Bodybuilding Legends Show

Jaksot

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  1975 Year In Review, Part Two with Jerry Brainum 30.08.2026 1t 5min

  Jerry Brainum, former writer for Muscle & Fitness and IronMan Magazine, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to review the year 1975. In Part Two of their interview, Jerry and host John Hansen talk about the 1975 AABA Mr. America won by Robby Robinson, the AABA Mr. USA won by newcomer Danny Padilla and the IFBB Mr. World won by Robby Robinson. Finally Jerry and John talk about the 1975 IFBB Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia, which were the subject of the movie "Pumping Iron". At the end of the podcast, John reads the article "World Bodybuilding Championships in Pretoria, South Africa" written by Armand Tanny for the June, 1976 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Time Stamps: 0:45 - Intro 4:00 - John's Contest 5:42 - Interview with Jerry Brainum 6:10 - 1975 AABA Mr. America 14:30 - 1975 Professional Mr. Universe 16:10 - 1975 AABA Mr. USA 23:55 - 1975 IFBB Mr. World 25:18 - 1975 IFBB Mr. Universe 32:52 - 1975 Mr. Olympia 43:30 - John reads the article "World Bodybuilding Championships in Pretoria, South Africa" written by Armand Tanny from the June, 1976 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John's Workout and Nutrition Programs John's YouTube Channel Bodybuilding Legends website  
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  Tim Belknap, Part Two 19.08.2026 58min

  Tim Belknap, 1981 Mr. America, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part Two of his interview, Tim talks about winning the 1981 Mr. America title over his rival Lance Dreher. Tim also talks about losing the IFBB Mr. Universe after the Mr. America and his quest to obtain his pro card over the next two years. Tim then talks about going over to Europe to compete in the NABBA and WABBA organization. At the end of the interview, host John Hansen reads the article "The Training of Tim Belknap" written by Mike Mentzer for the September, 1981 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine.  Timeline: 0:45 - Introduction 3:45 - Patrick Moore wins the Texas Pro 7:00 - Start of interview with Tim Belknap, Part Two 46:45 - John Hansen reads the article "Tim Belknap's Training Routine" written by Mike Mentzer for the September, 1981 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen's Workout and Nutrition Programs Bodybuilding Legends Website
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  Tim Belknap, Part One 10.08.2026 1t 9min

  Tim Belknap, 1981 Mr. America, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part One of his interview, Tim talks about why he started weight training to be a bodybuilder, the challenges he faced with being a diabetic, his rise to the top of the amateur level and winning the Mr. America title in 1981 over his rival, Lance Dreher. At the end of the interview, host John Hansen reads the article "Tim Belknap - The New Hercules" written by Franklyn Page for the May, 1981 issue of IronMan Magazine.  Timeline: 0:30 - Introduction 3:20 - Emails to the Podcast 8:00 - John's Pro Debut  18:00 - Start of interview with Tim Belknap 59:35 - John reads the article "Tim Belknap - The New Hercules" written by Franklyn Page for the May, 1981 issue of IronMan Magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John's Workout and Nutrition Coaching Bodybuilding Legends website
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  Jerry Brainum Talks About the Arnold Interview 14.07.2026 2t

  Jerry Brainum is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to talk about the recent Arnold Schwarzenegger Interview featured on this podcast. Jerry and host John Hansen go over all five parts of the Arnold Interview in detail where Jerry offers his thoughts on the topics that Arnold covered. After the interview with Jerry, John reads the article "Arnold Schwarzenegger Interview: Part One" written by Bill Dobbins for the March, 1982 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine.  Time Stamps: 0:00 - Intro 4:40 - Emails to the Podcast 6:45 - Start of interview with Jerry Brainum 9:52 - How the Arnold Interview happened 15:48 - Arnold's memory 17:30 - Albert Busek 19:45 - Arnold's Early Training Years 22:25 - Arnold's Motivation 25:07 - Arnold's First Contest Win 26:42 - Learning from Losing 31:05 - 1972 Mr. Olympia 32:55 - Competing against Bill Pearl 39:07 - No Chest Training as You Get Older 42:20 - Beating Your Idol 44:40 - Arnold's Knee Injury 47:20 - Calf Implants 50:40 - Steroid Use in the Golden Age 59:24 - Cell Phones in the Gym 1:07:15 - Talking about Bodybuilding  1:10:48 - 1980 Mr. Olympia 1:23:30 - Ronnie Coleman's Popularity 1:34:17 - Jerry's Newsletter 1:40:30 - John reads "Arnold Schwarzenegger Interview: Part One" written by Bill Dobbins for the March, 1982 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member Jerry's Newsletter John's YouTube Channel  
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  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Part Five 15.06.2026 1t 9min

