Alan Calvert, ‘Tricks of Lifting and Trickery of Lifters,’ Confidential Information of Lifting and Lifters (Philadelphia, 1926), 13-16.

Alan Calvert was one of the most important strength entrepreneurs in twentieth-century America. The founder of Milo Barbell and Strength magazine, Calvert helped bring barbells and weights to the masses in the early 1900s. What makes him an even more fascinating figure is that in later years, Calvert became deeply disgusted with America's burgeoning fitness... Continue Reading →

How to Squat Without a Squat Rack?

How do you squat without a squat rack? Don't worry this isn't another post about the trials and tribulations of a home gym (I've already done that here). No this is about the early 1900s and the difficulties facing the average barbell man or woman. The birth of our modern fitness cultures can be traced... Continue Reading →

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