Loved and despised in equal measure, the squat has long been the iron game's go to exercise for maximum leg development. A cornerstone of most trainee's leg routines, there is certainly no doubting the exercise's popularity. Yet despite the fact that the back squat in particular has enjoyed a decades long dominance amongst gym rats,… Continue reading Peary Rader’s Magic Circle
The early forerunners of bodybuilding were adventurous in every sense of the word. From 20 rep squats to raw meat, these men and women stopped at nothing in the pursuit of pure, unadulterated muscle. For muscle anoraks like me, this pursuit resulted in a series of supplements being used, which of course, had varying levels… Continue reading Old School Supplements: Choline and Inositol
Loved and despised in equal measure, the squat has long been the iron game's go to exercise for maximum leg development. A cornerstone of most trainee's leg routines, there is certainly no doubting the exercise's popularity. Yet despite the fact that the back squat in particular has enjoyed a decades long dominance amongst gym rats,… Continue reading Peary Rader’s Magic Circle
Written in the 1950s but containing information relevant to the modern gym goer, the following article by Abe Goldberg will be sure to interest both those seeking to bring up their squat numbers and bend over without significant discomfort. A nice follow on from our article on the reverse hyperextension, Goldberg's exercises will hit your posterior chain like… Continue reading Abe Goldberg (1951) Article -Low Back Power
One point that always fascinates me about training is the sheer diversity one finds when it comes to training systems, exercises and training philosophies. What works for one trainee can prove pointless to another. No matter how good the programme, it often has to be tailored towards the individual, and indeed, we often find that… Continue reading Bob Gajda’s Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) Training
One of the strongest men of the early twentieth-century, Thomas Inch was known in both Great Britain and the United States for his feats of strength. Unlike others however, Inch was hardly strict with his diet. In fact Inch was recorded as saying There is nothing so wearisome as having to be extremely particular about what one… Continue reading Thomas Inch’s Diet
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
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 Running by John McCallum (1967)
Big Biceps Bounce is a new desert sensation for the protein-conscious bodybuilder with a "sweet tooth." One serving of this luscious custard all not only highlight the finest meal, but will also provide you with 6 grams of protein - for only 14¢! Milkly rich and low in calories, you'll want two or three helpings… Continue reading Paul Thomas, Big Biceps Bounce Recipe (1960s)
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)
