Is it true...what they say about Weider?"

HERE ARE THE FACTS SO THAT YOU CAN DECIDE FOR YOURSELF

BY JOSEPH WEIDER, Muscle Builder - Trainer of Champions

MILITARY stratigists agree; wars are not won until the last battle is fought. Until then, any antagonist remains dangerous, capable of vicious attack.

Not all wars are contested with bullets, blood, armies of trained men. Often the pen supersedes the sword in bitter conflict. The printed word, when true, can stem the forces of evil, root out the blight of decadency and channel the thoughts and acts of people to lofty ideals. When false, the words must be quickly obliterated, before they lead to confusion, doubt, even the disastrous undermining of the very structures of decency among men.

Unless expediently crushed, one line, permitted to survive, can lead to another, more vile than the first, eventually mushrooming into a diobolical fantasy of untruths which some may believe.

The most despicable lies, are those which affect many. Call a man a liar, a thief, to his face, even when untrue, and you offend only him. The issue can then be directly met, man to man and brought to a conclusion. Denounce a man before a multitude, and you offend all his friends and followers, leaving him no recourse than to publicly refute the lies.

History reveals that those who are most often attacked openly in printed word, are the crusaders, men of high ideals who possess the fortitude of purpose to unselfishly advance human betterment ideas.

Such forceful personalities must, by necessity, tread on the toes of lesser important individuals who they attack because they have been dethroned from their positions of dominance in the field.

During the past 15 years, I have worked night and day to elevate the science of weight training to its present position of high acclaim. In doing so, I have scientifically debunked old fashioned training methods, hammering them into the depths of oblivion, presenting in their place, modern, enlightened exercise procedures.

My competitors have battled me every inch of the way. They resented the popularity of the set series, flushing routines, split programs, cheating exercises, forced reps, peak contraction and other exclusive Weider principles. Self styled authorities mouthed warnings such as this typical cautioning note from Harry 'Bosco' Paschall; "The horrible looking physiques of some of the leading protoganists of this 'forced' rep practice is warning enough. These bloated tissue tortureres, have ruined their physiques and can never become prize winners."

Other juvenile pen pushers followed this hysterical lead and chimed in with muttered suggestions that Weider Methods of bodybuilding weakened the heart, caused rupture, undermined the internal organs, robbed a man of masculinity. . .

Still, despite this blistering, adolescent attack, week after week, month after month, year after year, the world learned about Weider Methods, tested them, found the results to be to their liking and hundreds of thousands deserted the old, for the new in bodybuilding.

At first my competitors attacked only my principles. This, even though champion after champion endorsed my methods. Time after time I was forced to disprove their accusations; forced to use valuable space in my magazines for this purpose when it would have been so much better utilized for constructive weight training advice.

In each issue, I stopped them cold in their tracks. They never won a battle in the war of muscles. Recently, they have altered their strategy--and for a very good reason.

Reprinted in this issue is an article which appeared during the past several months in the British Medical Journal The author, a medical doctor, who has been scientifically studying and evaluating the benefits of weight training for years, has arrived at the conclusion that not only is bodybuilding a healthy sport, but the most modern, most beneficial version, is, the one advocated by the Weider System.

Confronted by this proof of our superiority of exercise approach, as expounded by the Weider System for many years, these ersatz authorities have eventually fallen in line and now avow that the very principles we developed and brought to the bodybuilding world are in reality principles they approved of all the time. Just why they never thought to present these ideas to the public before Weider is not disclosed. The reader should have little difficulty in figuring that out.

In reversing their stand, my competitors continue to wage war. But now that my methods of training have been established as being the best, they sink lower in their attack in an attempt to defile me as a person.

Recently in Hoffman's magazine , he prints a letter, signed by George Eiferman suggesting that I have exploited this great Mr. America winner for personal gain. Eiferman does not say so in his letter. An editor's note following it imparts that impression. My organization is also referred to as a 'ghost writing' concern. What are the facts?

