WITH regard to the routine of training, I again repeat, my idea is not to develop muscle at the expense of either health or strength. It is really impossible for me to prescribe special exercises with fixed time limits for same, and fixed days for each individual who may ready this book, as we are… Continue reading Arthur Saxon, ‘Routine of Training’, The Development of Physical Power (London, 1906)
As stated previously, no definite rules can be said to apply to all trainees at all times, since every case is uniquely different – and the final trainer is the individual himself. However, there are helpful guidelines that can be followed, and I present the following as such, to be considered in light of your… Continue reading Bradley J. Steiner’s General Rules for Training (1972)
The following interview took place with the legendary Frank Zane during the bodybuilder's preparation for that year's Mr. Olympia, a competition Zane won by the day. Detailing Frank's workout, nutrition and mental preparation, it offers a valuable insight into the career of one of bodybuilding's most recognisable characters. Enjoy! How much value do you place… Continue reading Dennis B. Weis, A Seminar with Frank Zane (1977)
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
Arnie has... it's fair to say, put his name to quite a lot of things. Protein supplements, workout clothing and a host of monographs and articles. One video that often gets forgotten in the midst of such paraphernalia is his 1982 workout video 'Shape Up with Arnold Schwarzenegger'. Done with a stereotypically 80s soundtrack, the… Continue reading Shape up With Arnold Schwarzenegger (1982 Video)
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 Reg Lewis – Norman Williams’ Arm Routine (Muscle Power 1962)
The following excerpt comes from Mike Mentzer's 1993 nutritional work, Heavy Duty Nutrition. A keen follower of Arthur Jones's Heavy Duty training system, Mike was the poster child of an alternative and oftentimes radical form of bodybuilding. It should come as no surprise then that his nutritional advice also tended against the norm. In the… Continue reading Mike Mentzer – Nutritional Reality (1993)
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)
How bodybuilding champions train is an area of intense interest for muscle fanatics the world over. How many sets, how many reps and how intensely? What makes them great? Seeking to satisfy demands, muscle magazines often publish polished workout routines written by the Champions. Yet nothing compares to the first article, making today's post on… Continue reading Steve Michalik’s Training Diary from 1968
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)
