A Website Dedicated to the Study of Strength, Health, Fitness and Sport Across Centuries, Countries and Contests.
The history of HIIT dates back much further than its modern-day popularity. In fact, the roots of interval training can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The early Greeks, particularly the Olympians, utilized interval-style workouts to improve their athletic performance. Runners would alternate between sprinting and walking or jogging, while ancient martial arts training involved... Continue Reading →
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 →
Dieting in the 1900s The concept of “dieting” has been around for a very, very long time. If historical data is to be believed, people have been convinced about the power of dieting for as long as 500 years now. Can people control their body weight and composition by controlling what they eat, when they... 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 →
Boxercise is a fitness class based on the training principles employed by boxers to stay in shape. A typical class might entail shadow boxing, skipping and hitting pads. It also includes kicking punch bags, press-ups, shuttle runs, and sit-ups. Ancient Greek Boxing Ancient Greek boxing, or pygmachia, "fist combat," has been practiced in various social... Continue Reading →
Whenever I hear some bodybuilders use the term "definition" I always feel like asking them just what they think it means. It is a loosely used word, with certain authorities in particular throwing it about without any deep thought of what the development of muscular definement entails, or if certain types of lifters actually CAN... 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 →
People have been having the need and desire to run quickly over various obstacles and over various distances since the birth of humankind. Being fast and having the ability to endure long distances allowed people to fetch water, hunt pray, escape danger and succeed in war (such is the case of the first marathon race... Continue Reading →
Unless you’re a seasoned bodybuilder, you’re probably not very familiar with the IIFYM diet. This diet was born out of necessity and a desire to eat tasty food that also fits your lifestyle and your fitness goals. If you want to know more about this movement and diet, here’s a brief history and effects of... Continue Reading →