I have never claimed George Eiferman as a pupil. I have consistently stressed the fact that all any instructor can do is to start a beginner right, protect him from making errors, teach him the important bodybuilding principles and then, it is up to the individual to train hard to make himself a champion.

I have trained with George Eiferman. I personally have seen him perform the set series, cheating, flushing and other Weider Principles in his training at a time when our competitors were claiming that these methods would ruin a bodybuilder's physique! So the man my competitors point to as being a product of their system, thought enough of Weider methods to follow my Principles in his training at a time when they were being condemned by my critics! Point one, in their attack against me is herewith dispensed, in my favor.

Concerning 'ghost writing.' Literary ability is a specialized skill. Few individuals master the art. The bodybuilder, devoting long hours to his training, frequently has neither the inclination nor ability to write. Still, followers of the game want to know, and should know, his exact training ideas, the exercises he performs, the sets, repetitions, frequency of work-out.

The most expedient manner of getting the star's viewpoints across to his audience is to let him briefly outline his principles to a capable writer. The writer then composes the article for magazine reproduction, keeping the star's ideas intact, merely arranging them in interesting writing style. The star reviews the finished manuscript and if there is anything contrary to his opinion in it, this is deleted.

George Eiferman was interviewed by one of my staff writers for the articles appearing under his name in my magazines. Copies of each article were presented to him for approval, before printed. We have the original manuscripts of these articles in our files, in which every page was approved and initialled by Eiferman. If, as Hoffman suggests, we have violated Mr. Eiferman's rights in any respect, damages in his favor should easily be collectable in court.

Of course we pay the champions for all articles used, whether from their own pens or if whipped into writing style by one of our staff. Our concern is getting their message to the public, so that readers can benefit. Without ghost writers' much less would be known about the training ideas of the stars.

Ghost writing, therefore, is not a condemnable practice. It is rather, a necessity--the essential link between the champion and the public for the mutual gain of all.

Knowing George Eiferman well, I feel certain that he had no idea his letter would be used to point against me in this manner. I expect that when I next see him, that he will prepare a denouncement in my behalf.

. . . .

While on the topic of exploitation, the case of Marvin Eder should be clarified. Hoffman has consistently declared that acts on my part made Marvin ineligible for competitive weightlifting due to professionalism.

This, despite the fact that I personally made every effort to have Marvin re-instated and fully believe that if he had been the results of this year's world championship weightlifting competition might have been more favorable to the U. S. Marvin is capable of at 350 press, 320 snatch, 400 clean and jerk for a 1070 total in the three Olympic Lifts as a middle heavyweight. Hoffman knows this, still while crying crocodile tears about Marvin's professionalism, he blocked every move to have him re-instated. Besides spoiling U. S. chances for a weightlifting championship, this actually broke Marvin's heart, and he has given up weightlifting, the sport he loved so much.

In full answer to Hoffman's accusations that I was responsible for making Marvin a professional, I now reprint the following letter. The original is available for anyone to see on request.

Nov. 12th, 1953

Mr. Joseph Weider
16 Hopkins Ave.;
Jersey City, N. J.

Dear Mr. Weider:

This is to state that you have never at any time acted inimical to my interests. Any actions which may have tended to professionalize me have been my own.

Signed:
Marvin Eder.

With the lies concerning George Eiferman and Marvin Eder now disposed of, the final accusation against my character requires consideration.

. . .

In the same issue of Hoffman's magazine that he reprints George Eiferman's letter, he also reproduces a statement from Reg Park's Journal, printed in England, in which Reg disclaims any association with me, or my organization. Reg also states that I incorrectly refer to him as a pupil and falsely use his testimonial in advertising. What are the facts?

First, it is true that Reg Park is not associated with me in any business. My branch in England is headed by Josh Joshua and an article to that effect appeared in Muscle Power Magazine more than a year ago.

However, when Reg Park first visited this country some 4 years ago, I was impressed with his sincerity, his personal enthusiasm for the game, his desire to learn and to advance.

