A Website Dedicated to the Study of Strength, Health, Fitness and Sport Across Centuries, Countries and Contests.
I... dear reader. Am getting older, and crankier. The latter attribute isn't important, although it does explain quite a lot about me. The joy of getting older is that my body is getting more snaps, crackles, and pops than I care to admit. This has encouraged me/forced me/confined me, to taking more interest in both... Continue Reading →
In a former life as a teenage rugby player we did some dumb stuff in the gym. Heavy squats with bad form? Yup. Olympic lifts with rounded backs? You betcha. I trained around the time that 'functional training' was all the rage so I even have memories of friends back squatting on Swiss balls! Yes... Continue Reading →
For better or for worse I grew up in the early internet days of the fitness industry. Combining Joe Weider magazines with random forums, I hobbled together a training program guaranteed to blitz my biceps, slice my quads and shred my abs. That at least, was the promise. I remember training long hours every day... Continue Reading →
Equity in sports is a multifaceted concept that encompasses fairness, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all individuals regardless of their background, gender, race, or socio-economic status. Throughout history, various factors have influenced the level of equity within sports, including societal norms, institutional policies, and cultural attitudes. Understanding the history of equity in sports provides valuable... Continue Reading →
Once upon a time there were two skinny young men who trained in a commercial gym downtown. The gym was not overly large, nor was it especially fancy, but it had good solid equipment and lots of weight. This was probably fortunate because it was usually crowded in the evening. The gym also had lots... Continue Reading →
For my sins, I enjoy writing articles. I probably do it more often than I should for my eternal damnation. I'm currently writing an article on the evolution of the back squat, a history I've previously discussed on this website and elsewhere. As part of this research, I've been deep-diving the history of squat stands,... Continue Reading →
In pursuing personal growth and professional development, the realm of sports offers a gateway to unparalleled experiences. While local competitions and familiar training grounds serve as the foundation, venturing beyond borders to engage in sports overseas presents a myriad of transformative benefits. This journey goes beyond the mere act of playing; it encompasses cultural immersion,... Continue Reading →
Nutrition plays an integral role in every aspect of our health, and its significance extends far beyond simply maintaining a healthy weight or providing energy for daily activities. The foods we consume have a profound impact on our overall well-being, including our oral health. Often overlooked, the relationship between nutrition and oral health is intricate... Continue Reading →
Being a bodyguard is an important and demanding job that requires a diverse set of skills — from physical fitness and strength to combat and self-defense abilities. Bodyguards need to be physically fit and strong to handle potential threats and to respond swiftly in emergency situations. They should also be proficient in hand-to-hand combat, martial... Continue Reading →
Earlier this week I was given a very generous gift. The gift in question was a complete set of Wills' Cigarette Cards. Produced for an Irish and English audience in 1914, the cards depicted various physical culture exercises one could engage in to keep fit and healthy. The irony that the cards could only be... Continue Reading →