Friday, November 30, 2007

  • John Grunn Marx: Horseshoe Breaker

  • John Grunn Marx, known as "The Luxembourg Hercules," broke three horseshoes in the short span of 2 minutes and 15 seconds at an exhibition in Paris around 1905.

    He was also very proficient at lifting thick-handled equipment and was said to be able to bend coins.
    John Grunn Marx: Horseshoe BreakerJohn Grunn Marx: Horseshoe Breaker

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    Friday, November 30, 2007

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    Thursday, November 29, 2007

  • The Saxon Trio Perform at The Ringling Brothers Circus

  • The Saxon Trio Perform at The Ringling Brothers CircusThe Saxon Trio Perform at The Ringling Brothers Circus

    Here's a look at a very rare Ringling Brothers Circus Poster featuring Arthur Saxon and the other members of the Saxon Trio.

    The poster shows a few of their feats which included several amazing supporting feats - the most impressive being the "human bridge" supporting over six thousand pounds as a car with several passengers drove over a planks that two of the members of the Saxon Trio held up with their feet.

    That must have been a great one to see in person.

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    Thursday, November 29, 2007

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    Wednesday, November 28, 2007

  • Vintage Strength Machines

  • Vintage Strength Machines PulloverOldtime PulloverI've recently read in a few places that there were "no such thing" as machines back when the oldtime strongmen trained...

    Here's an oldtime pullover (used for expanding the ribcage and deepening the chest) which was installed at Hemenway Gymnasium circa 1885.

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    Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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  • David Prowse

  • David ProwseDavid Prowse

    Before he was Darth Vader in the Star Wars movies, David Prowse was the British Heavyweight lifting Champion in 1962, 1963 and 1964.

    At 6' 7 and 265 pounds, he deadlifted 678-1/4 pounds, jerked 335 pound behind the neck as well as competed in bodybuilding, Olympic Weightlifting and tossed the caber in the Highland Games.

    He also was the first man other that Donald Dinnie to lift the Dinnie Stones (which he did in 1964.) Prowse also once owned the Inch Dumbbell.

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    Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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  • Wheelbarrow Lifting

  • How's this for an "odd" object lift?

    Stan Rothwell, the British All-Arounder trains with a wheelbarrow in the late 1940's.

    I think Steve Justa would be proud.
    Wheelbarrow LiftingWheelbarrow Lifting

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    Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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  • Squattin' With Milo Steinborn

  • Squattin' With Milo SteinbornSquattin' With Milo Steinborn

    Pictured is Henry "Milo" Steinborn squatting to win the German National Heavyweight Lifting Championships circa 1920's.

    Things were a little different back then: no super suits, wraps, straps or even squat racks -- and I'd say Milo has enough depth on that one.

    It's hard to say if this is one of Milo's famous "unassisted" squats but I would not be surprised.

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    Wednesday, November 28, 2007

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    Tuesday, November 27, 2007

  • W.A. Pullum

  • W.A. PullumW.A. PullumW.A. Pullum built himself up from a sickly childhood into a World Champion Weightlifter.

    Throughout his career he won 14 British Amateur Championships at various weights ranging from 9 stone to 11 stone.

    From 1911 to 1915 he broke no less than 192 World Records earning himself the nickname "The Wizard of Weightlifting."

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    Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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  • Hammers, Maces and Clubs

  • Sometimes you will need unusual training equipment if you want to build unusual strength -- Here's a look at a few of my favorite pieces:

    You'll see a few unique sledge hammers and various tools along with some vintage Indian Clubs.

    Most of the time I'll use this equipment for leverage training like Slim The Hammer Man.

    Hammers, Maces and ClubsHammers, Maces and Clubs

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    Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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  • Kettlebell Training with Sig Klein

  • Sig KleinIt was through Sig Klein's Kettlebell course that I first learned how to train with kettlebells -- and that was over a decade and a half ago -- a long time before "kettlebell" became a household word.

    I think Sig had the right idea -- he was very proficient in a number of different strength "disciplines" - weight lifting, kettlebell lifting, gymnastics, hand balancing, and all along with an incredible physique to match his great strength.

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    Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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    Monday, November 26, 2007

  • Karl Gotch: The God of Pro Wrestling

  • Karl Gotch a very good amateur wrestler and an even better Professional wrestler after learning the "tricks of the trade" at Billy Riley's "Snake Pit" Gym in Wigan, England.

    In Japan he was known as "The God of Pro Wrestling" and many of the most famous Japanese wrestlers are among his students.

    What he was even more famous for though was his conditioning -- it was his feeling (and rightfully so) that as a combat athlete "Conditioning is your best hold."

    He incorporated a number of elements into his training including rope climbing, bodyweight calisthenics, wrestling drills, muscle control and traditional indian physical culture exercises.

    Gotch once did 9001 straight Hindu Squats to best a training feat by The Great Gama.
    Karl Gotch: The God of Pro WrestlingKarl Gotch: The God of Pro Wrestling

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    Monday, November 26, 2007

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    Thursday, November 22, 2007

  • Reg Park (1928-2007)

  • Reg ParkReg Park

    A few classic shots in honor of our friend Reg Park's passing. Reg was a Champion in every sense of the word.

    We'll miss you Reg.

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    Thursday, November 22, 2007

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    Wednesday, November 21, 2007

  • Al Nino - Bag Punching Endurance Record

  • The speed bag is a fun workout tool and a great way to build upper-body endurance and coordination.

    During the early 1940's, Al Nino of Darby, Pennsylvania punched a speed bag at a rate of 128 punches per minute for 8 hours and 30 minutes without stopping. Al used barbell training to build his strength.
    Al Nino Bag Punching Endurance RecordAl Nino

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    Wednesday, November 21, 2007

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  • John Grimek: Military Press

  • When you see that the many of the strongest men who ever lived all trained with the same exercise, you ought to start paying attention.

    This picture was taken at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on December 22nd, 1941. Grimek and the York Gang toured the country promoting weightlifting. At these exhibitions, Grimek performed military presses with 290 pounds.

    John Grimek: Military Press

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    Wednesday, November 21, 2007

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  • Vic Tanny's Gym

  • Vic Tanny's GymVic Tanny's Gym

    Just a stone's throw from the original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, California, was Vic Tanny's Gym.

    Shortly after World War II, Tanny converted a 7,000-square-foot USO center, which was located in a basement on 4th Street, into the best-equipped gym in the United States. It was huge, with 15 foot ceilings and, as you can see all kinds of training equipment.

    Vic Tanny's was affectionately known as "The Dungeon" and was the place to train during the 1940's and 1950's -- regular members included Steve Reeves, George Eiferman, Joe Gold (of Gold's Gym fame) and Arthur Jones, along with a whole host of others.

    It was where Bob Hoffman and the York gang trained on West Coast trips.

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    Wednesday, November 21, 2007

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  • Apollon: King of Strength

  • Apollon: King of StrengthApollon: King of Strength

    Louis Uni, the French Strongman known professionally as "Apollon," was certainly one of the greatest, if not the greatest strongman who even lived.

    It was Apollon, along with Louis Cyr who were dubbed "Les Rois de la Force" (Kings of Strength) by Professor Desbonnet because their strength was so far above and beyond the ordinary.

    Apollon, who was at his peak during the 1890s, stood 6"2' and in solid muscular condition, around 260 pounds.

    While he was certainly thickly-muscled and strong all over, he excelled in grip an forearm feats, especially lifting thick handled weights, such as the Challenge Weight that bears his name.

