Tag: Steve Reeves

Resources by Conor HeffernanNov 16, 20189:03 pm

Steve Reeves’ Competition Diet

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 Cookbook, a book that’s currently distracting me from my own PhD work, today’s post looks at Reeves’ Competition diet which saw him through the Mr. World, Mr. Universe and Mr. America.

Safe to say then we may learn a thing or two from it!

Tracing the Mass Monster in Bodybuilding

Are bodybuilders becoming too large?

It’s a simple question but one loaded with controversy. Today most Internet forums are filled with heated arguments about whether the ‘mass monsters’ of today are helping or hurting the sport.

Rather than continue the common narrative that the 1990s and the Dorian Yates era was the dawn of the ‘Mass Monsters’, today’s post argues that bodybuilders and their forerunners have always taken their physiques to the extremes of their time. In other words, bodybuilders regardless of the decade, have always displayed bodies well beyond the reach of the common man.The bodybuilders of today who stand tall and wide are rather than damaging the sport, continuing the tradition of freakish bodily appearances.

After all, Bodybuilding has always judged physiques based on the best combination of size, shape, symmetry and conditioning. With this framework in mind, let’s examine the freaks of bodybuilding past.

Sandow, the Original Mass Monster

Training by Conor HeffernanMay 23, 20187:11 am

Steve Reeves’ Mr. America Workout

Undoubtedly one of the most successful and aesthetic bodybuilders of the past century, Steve Reeves holds a special place in the hearts of iron lifters. Known for his remarkably genetics and interesting exercise variations, Reeves was the poster boy for mid-century bodybuilding.

Training by Conor HeffernanMay 16, 201711:02 am

Steve Reeves’ Mr. America Workout

Resources by Conor HeffernanAug 31, 20163:02 pm

The Most Beautiful Man in the World, A French Physical Culture Documentary Featuring the Legendary Steve Reeves

As Joan Tumblety noted in her work on early twentieth-century physical culture, the French have long displayed an interest and an affinity for exercise. Indeed, on all sides of the political spectrum, French athletes, politicians and schoolteachers […]

Basics by Conor HeffernanJun 2, 20165:28 pm

Steve Reeves’ Workout Drink

Mr. America in 1947, Mr. World in 1948 and Mr. Universe in 1950. Steve Reeves was one of the biggest bodybuilding stars of the mid twentieth-century. While his physique may pale in comparison to the […]

Nutrition by Conor HeffernanJan 19, 20168:47 am

Steve Reeves definition diet

Given now is the time of year when many people join gyms in the hope of attaining their goal physiques, it seems only right to discuss the dieting strategy of Steve Reeves, one of bodybuilding’s original stars. In his day Steve had one of the most respected physiques in the Iron Game, winning several bodybuilding championships and even making the crossover to Hollywood where he appeared in a number of Tarzan and Hercules flicks. Using this approach Reeves was crowned Mr. America in 1947. Needless to say, it works.

Biographies by Conor HeffernanSep 10, 20153:24 pm

Tracing the Mass Monster in Bodybuilding

Are bodybuilders becoming too large?

It’s a simple question but one loaded with controversy. Today most Internet forums are filled with heated arguments about whether the ‘mass monsters’ of today are helping or hurting the sport.

Sandow, the Original Mass Monster