Strength and How to Obtain It

Eugen Sandow, born Friedrich Wilhelm Müller on April 2, 1867, in Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia), was an iconic figure in the development of bodybuilding as a sport and entertainment spectacle in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sandow is often referred to as the 'Father of Modern Bodybuilding' and was a proponent of physical culture, emphasizing the artistic and health aspects of the well-developed body. His seminal work, 'Strength and How to Obtain It,' published in 1897, became a foundational text in the field of physical training and influenced generations of athletes and fitness enthusiasts. This book not only offered practical advice on exercise routines and diet but also introduced a philosophy of discipline and aesthetics that underpins many contemporary fitness principles. Sandow's approach was characterized by a combination of showmanship and scientific interest in kinetic anatomy, as he incorporated aspects of classical Greek sculpture into his presentations. His legacy includes the Sandow Trophy, awarded at the Mr. Olympia bodybuilding competition, cementing his impact on the discipline he helped to shape. Sandow's influence extended beyond the gymnasium, as he toured the world demonstrating his physique and strength, contributing to the burgeoning physical culture movement and setting the stage for the modern fitness industry.