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    Wednesday, November 21, 2007

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    Tuesday, November 20, 2007

  • The Overhead Press

  • The Overhead PressThe Overhead Press

    The standing barbell press is a great lift -- one of the simplest, and one of the best -- for building upper-body power.

    This exercise should be a part of your program.

    Here Doug Hepburn presses 361 pounds at the Pacific Coast Championship in the 1950's.

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    Tuesday, November 20, 2007

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  • Anton Matysek Lifting a Classic Kettlebell

  • You have to admit, classic globe kettlebells like this one make great pictures. Here's famous strongman Anton Matysek lifting a rather large Milo Kettlebell.

    Interestingly enough, the "traditional" kettlebell exercises such as snatches and clean & Jerks, are often nowhere to be found in most oldtime strongman training literature.
    Anton Matysek Lifting a Classic KettlebellAnton Matysek Lifting a Classic Kettlebell

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    Tuesday, November 20, 2007

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  • York Rubber Chest Expanders

  • York Rubber Chest ExpandersYork Rubber Chest Expanders

    The York Barbell Company sold several different versions of Chest Expanders over the years and here's a look at one of them.

    Pretty ingenius really - a set of detachable hands with progressively harder rubber straps. They came in four levels: "Medium," "Athlete," "Strong" and "Hercules" strength.

    On the right that's Mr. America Winner and Champion Weightlifter Steve Stanko demonstrating the overhead pulldown chest expander exercise.

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    Tuesday, November 20, 2007

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    Monday, November 19, 2007

  • The Legend: Reg Park

  • The Legend Reg ParkThe Legend: Reg Park

    Reg park has been featured several times previously on this blog so if you want any more information about either his bodybuilding titles or his workouts and favorite exercises, please check out some of the other posts devoted to him.

    Having met Reg several times I can say that you will not talk to a nicer and more knowledgeable guy in the world.

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    Monday, November 19, 2007

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  • The Encyclopedia of Indian Physical Culture

  • The Encyclopedia of Indian Physical CultureThe Encyclopedia of Indian Physical Culture

    Indian Physical Culture has always been a fascinating thing to me. What's puzzling is that even though this tradition goes back thousands of years, there is actually very little written about these ancient training techniques.

    For years I had heard of a book written all about it called "The Encyclopedia of Indian Physical Culture" but copies were impossible to find... but one day I had the opportunity to obtain one for a handsome price.

    I took that opportunity without a moment's notice and the book was every bit worth the wait -- over 700 pages of material with numerous pictures and detailed diagrams of training techniques that I never even knew existed -- all in English. (No, it's not for sale, don't even ask.)

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    Monday, November 19, 2007

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  • Anvil One-Arm Press

  • Training with an Anvil is always a lot of fun. Presses and cheat curls for high reps and, for the very strong handed, lifting it by the horn always present a nice challenge.

    -- Plus, its a lot of fun to lift with something unusual.

    If you can press a 100 pound anvil like this you are one strong hombre.
    Anvil One-Arm PressAnvil One-Arm Press

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    Monday, November 19, 2007

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  • Al Gerard and The Gerard Trap Bar

  • Al Gerard and The Gerard Trap BarAl Gerard and The Gerard Trap Bar

    Al Gerard was a powerlifter from North Carolina who devised a unique "frame" which allowed him to increase his deadlift without putting undue stress on his back.

    He named his invention the "Trap Bar" because of its shape -- using the Trap Bar, Al was able to deadlift over 745 pounds. Soon the Gerard Trap Bar was featured in many strength publications such as Iron Man Magazine, Powerlifting USA and Hardgainer Magazine (above.)

    Once people understood its unique advantages, The Gerard Trap Bar became one of the "must have" pieces of training equipment for leg and back development..

    Here's a few reasons why:

  • The knees don't interfere with the bar while the lifter assumes a more upright position when starting a lift.

  • The weight moves directly upward instead of sideways, placing more emphasis on the target musculature.

  • The lifter has better control of the bar throughout the full range of motion.

  • The weight moves in line with the ankles which improves leverage.

  • Lower back stress is reduced while the weight is moved in line with the natural center of gravity.

  • Shearing forces on spine and knees are reduced.

  • The shrug exercise is an integral part of every strength athlete's program. Strong upper back, neck and shoulder muscles are essential in all sports. The Gerard Trap Bar makes "shrugs" more comfortable because there is no bar contact with the upper thighs and lower front torso area; thus, more range of movement yields more muscle use and development.

  • It's easier to maintain good form -- elbow and wrist-joint strain is reduced by eliminating opposite grips, and standing shrugs yield improved trapezius development because the bar never contacts the thighs interfering with range of motion.

  • The Gerard Trap Bar moves the weight mass 16% closer to the perpendicular plane of the lower back than a conventional straight bar.

    Unlike most of the classic equipment that is featured on this blog, The Gerard Trap Bar is still available, and you can get your own right here: The Gerard Trap Bar - It's Back!

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  • Monday, November 19, 2007

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  • Log Lifting With Brooks Kubik

  • Log Lifting With Brooks KubikLog Lifting With Brooks Kubik

    It takes a real maniac to lift things like logs, barrels, anvils, etc...

    Here's Brooks Kubik doing an overhead press with a log named "Wood's Wood" - a present to my Dad from Dr. Ken and on loan to Brooks's for his Dinosaur Training video: Bags, Barrels and Beyond.

    230 Pounds is a very good lift, especially since this log is not perfectly balanced. Notice how Brooks has wrapped chains on the end of the log to add weight. Parallel-grip overhead pressing is a tremendous tricep developer

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    Monday, November 19, 2007

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  • John Terpak - Eleven Time Senior National Weightlifting Champion

  • John TerpakJohn Terpak - Eleven Time Senior National Weightlifting Champion

    John Terpak was a member of the "York Gang" and one of America's best Olympic-style weightlifters, winning eleven Senior National Weightlifting Titles (1936-1945 & 1947).

    Over his career he lifted in three different weight classes (148, 165 and 181.) His best performance occurred winning the 1947 Worlds as a light-heavyweight:

    Press - 253-1/2 pounds
    Snatch - 264-1/2 pounds
    Clean & Jerk - 336-1/4 pounds
    Total = 854-1/2 pounds

    He also one-hand snatched 154 pounds and one-hand jerked 170-1/2 pounds in some early weightlifting contests when those lifts were still contested.

    Terpak was a three-time Olympic Team Member (1936, 1940, & 1948) and a part of nine total Olympic teams and sixty consecutive National Championships as a lifter, judge or coach. He eventually served as an executive for the York Barbell Company.

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    Monday, November 19, 2007

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    Sunday, November 18, 2007

  • The Arm of Casey Viator

  • At just 19 years of age, Casey Viator became the youngest man to win the Mr. America title. This impromptu shot from 1971 gives you a pretty good idea why.

    Under the tutelage of Arthur Jones, on May 16, 1971, Casey Viator won the AAU Junior Mr. America contest.
    The Arm of Casey ViatorThe Arm of Casey Viator
    Then, four weeks later, Casey Viator won the AAU Mr. America contest in the most spectacular fashion in the history of such contests.

    In addition to the overall AAU Mr. America title, Casey took the Most muscular Man in America title and the subdivisions for Best Arms, Best Back, Best Chest and Best Legs.

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    Sunday, November 18, 2007

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  • Kettlebell Lifting With Arthur Saxon

  • Like many of the turn-of-the-century strongmen, Arthur Saxon trained with kettlebells and they are featured very prominantly in some of the books he has written.

