A Website Dedicated to the Study of Strength, Health, Fitness and Sport Across Centuries, Countries and Contests.
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
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 →
For Nasser El Sonbaty, who has spent 19 years torching, torturing and otherwise harassing every muscle fiber on his 5'11" frame, there are two absolutes. "The first thing is consistency; the second, intensity." Given his behemoth lower quarters -- complete with voluminous muscle bellies, subterranean separation, Gibraltarian density and shape -- we took notes. Nasser... Continue Reading →
The marathon, a grueling long-distance race that tests the endurance and determination of runners, has become one of the most iconic events in the world of athletics. Originating from an ancient Greek legend, the marathon has a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. So, here’s a brief history behind the marathon, tracing its roots... Continue Reading →
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 in conjunction with the squat. Typically Rader would inform trainees to perform this exercise directly after a set of twenty... Continue Reading →
Sport has long been an integral part of education, and its presence in public schools has played a significant role in shaping the physical, mental, and social development of students. The history of sports in public schools is a testament to the recognition of its importance in fostering discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, and overall well-being. Here’s... Continue Reading →