Strength and How to Obtain It

by Eugen Sandow

Recognized as the father of modern bodybuilding, Victorian strongman and showman Eugen Sandow discloses his bodybuilding strategies and techniques, and outlines his requirements for success.In this illustrated edition of a 1897 bodybuilding classic, exercise titan, Eugen Sandow delivers a treasure trove of strength training wizdom and timeless bodybuilding knowledge.Memorable Illustrations and fascinating historical references, capture the look and feel of the time, as Sandow takes you on a personal journey through the physical exercise world of the late 1800’s, describing in detail his methods of building strength and the pivotal events of his professional career. Filled with in-depth insights and practical advice, this book is a must-read for new and experienced bodybuilders alike.Inside Sandow How to ExerciseThe Secret of The Cold BathHis Tables of AgesHis Childhood and BoyhoodHis First Hour in AmericaHis Lion Fight in San FranciscoAnd so much more!

Genres: Fitness

139 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2002

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating and encouraging book. The title is a bit misleading and Sandow doesn't exactly outline an exercise plan or program. However he talks about the benefits of strength, health, exercise etc. There is a fantastic autobiography comprising the second half of this short book. Sandow is a very interesting character, as the first body builder in modern history basing his physique off of the Greek and Roman statues he found in European museums. Sandow is credited with creating the 'Grecian Ideal' a body type that has been idealized and pursued by proponents of fitness and aesthetics. The book in many ways is also interesting as a historical product of its time and gives insight into the origins of the modern fitness movement.

[Michał Hołda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pioneer in bodybuilding, very accurate about subject of building mussels & maintaining strength. Because not to exercise is crime to nature and the biggest secret which is not secret is that you have to use your mind.

[Cris Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of Eugen Sandow on Rogue's documentary " The Rogue Legends Series - Chapter 1: Eugen Sandow".

The book and the documentary tell the life of Eugen, who was a weak kid that trained himself to be a really strong guy. He eventually made a living from his strenght shows, bodybuilding program, and selling workout equipment.

The circus ambiance can seem a little bit ridiculous to us now, but most of his feats are still quite impressive:



Pretty cool guy if you ask me.

[Joel Marbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could’ve dived more into actual training routines etc. Having said that, five stars because it brought me value that is greatly impacting my approach to training and performance/execution of exercises.

[James Robert Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit less than what I had imagined due to how overhyped Sendow is by greats like Schwarzenegger, Pavel Tsatsouline, & others. But still worth a read.

[briek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical artifact but mostly tall tales

[Tech Nossomy · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the first books to popularise the idea of body building. Split in two parts: the first on rudimentary anatomy and training and the second on auto-biographical experiences as a show-man. The text reads as if redacted by a professional author for readership gains. For historical interest only.

Available on Project Gutenberg.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read over the life of a man who could be said to be the father of modern body building. Eugene Sandow was an undoubtedly amazing individual who pioneered a new form of exercise in order to achieve preset measurements. However in true Victorian fashion he was an over the top self publishing showman and so the stories of some of his feats must surely be taken with a pinch of salt. Sadly in true Victorian fashion there is an overtone of class structure and snobbery as well as two very definite episodes of outright racism in his writing. Never the less an enjoyable and interesting look into a very niche area of Victorian society.

[Derrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and quick read that reveals important info about the history of bodybuilding and weightlifting -- including the marketing, as the e-book includes a number of vintage ads for Sandow's exercise equipment and an egg-white nutrient powder he sold called Plasmon.

Half the book is memoir, though. It reminds me a lot of Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder in that way: half how-to and half autobiography.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book on vintage strength training techniques.

I found some of the advice hard to follow, and I'm not sure I believe that he wrestled a lion or lifted a horse above his head, but to have the reputation that he does, I am sure he was a pretty strong guy!

[Christopher Nance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only briefly goes into methods of strength training, it is mostly filled with tall stories from his life (many of which seem highly exaggerated)

[Darius · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did NOT expect this book to be that crappy. There's literally nothing of value.