    Here's a few of the kettlebell exercises he recommends:
  • One-Arm Press
  • Hold Out or Muscle Out
  • French Press
  • "Thumb" Press

  • Kettlebell Lifting With Arthur SaxonKettlebell Lifting With
    Arthur Saxon

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    Sunday, November 18, 2007

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  • Squatting With Doug Hepburn

  • Squatting With Doug HepburnSquatting With Doug Hepburn

    Like many of the greatest strength athletes of the last hundred years, Doug Hepburn credits heavy squatting as the foundation of his great strength.

    That's twelve 45-pound plates on the bar and Doug makes it look easy.

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    Sunday, November 18, 2007

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  • Grimek's Forearm

  • John Grimek was impressive from every angle so you might overlook just how outstanding his development was in some areas.

    Grimek had a pretty strong grip which should be pretty evident after seeing this picture.
    Grimek's ForearmGrimek's Forearm

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    Sunday, November 18, 2007

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

  • Staff Sgt. Moss


  • Staff Sgt. Alfred MossStaff Sgt. Alfred Moss
    Staff Sgt. Alfred Moss was an early bodybuilder, circa 1900, although his tattoos often disqualified him from several contests despite his obvious muscularity.

    Sergeant Moss was considered the Strongest man in the British Army, once jerking a 56-pound blockweight 100 times in 2 minutes 52 seconds.

    He went on to write several training courses covering the parallel bar, vaulting horse, indian clubs, rings, tumbling and other gymnastic subjects.

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

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  • The Nautilus Bicep/Tricep Machine

  • The Nautilus Bicep Tricep MachineThe Nautilus Bicep/Tricep Machine

    I find it pretty funny that many people will not train on some strength machines for no other reason than because they are machines.

    I find it even funnier than many people used to denigrate machines when they first appeared... but those same folks did a 180 and started singing a different tune when they started selling their own brand of machines.

    Hmm...

    The fact of the matter is that some machines provide training advantages that no barbell, dumbbell or kettlebell can even come close to. Pictured above is the Nautilus Bicep/Tricep Machine circa 1972.

    You would be hard-pressed to find a better arm workout... if it's used correctly.

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

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  • Classic Indian Clubs

  • Classic Indian ClubsClassic Indian Clubs

    Indian clubs originated centuries ago in India where they were used by soldiers, wrestlers police, and other combat athletes who needed to develop strength, agility, balance, endurance, physical prowess and martial arts skill.

    Soldiers brought Indian club training to Europe and European immigrants brought Indian clubs to the United States in the mid-1800's, where the clubs were soon introduced into both American school physical education programs and military physical readiness training.

    These clubs came in all shapes and sizes, and ranged from 1 pound to 30 pounds or more. Those shown above are just a few examples of the different kinds and styles that were used for training.

    "Indian Clubs cultivate patience and endurance, and operate most happily upon the longitudinal muscles of the back and shoulders, thus tending to correct the habit of stooping" - Dio Lewis, 1882

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

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  • Milo Steinborn's Orange Avenue Gym

  • Milo Steinborn's Orange Avenue GymMilo Steinborn's Orange Avenue Gym

    Henry "Milo" Steinborn was a 5'8" 205 lb German wrestler and strongman who became the first man to ever squat 500 lbs. In fact, his world record squat of 553 lbs. (set during the 1920's) would not be officially bested until the early 1950's by Doug Hepburn.

    It was Milo who popularized the heavy deep knee bend as one of the most productive training lifts for anyone interested in building real strength.

    In 1952, Milo opened the Orange Avenue Gym down in Orlando, Florida, which makes it the oldest weightlifting gym in America. Along with plenty of weights and barbells, Milo's Gym had a wrestling ring and other physical training equipment.

    It was here that Milo taught a young Jim Flanagan how to get strong.

    I was fortunate enough to visit the Orange Avenue Gym on a trip back in 2003 -- it still had some of Milo's original training equipment.

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

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  • The Super Gripper

  • The Super GripperThe Super Gripper

    Sometimes it hard to believe that the Super Gripper has been around since 1940. You used to see ads for it in Strength and Health and Iron Man Magazine. Interestingly, the design has remained largely unchanged since it was introduced -- and more importantly, it has helped build thousands of stronger grips and forearms since then.

    The above ad is from an Iron Man Magazine from the early 1970's.

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

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  • An Impressive Card Ripping Feat

  • Paul Von Boeckman was famous for his course on breathing exercises and chest expansion methods but his grip strength prowess was equally impressive.

    He could one-arm chin himself three times with the middle finger of his right hand and also had an 80-pound indian club that few strongmen were able to even budge.
    An Impressive Card Ripping FeatAn Impressive Card Ripping Feat
    Now, a lot of strongmen can rip a deck of playing cards... but can they do this? Only someone with fingers as strong as Von Boeckmann could ever dream of it.

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

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  • Stonelifting in Ancient Greece

  • I've mentioned before that there is evidence that stone lifting has been a part of nearly every ancient culture around the world.

    Here's a look at a piece of pottery from ancient Greece, circa 500 BC, showing a young man lifting a large stone to build his strength.
    Stonelifting in Ancient GreeceStonelifting in Ancient Greece

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    Saturday, November 17, 2007

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    Friday, November 16, 2007

  • Tom Burrows: Indian Club Swinging Champion of The World

  • On April 18th, 1913, Tom Burrows, an Australian All-Around Athlete, swung a pair of 3-pound, 6-ounce indian clubs for 100 consecutive hours without stopping.

    At the 100 hour mark, he then proceeded to grab a pair of heavy clubs, weighing 31 pounds 6 ounces each, and kept them going at a minimum rate of 80 revolutions per minute for another seven hours.

    Some oldtime strongmen were just in a class by themselves...
    Tom Burrows: Indian Club Swinging ChampionTom Burrows

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    Friday, November 16, 2007

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  • Charles Rigoulot's Unique Globe Barbell

  • Charles Rigoulots Unique Globe BarbellCharles Rigoulot's Unique Globe Barbell

    The great French Weightlifter Charles Rigoulot used to train with a very unusual globe barbell -- at 8 feet, it was much longer than a "normal" barbell (which gave it quite a bit of "whip"), not to mention that he was using shot-loaded equipment long after shot-loaded globes went out of style.

    Given this setup, he was a master of catching the weight "on the bounce" which allowed him to break a number of records -- and I bet that barbell was a heck of a lot of fun to lift with.

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    Friday, November 16, 2007

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  • Strongman Combo Feats

  • One amazing strength feat is tough enough already but two at once is simply outta this world.

    If you need a challenge, try one-arm pressing a "human weight" while muscling out a heavy kettlebell just like the gent on the right.

    One of the kings of Combo strength feats is Pat Povilaitis. In his dvd 336 Pounds of Fury you can see Pat lift a heavy granite stone into his lap and then close heavy grippers and bend spikes and horseshoes. -- Wow!
    Strongman Combo Feats Strongman Combo Feats

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    Friday, November 16, 2007

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  • Otto Arco

  • Otto Arco was a very popular performing strongman on the vaudeville circuit during the early 20th century.

    His performance consisted of hand balancing feats with his brother Pete followed by a posing display (which was particularly impressive due to Arco's muscularity.)

    Arco's training consisted of acrobatics, tumbling, hand balancing, muscle control, weight lifting and wrestling...
    Otto ArcoOtto Arco
    He was a very good wrestler -- Arco's childhood pal in Poland was Stanislaus Zbyszko!

