1948 Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Iron Boots

Posted on Thursday, January 10th, 2019 by John Wood

Before there were leg press machines, a pair of Iron Boots was a pretty good way to condition your lower body. Demonstrating here is professional wrestler Adrienne Nichols from Cleveland, Ohio. This was actually from a photo shoot for Life Magazine in 1948.

Harry Truman’s 1948 White House Gym

Posted on Thursday, October 11th, 2018 by John Wood

A look at Truman’s gym in the White House, circa 1948. It is sparse, but certainly contains everything someone would need to stay in shape: medicine balls, Swedish Bars, Wall Pulleys, Gymnastic Rings, Rowing machine, health rider bike, situp board, and a rack of dumbbells (more of which are out of the frame.)

Clarence Ross

Posted on Monday, April 10th, 2017 by John Wood

Clarence Ross on the cover of the July, 1948 issue of ‘Muscle Power’ magazine. Clarence has just won the Mr. USA title (beating Steve Reeves!) Clarence was listed as the Associate editor of this publication and contributed several articles. Also of note is that Earle E. Liederman, now a real oldtimer, was the editor in chief.

George Eiferman – Chest Development

Posted on Saturday, April 25th, 2015 by John Wood

Back in the old days, “chest development” meant chest and ribcage expansion, not just bigger pecs.

Here’s a look at George Eiferman, a classic bodybuilder, who was famous for his chest development, on the cover of the February, 1948 Strength and Health Magazine.

Eiferman won the AAU Mr. America, AAU Mr. California and IFBB Mr. Universe titles.

In this picture Eiferman weighed around 190 pounds. You can tell that ribcage and chest expansion contributes greatly to the “look” of strength and power.

Richard Rieder

Posted on Monday, August 11th, 2014 by John Wood

Richard Rieder was a Swiss weightlifter who competed in the 60kg class at the 1948 London Olympic games where he totaled 255 kg.

Bert Assirati’s One Arm Handstand

Posted on Friday, January 24th, 2014 by John Wood

Bert Assirati's One Arm Handstand

Many hand balancing experts are generally of the smaller, “gymnastic-type” physique,but there were actually several larger strength athletes who could perform hand balancing feats with ease.

At well over 300 pounds, the great Canadian Champion Doug Hepburn was a great hand balancer, as was the famous British strongman and Professional wrestler Bert Assirati, (shown here.)

At a young age, Bert was taught how to do all manner of hand balancing feats by an ex-circus performer. You can certainly tell by this picture that he has power to spare. No doubt Assirati’s one arm handstand training contributed to his one arm dumbbell press of 160 lbs.