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The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter, Issue #191. Discover Steve Reeves November 15, 2016 |
Hi
November 15, 2016
In this newsletter . . . Iconic Steve ReevesThrough the miracle of Internet technology, my website service provider can tell me what key words people most often type into their search engine boxes and arrive at Senior Exercise Central. When they type in someone's name, specifically, it is most often to get information about Steve Reeves. Following close behind him are John Grimek, Jack LaLanne, and Roy Hilligenn. Reeves passed away 16 years ago, in 2000; Grimek died in 1988, LaLanne in 2011, and Hilligenn in 2008. What these men had in common is that they are icons of the strength, bodybuilding and fitness world of the pre-steroid era. But they weren't just bodybuilding posers. They were athletic. Each man was an advocate of weight training and represented a pinnacle of achievement, but they did not march in lockstep. Each had his own approach to training, which I look at as evidence once again that no one single method is perfect for every person.
Getting back to Reeves, specifically: Although he’s been gone for more than a decade, people still write to ask how he trained to develop what many regard the most symmetrical physique ever seen. And no question about it, he possessed an ideal combination of genes along with the desire and dedication to make the most of what he had been given.In his book, Building the Classic Physique the Natural Way, he credits Ed Yarick as a true friend and his mentor. When I was a kid, living in a semi-rural town east of Oakland, California, I joined Yarick’s gym, based a great deal on stories about Reeves training there. However, by the time I arrived he had won the Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles and had gone on to Southern California for opportunities on the stage and in movies. A few of his training techniques may need to be tweaked a bit, based on current knowledge; but, overall, he was right on target. The methods he used as spelled out in his book are an antidote to much of the steroid-fueled craziness found in most of today’s muscle magazines. Some find it curious that Reeves left the world of stage and screen when he was a top box-office star internationally. But he was an independent guy who retired to married life on his small Southern California ranch where he raised Morgan horses. He continued training in his home gym up to the end of his life. He also kept in shape with his method of Power Walking, and wrote a book about it. As he grew older, he was smart enough to scale down his workouts and not injure himself. Instead of the heavy free weights he used in his younger years, he worked primarily with a Universal brand multi-station exercise machine and various cable arrangements that he tailored to fit his needs. From what I’ve heard, he remained strong right up to the end of his life. George Helmer was a friend and business partner of Reeves and heads the Steve Reeves International Society. In the following video, Helmer explains how Reeve’s used the Universal equipment to train in his home gym. I think any fan of Reeves will enjoy it. Please take a look here. Please Note: If you are developing a home gym of your own and want to include a multi-station exercise apparatus, make sure it is a substantial one. You can find cheap imitations at most sporting goods and department stores. But many of them won’t hold up. My advice is to bite the bullet and buy a good one, or don’t get one at all. If you like the newsletter, we're making it easy to share it . . . 
 Newsletter Policy The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter is a free publication sent twice monthly to subscribers. The purpose is to provide honest and realistic fitness information for people age 50 and above. I have never been paid or received compensation of any kind to write a positive review or endorse a product. If I say that I personally use a product or service, it is because I find value in it and have paid for it with my own money. Like newspapers, magazines and television, this newsletter and my web site contain advertising and marketing links. Naturally, I am compensated for these. The newsletter and web site provide information to help users establish and maintain a fitness lifestyle. But fitness information is not the same as fitness advice, which is the application of exercise and dietary practices to an individual's specific circumstances. Therefore, always consult with your physician for assurance that fitness information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate for you. Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom. |
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