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    Friday, November 16, 2007

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  • The Mighty Atom - Steel Scrolling

  • The Mighty Atom - Steel ScrollingThe Mighty Atom - Steel Scrolling

    Though he was only 5'4" and barely 150 pounds, Joseph "The Mighty Atom" Greenstein one of the greatest steel scrolling strongmen whoever lived.

    More than anyone, "The Mighty Atom" understood that you must first bend the steel with your mind before you can bend it with your hands...

    Go here to find out more about other great steel benders and scrollers.

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    Friday, November 16, 2007

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    Thursday, November 15, 2007

  • Doug Hepburn Dumbbell Press

  • It should be no coincindence why the dumbbell overhead press have been featured on this blog several times -- it is truly one of the very best upper-body strength builders you'll ever find.

    Here's a look at the great Doug Hepburn as he presses a pair of 160 pound dumbbells -- now THAT is strong!

    At Ed Yarick's Gym in Oakland, California, Doug pressed a pair of 142 pound dumbbells for four repetitions.
    Doug Hepburn Dumbbell PressDoug Hepburn Dumbbell Press

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    Thursday, November 15, 2007

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    Wednesday, November 14, 2007

  • The 1-Leg Squat

  • Sig Klein Demonstrates
    The 1-Leg Squat
    The 1-leg squat has long been a popular exercise with the old-time physical culturists -- Sig Klein recommended it as one of the top leg developing exercises.

    Here's a look at Sig Klein demonstrating the 1-leg squat while holidng a classic globe barbell.
    To become proficient at this exercise, you will need to actually practice it although it may actually be slightly "easier" to perform it while holding a barbell since it counterbalances the rest of your bodyweight.

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    Wednesday, November 14, 2007

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    Tuesday, November 13, 2007

  • The Dinnie Stones

  • The Dinnie StonesThe Dinnie Stones

    Donald Dinnie was one of the greatest all-around athletes who ever lived. I will go into some of his feats of strength and Scottish Highland Games prowess in another post -- this entry is devoted to one feat in particular...

    Outside the hotel in Potarch, Scotland are two boulders with heavy iron rings embedded in them. These boulders were used for tethering horses in olden days.

    The smaller boulder weighs 340 pounds while the larger boulder weighs 445. In the 1860's, Donald Dinnie was able to lift and carry both of these stones at once for a distance of 15 feet -- which is why they now bear his name.

    Athletes have come from far and wide to attempt to lift the stones and duplicate Donald Dinnie's amazing feat -- most can't even lift the smaller of the two off the ground with one hand!

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    Tuesday, November 13, 2007

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  • Tromp Van Diggelen - The South African Hercules

  • Tromp Van Diggelen - The South African HerculesTromp Van Diggelen - The South African Hercules

    Tromp Van Diggelen survived a sickly childhood to become a traveling performing strongman and one of the true unsung heroes of strength history.

    His performing feats were certainly impressive (such as the 210 pound "barrel lift" barbell press above) but it was his work behind the scenes which he should be remembered best.

    It was Tromp Van Diggelen who discovered "Max Sick" and had him change his name to Maxick.

    Van Digglen also managed Joseph Steinbach and Hermann Goerner and also founded The British Amateur Weightlifting Association (BAWLA).

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    Tuesday, November 13, 2007

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    Monday, November 12, 2007

  • Anton Matysek

  • Anton MatysekAnton MatysekAnton Matysek is well-known for his Muscle Control skills but he was no slouch when it came to lifting heavy barbells and other weights.

    He won the "America's Strongest Man" contest put on in 1922 by Bernarr MacFadden.

    And here's a good reason why:

    This classic Milo Globe "Show" barbell that Matysek is holding is 7-1/2 feet long with 16 inch diameter globes, a 3 inch thick handle, and the entire affair weighs in at 231 pounds.
    Shortly after this picture was taken, Matysek placed the bell on the floor, raised it to his shoulders, jerked it to arms length, lowered it behind his neck, jerked it overhead again and the set it down on the floor. -- An incredible display of grip and forearm strength.

    Several of the athletes who witnessed this feat could not even lift this barbell off the ground.

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    Monday, November 12, 2007

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  • Progressive Log Training

  • Progressive Log TrainingProgressive Log Training

    Some of our military friends will have some "fond" memories over this one...

    How do you exercise large groups of men in a short amount of time with limited equipment and only a few trained instructors?

    Logs like this one are the military solution -- and a great way to build strength, stamina, coordination as well as teamwork. "Log Drill" exercises include situps, squats and overhead presses -- and they only work when everyone works together.

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    Monday, November 12, 2007

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  • Basque Stone Lifting

  • Basque Stone LiftingBasque Stone Lifting

    Stone lifting is the official sport of the Basque People, an ethnic minority who live in the Pyrennees mountains between Spain and France.

    In their stone lifting contests, they lift four different kinds of stones: spheres, cubes, cylinders and irregular shapes. Depending on the type of contest they may lift for a single heavy maximum or for reps in a given period of time.

    Their records are mind-boggling.

    The lifter above is mid-way through what is called a "Basque Necktie" where a stone sphere is shouldered, then rolled around his neck as many times as possible.

    More on Basque Stone Lifting at a later date...

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    Monday, November 12, 2007

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  • Brooks Kubik

  • Brooks Kubik Dinosaur TrainingBrooks Kubik

    If you've read Dinosaur Training, now you can put a face to the name Brooks Kubik.

    Brooks walks the walk -- literally!

    Here's a shot from a couple of years ago from one of Brooks Kubik's Dinosaur training videos where he is going for a "leisurely stroll" around the block with a pair of Dr. Ken's 180-pound iron suitcases.

    Before writing Dinosaur Training, Brooks was a state Champion wrestler in high school and went on to win several National Championships in Drug-Free Powerlifting.

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    Monday, November 12, 2007

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    Sunday, November 11, 2007

  • Dave Draper - "The Blonde Bomber"

  • Dave Draper is one of the best known "Golden Age" Bodybuilders from the California Bodybuilding Scene in the 1960's and 1970's.

    Known as "The Blonde Bomber", he sure would not look out of place on the beaches of Santa Cruz (even though he was originally from New Jersey.)

    Here's a look at his winning contest history:

  • 1963 - Mr. New Jersey - IFBB
  • 1965 - Mr. America - IFBB
  • 1966 - Mr. Universe - IFBB
  • 1970 - Mr. World - IFBB
  • Dave Draper - The Blonde BomberDave Draper

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    Sunday, November 11, 2007

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  • Bruce Lee's Power Rack

  • Bruce Lee was one of the greatest and most influential martial artists who ever lived.

    It should come as no surprise that he was also a fanatic when it came to physical training.

    And like most serious trainees in the 1960's Bruce Lee trained with a York Power Rack on which he could perform his isometric workouts.

    He felt that physical training, in addition to martial training, was of the utmost importance to any combat athlete.
    Bruce Lee's Power RackBruce Lee's Power Rack

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    Sunday, November 11, 2007

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  • Milo of Crotona

  • Milo of Crotona, who lived during the 6th century B.C., was the greatest of the ancient Greek Athletes.

    He was a six-time wrestling Champion in the ancient Olympic Games and his strength was legendary.

    Milo built his strength with an unusual method: Each day he would carry a new-born calf and, as the calf grew larger, so did Milo's strength.

    Eventually Milo was able to carry a full-grown bull the length of a stadium and thus progressive resistance training was born.
    Milo of CrotonaMilo of Crotona
    The stamp on the right features Milo holding apart a split tree and was created in honor of the 1924 Olympic Games, held in Paris France (where Charles Rigoulot won a gold medal.)