  In his fifth and final part of his interview with the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, Arnold Schwarzenegger talks about the publicity surrounding the book and movie "Pumping Iron" and how bodybuilding began to be accepted into the general public and into Hollywood in the late 1970's. Arnold also talks about the controversy involved in the 1980 Mr. Olympia which he won after a 5 year layoff. Arnold also explains how he was able to launch his career as a movie star after he stopped competing in Bodybuilding. At the end of the article, host John Hansen reads the article "1975 World Bodybuilding Report, Part 2" written by Armand Tanny from the July, 1976 issue of Muscle Builder magazine and "Mr. Olympia is No Popularity Contest", written by Rick Wayne for the October, 1981 issue of Muscle&Fitness magazine.  Links: John Hansen Training and Nutrition Programs Become a Patreon Member Bodybuilding Legends website
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  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Part Four 08.06.2026 1t 6min

  Arnold Schwarzenegger is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part Four of his interview, Arnold talks about not being allowed to compete in the 1971 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe against Bill Pearl and Sergio, winning the 1971 Mr. Olympia unopposed, winning a close battle with Sergio at the 1972 Mr. Olympia, having knee surgery after injuring his knee during a guest posing exhibition, the Tijuana Incident at the 1973 Mr. International and winning the 1973 Mr. Olympia and the book Pumping Iron. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads three articles including the "1971 Mr. Universe" report written by Bob Hise from the April, 1972 issue of Muscle Builder/Power magazine, "Has Success Spoiled Arnold?" by Rick Wayne and "The Biggest Cut of All" also written by Rick Wayne from the August, 1973 issue of Muscle Builder/Power magazine.  Become a Patreon Member John Hansen's Training and Nutrition Programs
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  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Part Three 23.05.2026 1t 24min

  Arnold Schwarzenegger, 7x Mr. Olympia and 5x Mr. Universe, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part Three of his interview, Arnold talks about meeting Sergio Oliva in 1968 and then training with him at the Duncan YMCA in 1969. Arnold also talks about competing against Sergio at the 1969 Mr. Olympia on the same night he won the 1969 IFBB Mr. Universe contest. Arnold continues talking about Sergio as he talks about the three competitions he won in 1970 including the NABBA Pro Mr. Universe, the AAU Pro Mr. World and the 1970 Mr. Olympia. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads three articles from Muscle Builder/Power magazine including "From Where I Sat" by Rick Wayne from the March, 1970 issue and "The Night A Legend Died" by Rick Wayne and "The Great Olympia Posedown" written by Robert Kennedy in the July, 1971 issue.  Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 4:55 - The passing of Albert Beckles 14:20 - Beginning of interview with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Part Three 14:50 - Meeting Sergio for the first time 17:40 - Training with Sergio 23:00 - Competing against Sergio at the 1969 Mr. Olympia 25:32 - 1969 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe 27:00 - Winning the 1970 NABBA Pro Mr. Universe 27:35 - 1970 Pro Mr. World  30:25 - 1970 Mr. Olympia 32:17 - Photo shoots with Jimmy Caruso 33:50 - Studying other bodybuilders 35:30 - Worrying about the competition 37:05 - Psyching out Mike Mentzer 38:00 - When Sergio walked off the stage 40:13 - Beating Reg Park in 1970 43:30 - John Hansen reads the article "From Where I Sat" written by Rick Wayne from the March, 1970 issue of Muscle Builder Magazine 1:04:30 - John reads the article "The Great Olympia Posedown" written by Robert Kennedy from the July, 1971 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. 1:12:25 - John reads the article "The Night a Legend Died" written by Rick Wayne from the July, 1971 issue of Muscle Builder magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member Albert Beckles Interview John Hansen Workout and Nutrition Plans  
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  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Part Two 18.05.2026 53min

