"And now for something completely different" I'll be spending a few weeks discussing various writings on lifting weights that have left an imprint on me in many ways. As anyone who has dedicated themselves to the gym for a prolonged period will attest, lifting weights is about so much more than exercise. It is a... Continue Reading →
Mark Robinson, Secrets to Fitness Success, Ironman (Australia), December 2013, 20 (11), 98-101.
As many of you may know, I am an accredited dietitian, as well as a natural bodybuilder and sports model. My health and fitness dreams are coming true this year with my team selection to compete in the Musclemania and Fitness America Championships in Las Vegas following my strong showing at the Asia Pacifics. In... Continue Reading →
A Few Sandovian Stage Feats
I love feats of strength. Admittedly that's not the most surprising admission given the purpose of this website but it is one worth stating every now and then. It doesn't matter if it is someone lifting a barbell or a bale of heavy. Make it heavy enough and I will watch it or, if I... Continue Reading →
Randall M. Taylor, 18-Min Home Dumbbell Workout, Planet Muscle (Volume 4, Number 1, 2001)
For many years serious athletes and bodybuilders have known that free weights build muscle size, strength and power faster than any other form of resistance training. Today's smart bodybuilders are also acutely aware that the process does not take as much time as many have erroneously believed and that, by using dumbbells (because they DO... Continue Reading →
What We’re Watching – Ancient Workouts With Omar
It's often very difficult to find something worthwhile in the fitness industry that is Entertaining Factual Historical Previously I've written about Rogue Fitness' numerous documentaries, which are on my 'must watch' list for anyone interested in the history of the Iron Game. Recently I stumbled across Omar Isuf's collaboration with the History channel on ancient... Continue Reading →
Charles Atlas’s ‘Special Secret for Rapidly Building Enormous Power’
When Atlas Wasn't Playing Tug-of-War he was giving out Diet Tips “I realize you are anxious to build up great strength and power as soon as possible. Here is a simple secret which should help give you the results you hope for.” Charles Atlas, Mail Order Workout Programme, Lesson Two, c.1930s In 1921 Charles Atlas... Continue Reading →
John McCallum, ‘Training for Gaining’, The Keys to Progress
A bunch of us went down to the gym one time to watch Reg Park work out. He was in town doing a show. We lined up along the wall with our eyeballs hanging on our cheeks and tried not to look too jealous when he started lifting. Park walked in looking more like Hercules... Continue Reading →
Guest Post: History of Sport Charity: What Is It and How Can You Join the Cause
There are not many things in the world that can bring together a community like sports and charity. Sure, organizing both sports events and charity events takes time and effort, but in the end, knowing that it all goes towards a good cause will all be worth it. If you’re planning to host a sporting... Continue Reading →
Guest Post: The History and Development of Outdoor Gyms around the World
Being active physically is crucial for human health and wellness, yet as of the last 50 years, people started having very little physical activity throughout the day. There’s one good thing that happened, however—a new fitness trend emerged in the 70s and 80s, and it’s called outdoor gyms. Simply put, the outdoor gym is a... Continue Reading →
Alan Calvert, Why Are Parents So Bitterly Opposed to Heavy-Weight Exercise?, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ON LIFTING AND LIFTERS (1926)
Parents! I might add wives, sisters, brothers and friends. Now, I am going to put it right squarely up to you; if you happen to be a young bar-bell enthusiast. When you bought your bar-bell, did your father and mother applaud your decision? Or did they beg you not to take the risks attendant on... Continue Reading →