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    Sunday, November 11, 2007

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  • Tommy Kono: Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Champion

  • Tommy Kono: Weightlifting and Bodybuilding ChampionTommy Kono: Weightlifting and Bodybuilding Champion

    With thirteen Senior Nationals titles, eight consecutive World Championships (1952-1959) and two Olympic gold medals (1952, 1956), Tommy Kono is arguably America's greatest Olympic Weightlifter.

    In addition to his weightlifting exploits, he was also a very successful bodybuilder, winning the Mr. Universe bodybuilding title in `1954, 1955, 1957 and 1961.

    It is unlikely that the World will never see another champion Weightlifter and Bodybuilder who are one in the same.

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    Sunday, November 11, 2007

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

  • Strongman Sledgehammer #1

  • Strongman SledgehammerStrongman Sledgehammer #1

    Here's one of the giant Strongman Hammers from my personal collection.

    I found this particular hammer at an antique shop in Flatrock, Michigan and you can see me carrying it in the "Traveling Buddies" sequence in Crazy but Powerful.

    This Giant Sledgehammer weighs 28 pounds and has a 38 inch long handle. Yeah, it's a beast.

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • "The Blob" Grip Strength Challenge

  • In the mid-1990's a new grip challenge appeared: "The Blob" --it was half of a 100 pound York Cast Dumbbell with the handle sawed off.

    Often referred to as a "block weight," think of a 50 pound aspirin and you can imagine why this awkward chunk of iron has defeated some of the strongest hands in the world.

    No chalk or "stickum" allowed.

    The Blob Grip Strength ChallengeThe Blob

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • Mr. Deadlift: Bob Peoples

  • Mr. Deadlift: Bob PeoplesMr. Deadlift: Bob Peoples

    On March 5th, 1949 in Johnson City Tennesse, Bob Peoples Deadlifted 725-1/2 pounds at a bodyweight of only 185. Peoples trained by himself in his basement gym which he literally carved out of rock.

    He referred to his gym as "The Dungeon" and invented many of the types of equipment and training styles that are commonplace in many modern workouts such as negatives and power rack work.

    In the above picture, note the overhand grip (instead of the usual mixed-grip) and the small plates tied to the bar. You can read more about Bob Peoples and his workouts in his excellent book Developing Physical Strength
    .

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • Oldtime Log Bar

  • Oldtime Log BarOldtime Log Bar

    This unusual piece of equipment, a precursor to Dr. Ken's Log Bar, was fashioned by a Connecticut gym owner in the 1930's.

    Just as today, it was made specifically for pressing and tricep work. Many people find that the parallel handles are much more comfortable than a straight barbell for these movements -- I agree.

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • The Daily Calisthenic Workout

  • The Daily Calisthenics WorkoutDaily CalisthenicsRegardless of how you train, it makes sense to perform a daily calisthenic workout.

    The workout should not be strenuous but should serve only as a form of activity to increase blood flow to the muscles and joints.

    This, in turn, will flush away waste products and enhance recovery from previous workouts.
    Five to ten minutes of exercises like arm swings, toe touches, bodyweight squats and breathing exercises will do nicely.

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • Steel Scrolling

  • Steel ScrollingA Classic Oldtime Strength Feat: Steel Scrolling

    Steel Scrolling, also called "coiling," is a classic Oldtime Stength Feat that involves bending long steel bars by hand into artistic shapes.

    The list of great oldtime steel scrollers is actually quite extensive: Siegmund "Iron King" Breitbart, Alexander "The Amazing Samson" Zass, Indian Strongman Monotosh Roy, and, of course, Joe "The Mighty Atom" Greenstein.

    This lost art is still kept alive by several modern strongmen such as Slim The Hammerman, Dennis Rogers and Erik Vining.

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • Doug Hepburn Strength Feat

  • Doug Hepburn Strength FeatDoug Hepburn Strength Feat

    If you've read Doug Hepburn's strength resume, you know he's pretty darn strong. Here's an impromptu feat that is pretty impressive on several levels -- a pinky holdout of a 45 pound barbell plate.

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • Tearing a Deck of Playing Cards

  • Tearing a Deck of CardsTearing a Deck of Playing Cards

    Tearing a deck of playing cards is a classic Oldtime Strongman feat which requires a great deal of fingertip and grip strength. Once you can do it though, you'll be able to instantly impress anyone you meet. This deck of cards was torn by Aaron McKenzie of Greensboro, North Carolina.

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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  • Competitive Rope Climbing

  • Rope climbing used to be a competitive sport and once appeared in the Olympics. Rope Climbing was also sanctioned by the AAU and NCAA as a gymnastic event.

    A 20 or 25 foot natural fiber Manila Climbing Rope was used.

    The climber began while seated on the floor straddling the rope.

    Upon their first movement, the stopwatch started and they were timed while climbing the rope without the use of the legs, pulling all the way to the "tambourine" a black, wooden disc that served as the finish line.

    Don Perry of Champaign Illinois and Robert Manning of San Fernando, California could each climb a 20 foot rope in 2.8 seconds. - Amazing!

    Another great rope climber was Garvin Smith of UCLA, who could climb a 25 foot rope in 4.2 seconds.

    Rope climbing is still popular with wrestlers, gymnasts and any other athletes looking to build a stronger grip and upper-body endurance.
    Competitive Rope ClimbingCompetitive Rope Climbing

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    Saturday, November 10, 2007

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    Friday, November 09, 2007

  • Weightlifting Champion John Davis

  • Weightlifting Champion
    John Davis
    John Davis was one of America's greatest Olympic weightlifting champions.

    Throughout his career he won two gold medals: 1948(London) and 1952(Helsinki)

    He was also a Senior World Champion in 1938, 1946, 1947, 1949, 1950, and 1951.

    His best Olympic lifts were:

  • Press - 342 Pounds
  • Snatch - 330-1/2 Pounds
  • Clean & Jerk - 402 Pounds
  • He also excelled in a number of other lifts, deadlifting 705 pounds, squatting 525 pounds eight times in succession, curling 215 pounds, chin himself with either arm multiple times, a right-hand lift of 8 pounds on a Weaver Stick in the Forward Lift style and one of the few men in history to Clean and Jerk the Apollon Wheels

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    Friday, November 09, 2007

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  • Doug Hepburn

  • Doug Hepburn was born in Vancouver B.C. on September 16th, 1927. He was of average height and build and took up weight lifting to bulk up.

    Soon it became apparent that Doug wasn't so average after all --- he began to progress very quickly in his training.

    Although he had a slight handicap (a club foot) that did not stop him from becoming one of the most powerful men in history. He became a Senior World Champion in 1953 and set eight World Records during his career.


    Here's a look at some of his best lifts:

    Right Hand Military Press - 175 Pounds
    Two Hands Press (Off Rack) - 440 Pounds
    Behind Neck Press - 350 Pounds
    Two Hands Curl - 260 Pounds
    Bench Press - 580 Pounds
    Jerk-Press (Off Rack) 500 Pounds
    Two Hands Snatch - 297-1/2 Pounds
    Two Hands Clean & Press - 381 Pounds
    Squat - 760 Pounds
    Two Hands Deadlift - 705 Pounds
    Doug HepburnDoug Hepburn

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    Friday, November 09, 2007

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  • Sandow's Health and Strength Cocoa

  • Sandow's Health and Strength CocoaSandow's Health and Strength Cocoa

    Eugen Sandow was bodybuilding's first superstar and lent his likeness to a number of different products, including cigars, pins and as shown above, a chocolate cocoa drink.

