Browse > Home / Old-School Workouts / Old-Time Strength: Bob Hoffman

Old-Time Strength: Bob Hoffman

June 25, 2007

(This is part of 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.)

Bob Hoffman – athlete, nutritionist, weightlifter, coach and philantropist – was born on a farm in Tifton, Georgia on Nov 9th 1898.

When Bob was five years old the family moved to Wilkinsburg near Pittsburgh where his athletic career started from a very young age. He was an exceptional athlete especially in aquatic sports – his favorite being canoeing.

His business started in the 1920s, at first selling oil burners, before developing into the massive York Barbell Company.

Hoffman, while never a great coach or great weightlifter, was a man who influenced and guided weightlifting, bodybuilding and nutrition for half a century. He died on July 18th, 1985 suffering heart disease and dementia.

Hoffman and his York Barbell Company are legendary in the weight game and many of bodybuilding’s elite trained at York for many years.

Here is a routine from Hoffman’s “Simplified System of Barball Training” that was published in the early 40s:

Snatch
Curls
Stiff-Legged Deadlift
Overhead Press
Rows
Shrugs
Squats
Calf Raises

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.

Get the Ultimate Old-School Workout Series
Don't miss out on this six-part series on classic, old-school training routines.
Name:
Email:
 
Powered by Optin Form Adder

Written by Brian Carson · Filed Under Old-School Workouts 

Comments

Got something to say?