George Lurich was as good of a strongman as he was a wrestler... and he was a terrific wrestler. He had many incredible feats to his credit but this was perhaps his greatest: a one-arm overhead support of over 700 pounds!Labels: Estonian Strongman, George Lurich, One Arm Lift, Overhead Support, Strongman Feat, Wrestler Read Full Story
William J. Hermann was a very knowledgeable physical culturist who taugh and heavily influenced Alan Calvert (in fact, Calvert's classic book "Super Strength" is dedicated to him.)Hermann's gym, located at 1325 Chestnut Street in Philadelphia, was one of the popular hangouts for many of the strength stars of the early 20th century, most notably Sig Klein and Milo Steinborn who performed a number of strength feats there. This particular picture was taken in 1931 and shows Milo getting in a q... Read Full Story
A very Happy Birthday to , who was born on this date in 1926. To read more about Arthur's training philosophy. check out The Nautilus Training Bulletins and The New Bodybuilding for Old-School Results by Ellington Darden. Labels: , Ellington Darden, Nautilus, Nautilus Bulletins, New Bodybuilding for Old School Results Read Full Story
Like many strongmen, was very talented at feats of grip and forearm strength. Here he lifts a set of heavy farm equipment gears weighing over 300 pounds with one finger. His best performance in this lift was with over 450 pounds.Labels: Good Brothers, Grip Feat, Grip Strength, , One Finger Lift Read Full Story
The Great Paul Anderson is shown here, just miliseconds away from making a heavy clean. I count 345 lb. on the bar, which was pretty light for "Big Paul". Also note the wrist braces, Paul was so strong in some movements that sometimes his body couldn't take it. I can't say for sure, but Isuspect that Big Paul likely would have benefittted greatly from some epecific wrist strength work.Labels: Clean, Paul Anderson, Wrist Strength Read Full Story
Being a swashbuckling leading man in Hollywood is tough work, which is why Clark Gable here, regularly engaged in physical training throughout his acting career. Not only that, but the posture, and body control developed from this physical training increased screen presence - Gable was one of the most popular actors of his time. The wall pulleys are likely from The Narragansett Machine Company.Labels: , Movie Star, Physical Training, Speed Bag, Wall Pulleys Read Full Story
It was Paul Von Boeckmann's view that while many physical culturists and strongment might be very well-developed from a muscular standpiont, the greater liklihood was that they were severely lacking in the cardiovascular department. -- This was back in the teens and twenties mind you -- and, unfortunately, still just as true today. If you want to be a complete strength athlete, don't neglect your conditioning.Labels: Advertisement, Breathing Exercises, Conditioning, Deep Breathing, Paul Von... Read Full Story
