Friday, October 09, 2009
Mr. America '63, Vern WeaverA look at 1963 Mr. America Vern Weaver's championship form. In 1953, a 16-year old Vern Weaver purchased his first barbell set (a Big 12 Special) from the York Barbell Company and it was delivered to his home by none other than Jules Bacon.
As he got back in his car, Jules Bacon said offhandledly "Kid, I hope you win Mr. "A" someday!" - and that's exactly what happened... 10 years later, almost to the day, it was in the books.
Labels: 1963 Mr. America Contest, Bodybuilder, Jules Bacon, Mr. America, Vern Weaver
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Wednesday, September 02, 2009
John Grimek: 1940 Mr. America Here's a rare shot of John Grimek right after winning the 1940 AAU Mr. America contest. Grimek would come back and win it again the next year too. Shortly afterward they passed a rule that someone could only win the contest one time, otherwise Grimek would just have likely run away with it for the next decade or so.
Labels: 1940 Mr. America Contest, AAU, Bodybuilder, John Grimek, Mr America, Mr. America 1940
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
John McWilliamsThe man with some of the biggest arms around was John McWilliams from Kenton, Ohio. While many bodybuilders used to inflate their measurements, he had an open challenge to anyone who could measure his arm at less than 19-1/2 inches... and the money was always safe. In case you are wondering about the "secrets" to his arm development, they were hard training, correct nutrition and proper recovery ~ along with more than a little bit of help from mother nature, of course.
Labels: Arm Development, Big Arms, Bodybuilder, John McWilliams
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
| Hugo Labra was a popular West Coast Bodybuilder. Originally from Peru, South American, Labra made his home in Los Angeles and was firmly a part of the Muscle Beach scene. Labra placed very high in almost all the contests he entered. In his first contest, he placed second (the 1960 Mr. California contest, one that he would win the next year.) He won the 1960 AAU Mr. Los Angeles title shortly afterwards then the 1961 AAU Mr. California title. He also took second and the Most Muscular title at the 1962 AAU Mr. America contest 6th in the 1963 AAU Mr. America contest and his class in the 1963 and 1964 IFBB Mr. America contest. Some of Labra's training methods are outlined in The Dellinger Files. |  Hugo Labra |
Labels: 1962 Mr. America Contest, 1963 Mr. America Contest, AAU, Bodybuilder, Hugo Labra, IFBB, Mr. California, Mr. Los Angeles, Muscle Beach
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Thursday, August 13, 2009
Eric PedersenMany people know that Steve Reeves famously won the 1947 AAU Mr. America Contest, but what a lot of people don't know is that it was a lot closer than you would think. Steve Reeves only won the contest by a half a point over a relatively unknown and very impressive California bodybuilder named Eric Pedersen.
Pedersen had competed in the Mr. America Contest once before, in 1945 he had not even placed. He won Mr. California title in 1947, had his showdown with Reeves in Chicago at the Mr. America contest, appeared on the cover of a few magazines in the late 1940's and then pretty much disappeared!
Labels: 1947 Mr. America, Bodybuilder, Eric Pedersen, Mr. California, Steve Reeves
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Thursday, July 09, 2009
Leroy SabaBodybuilder Leroy Saba on the cover of the May, 1963 issue of Strength and Health Magazine. He won his class in the AAU Mr. California contest that year. A few years before, Saba finished second to Red Lerille at the 1960 AAU Mr. America Contest (He was also runner up for the 'Most Muscular' sub-division as well).
Saba was uncharacteristically strong for a bodybuilder, with a a 500 lb. squat, 325 lb. bench press, 455 lb. deadlift and 240 lb. press to his credit (at a bodyweight of only 165 lbs.)
Labels: 1960 Mr. America Contest, AAU, Bench Press, Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding Magazine, Cover, Deadlift, Leroy Saba, Mr. California, Press, Red Lerille, Squat, Strength and Health Magazine
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Monday, July 06, 2009
Roy HilligennRoy Hilligenn did some training at York in preparation for the 1951 Mr. America Contest (which he eventually won). Here he is in front of the famous Warren Lincoln Travis Dumbbell which, at the time, sat in front of Bob Hoffman's house in York, Pennsylvania.