Accordingly, I literally took him under my wing. To say that he was my pupil is an understatement. Not only did I supervise every phase of his training for his greatest contest victories, but I taught him the most intimate details of business management, as related to operating a barbell business.

My intentions were clear; mutually acceptable to Reg and myself. He was to follow my instructions in training; to earn world fame, and then he was to operate my branch in England, where he could bring Weider Methods and Equipment to Britons.

Reg trained hard, made amazing progress, proved to be a willing, industrious student. Following my Weider Methods he won world fame; captured the titles of Mr. Europe, America's Most Perfect Athlete and Mr. Universe. His name became a symbol of greatness in the game and after two years of personal supervision, I knew that he was ready to represent me in England and to protect my good name over there.

I financed the starting of the business, prepared several issues of his magazine in advance, supplied him with patterns for weights, invested thousands of dollars in him.

All this--the investment of money, the time I spent in teaching Reg business procedure; the unselfish way that I helped him in every way that I could was done solely because of my great confidence in the man as a person and a bodybuilder.

It was with some surprise, and concern, then, when several months later I made a trip to England to check on his progress and business operations to discover that the head of my British branch was not Reg Park, but his father.

I quickly learned that Reg's father dominated every phase of the business, indicated sales policy, tightly grasped the company's reins. Reg was a figure head, nothing more.

This condition I had not bargained for. With all due respect to the Senior Mr. Park's business acumen, I was of the opinion then, and still am, that only a bodybuilder, one whose heart and soul is in the game can best serve other bodybuilder's interests.

Bodybuilding is not the same as other type businesses. Only a man who has personally experienced the thrill of building himself up from weakness to physical power can fully appreciate the dreams and problems of other beginners in the game. Only he knows the importance of given such pupils sincere, honest attention, to guide them properly, to make sure that they get the most from their efforts in the game.

To me, Reg Park's father, having no bodybuilding background, couldn't possibly conduct the business in the manner I knew that it would have to be, if the best interests of British bodybuilders were to be served. His cold, impersonal approach was in complete violation of the depth of feeling I inject into my own business and I knew that as long as he was the head of this English branch that I couldn't, with integrity, entrust my good name to his care.

I told this to Reg Park, and while he agreed, I found that he was powerless to shake off the controlling power of his father. I was upset, naturally. I still liked Reg immensely. Wanted to help him in every way; hoped that something could be worked out where he would take over the active head of the business in place of his father. I stayed in England a month trying to work out some solution.

When none could be found, despite my whole hearted efforts, and it becomes apparent that Reg's father would continue to conduct the business according to his own ideas which were in disagreement with my own, my only recourse was the dissolution of our business connection-with the deepest of regrets.

I was fortunate to secure the services of Josh Joshua, whose long bodybuilding career and business sincerity qualified him completely to head my English branch. That my choice was a wise one, has been proved by the great growth and popularity of Weider Methods in England during the past several years.

When our business relations were severed, no offer was made by Reg Park, Sr. to repay me the monies I had advanced to start Reg, Jr. in business. I am yet to receive any of the thousands I put into the company to give it a start. I have made no effort for legal collection, for I still like Reg and wish him every success. In fact, I fully believe that if it were up to Reg, repayment would have been made a long time ago. His father has blocked all such financial settlement. This clearly illustrates why I was forced to make a change once I realized the type of business conduct which could be expected from the Senior Mr. Park.

However, despite my generosity in this instance, Mr. Park has shown no appreciation. He continues to dominate the business I started for Reg and has shown every resentment to the progress being made by Josh Joshua. He has tried to spread untruths, usually without the knowledge of Reg Park, Jr. I feel sure, and in every way has worked against my interests in England. Still, my magazine and equipment sales there enjoy a huge volume, while the business which Reg. Park's father heads has lost ground.

