Earlier this year we were treated to perhaps the most exciting Arnold Strongman Classic to date. We saw Hafthor Bjornsson win the event for the second year in a row with a domineering display of power. The 'Wheel of Pain' from Conan the Barbarian made an appearance and it was joined by an exact replica... Continue Reading →
Arnold Schwarzenegger on Johnny Carson (1979)
Part of his impressive press junket in the years following his then temporary retirement from bodybuilding, the following clip shows Arnold Schwarzenegger at his approachable best. Part of the wonders of YouTube, the clip is well worth a watch. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2AiLbpkngA
Bigger Faster Stronger: The Mr. Olympia
Bodybuilders, like most other professional athletes in the last four decades, have undergone an unprecedented change. Whereas the first Mr. Olympia weighed in at just over 200 lbs, the modern champion is more likely to be sixty pounds heavier and leaner as well. While the reasons for this, at least in bodybuilding, are clear, it is still... Continue Reading →
Joe Weider’s Power Bracelet
Joe Weider is undoubtedly a divisive figure in the history of bodybuilding. Influential to the nth degree regarding the modern climate of the sport, Weider has been continually criticised for selling snake oil supplements to a naive public. Today's post briefly examines Joe's 'Hell-Bent for Leather N'Lead' product, a set of bracelets brought out by... Continue Reading →
The History of Protein Shakers
Before beginning, I have to thank a series of individuals for their help in devising this article. The good folks at DavidGentle.com and Ironhistory.com helped point me in the right direction for the earlier history of the shaker. Likewise Ron Campbell's Bodybuilding Books and Magazines group on Facebook which provided several leads which helped sharpen... Continue Reading →
Tracing the Mass Monster in Bodybuilding
Are bodybuilders becoming too large? It’s a simple question but one loaded with controversy. Today most Internet forums are filled with heated arguments about whether the ‘mass monsters’ of today are helping or hurting the sport. Rather than continue the common narrative that the 1990s and the Dorian Yates era was the dawn of the ‘Mass... Continue Reading →
Should you Workout to Music? Old School Approaches
Unless you own a home gym, the issue of whether or not you train to music is usually decided for you. Nowadays the gym stereo is a much a part of the gym floor as the weights themselves. Depending on your gym, the decision to leave your headphones at home results in anything from pop... Continue Reading →
Arnold Schwarzenegger on Johnny Carson (1979)
Part of his impressive press junket in the years following his then temporary retirement from bodybuilding, the following clip shows Arnold Schwarzenegger at his approachable best. Part of the wonders of YouTube, the clip is well worth a watch. Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2AiLbpkngA
Bigger Faster Stronger: The Mr. Olympia
Bodybuilders, like most other professional athletes in the last four decades, have undergone an unprecedented change. Whereas the first Mr. Olympia weighed in at just over 200 lbs, the modern champion is more likely to be sixty pounds heavier and leaner as well. While the reasons for this, at least in bodybuilding, are clear, it is still... Continue Reading →
Shape up With Arnold Schwarzenegger (1982 Video)
Arnie has... it's fair to say, put his name to quite a lot of things. Protein supplements, workout clothing and a host of monographs and articles. One video that often gets forgotten in the midst of such paraphernalia is his 1982 workout video 'Shape Up with Arnold Schwarzenegger'. Done with a stereotypically 80s soundtrack, the... Continue Reading →