The famous dumbbell can currently be seen at the York Barbell Museum and if you know where to look in York, you can also see Bob Hoffman's old house too.
Labels: 1951 Mr. America, Bob Hoffman, Bodybuilder, Famous Dumbbell, Roy Hilligenn, Travis Dumbbell, Warren Lincoln Travis, York Barbell Company Museum, York Pennsylvania
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Monday, March 30, 2009
Melvin Wells - The Buffalo HerculesMelvin wells on the cover of the January, 1949 issue of Strength and Health Magazine. That year Wells took the AAU Mr. New York State Bodybuilding contest and won the Most Muscular subdivision at the 1949 AAU Mr. America contest. Well was often called 'The Buffalo Hercules' in honor of his hometown of Buffalo, New York.
Labels: 1949 Mr. America Contest, AAU, Bodybuilder, Cover, Melvin Wells, Most Muscular, Mr. New York State, Strength and Health Magazine
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Sunday, March 08, 2009
Indian Strongman Monotosh RoyMonotosh Roy was a highly respected strongman, bodybuilder and physical culture practicioner in his native India. He was famed for his tremendous muscularity and won his class in the 1951 Mr. Universe Contest. As a strongman, he was particularly good at traditional strength feats such as bending steel.
Labels: Bodybuilder, Indian Strongman, Monotosh Roy, Mr. Universe, Steel Bending
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Friday, February 13, 2009
Melvin WellsThe great bodybuilder Melvin Wells on the cover of the October/November 1950 issue of Ironman Magazine. It was said that Wells was the "uncrowned" Mr. America, this is the condition that he was in when he nearly took home the crown at the 1950 contest. He didn't win the contest but he did capture the "Most Muscular" subdivision - and deservedly so.
Labels: Bodybuilder, Cover, Iron Man Magazine, Melvin Wells, Mr. America, Muscle Magazine
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
 Kimon Voyages | A rare shot of the classic bodybuilder Kimon Voyages who competed in the AAU Mr. America six times without winning. His best finish was 6th in 1947 -- that was a tough one, Steve Reeves took the crown that year. Voyages did, however, win the Junior Mr. America in 1942 and Mr. New York State in 1948. It was reported that Voyages was fond of high rep squatting for leg development and conditioning. He once squatted 200 pounds for 100 straight reps. |
Labels: Bodybuilder, Classic Bodybuilder, Jr. Mr. America, Kimon Voyages, Mr. America Contest, Mr. New York State, on Voyages
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Mr. America 1961 Ray RoutledgeRay Routledge, 1961 AAU Mr. America on the cover of the December 1960 issue of Strength and Health Magazine. Routledge was also the 1961 NABBA Mr. Universe.
Labels: 1961 Mr. Amerrica, AAU, Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding, Cover, Mr. America, NABBA, Strength and Health Magazine
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Sunday, January 04, 2009
| Results: 1. Steve Stanko 2. John Farbotnik 3. Eric Pedersen 4. George Eiferman 4. René Leger - Jules Bacon - Keevil Daly - Joe Lauriano - Juhani Vellamo |  Steve Stanko was the winner of the 1947 Mr. Universe Contest (The first ever held) |
Labels: Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding Contest, Bodybuilding Magazine, Cover, George Eiferman, John Farbotnik, Jules Bacon, Mr. Universe, Steve Stanko, Strength and Health Magazine
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Friday, December 12, 2008
Mickey HargitayOne bodybuilder who "made good" was Mickey Hargitay, who married the famous blonde bombshell Jayne Mansfield in 1958. Hargitay rose through the ranks in the AAU Mr. America contests in the early fifties before winning the NABBA Mr. Universe title in 1955. He trained at Bob Higgins' Gym in Indianapolis, Indiana and in York, PA on occasion. Hargitay appeared on the cover of a number of strength magazines throughout his career.
