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
Outside the auditorium, or Pavilion, as it's called, it is a gorgeous Sunday afternoon at the Mountain Park amusement center in Holyoke, Mass. A roller coaster clatters up and down a wooden trestle. Children fly around in little whirly things that look like boats with wings. There are clam bars, pizza stands, dart throws, cotton-candy… Continue reading Charles Gaines, ‘Cutting Some Fancy Figures, Sports Illustrated, 10 July (1972).
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
Name a more iconic duo than Franco and Arnold. Within the sport of bodybuilding, the relationship between Franco Columbu and Arnold Schwarzenegger was of the most enduring and impactful the sport has ever seen. From Pumping Iron to controversial Olympia wins, they did it all! Okay, that last line was tongue in cheek but, more… Continue reading How Franco and Arnold Changed Hollywood Forever
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
Sports marketing and advertising have undergone remarkable transformations throughout history, revolutionizing the way we perceive and engage with sports. From its humble beginnings to the digital age, this field has evolved to shape the relationship between sports, fans, and brands. If you want to learn more about these things, here are a few things you… Continue reading Guest Post: History of Sports Marketing & Advertising: Everything You Need to Know
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
Studying the History of Fitness