I am certain that Reg Park, Jr. did not instigate the original appearance of his letter against me, or its reprinting in Hoffman's magazine. I cannot believe that he would willfully falsify the facts in this manner. For Reg knows that he did train under me. He sincerely endorsed my products and system. I have on file, a statement from him which reads in part "I hereby give Mr. Joseph Weider permission to use my name and photos in his ads and articles as his pupil . . . ." Signed: Reg Park, Jr.

The fact that Reg Park illustrated the exercises used in his articles should serve as additional proof that he did follow them in his training and was glad to pose for them so that readers could learn how he trained. I can vouch that I saw Reg use every exercise illustrated by him in my magazines in his training.

In fact, many of the articles used in my magazines, written by Reg Park have been reprinted by him in his own magazines! He would hardly use such articles in the Reg Park Journal if they didn't meet with his approval.

And--this is of even greater importance. Reg Park still continues to follow Weider Methods in his training! Recently we had the pleasure of having as our guest a Mr. Antonio Fernandes, of Lisbon, Portugal, who had spent some time with Reg in England. Antonio told us that Reg follows training methods identical to the ones we use in our own work-outs, and which we instructed Antonio in during his training stay with us!

These are the facts! The accusations of my critics are false! They know this. Still, they continue to wage war, to besmirch me, those I employ, my idealistic principles in bodybuilding.

They fool no one. And as I grow bigger in the game, I expect their futile attacks to increase in vicious intensity. It is the price I must pay for freedom of expression and for bringing the truth to everyone.

And, while my critics are lowering themselves with their virulent utterances, I hold malice toward none. When I retort, as I must, I am not blinded with hate. Instead I continue to perceive with true perspective. I know, regardless of attempts to make him appear otherwise, that George Eiferman is still my friend, and I continue to admire him for what he stands for in the game. I know that Reg Park, Jr., is not an active party in this attack against. me. To me he has not changed from the vital, energetic, ethical young man whom I once helped. Yes, I can honestly say that I helped him in many ways which regular readers of my magazines know very well. However, for those who may be misled by the current war of propaganda against me, I say, don't take my word. Instead, for your benefit I now reprint an article which appeared in the February 1951 issue of Your Physique Magazine, which I feel certain speaks for itself.

A PERSONAL INTERVIEW WITH REG PARK
By Joe Weider

(Reprinted.From Feb.1951 Your Physique)

The crowd was tense. . . the competitors were on edge. . . the contest had been keen. . . the greatest physical stars of the Nation were on hand, vying for the honor every real man dreams of . . . The announcer. . . "Ladies and Gentlemen, the judges have arrived at a decision. The winner and new Mr. Britain is . . ."

The roar of the crowd. . . the waving of arms. . . the clapping of hands. Proof that the popular choice had won. A new hero, the champion of Britain, the greatest star ever produced, the dark horse, the unknown of only a week previous. . . the sensational Reg Park had won his first title.

That was a little more than 1 year ago. Since that time this same scene has been reenacted twice . . . both to the wild acclaim of an enthusiastic audience . . . the second contest found Reg Park established as the winner of the Mr. Europe crown . . . the third saw him invading the American scene . . . and walking off with the title of Most Perfectly Developed Athlete In America. . . open to all men of muscle who happened to be on our shores at the time of the contest.

Like wildfire the fame of this gallant new star . . . this comparative youngster, not yet 22 years of age, practically unknown until he took his first title at 20 years of age. . . has swept the WORLD. Everywhere the name REG PARK has grown, synonymous with physical perfection and vital power. Everywhere that he has gone he has made a huge group of new friends. . . immediately loyal to him because of his sense of good sportsmanship, his friendliness, his good humor, and his sensational muscularity. But more than anything else, the one trait which is perhaps the most outstanding and most admired is that Reg is a perfect gentleman. . . his is the happy faculty of finding the right words at the right time. The right act at the right moment and never a knock for anyone . . . always a boost. A nice word. . . leaving you with a pleasant thought.

