Those interested in weightlifting and physical culture more generally are in a rather privileged position. Numerous websites, ourselves included, detail the various intricacies of the Iron Game's History. Numerous websites offer old magazines and books free of charge and forums exist to help interested parties find every possible thing they can imagine. Rarely though is... Continue Reading →
Running by John McCallum (1967)
Known more for his incredible bulking routines than a love of aerobics, the following article comes from John McCallum, one of physical culture's best known writers in the twentieth-century. Seeking to marry aerobic and anaerobic forms of exercise, the article (first published in 1967) is an interesting reminder that the idea of 'cardio' having a place in... Continue Reading →
Workout for a Working Man
This article, first published in Health and Strength Magazine in 1956 is a great reminder that we don't need to spend hours in the gym to maintain our fitness. In fact, the writers of this programme believed it could be done in half an hour or less. Ideal for those struggling to make time to... Continue Reading →
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 →
The Three Types of Manly Form
Published in the San Francisco Examiner in 1894, the above illustration depicts the Apollo Belvedere alongside the famed US boxer Peter Jackson and, of course, Eugen Sandow. Disputing the various forms of manly beauty, the response to the cartoon was surprising to say the least. While many lauded Sandow's physique, others were less than impressed. John Stanton from... Continue Reading →
Don Ross’ Foundation Bodybuilding Routines
Not many people nowadays speak about 'The Ripper' and 'Bronx Barbarian'. Born in the mid 1940s, Don Ross, who went by these stage names, was a highly popular and influential bodybuilding writer in the 1980s and early 1990s. Plying his trade both within the Iron Game and professional wrestler, his articles and even TV appearances... Continue Reading →
Reg Lewis – Norman Williams’ Arm Routine (Muscle Power 1962)
Big Norman Williams is all set to break the big biceps tape of 20 1/2 inches none filled by Leroy Colbert. Can he do it? Norm thinks these unusual exercises which he now uses will do the trick. What do you think? I saw Norm Williams again, just recently... the first time in five years...and... Continue Reading →
The Amazing Physique Of A. Schwarzenegger & How He Developed It (1967 Article)
Published in Iron Man Magazine in 1967 by Arnold's friend Albert Busek, the following article details Arnold's rise to fame alongside his working routine of the time. A fine biography and reminder that even during the 60s, people marvelled at the Austrian's successes. JUST a short year ago his name was still generally unknown, but on October 30,... Continue Reading →
Lenda Murray, Lower Body Logic (1995)
Written by eventual Eight time Ms. Olympia Champion, Lenda Murray the following article gives a brief insight into the training paradigms for women in the mid-90s, namely low-fat diets and an emphasis on smaller waists. Murray's advice to the aspiring iron trainee is simple, straightforward and to the point. Enjoy! I would like to make... Continue Reading →
1966 MR. OLYMPIA REPORT (December 1966 – Muscle Builder)
Having previously discussed the first ever Mr. Olympia contest held in 1965, it was a great and welcomed surprised to stumble across this report on the '66 Olympia. Featuring a host of names from the golden age of bodybuilding, there's something almost quaint about the sportsmanship and seeming politeness of this particular show. Especially when compared with the strictly professionalised competitions... Continue Reading →