    Sandow's Cocoa didn't last long. Some of other big chocolate manufacturers saw Sandow's brand as a threat. They who lowered their prices and forced Sandow out of the market.

    The factory, which opened in 1913, shut down production in 1916. Tokens, like the one shown above, were used for some form of promotion and are quite rare.

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    Friday, November 09, 2007

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  • George Zottman and The Zottman Curl

  • George ZottmanGeorge Zottman "The very best forearm exercise is the one invented by George Zottman.

    He used to do it with a pair of 50-lb. Dumbbells, and you can start it with a pair of 20-pounders. Stand erect, with the arms hanging at the sides.

    Then bend your right arm and bring the bell up in front of your chest, with the palm of the hand up and the wrist bent strongly inward.
    Bring the hand still further up until it is in front of the right shoulder, and then rotate your forearm until the palm is front, and then lower the bell slowly (with knuckles up) until the arm is again hanging at the side.

    The right hand describes a complete circle.

    When your right hand is in front of your shoulder, start your left hand coming up. Both hands work at the same time, but as the right hand is coming down the left hand is coming up, and vice versa.

    The elbows should be kept close to the sides throughout the whole exercise."

    - From Super Strength by Alan Calvert (1924)

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    Friday, November 09, 2007

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  • Sandbag Training With The York Gang

  • The York Barbell Company sold more iron than anyone, so why is John Grimek pictured here throwing a canvas sandbag around?

    A couple of reasons:
    Sandbag Training With The York Gang
    One is that these pictures were taken during World War II when Iron and Steel were being used for the war effort, not barbells and dumbbells.

    Secondly, Grimek loved all different kinds of training and a sandbag offered a new challenge, something altogether different than regular barbells and dumbbells would provide. Not to mention that the sandbag provides more of a grip challenge than a barbell ever could.

    Front Raises, overhead Press, Row, Deadlifts and Curls -- A pretty nifty program for full-body strength.

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    Friday, November 09, 2007

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    Thursday, November 08, 2007

  • Nail Driving With Paul Anderson

  • Nail Driving With Paul AndersonNail Driving With Paul Anderson

    Paul Anderson accomplished many things in his life including an Olympic Gold Medal and World Records in just about every lift he tried but I bet you didn't know he was also an expert nail driver too...

    When he traveled around for speaking engagements the quickest way to get an audience's attention was to perform an unusual feat of strength -- and a man driving a nail through a wooden board with his bare hand sure fits the bill!

    There have been many excellent nail drivers throughout strongman history but I will cover them at another time.

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    Thursday, November 08, 2007

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  • Teeth Lifting

  • Teeth LiftingTeeth Lifting

    Here a turn of the century strongman tows a car with his teeth. -- Of all the Strength Feats I have talked about so far I definitely do not recommend trying this type of lifting at home.

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    Thursday, November 08, 2007

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  • The Hammer Strength Gripper

  • The Hammer Strength GripperThe Hammer Strength Gripper
    As far as plate-loaded grip machines go, the very best model ever built is the Hammer Strength Gripper.

    Unlike most plate-loaded grip machines, the Hammer Strength Gripper provides rotational, rather than linear resistance.

    This means more muscle fibers are recruited during the exercise itself. -- and that means more results in a quicker time frame.

    Alas, it is no longer manufactured. Few people understood how to use it correctly for big gains, although if you have access to a Hammer Strength Gripper, count yourself lucky.

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    Thursday, November 08, 2007

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  • Pat Casey 210 Pound Dumbbell Incline Press

  • Pat Casey Incline Press With 210 Pound DumbbellsPat Casey Incline Press With 210 Pound Dumbbells

    On March 25th, 1967 Pat Casey became the first man to break the 600 pound barrier in the bench press with a lift of 615 --- and that's without a bench shirt, elbow wraps or other nonsense.

    Of course, he was no one-lift specialist as he was also the first man to squat over 800 pounds and total over 2000 pounds in an official contest.

    For his workouts, he used to grab a pair of 210 pound dumbbells, haul them over to the incline bench, get the dumbbells into position, perform his reps, then return the dumbbells to the rack -- all unassisted -- quite a feat of strength in its own right.

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    Thursday, November 08, 2007

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  • Reg Park

  • Reg Park Lifts CarReg ParkWhen you get as strong as Reg Park, you too will be able to lift cars.

    Here's Reg lifting the front end of a London taxi cab just for kicks.

    Reg always trained with basic exercises; barbell squats and the behind the neck press were two of his favorite movements.

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    Thursday, November 08, 2007

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  • Charles Vansittart: Bent Steel Nail

  • Charles Vansittart: Bent Steel NailCharles Vansittart: Bent Steel Nail

    They used to call Charles Vansittart "The Man With The Iron Grip" for good reason. -- he could bend an Old English penny, rip a tennis ball in half and bend pieces of steel like the one pictured above.

    Steel bending has always been a traditional Oldtime Strongman feat, not only do many people find it incredibly impressive as a feat, merely doing it will build tremedous strength throughout the entire body.

    You can tell that rectangular stock (like the nail above) was actually hand bent by the shape. If a piece of steel was truly hand bent, it will bend on the angle, not the flat edge.

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    Thursday, November 08, 2007

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    Wednesday, November 07, 2007

  • Sandow Lifts a Horse

  • Among posing, and several other amazing feats of strength, Eugen Sandow used to finish his act by carrying a horse from one end of the stage to the other.

    I'm sure that one brought the house down and must have been quite a sight to see.

    You may not have a horse around to lift but heavy overhead supports are still a great way to build upper-body strength and power.

    I read that John Grimek worked up to being able to support over 1000 pounds overhead with the use of a power rack.
    Sandow Lifts a HorseSandow Lifts a Horse

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    Wednesday, November 07, 2007

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  • Anvil Lifting

  • anvil liftingAnvil Lifting

    "It would be very beneficial for any competitive athlete to obtain an anvil... Lifting it in various positions will greatly add to one's upper and lower body strength."

    -- Dr. Ken Leistner, THE STEEL TIP, Vol 1, No 12, December 1985

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    Wednesday, November 07, 2007

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  • Dumbbell Training

  • Presses and Curls... Shrugs and Deadlifts... Rows and Bench Presses... everyone loves training with dumbbells.

    In fact, dumbbell training has actually changed very little since the days of the ancient Greeks.

    I'm sure this old pair of York Globe 100's has seen many good workouts...
    dumbbell trainingDumbbell Training

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    Wednesday, November 07, 2007

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  • Sergio Oliva: Mexican Movie Star

  • Sergio Oliva:Mexican Movie StarSergio Oliva:Mexican Movie Star

    I bet you didn't know Sergio Oliva appeared in a couple of Mexican wrestling movies? His name was "El Poder Negro" (Black Power) and he even had top billing over the more famous Mil Mascaras.

    Funny thing, Sergio was even bigger in real life than the cartoon version.

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    Wednesday, November 07, 2007

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  • Oldtime Wrestler Stanislaus Zbyszko

  • At the turn of the century, wrestlers and strongmen were often one and the same.

    Stanislaus Zbyszko was born in Poland in 1879 and began his training career at a gymnastic school.

    Soon after he followed his contemporary George Hackenschmidt into the wrestling profession where he would hold the Heavyweight World Championship Belt on two occasions.
    Oldtime Wrestler Stanislaus ZbyszkoOldtime Wrestler Stanislaus Zbyszko
    Zbyszko faced many of the greatest grapplers of the day: Ivan Poddubny, Ben Roller, "The Terrible Turk" Youssuf Mahmout, Frank Gotch, and The Great Gama.

