Climbing Rope Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Edward Aston

Posted on Monday, January 23rd, 2017 by John Wood

From 1911 to 1934, Edward Aston held the title of ‘Britain’s Strongest Man’ and judging by this picture, it’s not hard to see why. One of Aston’s “Secrets” was to pay particular attention to strengthening the grip and forearm. He employed a number of different exercises to build his hand strength but one of his favorites was to do one-arm timed hangs from a climbing rope.

Angled Rope Climbing

Posted on Monday, May 4th, 2015 by John Wood

“From a single climbing and descending of a 30 foot rope each day (which took about two minutes) William Bankier “The Scottish Hercules” obtained infinitely better results as far as arm development than did an acquaintance who devoted a half hour each day to exercises especially for the biceps.”

Adrian, Michigan YMCA, 1905

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

A look at the interior of the Adrian, Michigan YMCA, circa 1905. The equipment selection was not numerous, but the results obtained from training with a running track, some flying rings, a climbing rope and a set of parallel bars will likely beat the pants off what can be done at most modern gyms with far more to choose from.