Vintage Strength Equipment Archives - www.oldtimestrongman.com

Spalding Quarter-Circle Exerciser

Posted on Monday, August 30th, 2021 by John Wood

Believe it or not, stength “machines” have a history that goes back even further than barbells and dumbbells. This “Quarter-Circle Strength Developer” was manufactured by Spalding in the late 1890’s. This was actually a fairly common style of machine and several different companies had their own version. It was an original design by Dudley Allen Sargent for the Hemenway Gymnasium.

Vintage Indian Clubs

Posted on Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 by John Wood

Many examples of early Indian Clubs were custom made by club swinging enthusiasts, much like this colorful pair from the early 1900’s.

The Spalding Semi-Circle Strength Developer

Posted on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2017 by John Wood

Believe it or not, strength “machines” have a history that goes back even further than barbells and dumbbells. This “Semi-Circle Strength Developer” was manufactured by Spalding in the late 1890’s. This was actually a fairly common style of machine and several different companies had their own version.

1901 Sandow Grip Dumbbell Poster

Posted on Monday, August 24th, 2015 by John Wood

Sandow’s Grip Dumbbells were one of the earliest pieces of commercial training equipment, and the most popular as well. Here we have a nifty advertising poster for them from 1901 that not many folks have seen before.

Sandow’s Grip Dumb-Bells

Posted on Thursday, December 4th, 2014 by John Wood

Back in 1899, the hottest thing going was Eugen Sandow’s Grip Dumb-Bells which consisted of two dumbbell “halves” joined together by a series of springs.

While they were not the first piece of mail order strength equipment, Sandow’s Grip Dumb-Bells were very close — and they were certainly one of the most well-known.

As one followed the suggested workouts, they could build their forearm strength by keeping the two halves “crushed” together as they trained the rest of their body through various other movements.

Also, according to several of the advertisements, regular training with these dumbbells also improved not only strength but will power and concentration as well.

Sandow’s Grip Dumb-Bells came in a variety of styles and types — ranging from “Basic Black” to nickel-plated models with leather handles. There were also different resistance levels for “Gents” men, women, youths and children. This ad is from 1907.