So fast has his rise been to the top in muscledom, so vividly has he proved his right to being one of the GREATS of all time. . . that little is known of the man except his sensational physique and smashing power. You read about his measurements. . . his victories and the exercises he follows. You read about his training with all of us at the Weider Warehouse. . . how the Weider System showed him the TRUTH about modern weight training and how he progressed under it. But little is to be found about his start in weight training. His ideals. . . future plans. This was what I had in mind the other day when I sat down with Reg after we had just taken a three hour work-out together, and began to pop the questions at him. . .

"Reg ... why did you start to train?"

"I guess I was always interested in bodybuilding and good health Joe. As a kid I was always fooling around with some sport or some gadget, but until the age of 17 I had very little physical development to show for my interest. It was then that I got my big break. One day, visiting a swimming pool in London, I was struck by the impressive physique of Dave Cohen. . . a bodybuilder of considerable reputation, and one whose whole hearted and unselfish interest in the sport has made him the idol of thousands.

"I walked over and spoke to him. We immediately became fast friends, and it is to Dave that I give full credit for my start in weight training. I trained with him and made swell gains for almost a year. Then the war. . . .! I served my Country for 2 years as P.T. Sgt., stationed in Malaya. I returned home in 1948 just in time to see the Mr. Universe Contest, won by John Grimek that year, as well as the Olympic games which were held in London.

"All my old enthusiasm returned and I trained like I had never trained before. . . soon after I won the Mr. Britain title. I then came to America . . . the trip being a gift to me from my parents. Training with Barton Horvath, Charlie Smith, Abe Goldberg, yourself and all others connected with the Weider System gave me even greater ambition and confidence in my: training and the results I have made speak for themselves. Right now I am in the greatest shape of my life. I have an awful lot to thank you all for, Joe."

"There is nothing you have to thank anyone for Reg. Lots of people have your same opportunity. They can learn how to train correctly . . . Have the time, BUT--lack the ambition. They just go through a work-out in any old style and of course fail to make improvement. When I watch how you put everything that you have behind a routine. . . how you force out those reps and use such heavy weights in each movement. . as I see how determined and serious you are in your training, I KNOW that here is one of tile important secrets of your success. You have to know the right way to train, of course. But you have to be willing to work hard too. Too many people are too lazy. . . the reason you are such a great success is because you are not afraid of hard work."

"You are perfectly right Joe. I have seen just what you are talking about practically all over the world. I have traveled a lot you know. . . and have had a good chance to observe the training practices of the champions. Each is serious and determined about his work-outs. And each makes sure that he follows only the most scientific and modern methods. When I see a champion train, I'm right at home for without patting you on the back I will say that I recognize the principles of the Weider System in all their programs."

"Reg. . . everyone you speak to is impressed by your culture and evident higher education. Just what formal schooling did you have?"

"I completed the usual grade school courses and then took two years of specialized college study. . . "College of Commerce" which will help me in establishing the British Branch of the Weider Barbell Co., in London, in the near future. My knowledge of Business Administration will be very valuable in this business endeavor for I am fully informed with every phase of BIG BUSINESS. . . and as I have seen during my visits to America. . . the Weider Organization is certainly just that."

"How about your parents, Reg. Did they encourage you in your training? I know that they are all for it now. . . but how did they feel at the start?"

"Joe, I have the most wonderful parents in the world. Both of them encouraged me in my training from the very start, though it was my Mother who perhaps was most enthusiastic. It was she who saw to it that I had plenty of sleep, lots of wholesome food and time to train. I remember when I practiced my first bench press. . . I used a rather weak box to lie on. . . it gave way and the weight came done right on my nose. My mother strapped it up like a professional and thanks to her I still have a good nose.

"Soon the girls in the neighborhood got wind of my training and how my muscles were beginning to develop and one by one they began to drop in to watch me work-out. I knew nearly everyone in my home town, Leeds. . . most of the young folk had gone to school with me or I knew them as kids . . . so this made it quite proper for the girls to drop in to see me train. I did get a lot of ambition to use real heavy weights when they were around though . . . and seemed to gain inspiration from them. Frankly I think that it is a good idea to have others watch you train . . . and what choice could be better than a group of pretty girls? That's one reason why I'm anxious to get back home, maybe. . ."

