The Textbook of Weightlifting - Arthur Saxon
Since starting this blog, I’ve made a few references to the Sandowplus.co.uk website. It is absolutely loaded with training material from the past. You could literally spend days reading through the texts. There is that much material.
One of the better books in my opinion comes from Saxon himself. Here is the direct link to the full program:
Before you head to the link however, I suggest that you set aside some time to actually read through the text. Many may be eager to jump to the exercise photos, but you’ll really miss out on some worthwhile reading. It is shocking that this book was published in 1905.
For example, Saxon addresses the critics of strength training. He cites many common arguments against the use of weights (remember, this was from 1905!):
Now, the chief objection which the opponents of weight-lifting always advance is that it makes a man slow and cumbrous.
He then goes on to say:
Further than that, it is and has been contended that by developing one’s strength to the degree of coping with weights of two or three hundredweight, a man will transform himself into a species of clumsy elephant… In short, totally incapable of anything resembling delicacy or skill…
*******
Saxon then goes on to dispel these myths, even citing examples from the sport of boxing. The book then moves on to various exercise demonstrations. You’ll find everything from one hand barbell work, to dumbbell swings, to kettlebell lifts, and more. It’s all there, and this was over 100 years ago.
I find it almost humorous that the arguments against strength work are still around today. Saxon was a living example of his theories. He was strong, powerful, and athletic. It is unfortunate that so many still struggle to hear and apply his message.
I suppose there will always be critics in the world. They don’t want to listen, and often don’t even know what they are arguing for or against.
Ross
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It goes to show you that there isn’t anything new under the sun, we are just “re-learning” if you will. Great find Ross and thanks for the heads up.
Its crazy to think that some of these exercises are just becoming popular now, and these guys were doing them all those years ago.
Ross, I’d seen that website before, but had forgotten it. Thanks for the reminder. Also, do you notice the size of the waist on most of them? They’re not fat, but have what appear to be rather large waists…as I guess is needed for good transfer of strength. On another note, do you know much about the typical diet they followed. I don’t see much written out it, but I would guess it was pretty standard to all of them and a function of what was available to them at the time.
Ross,
Andy here! Great blog post! Very inspiring.
Man..after starting your Infinite Intensity Training Progam (on Day 9) - I have appreciated so much of the information I got just by reading your book from cover to cover, intensely reading and learning at the same time (got my journal going at the workout log thread). To actually do your workouts and apply one of Saxons famous moves (the Saxon Side bend)- and many other moves I’ve never been accustomed to doing and feeling the effects it has on the body - I have a newfound appreciation of what of what it really means to be fit.
And it aint all just muscles!
I’m sure it was Grimek who was once asked if weight-training made him muscle bound, so he jumped up landed in the splits and said:
“It’ll do for me!”