I have a separate entry under "Physique" where I make a differentiation between Physique (body models) and Bodybuilders. This section is devoted to legendary bodybuilders and gym rats who stayed mainly in the aesthetic Iron Game throughout their lives.

Personally, I didn't really understand "bodybuilding" or start going to a gym until I was 49 when I hired a trainer, Blake Harrison. The goal was to help me transform into the best version of myself - for my 50th birthday. Learning about bodybuilding with Blake literally changed the trajectory of my life.

Since then (2014), I have amassed a huge collection of bodybuilding autographs, books and magazines. I've also dug deeply into the history of bodybuilding, nutrition and fitness. Most importantly, I've fully embraced a life of fitness, which includes strength training. I've made long lasting friendships with guys that share my passion, and the world of the gym and fitness has allowed me to help via mentorship and also to LEARN from younger people's POV.

A big shout out to Angel H. whose shared interest in bodybuilding, fitness and philosophy has cemented an intergenerational bond and meaningful friendship that is unparalleled. All because of the gym and my initial interest in the ego-based focus of bodybuilding, hypertrophy and gym aesthetics. I'm older, wiser and have different gym goals - but my knowledge and interest in the world of bodybuilding is still keen.

I'll revisit this page later and populate it with many bodybuilder autographs and books from my collection. In the meantime, for this initial placeholder, I am including just three notable bodybuilders as the tip of the iceberg.

EUGEN SANDOW – "The Father of Modern Bodybuilding". Eugen was the FIRST to showcase the male body, not just for strength (like strong men in the circus), but as a publicly acceptable form of entertainment to simply look at a barely clothed man's physique on stage under lights. It is Eugen and HIS body which are still on the Mr. Olympia trophy. I will share a lot more about Eugen, including an authentic vintage autograph and the interesting facts that I've gleaned from the biographies on his life. Very complex and interesting. And I will also share my collection of Mr. Olympia winners; coming soon.

I’ve got autographs from every Mr. Olympia from Larry Scott (1965, 1966) through Jay Cutler (2006, 2007, 2009, 2010) and I’ve even spent 3 days with Frank Zane and visited with Chris Dickerson.  My interest in Mr. Olympia wanes when the beasts started to win and I’m more a fan of the Silver and Golden Eras of Bodybuilding.  I’ll build another section devoted entirely to Mr. Olympia, including autographs from the super-rare Sergio Oliva.  And yes, Arnold.

In the meantime, please note that the picture of an almost entirely nude Eugen was a popular cabinet card in 1892. This nearly pornographic photo is showcased here to highlight why sports, wrestling, boxing, bodybuilding and other "macho past-times" can be considered homoerotic. You can clearly see how the very first famous bodybuilder promoted himself (in the picture that requires a double-take) and ask yourself whether this seems like something marketed purely towards women and straight men. The eye of the beholder, indeed. Eugen knew his audience.

Sandow was the VERY FIRST filmed bodybuilder doing a solo pose-down as filmed by Thomas Edison in 1894

JOHN GRIMEK - He was known as "The Monarch of Muscledom" and was one of the first mainstream models on muscle magazine covers - often featured because of his symmetry, definition and awesome posing skills. His cover photo on “Strength and Health” from the early 40’s as shown here (I’ve got an original copy) is a piece of art.  That is a NATTY body.  John Grimek sought out steroids as he got older in the 1950’s and he said they made his body look worse! As Bill Pearl said: “Grimek had “the greatest physique of the first half of the 20^th century”.  He was a specimen of male perfection.  The pose has been replicated by many, but John Grimek was inimitable. You'll also see here a rare vintage autograph of Grimek. Note that time and again, I will show you how posing in the nude was a completely innocent (non-gay) norm for many bodybuilders back in the day. More on that later - but you can check out my entry on Jack LaLanne for another perspective and some pix on "nude is normal". Why there is no biography on John Grimek is beyond me. Here's a vintage clip where you can watch Grimek make his stomach wave, do the shimmy and more!

DANNY PADILLA - The Giant Killer - I am including Danny Padilla here for the simple reason that he is one of my favorites. His contribution to the golden age of Olympia is often minimized or overlooked, but Danny kicked ass with his beautiful symmetry and ultra-defined physique. He may be only 5'2", but he is iconic and he wasn't called "The Giant Killer" for nothing. Danny knew how to develop his body, pose beautifully and compete with the best of them. He has verve and I admire his tenacity overcoming the underdog label. I was lucky enough to find Danny in 2023 and, gentleman that he is, he graciously signed these (and other photos) for me.  Danny Padilla is overdue for his props as one the top tier legends from the Golden Era of Bodybuilding! And his lashes in the 3/4 profile ...Kardashian envy, cuz they're really his. See this amazing footage of Danny at his peak ....

Later, I’ll build out this section to include so many others from the Golden Era that are in my collection.  Forthcoming is Tom Platz (The Quadfather), Bob Paris, Robby Robinson, Kevin Levrone, Bill Pearl, Boyer Coe, Flex Wheeler, Shawn Ray, Lou Ferrigno, Serge Nubret and so many more …

Meanwhile, for those who are interested in unfettered, factual, and insightful books on the history of bodybuilding I suggest: “Muscle, Smoke and Mirrors” by Randy Roach (all 3 volumes – HIGHLY comprehensive!) and “Muscle Wars” by insightful, intelligent, and outstanding bodybuilder Rick Wayne (frequent writer/contributor to Joe Weider publications).

Or if you want the salacious roman a clef with dirt (although the names - Arnold and Franco/Frank? have been changed), you can read “Bodybuilders, Drugs and Sex” by Thomas Minichiello or "The Iron Game" (Ken Sprague aka Dakota?) by Dave Carter. Both of these books are expensive collectibles and hard to find. The former can be had for $100 or less, but "The Iron Game" is NEVER to be found. Usually it is sold at auctions. There must be a limited number of printed copies. Mine is actually autographed by the author on the back cover. I found it for $100 Buy It Now on eBay during the pandemic. Jumped on that!

Let’s close out with a thorough documentary on The Father of Bodybuilding: "Rogue Legends: Eugen Sandow"