"How about your present measurements Reg? I know that they fluctuate a bit according to your body weight and like every top star they do vary from time to time. . . but on the average what are they?"

"I'm 6'1" in height in my stocking feet. I like heavy soled shoes so stand as much as 1½" taller when dressed. Barton Horvath doesn't like me in those thick soled shoes . . . but I think that this is an inferiority complex. . . he standing only 5'8" as he does. Bodyweight varies between 215 and 230 pounds depending upon what I am training for. . . definition, power or bulk. Arms 18.5 cold. . . 19.2 pumped up. Normal chest 52.5. Expanded 53.7. Waist 31.5. Thighs 27.5 cold and 28.5 after a few squats. Calves 17.7. Forearm 14.5. Wrist 8. Ankle 9.5. My neck stays around 18.5 most of the time, but with just a little exercise for it, it jumps tight up to 19.5. This causes me trouble very often, for it is impossible to buy a size 20 shirt ready made. As it is I have to scout around for a size 19 . . . but these can be found. However, when my neck is a little large. . . I walk in and out of one store after another looking for a shirt. At home I have all my shirts made to order. . . but when you are travelling and on the go like I have been recently, sometimes you need a shirt in a hurry . . . that's why I NEVER do neck exercise when away from home."

"How about your other clothes . . . do you have trouble getting a fit?"

"Well. . . a size 52 suit is not one you can just go and slip into either. Particularly when the waist has to be cut down to about size 30. I've tried to get ready made suits and coats. . . and always walk out of the stores wearing my old clothes, with the clerks shaking their heads in bewilderment. In fact my large muscles were a drawback instead of an asset a short time ago. Frank Stanahan, the great golfer introduced me to Bernard Sterz, the owner of McGregor Sportsclothes . . . a high brand of men's sportswear sold widely in America. Mr. Sterz has two young children, both interested in weight training and I visited his home . . . giving them some pointers on training. So appreciative was Mr. Sterz that he invited me to visit his plant and to select ALL the sportsclothes I wanted. I ended up with a few pairs of woolen socks and ONE woolen shirt. . I couldn't get into the swell slacks, sportcoats and other wonderful apparel. . . I was too darn big. This was one time I really wished that I had left my muscles at home."

"How about the weights you use in some of the exercises, Reg? How much do you curl and how much in the bench press?"

"I have never really trained for my limit in any lift or exercise, but recently I did a 190 curl in strict style. I have also done 10 reps with 200 pounds in curl with a bit of swing. My best bench press is 370, but I usually perform sets with about 320 pounds. . . making 7 or 8 reps each set."

"Reg, you've made quite a name for yourself as an author. I receive many letters each day from admirers of yours, telling me how much they enjoy your articles and how much they have learned from them. However, I have read in competitive publications where they question whether you actually have written these articles yourself. What is the truth?"

"Joe. . . all that I can say is that if I didn't write all the articles which have appeared under my name, then it must have been my twin brother. The fact that I am an only child makes such a possibility remote. I guess that some people don't like to read the truth. . . and that's always been my policy. . . to say the truth. However, I make a point never to say anything unkind about anyone. . . I really can't understand what all the fuss is about."

"Oh well. . . it takes all kinds to make up the world, Reg. There will always be some who are jealous of the success of others. . . so we can pass all this off as idle gossip and from your statement it is obvious that you do your own writing and that your own thoughts are conveyed in your articles. Now, let's get back to the next thing to weights that is nearest to the muscle man's heart... women! Reg, what type of girl do you like the best? Seriously, when you settle down to get married, what will your choice be?"

