Published by the mid-century Bodybuilder Alan Stephens, the following article from Your Physique magazine details some time honoured means of bulking up in the easiest and most efficient way possible. Though much of Stephens' advice will seem like old hat to those a few years in the Iron Game, his writings were geared toward the beginner… Continue reading Alan Stephen – Bulking is Easy (1950 article)
Periodization means “to divide into periods,” when defined by most dictionaries. That’s also the way that I view this term as it applies to strength training. I’m a big believer that some form of change in a routine every three or four months or so is as good mentally as it is physically. In addition… Continue reading Bob Whelan, ‘Common Sense Periodization’, Hard Gainer, July-August (1999), 21-24.
"Wrap a band around your bicep until it begins to go numb, then pump out 30 reps with a light weight... Trust me, the pump is worth it." These are not the words of an enlightened man but rather my first experience of Kaatsu or Blood Restriction Training. Brought to my attention by a training… Continue reading The History of Kaatsu Training
When I did the original outline for this article I tried to think of an appealing title. Many trainees do no leg work at all, and those that do usually do not do enough. I thought an appealing title might entice some of them into including leg work in their training programs. I later decided… Continue reading John Kuc, ‘A Guide to Thigh Development’ (1984)
Most people recognize a bodybuilder by his muscular arms. The arms are usually the first muscle people notice. If your arms are developed then you have a good start on your bodybuilding career. The main muscles of the upper arms are the bicep and tricep. Let's first talk about the bicep. The bicep is a… Continue reading Pat Neve, ‘Attain Maximum Arm Size’, Ironman Magazine (November, 1975).
This program's purpose is designed to produce quick size by working non-specifically (four different aspects of each muscle) – in other words, it is not a shaping course. Now, the muscle to receive the most work is the muscle you start with. I always start with the arms. So, this is how I will set… Continue reading Vince Gironda, ‘Biceps: A Six-Week Bulk Course’, Vince Gironda Six Week Bulk Course (c.1968), 3-4
Image Source. When beginning a book on physical training, I feel it is only natural to begin with the most basic concept used in any barbell endeavor. We all use this training aid in one form or another and its use makes possible the goals of which our dreams are made. By single and double… Continue reading Anthony Ditillo, ‘The Single and Double Progression Method’, The Development of Physical Strength (Wm F. Hinbern, 1982).
Previously on this website, we've discussed Leroy Colbert's tragically short bodybuilding career and his successful foray into health store management. Today's post focuses more on the nuts and bolts of Colbert's bodybuilding routines from the 1970s. First published in Three More Reps, written by George Synder and Rick Wayne, Colbert's split body workout was simple in… Continue reading Leroy Colbert Workout c. 1978
When I did the original outline for this article I tried to think of an appealing title. Many trainees do no leg work at all, and those that do usually do not do enough. I thought an appealing title might entice some of them into including leg work in their training programs. I later decided… Continue reading John Kuc, ‘A Guide to Thigh Development’ (1984)
Published by the mid-century Bodybuilder Alan Stephens, the following article from Your Physique magazine details some time honoured means of bulking up in the easiest and most efficient way possible. Though much of Stephens' advice will seem like old hat to those a few years in the Iron Game, his writings were geared toward the beginner… Continue reading Alan Stephen – Bulking is Easy (1950 article)
