Berserker (noun): An ancient Norse warrior who worked himself into a frenzy before battle. Do you understand what I'm getting at? It's aggression, pure 100% focused effort. You can use the "perfect" routine, sleep eight hours a night, eat great, concentrate, visualize, feel the movement, and do everything "right," but get minimal results unless you… Continue reading John Christy, The White Moment, Hardgainer Magazine (1996)
Tag: Old School Fitness
Physical Culture Study at TedX Tallaght!
Earlier in the year I was fortunate enough to present at an independently organised TedX event in Tallaght, Dublin. Focused on old school and simple health behaviours that can radically change people's health, it was great to bring PCS on the road! Enjoy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytm97kVxPTw&feature=youtu.be
Searching the Pathé Archives
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 Searching the Pathé Archives
Sports Illustrated, ‘Titans of Testosterone’, 1999 World’s Strongest Man Article.
Titans Of Testosterone The (mostly) juiced-up athletes competing for the title of World's Strongest Man tote stones, toss kegs and tow trucks for puny paychecks and the glory of exposure on late-night cable TV By Jack McCallum You see them at all hours of the day and night, lifting cars, pulling buses, lugging around absurdly… Continue reading Sports Illustrated, ‘Titans of Testosterone’, 1999 World’s Strongest Man Article.
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 Don Ross’ Foundation Bodybuilding Routines
Bill Starr, Gaining Weight The Natural Way (1993 article)
It was the first really warm day of spring. The trees and shrubs displayed tiny buds, but the insects and crawling creatures were not yet out in force and, best of all, the poison ivy was still dormant. It was the ideal time to hike through the woodlands of the Susquehanna State Park. I tracked… Continue reading Bill Starr, Gaining Weight The Natural Way (1993 article)
Ivan Dunbar, How Many Reps Makes the Champion? (1964 Health & Strength Article)
One of bodybuilding's most perplexing problems is deciding on how many repetitions. In recent years there has been a tendency to standardise the number to around ten, as this is felt to provide the best combination for muscular bulk, strength and stamina. Not too many years ago the guiding rule was low reps for bulk,… Continue reading Ivan Dunbar, How Many Reps Makes the Champion? (1964 Health & Strength Article)
Suits, Boots and Brutes: The History of Powerlifting Gear
Early this month I had the pleasure (?) of helping a friend of mine at his local powerlifting meet. Over the months he had squatted, benched and deadlifted with a remarkable intensity and focus. When the time came for the big day, I was honoured that he asked me to come along. Admittedly, I didn't… Continue reading Suits, Boots and Brutes: The History of Powerlifting Gear
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 The History of the Zercher Squat
Forgotten Training Protocols: 4 x 10 Clusters
For whatever reason some training systems remain in the public psyche while others fall to the wayside, continued only by a few dedicated and often fixated trainers. Thus while nearly every intermediate and certainly every advanced trainee is familiar with manipulating rep ranges, few seem to stray outside the comfort zone of 5 x 5,… Continue reading Forgotten Training Protocols: 4 x 10 Clusters