"Joe, as a young fellow, full of pep and vitality, I honestly must say that ALL types of young and peppy girls attract me. I go for blondes, brunettes, readheads, and with the latest styles, even blueheads. Call me Kid Liederman of Zee Boulevard. . . but whenever there are women around, don't fail to call me. More seriously though Joe, I have met several young ladies recently who have sort of touched off that spark. I won't say too much, but they are long limbed, beautiful figures, full of life and personality, and HEALTHY. Yes, when I marry, I want my wife to be really healthy and fit. After all, this is what will last. . . good looks may fade, and even a fine figure can lose its youthful lines in time. . . but good health is an asset that will always stick with you if you take care of it. Physical culture should be a part of every girl's life."

"You took the words right out of my mouth Reg. Now tell me, how about your future plans?"

"Now that it is set that I am to head the British Branch of the Weider Company, I feel that my future is secure. I want to devote all my business attention to helping others. My father and I have already formed the Reg Park Co., and that combined with my operation of the Weider Co., throughout Britain, I know that I will make a good living at a type of work I am ideally suited for. So like every young man, I do think of marriage and a family. As I have already said, I've met a few girls who head the present list. Maybe I'll settle down before too much longer. When I do I want a large family. . . I am very fond of kids. I got a great kick out of playing with Barton Horvath's two cute little daughters the other day, and had a swell time when I went up to Charlie Smith's home and roughed it up with his two children. The girl I marry will have to want a large family too...!"

"When you began training did you ever dream that you would get right on the top?"

"No. I felt that I might improve a lot and make good gains. . . but the results I have made have even surprised me. A person never knows what his possibilities are when he begins to train. None of us are born champions . . . it takes scientific training to bring out the best in us."

"As I remember it Reg, I was the first one to tell you that if you trained correctly that you could be one of the greatest in the world. Where you surprised when I first told you this?"

"I was both surprised and inspired Joe. Coming from an authority like you I knew that it could happen and worked harder than ever before to make it a reality. However, it must have been a let-down to you when you picked me as the winner of the Mr. Universe Contest. . . and then Reeves beat me out. What made me so sure that I would win?"

"My last trip to California I met Reeves who was trying hard to get into the movies and had trimmed his bodyweight down to 190 pounds, which was far too light for him, I asked him if he was going to compete in the contest and he said that he was not. Knowing that no other man who might enter the contest was even close to you, I felt certain that you would win. Therefore I put myself out on the limb and featured you as the new Mr. Universe. Obviously Reeves changed his mind and without my knowing it got into shape for the event. As you know he only beat you by a very close margin, so my prediction wasn't far off. Steve is a great bodybuilder and I am glad that he won, being that you couldn't. Be deserves a lot of credit for his swell comeback. And now for the $64.00 question. WHO do you think is the best developed man in the world?"

"You can't catch me that easy. . . the Farnese Hercules is! Seriously though, with so many perfect men, each representing a peak of development of a certain physical type, a man must be out of his mind to say that anyone is THE BEST. I've always admired Ross for his breathless proportions, Reeves because he has the bony structure so close to my own and in many ways resembles my own development, Grimek for his massiveness and so on. Who can readily say which is the best? It is all a matter of personal preference .. . if there was an established ideal, then a tape measure and a scale could decide all contests, instead of them being as hotly contested as they are today. Every star of today has some followers who claim that he is the BEST and no one can convince them otherwise. I like it that way . . . leads to lots of spirit and enthusiasm in the sport. Controversy is always stimulating. . . provided that it is kept clean and sporting."

"Now that you've had two trips to America and have met all of the big names. . . how do you like our gang over here?"

"Joe. . . I say this sincerely. . . It's almost with tears in my eyes that I think of having to go home again. Of course I miss my home and family and all my friends across the Atlantic. But I have never met a finer gang than you have over here. . . Ross, Page, Robert, Theriault, Paivio, Chas. Smith, Horvath, Goldberg, Stephan, yourself . . . and all the many others . . each has been a real pal. Each has taught me some little lesson, each has his special niche in my heart. I will never forget them as long as I live. But then, this really isn't goodbye, I'll be back again in three months or so I hope to spend about 6 months each year in America. My work with the Weider Organization will make this necessary so I'll be seeing them all again soon."

