#124 Too much?
Dr. Ken Leistner’s essay “Too Much?” dismantles the myth that ever-increasing volume drives powerlifting success, pointing to early champions who thrived on concise, focused routines centered on the squat, bench...
Ken Leistner |
Ken Leistner
#124 Too much?
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#69 Talking Diversity in Lifting Ability Part Five
Most lifters are drawn to the gym by the desire to look strong and only later discover competitive lifting. Figures like Denis Reno then guide newcomers directly into Olympic weightlifting...
Ken Leistner |
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#70 What Don't You Get
Dr. Ken Leistner outlines how old-school lifters combined multi-joint exercises—squat, bench, deadlift, press, rows—and periodic high-rep phases to build balanced strength, conditioning, and resilience. He argues that modern narrow specialization...
Ken Leistner |
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#71 What Don't You Get? Part 2
This article highlights how older powerlifters embraced a varied, inclusive approach—incorporating squat, bench, deadlift, press, rows, and high-rep phases—to foster balanced development, reduce injuries, and extend competitive careers. It contrasts...
Ken Leistner |
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#15
Dr. Ken Leistner traces the history of powerlifting equipment, highlighting the shift from improvised standard bars to York Olympic barbells, the rise of Powerlifting USA magazine’s role in unifying the...
Ken Leistner |
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#14 More on Plates!
Dr. Ken Leistner reflects on decades of strength-training gear, detailing the precision milling of York Olympic plates, the rise and pitfalls of various brands like Billard and Lurie, and how...
Ken Leistner |
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#13 PLUSA and Some California Plates.
Dr. Ken Leistner revisits the “Golden Era” West Coast lifting scene, sharing tales of unsafe makeshift racks, BFCO and custom Zuver plates, and his stint delivering Nautilus equipment—revealing how quality...
Ken Leistner |
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#12 You're Taking Your Life in Your Hands.
Dr. Ken Leistner recounts his first odd lift contest—emphasizing duplicated uniforms, hard-boiled eggs, and makeshift nutrition in the face of nerves. He highlights how varied equipment—from standard storefront bars to...
Ken Leistner |
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#11 The Jackson Barbell (Part II)
Dr. Ken Leistner chronicles Andy Jackson’s solo operation—drilling, milling, knurling, and finishing Olympic bars and plates in a New Jersey basement. He highlights Jackson’s precision craftsmanship (from reinforced hubs to...
Ken Leistner |
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#10 The Jackson Barbell
Dr. Ken Leistner recalls garage-gym odd lift contests using York and Jackson bars, shares Ray Rigby’s feats as an Olympian-turned-powerlifter, and details Andy Jackson’s precision milling of Olympic barbells in...
Ken Leistner |
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#9 York, Weider, and Jackson
Dr. Ken Leistner chronicles the pioneers of mid-20th century strength training—from York Barbell’s gold standard and Joe Weider’s supplement and publishing empire, to Charles Atlas’s mentorship, Dan Lurie’s muscular legacy,...
Ken Leistner |
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#8 Early Awareness, Bars and Plates.
Trace early powerlifting—from teenage magazine obsession and YMCA rigs to quality bars, plates, and Jay Rosciglione’s St. Louis crew.
Ken Leistner |
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#7 Let's Keep Talking About These Classic Equipment
Dr. Ken Leistner recounts the ingenuity of 1960s home gyms—welding homemade racks at Koenig Iron Works, visiting Weider HQ’s “Dungeon,” and braving a blizzard to snag a York power rack....
Ken Leistner |
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#6 An Introduction to Equipment.
This article traces the journey of strength training equipment—from crude, homemade rigs in the 1960s basements to commercial racks in top gyms—highlighting the role of dedicated athletes and innovators. It...
Ken Leistner |