  Arnold Schwarzenegger, 7x Mr. Olympia and 5x Mr. Universe, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part Two of his interview, Arnold talks about winning his first Mr. Universe title in 1967 at 20 years old. Arnold also talks about the training he did to bulk up his physique, winning his second NABBA Mr. Universe title in 1968 and then competing in his first contest in America, the 1968 IFBB Mr. Universe, where he took second place to Frank Zane. Arnold also talks about training at Vince's Gym and Gold's Gym and his memories of Vince Gironda. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads three articles including an article about Arnold written by Albert Busek from the July, 1967 issue of IronMan Magazine, the 1967 NABBA Mr. Universe report written by Oscar Heidenstam from the January, 1968 issue of Muscular Development magazine and "How I Exploded My Chest" written by Arnold Schwarzenegger from the October, 1968 issue of Muscular Development magazine. 
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  Arnold Schwarzenegger, Part One 10.05.2026 40min

  Arnold Schwarzenegger, 7x Mr. Olympia and the undisputed King of Bodybuilding, is the guest on this special episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part One of his interview, Arnold talks about his first competitions in Austria as a teenager, winning the Best Built Man in Europe - Junior Division at 18 years old, moving to Munich, Germany in 1966, competing in his first NABBA Mr. Universe contest at 19 years old and meeting his idol Reg Park. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads the article "How I Build My 22 1/2" Arms" by Arnold Schwarzenegger in the May, 1971 issue of Muscle Builder/Power magazine. www.BodybuildingLegendsShow.com www.JohnHansenFitness.com  
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  1975 In Review, Part One with Jerry Brainum 29.04.2026 1t 1min

  Former Muscle & Fitness and IronMan Magazine writer Jerry Brainum joins John Hansen to review the year 1975 in Bodybuilding for the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. In Part One of their interview, Jerry and John talk about the 1975 AAU Mr. America won by Dale Adrian and featuring the national debut of Robby Robinson. Jerry and John also talk about the 1975 NABBA Mr. Universe won by Boyer Coe (Professional) and Ian Lawrence (Amateur). At the end of the Podcast, John reads the article "Adrian Wins Mr. America" written by Dave Sauer for the September, 1975 issue of IronMan Magazine.
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  Jon Jon Park, Part Two 08.02.2026 1t 1min

  Jon Jon Park, son of 3x Mr. Universe Reg Park, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Jon Jon talks about meeting Arnold for the first time in 1967 when he was a guest of his father's in South Africa, the many business interests owned by Reg Park and his memories of his dad competing in the NABBA Mr. Universe contest.  Links: Become a Patreon Member Bodybuilding Legends website John Hansen Fitness programs Bodybuilding History: The 1960's on Amazon.com Bodybuilding History: The 1970's on Amazon.com John on RX Muscle
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  Jon Jon Park, Part One 26.01.2026 1t 8min

  Jon Jon Park, the son of Reg Park, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Jon Jon talks about growing up in England and South Africa with his father Reg Park and his mother Mareon. He also talks about when Arnold came to South Africa to train with his father after winning the 1967 NABBA Mr. Universe, how Reg met his wife Mareon and the many businesses that his father ran. Jon Jon also talks about losing his house in the California fires last year.  Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen Fitness Programs Bodybuilding History: The 1970's on Amazon.com Bodybuilding History: The 1960's book on Amazon.com
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  Bodybuilding Year in Review - 1965 with Jerry Brainum 22.12.2025 1t 15min

  Jerry Brainum is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast to review the year 1965. Jerry and host John Hansen talk about the major competitions from this year including the AAU Mr. America, the NABBA Mr. Universe and the IFBB Mr. America, Mr. Universe and the first Mr. Olympia. At the end of the podcast, John reads an article from the February, 1966 issue of IronMan Magazine about the 1965 Mr. Olympia, Universe and America. Links -  Jerry Brainum's Newsletter Bodybuilding History: The 1960's book on Amazon.com Bodybuilding History: The 1970's book on Amazon.com
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  Rick Valente - My Life's Ride 05.11.2025 1t 18min