Labels: Bob Higgins, Bodybuilder, Higgins Gym, Indianapolis, Jayne Mansfield, Mr. America, Mr. Universe, NABBA
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Friday, November 07, 2008
Jim Park - 1952 Mr. America1952 AAU Mr. America Jim Park, on the cover of the June 1952 Iron Man Magazine. Park also won the 1952 Mr. World and 1954 Mr. Universe bodybuilding contests.
Labels: 1952 Mr. America, AAU, Bodybuilder, Cover, Iron Man Magazine, Jim Park, Muscle Magazine
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Thursday, October 09, 2008
The Iron Guru Vince GirondaKnown as "The Iron Guru," Vince Gironda left an indelible mark on the bodybuilding world. For over fifty years "Vince's Gym" was one of the most popular bodybuilding gyms in the country and a number of famous bodybuilders AND movie stars often trained there. Vince was one of the first muscle experts to place a great deal of emphasis on nutrition and was also well known for his "unorthodox" training methods and unusual exercise ideas.
Labels: Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding, Bodybuilding Gym, Iron Guru, Vince Gironda, Vinces Gym
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Thursday, August 07, 2008
Ken HallWell-known for his superb abdominal development, Ken Hall has been one of the most active bodybuilders in history winning over 250 trophies in a career that has spanned the better part of the last five decades.
After moving to the U.S. from his native Barbados, Hall began winning many contests around the New York City area.
His first place finishes include 1957 Mr. New York City (AAU), 1959 Mr. New York Metropolitan (AAU), 1960 Mr. New York City (AAU). He also competed in the 1960 AAU Mr. America Contest finishing 13th (also getting 3rd in the Most Muscular Sub division) and in the 1962 AAU Mr. America contest, finishing 10th.
Ken Hall keep competing well into his 70's and won many Masters Bodybuilding titles.
Labels: 1962 Mr. America Contest, AAU, Abdominal Development, Bodybuilder, Joe Abbenda, Ken Hall, Masters Bodybuilder, Mr. America Contest, Mr. New York City, Mr. New York Metropolitan
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Monday, June 23, 2008
John Grimek, in mid-one-arm snatch. It was often written that Grimek credited his all-around development to his using a wide variety of exercises.
John Grimek - One Arm SnatchLabels: Bodybuilder, John Grimek, one arm snatch
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Sunday, April 06, 2008
 Al Berger | Al Berger was a great strength athlete and classic bodybuilder during the 1940's. Berger was a very good bodybuilder but was most well-known for his ability to perform incredible feats of strength while "pinch gripping" rafters in his basement. |
Im addition to his pinch-gripping feats, Berger could perform a reverse curl with 165 pounds.
Labels: Al Berger, Bodybuilder, Finger Strength, Grip Feat, Grip Strength, Hand Strength, Oldtime Strongman Feat, Pinch Grip, Pinch Grip Chinup, Pinch Lift, Rafter Chinup, Reverse Curl, Thumb Strength
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Monday, March 24, 2008
Melvin WellsMelvin Wells was a great bodybuilder during the 1940's and 50's.
He won the "Most-Muscular" title but finished second in the 1949 AAU Mr. America contest to Jack Dellinger. He repeated this feat the next year, finishing second at the 1950 AAU Mr. America contest, this time to John Farbotnik. but again winning the "Most Muscular" award.
Wells did eventually win a contest, finishing first at the 1951 "Mr. Strength and Health" contest.
What is most interesting about Melvin Wells though is that he didn't lift barbells and dumbbells, he lifted rocks in an unheated garage at his home in Buffalo, New York.
Labels: AAU, Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding, Golden Age Bodybuilder, Jack Dellinger, John Farbotnik, Melvin Wells, Mr. Strength and Health, Mr.America Contest, Rock Lifting
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
 John McWilliams | Many people have wondered exactly how it was that John McWilliams built such big arms... The reasons for that should be as straightforward as can be: a)Genetics b)Progressive resistance exercise I hear dumbbell curls are a good bicep exercise -- looks like they worked well enough for John McWilliams. Can't do much about your genetics,but you certainly CAN use this great exercise to build bigger arms. |
Labels: Arm Development, Bicep Exercise, Big Arms, Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding, Dumbbell Curls, Globe Dumbbells, Golden Age Bodybuilder, John McWilliams
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Friday, February 15, 2008
Reg Park's Arm WorkoutSome of the most impressive arms in history belonged to Reg Park. Reg built his arms with basic exercises and focused on getting stronger through time. In his many training courses, Reg recommended a lot of overhead pressing for tricep work and the simple barbell curl for biceps.
