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 What We’re Watching – Ancient Workouts With Omar
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 Charles Atlas’s ‘Special Secret for Rapidly Building Enormous Power’
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 John McCallum, ‘Training for Gaining’, The Keys to Progress
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: History of Sport Charity: What Is It and How Can You Join the Cause
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 Guest Post: The History and Development of Outdoor Gyms around the World
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 Alan Calvert, Why Are Parents So Bitterly Opposed to Heavy-Weight Exercise?, CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION ON LIFTING AND LIFTERS (1926)
“How can I train my child so he will grow up to be an athlete?” This is a question which I am asked constantly. At the outset I want to say to both fathers and mothers who put this question to me—Don’t. By this don’t I mean do not start out with the idea that… Continue reading Robert FitzSimmons, Advice to Parents for the Health and Rearing of Their Children (1901)
No matter how much modern equipment and specialized machinery gyms are equipped with these days, they all still carry a simple staple of gym equipment called the barbell. Barbells have been part of gyms for many years. In essence barbells are simply a metal bar with weights on either end, but they an essential component… Continue reading Guest Post: The History of Barbells
Cannabis has historically been considered taboo all over the world. In as much it can be difficult to get acceptance for medical cannabis and derivative products socially and politically. What is CBD Oil? Cannabidiol (CBD) oil is a derivative product of cannabis. It is a cannabinoid (natural chemicals in marijuana plants) that doesn’t intoxicate or… Continue reading Guest Post: The Historical Uses and Benefits of CBD Oil
There is a large machine at one corner of my gym that has been relegated for the use of hanging towels, hoodies and jackets over. The other day while I was doing some oblique exercises next to it, I asked my trainer why no one ever used it, he shrugged dismissively and said “That’s just… Continue reading From Hero to Zero? The History of the Smith Machine
