Eugen Sandow truly reshaped physical culture, Scott. His innovative training and the Light Dumbbell System made a big impact. Despite some criticism, his legacy endures. How do you think Sandow’s methods compare to modern fitness techniques?🤔
Thanks for the comment, and great question! I am by no means an expert on the evolution of physical culture and fitness training methods and their evolution, but I think in some ways comparing the training methods of Sandow and the "Bronze Era" of lifters to the methods of modern lifters would be comparing apples to oranges on some level. Granted the goal of building the body is present in both instances but the available equipment for exercise in Sandow's time is crude in comparison. In many ways I've grown to appreciate the simplicity of barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells (as many training in present times have as well) and if one were to train with these implements a similar level of physical development would likely be achieved. However, if we consider the training of modern lifters, we have a level of specialization that wasn't present in Sandow's time. We have people who train for bodybuilding, weightlifting, powerlifting, strongman, general fitness, etc. These all of their own methods that have been experimented with and developed to achieve the greatest possible results in the specific disciplines. Plus today the equipment one has access to is unreal. Precision barbells, calibrated plates, ergonomic dumbbells, selectorized and plate loaded machines, accommodating resistance modalities, strongman implements, supportive gear, etc. As all this new equipment was developed and evolved, along with training methods, different focus on types of diets and nutrition, the influence of anabolics, etc we've seen an insane evolution in the development of the human body, strength, and performance. Is this better or worse? The answer is up to the individual as it is extremely subjective. Me? I have great respect for Sandow and his peers, not only for what they were capable of (which is absolutely mind-blowing when you consider all the circumstances) but for the impact of their physical culture movement that shaped the fitness industry as we know it today. I tend to favor the look of the Bronze and Silver Era individuals myself. Excellent question! What are your thoughts? And anyone else reading, please weigh in on this discussion if it interests you as well.
Thanks for the detailed response, Scott! I agree, comparing Sandow's methods to modern training is like apples to oranges. The evolution of equipment and specialization is impressive. I also respect the simplicity of the Bronze Era tools. Both past and present have their merits. Looking forward to hearing others' thoughts on this!👍
Eugen Sandow truly reshaped physical culture, Scott. His innovative training and the Light Dumbbell System made a big impact. Despite some criticism, his legacy endures. How do you think Sandow’s methods compare to modern fitness techniques?🤔
Thanks for the comment, and great question! I am by no means an expert on the evolution of physical culture and fitness training methods and their evolution, but I think in some ways comparing the training methods of Sandow and the "Bronze Era" of lifters to the methods of modern lifters would be comparing apples to oranges on some level. Granted the goal of building the body is present in both instances but the available equipment for exercise in Sandow's time is crude in comparison. In many ways I've grown to appreciate the simplicity of barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells (as many training in present times have as well) and if one were to train with these implements a similar level of physical development would likely be achieved. However, if we consider the training of modern lifters, we have a level of specialization that wasn't present in Sandow's time. We have people who train for bodybuilding, weightlifting, powerlifting, strongman, general fitness, etc. These all of their own methods that have been experimented with and developed to achieve the greatest possible results in the specific disciplines. Plus today the equipment one has access to is unreal. Precision barbells, calibrated plates, ergonomic dumbbells, selectorized and plate loaded machines, accommodating resistance modalities, strongman implements, supportive gear, etc. As all this new equipment was developed and evolved, along with training methods, different focus on types of diets and nutrition, the influence of anabolics, etc we've seen an insane evolution in the development of the human body, strength, and performance. Is this better or worse? The answer is up to the individual as it is extremely subjective. Me? I have great respect for Sandow and his peers, not only for what they were capable of (which is absolutely mind-blowing when you consider all the circumstances) but for the impact of their physical culture movement that shaped the fitness industry as we know it today. I tend to favor the look of the Bronze and Silver Era individuals myself. Excellent question! What are your thoughts? And anyone else reading, please weigh in on this discussion if it interests you as well.
Thanks for the detailed response, Scott! I agree, comparing Sandow's methods to modern training is like apples to oranges. The evolution of equipment and specialization is impressive. I also respect the simplicity of the Bronze Era tools. Both past and present have their merits. Looking forward to hearing others' thoughts on this!👍