Timeline of Resistance Training in the U.S.
Mid–Late 1800s – Physical Culture Movement
German Turner clubs introduce structured exercise.
William Blaikie publishes How To Get Strong (1879).
The first Turner Society was formed in Cincinnati, OH, in 1848. The National Organization was formed in 1850. By 1874, there were 74 chapters with 4500 (male) members. Eventually, this climbed to 10000 members by 1860.
Early 1900s – Barbell & Publishing Boom
Alan Calvert founds Milo Bar-bell Company (1902).
Launch of Strength magazine (1914), the first U.S. strength training periodical.
Alan Calvert launched Strength Magazine in part to promote his barbells, but also to spread his ideas about health and fitness
Early 20th Century – Strongmen & Shows
Al Treloar was a bodybuilder, athletic trainer, author, and artist’s model. He was the first-ever winner of an international bodybuilding contest.
Eugen Sandow’s 1901 “Greatest Show” was actually The Great Competition, widely considered the world’s first major bodybuilding contest.
1940s–1950s – Organized Bodybuilding
The brothers Joe and Ben Weider co-founded the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) in 1946 in Montreal, Canada.
The key reason for forming the IFBB was to gain control of the sport and separate it from the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), which largely viewed physique contests as a sideshow to competitive weightlifting.
They wanted to provide a platform for athletes to compete in major contests, eventually leading to their most famous event, the Mr. Olympia, which they created in 1965.
The IFBB held its first Mr. America contest in 1949, and the winner was Alan Stephan.
Mr. Olympia was established in 1960s, with Larry Scott becoming the first-ever Mr. Olympia winner in 1965.
1960s–1970s – The Golden Era
Gold’s Gym in Santa Monica becomes the hub of bodybuilding culture.
Arnold Schwarzenegger & Pumping Iron popularize bodybuilding.
Muscle Beach is the famous name given to two separate, but historically linked, outdoor gym and recreation areas on the coast of Southern California.
It is considered the “Birthplace of the Physical Fitness Boom” in the United States.
Dave Draper’s television appearances in the late 1960s illustrate how bodybuilding was moving from a niche fad to gaining public attention at the time.
He appeared in three notable shows:
The Beverly Hillbillies (1967): He played himself in the episode titled, “Mr. Universe Muscles In.”
The Monkees (1967): He was featured in the October 16 episode, “I Was a 99-lb. Weakling.”
Here Come the Brides (1969): He appeared in the December 19 episode, “Lorenzo Bush.”
1969 – Sports Conditioning Breakthrough
Boyd Epley hired as the first full-time strength coach at University of Nebraska.
Foundation for modern athletic training programs.
1980s–2000s – Powerlifting & Elite Methods
Louie Simmons (Westside Barbell) introduces conjugate method.
Inventions like the reverse hyper machine change strength training.
1980s – Fitness for Everyone
Public health campaigns + women’s movement = “Everyone should exercise.”
Richard Simmons makes fitness inclusive and fun.
Today – Universal Health Essential
Resistance training recognized for strength, mobility, longevity, and disease prevention.
A staple for athletes and everyday people alike.
