Old-Time Strongmen Archives

Modified Side Press [1946]

A modified version of the side press is one of the very best exercises. While this movement is one which in time will result in skill in bent pressing, while it is one of the best to build the triceps of the arm and the latissimus dorsi, it does not need to take a second place to any of them. Many people believe that a modified form of the side press is the very best shoulder developing exercise.

Kettlebell Exercises and Their Place in Modern Weightlifting Sports [1928]

0 comments

Historically, kettlebells once held a very prominent place in weightlifting sports. When the “First Athletes’ Club,” under the guidance of Dr. Kraevsky, appeared in Russia in 1885—thus giving birth to weightlifting as a sport—there were fewer than ten training barbells in the entire country. There were quite a few globe barbells, but these were mostly used by circus professionals. Most of the first amateur strongmen in the provinces trained with kettlebells.

Girl Once a Physical Wreck, Now Does Astonishing Feats, Easily Toys with Weighty Barbells [1899]

0 comments

One of these is the lifting of a big barbell from the floor with one hand, turning it and holding it high above the head without a tremor. This same barbell she then places upon the floor and lies down flat on her back with the bell at her head, and raises it with both hands until it is straight above her head, then holding it with one hand only, rises to a sitting and then a standing position with the bell high above her head still.

Lying Down and Getting Up with a Barbell [1916]

0 comments

This movement develops an athlete’s agility and flexibility and, at the same time, teaches them to maintain balance. It is performed as follows:

While holding a barbell with an extended arm above the head, lower yourself onto the opposite knee, using the palm of your free hand for support on the floor. Then, move from the palm to the elbow, simultaneously straightening the leg on the same side along the floor, while the other leg remains bent at the knee. Next, lower yourself from the elbow to the floor with both shoulder blades touching and stretch out both legs, keeping the barbell held with the extended arm.

Siegmund Klein’s „The One Best Exercise“ – and Challenge! [1939]

0 comments

The Legendary Siegmund Klein’s Challenge: Perform a Clean & Press with two dumbbells for ten reps using a pair of 75-pound (34 kg) dumbbells. Many Iron Game enthusiasts discuss this feat (with some claiming it’s twelve reps), but few train for it, and even...

Paul Anderson – One-Arm Pressing Power

1 comment

I have done a kind of half Military, half Side Press, during my public appearances. As a rule, this has been the most popular feat of strength that I do. I first started including it because it was a convenient thing to include since I could write ahead for the weights that I needed and take along a bar that was suitable for loading the plates on. I have a bar that is collapsible and can be put in a small briefcase. It is also convenient because it does not take up much room in a church sanctuary, where I often do several feats of strength along with my messages.