Old-Time Strongmen Archives - Page 8 of 11

Desbonnet’s School of Physical Culture (1885)

To paraphrase a legendary RocknRolla quote, “there is no school like the old school, and I’m… a fan”.

Professor Edmund Desbonnet was – together with Russian Dr. Vladislav Von Krajewski and Louis Attila (teacher of Eugene Sandow and many other famous strongmen) – one of the true forefathers of the Iron Game.

One of Hackenschmidt’s Favorite Exercises: Dumbbell Get-Up

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“Russian Lion” George Hackenschmidt, legendary strongman and wrestler, was truly an all-round lifter. He used barbells, dummbells, and kettlebells, and practiced all kinds of grinds and quick lifts.

Charles MacMahon: Kettlebell Juggling (1927)

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The juggling of kettle-bells is a broad subject and I will not attempt to outline all the juggling stunts that are possible, but will merely give you instructions on a few of the most common.

As the title states, you need a kettle-bell or two, or ring-weights with stationary handles.

Monte Saldo’s Secret of the First Ever Bodyweight Dumbbell Swing

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…actually, more than a bodyweight – 150 pounds (68 kg) at 143 (64, 8) pounds bodyweight!
We are of course talking about old-time strongman one-arm dumbbell swing, performed quite differently from today’s well know Hardstyle kettlebell swing or snatch.

Arthur, Oscar, and Arno Drink Beer and Lift Kettlebells: Fun with the Saxon Trio

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This is not a tutorial, so please don’t drink and lift, but the story is hilarious. These gentlemen were a) super STRONG b) fun!
W. A. Pullum shares in the foreword to Alexander Zass’ The Amazing Samson (1926) following story.

Siegmund Klein Teaches the Dumbbell Bent Press (1938)

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10 photos with detailed commentary by one of the last masters of bent press, legendary Siegmund Klein,from his excellent booklet How to Bent Press (1938)!