Wednesday, 21 September 2016

The Classic Physique - Indeed!!




I have always been impressed with classic physiques of old time bodybuilders. I should be because I come from a whole line of Old-time athletes and bodybuilders and I was fortunate enough to have my dad train me. Dad was Mr. Bombay (now Mumbai) back in 1960 and till today he trains...........hard and smart! (His brothers took suite soon after!)


No matter who it was who won the Olympia in the last 10 years, I was somehow drawn to those olden day athletes. They had a powerful, neat, strong look about them. Not only did they look that way, their athletic ability was tremendous and health was at their peak. As compared to the physiques of today that are bulked up and steroid induced, the olden day lifters trained to get stronger and improve their health - not pump up various parts of their anatomy just to strut around at parties. Their training was a commitment to their health and then second a sport. They knew what to eat. They didn't overdose on steroids and supplements.Steroids had not even been invented back then.  Training was serious business. They had only an hour three times a week. And man did they go at it!

Here is a picture of Eugene Sandow:


Sandow is considered the Father of Bodybuilding. The Sandow statue is the most prized trophy in the world of Bodybuilding. Its what Arnold, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, and all other bodybuilding pros fought for in their day and the new competeitors are still fighting for every year.


Here is Prof. K.V Iyer from India. He had a gym right here in Bangalore! He trained a lot of people and also had students from Malaysia and Middle East. He also had correspondence courses by which he trained. He was a physician to the Maharaja of Mysore. By the way this pic was taken in 1935!



As far as I am concerned this man is my favorite builder by far. Steve Reeves was the man they called on to play the role of the Greek demi -god Hercules in his time. He was well built, strong, good looking, healthy and pioneered a lot in the bodybuilding game. 




John Grimek - Strength exploits, Bodybuilding exploits and an excellent gymnast. He just destroyed competition. Arnold Schwarzenegger has also said that he learnt a lot from the wisdom of this man. 


Marvin Eder was another old time trainer and here is his strength record.





  • Deep-knee bend squats, 300 lbs x 50 reps
  • Barbell curl, 210 lbs
  • Clean and pressed, 355 lbs
  • Crucifix, 2 x 100 lbs dumbbells
  • Lateral raises, 120 lbs
  • Deadlift, 665 lbs
  • Parallel bar dip, 434 lbs
  • Chins, 200 lbs x 8 reps
  • Bench Press, 515 lbs





  • Manohar Aich from India was a 1952 Mr. Universe. Known as the 'Pocket Hercules' at 4ft 11inches, he had a 52 inch chest and 23 inch waist! Aich recently celebrated his 100th birthday on 17th March and as you can see is still going strong!

    Another Strength Coach and bodybuilder. I strongly recommend for building a classic Physique is Matt Marshall. I followed Matt Marshall's program and in 2 months I had reduced my waist line by 2 inches and came down from 28% body fat to 21% body fat. I also ended up more healthier and energetic than before. I can say this is one of the most HONEST, NO LIES program and definitely one of THE BEST programs that work. I have tried it for myself and seen results.

    Courtesy: http://temple-of-fitness.blogspot.in/

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