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    Wednesday, November 07, 2007

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    Tuesday, November 06, 2007

  • John Grimek vs. The Cyr Challenge Dumbbell

  • John Grimek vs The Cyr Challenge DumbbellJohn Grimek Vs. The Cyr Challenge Dumbbell

    Here's another look at the Louis Cyr Challenge Dumbbell. From what I understand John Grimek never turned down a challenge. Eventually he was able to add his name to the very short list of men who could get the Cyr Dumbbell Overhead.

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    Tuesday, November 06, 2007

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  • The Stonelifter: Steve Jeck

  • "There is strength and permanence to stone. And because stones last, the stories of the men who lift them as well.

    When one embraces an ancient testing stone, he also embraces the history of that stone. He must exert that same Herculean effort and his body will suffer the same toll as all those hearty lads who dared to hoist the same load.

    He will also know, if victorious, the same exilaration and pride felt by his worthy predecessors."
    Steve JeckSteve Jeck

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    Tuesday, November 06, 2007

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    Monday, November 05, 2007

  • Paul Anderson's Wheels

  • Paul Andersons WheelsPaul Anderson's Wheels

    What do you do when a normal barbell doesn't hold enough weight for your squat workouts? Paul Anderson's solution was this set of wheels which helped him build a set of 33" thighs.

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    Monday, November 05, 2007

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  • Steve Justa: The High Plains Heavy Metal Master

  • Steve JustaSteve Justa: The High Plains Heavy Metal Master

    Out in the Nebraska cornfields you'll find a man who lifts anything he can get his hands on -- barrels,rocks, scrap iron, even trucks. He will push, pull, carry and drag the heaviest weights he can, and regularly moves half a ton, if only a few inches, its still impressive.

    Steve Justa is his name and his training philosophy is anything but conventional...

    "Don't Have a Weight Set? - Get a Tractor!"

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    Monday, November 05, 2007

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

  • Hemenway Gymnasium

  • Hemenway GymnasiumMain Hall, Hemenway Gymnasium - circa 1880's

    The original Hemenway Gymnasium, which was completed in 1878, was the finest physical education facility ever created.

    It contained every manner of physical training equipment: climbing ladders, tumbling mats, climbing ropes, flying rings, barbells, dumbbells, indian clubs, medicine balls... even early strength building "machines."

    There was a running track, handball courts and rooms for fencing, wrestling, boxing and any other imaginable physical activity.

    At the head of this fantastic gym was Dudley Allen Sargent, who virtually founded the discipline of physical education (more on him at a later date.)

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • Strength and Health Magazine - March 1948: Pudgy Stockton

  • Here's another look at the lovely Pudgy Stockton gracing the cover of the March 1948 issue of Strength and Health.

    As was customary in most pictures of Pudgy, she was holding aloft some great weight, in this case, a very nice MILO globe dumbbell.

    I wonder how many reps she could have gotten?

    Pudgy StocktonPudgy Stockton

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • Bybon's Stone

  • Bybons StoneBybon's Stone

    Nearly every ancient culture has evidence of stone lifting as a form of physical training for athletes and warriors.

    The large sandstone pictured above dates to the 6th century B.C., weighs 315 lbs. and the inscription on it says: "Bybon, son of Pholos, threw this over his head with one hand."

    You can find out more about ancient stone lifting here: Of Stones and Strength by Steve Jeck

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • The Arm of Otto Arco

  • Otto Arco was a great strongman and wrestler during the early part of the 20th century.

    To further strengthen the arguement that "Strength" and Power is a state of mind (along with proper training), check out the arm of Otto Arco.

    Arco weighed 138 pounds at a height of 5'2' and developed much of his unusual muculature through Muscle Control and Hand Balancing.

    You would be very surprised what regular practice of muscle control could do for your training...
    Otto ArcoOtto Arco

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • The Richard K. Fox Heavyweight Strongman Championship Belt

  • The Richard K. Fox Heavyweight Strongman Championship BeltThe Richard K. Fox Heavyweight Strongman Championship Belt

    Warren Lincoln Travis Warren Lincoln Travis, wearing his Championship BeltRichard K. Fox was the publisher of "The Police Gazette" a 19th century magazine which reported on boxing, wrestling and feats of strength that might interest the public.

    It was Richard K. Fox who introduced the idea of the "Championship Belt" to the United States -- bestowing "The Police Gazette" championship belt to Jake Kilrain (and won shortly afterwards by John L. Sullivan in a greuling 75-round bare knuckle match.)

    The idea was simple -- whomever wanted the belt had to win it in a challenge match.

    Richard K. Fox also created a similar belt for the "Heavyweight Strongman Champion" of the world, with the first "title holder" being Louis Cyr whom Fox had managed on several tours of England.
    Cyr retired undefeated and eventually passed his title on to the great Warren Lincoln Travis who held it for his entire life. I will provide Travis' Challenge feats on a diiferent date.

    The Richard K. Fox Heavyweight Strongman Championship Belt now resides at the York Barbell Company Hall of Fame in York, Pennsylvania.

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • Master Hand Balancer Professor Paulinetti

  • Master Hand Balancer Professor Paulinetti

    Handbalancing goes back a long way although the man that took it to a whole new level was Professor Paulinetti. He perfected many of the most difficult hand balancing feats -- and was the first man to accomplish the incredibly difficult one-arm planche.

    Professor Paulinetti was also the mentor to famed hand balancer Bob Jones. In fact, the image above once belonged to the personal collection of Bob Jones. On the back it is written that this photograph was taken in Italy around the year 1900.

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • The Mysterious Mr. Vanderpool

  • Steve Justa (Top), Archie Vanderpool (Below)If you have had a chance to read Steve Justa's book ROCK IRON STEEL you've had a chance to see many unusual training techniques and pieces of equipment that Steve Justa uses in his workouts...

    You probably wonder where he got some of these training ideas -- well it just so happens that Justa's father was a friend of a guy named Archie Vanderpool who was featured in several of the lifting mags during the 1950s with some very interesting equipment and ideas on super-heavy partial movement training.

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • Hermann Goerner: Feats of Curling Strength

  • It was on this date in 1932 in Leipzig, Germany that Hermann Goerner performed a tremendous feat of curling strength.

    With the barbell in the "hang clean" position, Goerner curled 242-1/2 pounds (110 Kilos)using sheer arm power and without any body swing.
    Hermann GoernerHermann Goerner

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • The Great Gama: Lion of The Punjab

  • The Great Gama is likely the greatest Pehlwan, or indian wrestler, who ever lived; as he was undefeated in over 5000 matches.

    Gama publically challenged all comers and easily beat the likes of Benjamin Roller and Stanislaus Zbyszko.

    His daily training routine consisted of thousands of traditional squats and pushups -- after seeing him train, many would-be challengers wanted no part of him.
    The Great Gama Lion of The PunjabThe Great Gama
    The object he is seen holding here was not a piece of training equipment but an ornamental scepter known as a Gurz, the Indian Wrestling version of the Championship Belt.

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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  • Slim "The Hammerman" Farman

  • Slim The Hammerman FarmanSlim "The Hammerman" Farman

    In the year 1975, Slim "The Hammerman" Farman stood alone before the crowd of 21,000 screaming fans at Madison Square Garden.

