:05 am

Bill Kazmier, ‘Competitive Squatting Style and Techniques’ from Bill Kazmier, The Squat and Deadlift (Crain Power-Plus, 1981)

Screen Shot 2018-05-04 at 08.50.23

The following extract comes from a fascinating twelve page pamphlet I recently got my hands on. Written by the Strongman and Powerlifter Bill Kazmier, the pamphlet details everything a budding strength enthusiast needs to learn to perform on the platform. Over the next few weeks we’ll be dissecting Kazmier’s advice for the Squat, Deadlift and the Bench Press.

In the meantime, do enjoy the Strongman’s general tips and advice for performing the perfect powerlifting squat. As always…Happy Lifting!

Resources by Conor HeffernanNov 22, 20188:50 am

Guest Post: The Abridged History of Diving

Diving looks simple at first glance. You would be forgiven for thinking there is not much to it – a fleeting act of plunging into water performed with certain panache, or a prolonged underwater activity realized thanks to humanity’s technical prowess. However, it would not have become an Olympic sport in 1904 if a degree of artful finesse was not involved. The intrinsic nuances of diving are reflected in its complicated history which can be traced back to times immemorial. If you are interested to find out more about this renowned discipline, here is the abridged history of diving.

Resources by Conor HeffernanNov 21, 20187:37 am

Peary Rader, ‘The History of These Methods’, The Rader Master Bodybuilding and Weight Gaining System (1946)

It is not customary for the history of a course to be given, but the history of the methods taught herein is so definite, inspiring and easily traced that we believe it will be of great value and interest to the reader. It will likewise give him an idea of what results have been obtained by others and what he, himself, might expect. It will also give him assurance that this is not the hasty brainchild of one man interested only in placing of a few sheets of instructions on the market for the sole purpose enhancing his own finances.