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Old-Time Strength: Arthur Saxon

(This is the second in a series looking at old time strongmen and bodybuilders and the training methods and programs they followed. Note: The set, reps and weight used will be left out so you can tailor the program to fit your needs and strength levels.)

Famous before the turn of the nineteenth century, German Arthur Saxon was considered, at one time, to be the strongest man in the world. At 5-10, 204 pounds, Saxon personified the ideal of the strongman at the end of the 19th and into the early 20th century.

Mustachioed, muscular, and lean, Saxon performed feats of strength that men heavier and more muscular couldn’t come close to matching.

Saxon was able to snatch 193 lbs, military press 252 lbs (with no jerk or leg movement, heels together and after holding the weight at the chin for four seconds before pressing) and one-hand slow press (bent press) 370 lbs. Saxon also did something called the “double-handed anyhow” where he raised a 336 lb barbell overhead with his right hand and then bent over, picked up a ring weight weighing 112 lbs that he lifted to his shoulder and then overhead for a world record total of 448 lbs.

The 370 pound bent press (show below) was, and still is, a world record that has never been matched. Saxon served in World War I and apparently suffered greatly from malnutrition during the conflict. He attempted to carry on his strongman act at the end of the war, but this was almost impossible in his weakened condition. He never really recovered from the deprivations of the war, and grew weaker with unsuspected tuberculosis. It was because of this that he became an easy prey to pneumonia. Arthur Saxon eventually died from complications on August 6, 1921. He was only 43 years of age.

Like most of the old-timers, Saxon believed in working one-handed lifts just as much as two-handed. The bent press is hardly performed anymore with heavy weight, simply because it’s too damn hard! If you do try this workout, I suggest you eliminate the bent press or use very light weight.

Saxon never had just one training program. He would vary his routines constantly and never had a set regimen. Here is one of the routines he followed.

Overhead Press
One-Arm Press
Bent Press
Snatch
Cleans
One-Arm Snatch
One-Arm Clean & Jerk
Deadlift

Notes: Train consistently 2-3 days per week and add weight to the bar whenever possible and get lots of rest, eat good food and drink plenty of water.

Understand that to be successful in any weight training program – hard work is a must! Half-hearted effort does nothing for you. If you’re new to weight training or grossly out of shape, consult a physician first. End of disclaimer.

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