    Just a few moments later he would attempt a world record: to lever a pair of twenty eight pound hammers -- 56 pounds on 31 inch handles, with 1736-inch pounds of pressure on his wrists.

    For a second, Slim's mind flashed back to his job for the previous three decades -- swinging a 16 pound sledge hammer for 9 hours a day, breaking tons of stone.

    He thought of the day back in 1955 when he met his mentor The Mighty Atom, who taught him how to break chains, and bend steel as well as how to focus all his energy for one intense moment.

    Slim Farman took a step toward his hammers, a hush fell over the crowd... to find out what happened next click here.

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    Sunday, November 04, 2007

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    Saturday, November 03, 2007

  • Old School Strength: Wilbur Miller

  • Old School Strength Wilbur MillerOld School Strength: Wilbur Miller

    Wilbur Miller was Kansas wheat farmer who became the best amateur deadlifter in America back in the 1960's.

    He trained by himself when the day's farm chores were done.

    In 1963, Wilbur Miller pulled an official AAU record 705 lbs. and a year later topped that when he pulled 715 at the very first National Powerlifting Tournament held in York, Pennsylvania.

    Wilbur Miller was also widely known as having some of the strongest hands around -- notice the palms forward grip in the deadlift pictured above.

    He could also close the "Extra-Heavy" Iron Man Hand Gripper with ease.

    You've got to admit -- it looks pretty darn cool when the bar is loaded all the way to the end like that.

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    Saturday, November 03, 2007

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  • The "Original" Original Dr. Ken Log Bar

  • Dr. Ken Log BarThe "Original" Original Dr. Ken Log Bar

    Here's a look at one of the original ideas behind Dr. Ken's Log Bar -- an actual log with handles cut into it. This "log" was patterned on an unusual parallel-handled bar used for pressing movements that Dr. Ken trained with down in Lake Helen, Florida when he worked for Arthur Jones.

    As is the case with most of Dr. Ken's unusual equipment, this log was a lot of fun to train with and provided many excellent workouts for his trainees.

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    Saturday, November 03, 2007

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  • Strength and Health Magazine #1

  • Strength and Health Magazine #1Strength and Health
    Magazine #1
    Just in case you ever need to know who was on the cover of Strength and Health #1, the answer is Walter "Wally" Zagurski.

    Zagurski was an original member of the "York Gang" who lifted back when it was called the "York Oil Burner Athletic Club."

    He competed in the 1932 Olympics, won the 1933 Sr. National Weightlifting title at 165 pounds and was a very good all-around strength athlete.

    He was also one of the few men who could lift the Louis Cyr Challenge Dumbbell overhead.

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    Saturday, November 03, 2007

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    Friday, November 02, 2007

  • The Louis Cyr Challenge Dumbbell

  • The Louis Cyr Challenge DumbbellThe Louis Cyr Challenge Dumbbell

    This incredible dumbbell belonged to the famous Quebec strongman Louis Cyr who used it in his act as a challenge for anyone to lift it.

    Due to the 1-5/8 inch thick handle the bell is difficult to lift but it was specially designed for Cyr who had a very strong grip. It weighed 202 pounds empty and at its heaviest, packed with metal pellets, Cyr's Dumbbell weighed 273 pounds. Cyr handled it easily using the overhead "side press" style.

    To this day only a handful of men have been successful in lifting it overhead with one arm.

    Among them John Grimek, Sig Klein, and Wally Zagurski as shown above using the bent press style (Yes, that's the exact dumbbell above being lifted by those individuals at different points in time.) The Cyr Dumbbell currently resides in the York Barbell Company Hall of Fame in York, Pennsylvania.

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    Friday, November 02, 2007

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  • Malcolm "Mac" Richards

  • Mac RichardsMalcolm "Mac" Richards

    "Mac" Richards started powerlifting when he was 57 years old and within a year set new Masters World Records in each of the three lifts: squatting 425 pounds, benching 308 pounds, deadlifting 479 pounds and totaling 1212 pounds.

    In the years that followed, he won 18 National titles and four World Powerlifting Championships.

    Here were his marks at the age of 75 years and 198 lbs, (Still Masters records for the International Powerlifting Association, by the way.)

    Squat: 440 pounds
    Bench: 330 pounds
    Deadlift: 470 pounds
    Total: 1240 pounds

    Mac was inducted into the York Barbell Powerlifting Hall of Fame in 2000. He was also a good friend who will be missed.

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    Friday, November 02, 2007

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  • Horseshoes Bent by The Mighty Atom

  • Horseshoes Bent by The Mighty AtomHorseshoes Bent by The Mighty Atom

    The Mighty Atom bent these horseshoes and iron bar at the 1962 York, Pennsylvania Interstate Fair. That year marked his 42nd consecutive appearance at that particular fair.

    These bent horseshoes are currently on display at the York Barbell Company museum in York, Pennsylvania.

    It takes quite a bit of grip and forearm strength to be able to accomplish that strength feat. To see footage of horseshoes being bent by modern Strongman Pat Povilaitis, you'll want to check out 336 Pounds of Fury.

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    Friday, November 02, 2007

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    Thursday, November 01, 2007

  • Bill Pettis: 23-1/4 Inch Arms

  • Bill Pettis 23-1/4 Inch ArmsBill Pettis: 23-1/4 Inch Arms

    There were a lot of big guys during the 1970's West Coast Bodybuilding Scene -- but none bigger than Bill Pettis.

    He's not a name you see mentioned much because he had no interest in competing - just building the biggest and strongest arms he possibly could.

    Looks like he succeeded.

    As reported by Iron Man Magazine in 1975, his workouts were legendary -- 100 sets of arm work, standing triceps curls with 315 pounds on the bar, 180 pound curls and endless sets of pushups to "flush gallons of blood through the great muscle mass and get an extreme pump."

    On several occasions his entire workout consisted of 3000 or more pushups (which took him five hours!)

    Among his other lifts you can also add a 475 bench press and a squat with 620 pounds.

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    Thursday, November 01, 2007

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  • Classic Gymnasium from 1888

  • Classic Gymnasium from 1888Classic Gymnasium from 1888

    Check out this wood engraving of a classic gymnasium: It was the YMCA at Longacre, London. This particular gymnasium was opened by the Prince of Wales on June 16, 1888.

    Notice the variety of physical training going on: Indian Clubs, Tumbling, Parallel Bars, High Bar, Pommel Horse, Wall Pulleys, Climbing Ladders, Gymnastic Rings, Climbing Ropes and a rack of Barbells along the wall.

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    Thursday, November 01, 2007

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  • Traditional Indian Clubs

  • Traditional Indian ClubsTraditional Indian Clubs

    Their common name is Indian Clubs, but they have many names depending on where you happen to be: Meels, Gavargah, Ekka, Karela or Gada.
    Regardless of what you call them, they spell a unique form of strength, stamina, endurance and flexibility that goes back thousands of years.

    The picture above is from Iran where they are referred to as Meels.

    These clubs are swung in a rthymic pattern around the body for hundreds of repetitions by traditional wrestlers in their workouts. Meels generally weight 10-15 pounds although may get up as high as 60 pounds.

    Keep in mind that these "heavy" clubs are used in an entirely different manner than Light Indian Clubs.

    Traditional Indian Clubs can be seen in action in:
    The Physical Body: Indian Wrestling and Physical Culture DVD

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    Thursday, November 01, 2007

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    Welcome to the Strongest Blog on the Net!

    This is THE PLACE where you will find interesting bits of Iron Game history, lore and training tips from the strongest men of all time.

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