One point that always fascinates me about training is the sheer diversity one finds when it comes to training systems, exercises and training philosophies. What works for one trainee can prove pointless to another. No matter how good the programme, it often has to be tailored towards the individual, and indeed, we often find that... Continue Reading →
The History of the Glute Ham Raise
Owing to the inquisitive nature of a PCS reader, I've finally gotten my act together, or at least come close enough to some semblance of normality, to go down the rabbit hole once again. The topic of todays post, is the rather more niche but nevertheless effective Glute Ham Raise (GHR) machine. Having spent years... Continue Reading →
Frank Zane’s 1980s Pabst Blue Ribbon Commercial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUqZBNFHl-g One of the odder Bodybuilding placements, the following 1980s advertisement features the legendary Frank Zane itching for a Pabst Blue Ribbon following a tough day in the gym. If the costumes don't make you smile, the music will. Enjoy!
History of the Good Morning Exercise
Depending on the gym you attend Good Mornings are either a commonplace exercise or a complete rarity. Aside from the cynical observation that far too many back squats one sees in the gym are bastardised good mornings, the reality is most like the latter. Used by numerous bodybuilders, powerlifters and athletes, the Good Morning is... 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
Guest Post: History of the Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet is a very healthy eating plan, which is primarily based on plant foods, olive oil, and lots of herbs instead of salt. Red meat is a no-no, and fish is a staple. Plus, red wine. Who could say no to that? The idea behind this diet is limiting, but not eliminating fat... Continue Reading →
The History of the Zercher Squat
Mentioned at various points on this particular site, the Zercher Squat has been described by many as one of the most effective but painful methods of building big quads. Uncomfortable to the nth degree, this lift isn't exactly the most popular amongst gym goers. A point which leads us into today's post. Why invent such... Continue Reading →
FAQ, ‘Complete Muscle Building Course’ (c. 1970s)
This booklet will not only help you, the average man to become many times stronger than you are at present, but will give you the inside knowledge and information required for developing a body of dynamic muscular proportions. Let’s start off by dispelling a few misconceptions generally held of bodybuilding. Where muscle building is concerned... Continue Reading →
David Rensin, ’20 Questions with Jack Lalanne’, Playboy Magazine (October, 1984).
"When the interview began in La Lanne's living room at 8:30 A.M., he had already been awake for five hours. He'd exercised, had breakfast and donned a red jump suit."Most people know La Lanne only from his TV show. It's the least of his achievements. On each birthday, La Lanne performs a muscle-numbing feat. At... Continue Reading →
‘The Sandow Girl’, c. 1906
Source: The Sketch, 2 May (1906), 69. In the early 1900s, a travelling vaudeville show known as 'The Dairymaids' briefly toured across Great Britain and North America. As part of the performance, every night would see the emergence of 'Sandow Girls' replete with mock dumbbells and form fitting clothing. They were of course, named after the... Continue Reading →