Health promotion, the process of enabling individuals and communities to take control of their health and well-being, has a rich history that spans centuries. From early preventive measures to modern public health campaigns, the evolution of health promotion reflects changing societal attitudes, advancements in medical knowledge, and the recognition of the importance of holistic well-being.… Continue reading Guest Post: All You Need to Know about the History of Health Promotion
It’s been a while since I posted an old-school workout on this website. This was unintentional and driven, largely, by my own interest in stories as opposed to sets. Nevertheless it is good to return to the well every know and then and where better to go than the Trainer of Champions himself, Joe Weider.… Continue reading Joe Weider’s Advanced Split Routine
I should be untruthful did I follow the example of certain strong men who have made it their business to say they are weakly invalids at the commencement of their training, but, by the secret method, made themselves into strong men … Arthur Saxon, The Development of Physical Power (London, 1905), 3. I'm hurt, I'm… Continue reading What Are the Most Common Lies in Fitness?
Electronic Muscle Stimulators (EMS) have emerged as a revolutionary technology in the field of health and fitness. These devices use electrical impulses to stimulate muscles, providing a wide range of benefits, from medical rehabilitation to enhancing athletic performance. This article delves into the history, science, applications, and future prospects of muscle stimulators, highlighting their impact… Continue reading Guest Post: Tracing the Evolution of Electronic Muscle Stimulators
The fitness industry has experienced significant growth and transformation over the years, with public gyms playing a central role in promoting physical fitness and well-being. From humble beginnings to the sprawling fitness centers we see today, the evolution of the public gym reflects changing societal attitudes towards health, exercise, and personal fitness goals. If you… Continue reading Guest Post: The History and Evolution of Public Gyms
A few weeks ago I published a short article on Henry Rollins' short essay, 'The Iron and the Soul.' Rollins' appreciation for the deeper meaning of exercise struck a chord with me early in my training career and, like an old jumper, is something that brings me comfort to this day. The essay spoke to… Continue reading Inspirational Reads: Chris Shugart, ‘Merry Christmas Bob,’ 2000
I am currently working on my next book project, this time studying the history of women's Olympic weightlifting in the United States. Funded, in part, by the Olympic Studies Center, I had the pleasure of studying the International Weightlifting Federation's minutes and magazines from the 1970s to the present day. Housed in Lausanne, Switzerland, this… Continue reading Gottfried Schödl, ‘WE NEED MORE COMPETENT REFEREES,’ World Weightlifting, 1975, vol. 3, p. 3
The history of HIIT dates back much further than its modern-day popularity. In fact, the roots of interval training can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The early Greeks, particularly the Olympians, utilized interval-style workouts to improve their athletic performance. Runners would alternate between sprinting and walking or jogging, while ancient martial arts training involved… Continue reading Guest Post: The History and the Future of the HIIT Workout Regime
The following post is taken directly from Thomas Inch's 1920s work, On Strength. Inch, as we have previously discussed on Physical Culture Study, was one of the early and influential British physical culturists. Inch was a weightlifter, weightlifting organizer and a prolific writer. He wrote for several decades with Health and Strength magazine, likely contributed… Continue reading How Do You a Single Handed Dead Lift? 1920s Style
The history of sporting equipment is a fascinating journey that reflects the evolution of human civilization, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of athletic excellence. From the ancient civilizations of Egypt and Greece to the modern era of high-tech materials and precision engineering, the development of sporting equipment has played a pivotal role in shaping the… Continue reading Guest Post: The History of Sporting Equipment: Necessary Gear Then and Now