"From the way you say that Reg, I can see that you have really enjoyed your stay in America. I am happy that you have and that I have been able to help you make the stay a long one. Now that you are returning to England for a while anyway, do you have anything further to add?"

"You bet I do. I want everyone to know that this past year. . . the year I spent so much time with Weider and the Weider Gang has been the happiest time of my life. It has also been my most productive period, for it has seen me put the finishing touches on my physique, learning many new things about bodybuilding and getting all set up in business for the future. It was a lucky day for me when I first shook Joe Weider's hand. . .!"

The interview was over. Reg and I stepped into my car and I drove him over to the airfield. . . and saw him board his plane for England. As the plane took off and the sun sparkled on its wings. . . I couldn't help but sighing a bit to myself. . . come back soon Reg. . . we'll all miss you a lot while you're gone too.

PHOTO CAPTIONS

- This photo of Reg Park was taken by Vince of London shortly before Reg came to America to train under Joe Weider. He weighed 205, chest was 47".

- Nine months later, after following routine Joe Weider arranged for him, Reg looked like this. Note extra breadth of shoulder, 50" chest, fullness of legs. His weight was up to 223 lbs.

- Reg was practically unknown as a bodybuilder until 1949 when he entered and won the Mr. Britain contest. he is shown here with contestants. John Grimek was a judge.

- When Reg was training under Joe Weider, he was proud of his Weider Tee Shirt. He wore it for workouts and at the beach...

- Joe Weider sponsored Reg's trips to all parts of the world, helped him in every way to establish fame. One such trip took Reg to Hawaii where he was met by Rex Ravelle and many greats of bodybuilding world when he stepped off plane. During these trips Reg always boosted Weider Methods.

- Another such trip took Reg to Montreal. In this informal photo Tony Lanza is applying a scissors to Reg's thick crop of hair, while Clancy Ross gives Tony a clipping. Al Paivio supervises the work.

- Steve Reeves, shown here from a scene in MGM's movie Athena, was Reg Park's training inspiration. Of a similar height and general physical type, Reg idolized Steve, hoping to follow him to bodybuilding fame. Joe Weider encouraged Reg, told him that he could be as famous with the right training.

- Shown here Reg chats with Mrs. Tilney at the Tilney's Florida home. Joe Weider arranged for Reg to spend a vacation with Tinley's whom Joe has known for many years.

- This is another picture showing Reg Park just before he made trip to America to train under Joe Weider. He was far from muscular best.

- Here is your living proof of how fast Weider Methods work! Only 1 month later Reg looked like this. An amazing difference, you'll agree.

- Now 1½ years later, Reg is the finished product of Weider Training. Shown here is huge size, great power, flawless proportions and muscularity. Judge for yourself the improvement he made.

- Reg's moment of triumph! He has just been acclaimed Mr. Universe. Joe Weider made trip to England to help Reg perfect his posing routine, even entered contest with Reg to provide inspirational assistance.

- Reg's upper back, shoulders and arms looked like this before Reg practiced Weider Methods. As can be judged from photo his arms measured under 17 inches when this photo was taken.

- Nine months later, Reg's Herculean back looked like this. Cheating and Flushing methods had packed his upper back with power; had increased his arm to 18¼".

- Reg was not born a superman. This photo taken early in his bodybuilding career gives little indication that someday he would be world famous. Correct training, following the routines Joe Weider outlined, made the big difference.

- Critics of Joe Weider suggest that Marvin Eder lost his amateur standing because of Joe. For the truth about this and other false claims against Weider, read this article which gives all the answers.

- No article appears in Weider Magazine without full consent of author. Here is typewritten page of a George Eiferman article, showing corrections made and George's initial of approval. Like many champions, George is not a skilled writer and his work must be edited by our staff.