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Old-Time Strength: Hermann Goerner

May 23, 2007

(This is the first in a series looking at old time strongmen and bodybuilders and the training routines 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.)

Hermann Goerner (1891-1956), known in his heyday as Goerner the Mighty, was a strongman performer who was one of the most powerful men of his or any generation.

Goerner was from Leipzig, Germany and stood at about 6-1 and weighed between 264 and 293 pounds during his lifting and performing career.

His most famous strength feet was a one-handed deadlift of an amazing 727.5 pounds on an Olympic bar back in 1920 in Dresden, Germany. It’s a record that still stands. He also had an overhead press of 390 pounds and a snatch of 297.5 pounds. His overhead press was a world record as well, until John Davis lifted 391 in 1941. The record has been broken many times since.

Another stunt of Hermann’s was to write his name on a blackboard in chalk with a 110 lbs./50 kg. weight dangling from his thumb. Goerner is recognized by most strength historians as probably being the greatest exponent of gripping power in history.

Goerner 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 Snatch
One-Arm Clean & Jerk
Cleans
Snatches
Curls
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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Written by Brian Carson · Filed Under Old-School Workouts 

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