A reoccurring phenomenon when researching the IFBB or the Weider brothers is the presence of controversy. As previously discussed in a different post, the establishment of the International Federation of BodyBuilding was not without its conflicts and controversies. Naturally, it seems, as founder of the federation and as, we must acknowledge it, kingpin of bodybuilding, … Continue reading Would the Real Joe Weider Please Stand Up
I had the chance to meet this guy called Sam while shopping for supplements about a month ago. We began discussing various effects of preworkout, our favorite brands, and the reasons I don't take it anymore. Our talk quickly changed to the Mr. Olympia contest that was on its way. Seeing that we both … Continue reading Phil Speaks: An Interview with Natu and the Super Jacked Ginger
What can I say about Leroy Colbert. Well, obviously he had massive arms. This was somewhat his calling card and what some would argue the factor that added the word 'legendary' before his name. However, there is so much more to say about Leroy Colbert. A legend rises. Born in 1933, Colbert started lifting weights … Continue reading Leroy Colbert
In December of 1955, Joe Weider published the first issue of Junior Mr. America magazine. Aimed at teenagers and young men between the ages of 12 to 21, Junior Mr. America highlighted the importance of the younger community for bodybuilding entrepreneurs. Packed with training, dating and general life advice, the magazine was viewed by many teenagers as a godsend. … Continue reading Joe Weider’s Weight Gain Contest (1955)
While making my way around the gym in between sets (of 1000 lat.pulldowns, of course), perusing with my historian curiosity in this sanctuary of iron and paraphernalia, I came across the bad boy you can see on the picture. For those of you who do not know what this is, you have come to the … Continue reading Promises of Bigger Arms, OH MY!!
While deep in bodybuilding research, rummaging through dated copies of Your Physique, Muscle Builder, and Santé et Développement Physique hoping that the yellowed pages stay intact (one must not forget, these are sacred items), it became clear to me that, in the early establishments of muscle magazine, one can easily find messages of nationalism and nation pride … Continue reading Build Muscle, Win the War
In August 1940, the first issue of Joe Weider's Your Physique hit the shelves. According to some sources, Weider began working on the magazine when he was 17 years old, only to complete it 3 years later. With the little money he had - considering that he worked during the Great Depression - Weider purchased a … Continue reading Your Physique #1
