The overall premise of the book is Alan's dismay at the way the European lifters in particular the Germans are by far superior to the majority of American lifters at the time. He discusses in detail the number of weight lifting clubs and competitions that are held in Europe compared to the US. One that was interesting was that many of the lifting competitions been run in the US at the time were with light weight and looking for how many reps could be completed with say 100 pounds in the two handed press. (sounds a bit like the cross-fit of the early 20th century). Compared to the Europeans who focused on the maximum weight been lifted Alan believes this is one of the reasons the US lifters were so far behind the Europeans.To think that in 1911 Carl Swadoba could clean and jerk 400 pounds (181kgs) without any drugs, special supplements or testosterone boosters just goes to show that too many modern day trainers look for some magic pill that will help them achieve phenomenal strength. Reading these old time strength books helps to reaffirm the right thinking when it comes to lifting. Sheer hard work, always challenging yourself to lift more and having the frequency and intensity to continue this year after year will deliver results that are really only limited by your own self limiting beliefs. If you believe you can do it, you will.
One thing I would recommend to anyone who is serious about lifting and learning what are the tried and tested methods to gaining incredible size and strength is to read the old time strongman books from the early 20th century. One such book is the "The Truth About Weight Lifting" by Alan Calvert. A couple of things about this book. The first is it doesn't seem to matter if it is 1911 or 2010 there are always going to be people who claim to be the strongest or biggest when it comes to strength who can never really deliver. A case in point. Alan Calvert in his book describes a number of the worlds strongest men at the time and their actual measurements. He discusses the likes of Arthur Saxon and Joseph Steinbach and that whilst they may have not had 18 inch plus arms they recorded for the day some of the most impressive lifts you will ever see. Yet he then goes on to explain many of the travelling strongmen of the time would use bogus dumbbells that were supposedly 200 pounds but only weighed 80 pounds. Often these strongmen would use incorrect measurements to try and impress these crowds to part with their cash. A number of chapters are devoted to the styles of pressing and lifting that were core practice for the day. He describes in detail how to do strict millitary press, the famous bent press and the one and two handed dumbbell and barbell overhead lifts. Some of the weights been pressed over head are phenomenal and act as great inspiration for what can be achieved with no drugs, supplements, fancy equipment or the latest in recovery techniques. Good old fashion heavy lifting 3- 4 times a week always looking to increase the weight with each workout. This is the type of tried and true lifting mentioned at the start of this article that forces your body to grow big and strong.
The overall premise of the book is Alan's dismay at the way the European lifters in particular the Germans are by far superior to the majority of American lifters at the time. He discusses in detail the number of weight lifting clubs and competitions that are held in Europe compared to the US. One that was interesting was that many of the lifting competitions been run in the US at the time were with light weight and looking for how many reps could be completed with say 100 pounds in the two handed press. (sounds a bit like the cross-fit of the early 20th century). Compared to the Europeans who focused on the maximum weight been lifted Alan believes this is one of the reasons the US lifters were so far behind the Europeans.To think that in 1911 Carl Swadoba could clean and jerk 400 pounds (181kgs) without any drugs, special supplements or testosterone boosters just goes to show that too many modern day trainers look for some magic pill that will help them achieve phenomenal strength. Reading these old time strength books helps to reaffirm the right thinking when it comes to lifting. Sheer hard work, always challenging yourself to lift more and having the frequency and intensity to continue this year after year will deliver results that are really only limited by your own self limiting beliefs. If you believe you can do it, you will.
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Into all things Strength and Conditioning. A bachelors degree in Leisure Studies and an M.B.A. Certified Elite Trainer with the ISSA - PT, Specialist in Strength and Conditioning & Sports Nutrition. Published author on Powerlifter Today and The Iron Exec. I compete in IPF sanctioned powerlifting competitions and am a former professional Rugby player. Archives
February 2023
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