A Website Dedicated to the Study of Strength, Health, Fitness and Sport Across Centuries, Countries and Contests.
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular eating pattern that involves alternating periods of fasting and eating. This practice has been around for centuries and has been practiced for religious, spiritual, and cultural reasons. In many traditions, fasting is seen as a way to purify the mind and body, achieve spiritual enlightenment, and gain self-discipline. However,... Continue Reading →
For ages, humans have been trying to find the perfect diet. This has especially affected people who struggle with weight loss and management because dieting has long been the main part of weight loss. In the 50s, the public went through a real epidemic of obesity and heart disease, so the government and the influencers... Continue Reading →
For many Steve Reeves was the epitome of bodybuilding. Alongside John Grimek, he helped to define a mid-century Iron Game obsessed with beauty, strength and uncompromising health. Though undoubtedly blessed with fantastic genetics, Reeves was known for his work ethic and attention to detail when it came to his diet. Coming from the Steve Reeves... Continue Reading →
No matter if you believe that detox is beneficial or a complete fad, one is for sure—detox has been used by many civilizations for thousands of years. According to research, many detox practices date back to ancient China, Egypt, India, America and even Rome. So what do you need to know about this practice’s history... Continue Reading →
The history of dieting is quite convoluted and challenging for a lot of people. But it does go to show that people have started to try and stay in shape for quite some time. And there’s a reason for that. The reality is that working out is only one thing that people from the old... Continue Reading →
If you thought bodybuilding and serious involvement in sport is mere exercising and pushing your body to its limits, think again. Of course, building up your muscle mass is crucial. However, you won’t get far with just that alone. In the era of food full of additives, one might frown upon the mere mention of... Continue Reading →
The keto diet is a diet with the idea to force the human body into a state of ketosis. When in ketosis, the body burns fat instead of carbs for energy. The body’s primary source of energy is carbs and sugars, and when they are not there, the body needs to burn fat to stay... Continue Reading →
The following extract comes from Vince Gironda's 1984 Book: Unleashing the Wild Physique (available here). This book cannot be recommended highly enough, from VInce's no nonsense take on steroids to his innovative training techniques. Today's post comes from Vince's advice on weight gain. The real secret to gaining weight is food. The more you eat, the... Continue Reading →
Many of us recognize the concept of functional foods as one of the latest buzzwords in the food and health industry. However, not many of us know that this is a concept that has a lengthy history behind it. The term was coined during the 1980s by the Japanese health authorities in an aim to... Continue Reading →
The majority of bodybuilders I meet at my numerous exhibitions and seminars all over the country still seem to think that protein is needed in tremendous quantities to build muscle. The fact that muscle is only 22 percent protein suggests that our protein requirements are not nearly that high. And just because muscle is more... Continue Reading →