The Way to Live in Health & Physical Fitness

by George Hackenschmidt

THE WAY TO LIVE IN HEALTH & PHYSICAL FITNESS BY GEORGE HACKENSCHMI.

Genres: Fitness, Health, Philosophy

156 pages, Paperback

First published February 28, 2011

About the author

Georg Karl Julius Hackenschmidt was an early 20th-century Estonian Swedestrongman, professional wrestler, author, and sports philosopher who is recognized as professional wrestling's first world heavyweight champion who debuted in 1896 and retired in 1911.

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is worth reading for historical purposes only. It is a quick read and for the most part it is fairly interesting. It is not very useful in terms of practical, modern-day weightlifting. I am not saying this as a so-called "enlightened" modern who looks with scorn on the past. For the most part I agree with everything strongman Arthur Saxon says. Hackenschmidt's book, though, simply isn't as good as Saxon's.

Saxon's book(s) was more focused and probably more scientifically accurate. Hackenschmidt's impressive frame is probably more due to good genetics and decades of safe lifting than to any superior technique. Having read everything Pavel Tsatsouline, Arnold, much of Saxon and a good bit of Sandow, there is little that Hackenschmidt will say that adds anything new.

Even granting that this book does have useful advice (even which I am not so sure), it certainly isn't worth the advertised cost and the diligent reader can find it for free in pdf form at Sandow's website.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting read, the view of an athlete from more than a century ago.
Most principles/concepts on training (for strength) still apply, even though the detailed programm cannot be recommended in that fashion anymore. G.H. possessed the mindset of an athlete, he was phenomenal. In this way, reading his thoughts on life and training is inspiring.
Unfortunately, the "biography" part is just a retelling of his wrestling matches, nothing about his personal life.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone who disparages this book simply hasn't tried to exercise the way George laid forth.

Certainly modern techniques are more affective and safer. There are definitely superior resources for those who want to achieve a body as impressive as George himself had.

But, the techniques are sound. The mental state George advocates is particularly powerful and perhaps the hardest aspect to master or practice. He came from an era without steroids' or SARMs, and achieved something still impressive to this day.

[Tommy Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting insight into bodybuilding and fitness from a different century written by a true legend. The storytelling leaves a lot to be desired though.

[Prateek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lot of myths and misinformation was cleared. An absolute classic to get back to basics rather than stuck in the pop fads.

[Mark Velasco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

This is a wonderful book written by one of the greatest athletes ever. If you are a strength athlete or combative athlete you will enjoy this book.

[Zo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this book to gain a historical perspective on what physical fitness looked like and how it has evolved over time. The knowledge we have now, compared to what they had over 100 years ago isn’t very different. We are meant to move and not be stagnant. We need fresh air.
If we take care of our bodies, our minds will improve (the other way around is also true).
Overall, it’s a good little book.