Chest Expansion Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

The Complete Keys to Progress by John McCallum

Posted on Tuesday, November 29th, 2016 by John Wood

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Paul Von Boeckmann: Chest Expansion Specialist

Posted on Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 by John Wood

Paul Von Boeckmann was a strongman from New York City toward the end of the 19th century. Over time, he developed a unique system of chest expansion methods which allowed him to build “the largest and most powerful lungs in the world” according to his advertisements.

Above, the strap around his chest is the same length in both pictures. He was able to inflate and deflate his chest to an incredible degree: an 11-1/2 inch difference. His lung capacity was listed at an astounding 410 cubic inches.

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.

Hoffman’s Chest Expansion

Posted on Sunday, August 17th, 2014 by John Wood

Whether or not the ribcage can be enlarged or expanded through specific training is a topic that continues to elicit a lot of dialogue. The theory is that vigorous leg work combined with unavoidable deep breathing deepens the chest, creating a larger “frame” while also increasing oxygen uptake, both of which set the stage for increased muscle growth. Is chest expansion “for real?” Here’s Bob Hoffman, about sixty years of age, sporting some pretty impressive ribcage development that simply wasn’t there when he was a younger man which makes for some interesting food for thought on the matter.

Ell Darden ~ Muscular Development Magazine, January, 1973

Posted on Sunday, December 16th, 2012 by John Wood

Ell Darden on the COver of Muscular Development, Januarly 1973

Ell Darden on the cover of the January, 1973 issue of Muscular Development magazine. Ell made a point to focus on chest expansion techniques and it certainly showed. You can read more about Ell Darden’s training right here.