Labels: Arm Development, Arm Workout, Bent Press, Big Arms, Bodybuilder, Curl, Exercises, Reg Park
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Bill Pettis Big ArmsAnother look at Bill Pettis' 23-1/4 inch arms. Bill actually did compete in a few Bodybuilding contests in the 1970's, finishing as high as third in the IFBB World Pro Championships.
Maybe, just maybe, Bill's arms didn't quite stretch the tape that far, but they certainly are impressive. Bill's not too shabby in the forearm department either...
Labels: Arm Development, Bicep Strength, Big Arms, Bill Pettis, Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding, Tricep Work
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
| The well-known bodybuilder John McWilliams wrote his own arm development course entitled "Big Arms for You" which he advertised in Iron Man Magazine for years. As you can see, his arms were quite impressive. -- McWilliams wasn't all show though, he also had a 710 pound deadlift to his name. |  John McWilliams - Big Arms For You |
Labels: Arm Development, Bicep Exercise, Bicep Workout, Big Arms, Bodybuilder, Bodybuilding, Deadlift, Golden Age Bodybuilder, Iron Man Magazine, John McWilliams, Strength Author, Training Course
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
John McWilliams - "Mr. Arms"John McWilliams was an incredibly strong and powerful bodybuilder of the late 1940's and 1950's who was well known for his arm development.
While many bodybuilder inflated their numbers, John McWilliams used to offer a reward if anyone could measure his arms at LESS than 19-1/2 inches!
He ran a successful gym in Dayton, Ohio (The Dayton Health Studios at 131 E. Third Street) and wrote several training articles for Iron Man Magazine. He also had his own arm development course.
Labels: Arm Development, Bicep Strength, Bodybuilder, John McWilliams
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Monday, December 17, 2007
| It's not hard to see why Eugen Sandow was well received as bodybuilding's first superstar a hundred years ago. Sandow's physique is still impressive by today's standards -- probably even more so. Sandow built his strength with basic exercises and the double-progressive technique. |  Eugen Sandow |
Labels: Bodybuilder, Eugen Sandow, Physique Star
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Sunday, December 16, 2007
 Roy Hilligenn 1951 Mr. America | Roy Hilligen was a great all-around "iron athlete." As a bodybuilder, he won the Mr. South Africa title in 1943, 1944, 1946 and 1976 as well as the AAU Mr. America Title in 1951. As an Olympic lifter, Hilligenn was the first South African to Clean and Jerk double body weight. His lifts in 1946 were Press: 245 pounds, Snatch: 255 Pounds and Clean & Jerk: 321 pounds. In the early 1950's, and weighing just 173 pounds, Hilligen unofficially equaled the world record in the Clean & Jerk with a lift of 375 pounds. |
Interestingly, he was also a life-long vegetarian.
Labels: AAU, Bodybuilder, Clean and Jerk, Ed Yarick's Gym, Mr. America, Olympic Weightlifting, Roy Hilligenn, South African
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
 Bobby Pandour | Bobby Pandour was an early physique superstar and Vaudeville performer during the 1900s. Pandour never trained with heavy weights but built his incredible physique with gymnastics, muscle control work, hand balancing and high-rep training with a pair of 10-pound dumbbells. At his peak Pandour weighed only 160 pounds at a height of 5'6". It was reported that he had a 42-inch chest, 23-inch thighs and 17-inch arms. |
Labels: Bobby Pandour, Bodybuilder, Early Bodybuilder, Gymnastics, Hand Balancing, Physique Star, Vaudeville
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All Contents, Including Images and Text, Copyright © 2010 by John Wood and Thunderdome Media Inc., Not to be reproduced without permission, All Rights Reserved
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