Famed for his remarkable strength and at times, his flair for the theatric, the early twentieth-century physical culturist Thomas Inch has left quite a mark on the current strength training population. Not least for competitors of the World’s Strongest Mancompetition who are often tasked with lifting a replica ‘Inch Dumbbell’ overhead. This being no easy … Continue reading Thomas Inch and the Inch Dumbbell (Old Video Footage)
One of the strongest men of the early twentieth-century, Thomas Inch was known in both Great Britain and the United States for his feats of strength. Unlike others however, Inch was hardly strict with his diet. In fact Inch was recorded as saying There is nothing so wearisome as having to be extremely particular about what one … Continue reading Thomas Inch’s Diet
One of the most popular physical culturists of the entire twentieth-century, there is no denying the impact Charles Atlashad on the muscle making industry. Full of vigour, advice and the occasional insult, Atlas challenged his ‘students’ to improve their physique as much as possible. The yardstick for their success? None other than Atlas’s own body. … Continue reading DO YOU MEASURE UP?
Who? Born Kate Brumbach in 1884 in Vienna, to Bavarian parents. Kate lived strength from an early age. Her parents were regular performers in the German circus circuit. Their act consisted of formidable and impressive feats of strength. Her father Philippe was said to be able to lift 500 pounds with one finger. Her mother … Continue reading Iron Women: Katie Sandwina
Who? Those of our readers who are unaware of Lalanne are in for a real treat. Born in the early 1910s, Lalanne was one of the most outspoken and passionate men to grace the Iron Game in the past century. A bodybuilder, gym owner, TV personality and much, much more, Lalanne was still exercising on … Continue reading Iron Man: Jack Lalanne
Who? Born in the early nineteenth-century, the Frenchman Hippolyte Triat represented one of the first modern gym owners and promoters of the modern age. Plucked from obscurity following a daring rescue of an aristocratic woman from a runaway horse, Triat benefitted from an upper-class education in France. Though exposed to the classics and arts, it … Continue reading Iron Men: Hippolyte Triat
Chances are at some point in your lifting career you've done a few sets of Romanian Deadlifts. From athletes to bodybuilders, thousands of muscle fanatics have used the exercise to bring up their hamstrings and lower backs. Given the popularity of the movement, you may be surprised to learn that this exercise is a relatively recent … Continue reading The History of the Romanian Deadlift