  Rick Valente is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Rick is the author of his new book, My Life's Ride, and he talks about his life journey from growing up in Conneticut, moving to Florida and then finally relocating to Southern California. Rick also talks about training at Gold's Gym during the Golden Age of Bodybuilding and all the famous and influential people he met during this period of his life. At the end of the interview, host John Hansen reads the article "Rick Valente: Between Myth and Reality" written by Rick Wayne for the October, 1984 issue of Flex Magazine.  Links: John Hansen Fitness Programs Rick Valente book on Amazon Become a Patreon Member Bodybuilding Legends website
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  Bob Birdsong 18.09.2025 1t 17min

  Bob Birdsong, 1974 IFBB Mr. America winner, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Bob was one of the best bodybuilders during the Golden Age and he trained at the original Gold's Gym in the early 1970's alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu and Kent Kuehn. Bob made a comeback to competition in the early 1980's and placed very high in the IFBB professional competitions. Bob talks about how he started bodybuilding, competing in the AAU Mr. America in the early 1970's, switching over to the IFBB in the mid-1970's and competing against Lou Ferrigno, Sergio Oliva and others. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads the article "Bob Birdsong's Pilgrimage to Mr. America" written by Armand Tanny from the June, 1975 issue of Muscle Builder/Power magazine. Time Stamps: 3:00 - Emails to the Podcast 11:24 - Start of interview with Bob Birdsong 12:00 - When Bob started bodybuilding 18:37 - Bob's early competitions 22:50 - Moving to California 24:00 - Training at the original Gold's Gym 31:00 - Competing in the IFBB 36:00 - Taking a different path 45:15 - The 1974 contest season 47:35 - Returning to competition  53:00 - Steroids in the Golden Age 1:08:15 - John Hansen reads the article "Bob Birdsong's Pilgrimage to Mr. America" written by Armand Tanny from the June, 1975 issue of Muscle Builder/Power magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen's Online Workout Diet Programs Bodybuilding Legends website Bodybuilding Legends YouTube Channel Bodybuilding Legends on Instagram  
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  John Little, author of Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus, Part Two 10.09.2025 58min

  On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, author John Little talks about his new book Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus. In Part Two of his interview, John talks about Mike Mentzer's physique progress in regards to his genetics vs his Heavy Duty training style. John also talks about Mike's challenge of competing in the Frank Zane era, his weight for the 1980 Olympia  Time Stamps: 2:23 - Emails to the Podcast 7:20 - Start of interview with John Little 12:00 - Mike Mentzer's Challenge of competing in the Zane Era 16:50 - Mike's weight for the 1980 Olympia 22:00 - 1980 Olympia coverage in the book 31:20 - Was Kal Szkalak the heir apparent to Arnold? 35:40 - Joe Weider vs Arthur Jones 39:37 - The lawsuit between Arnold and Joe Weider 44:00 - What if Arnold had guest posed at the 1980 Olympia? 50:35 - Host John Hansen reads the article "Rest Pause Training" written by Mike Mentzer from the June, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder Magazine.  Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen Training and Nutrition Programs Bodybuilding Legends Website John's YouTube Channel  
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  John Little, author of Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus, Part One 21.08.2025 1t 3min

  On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, author John Little talks about his new book Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus. In Part One of his interview, John talks about the reason he wanted to write a biography about his friend Mike Mentzer to fully explain his life and tragic ending. John also talks about Mike's early years in Bodybuilding including training as a teenager, his shoulder injury that almost ended his career and his many variations of the Heavy Duty system that he created from Arthur Jone's initial teachings. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads the article "High Sets, Low Sets" which is an interview with Mike Mentzer conducted by writer Rick Wayne for the January, 1978 issue of Muscle Builder magazine.  Time Stamps: 4:20 - John's Competitions this year 8:15 - Start of interview with John Little 11:00 - The decline of Mike Mentzer 12:30 - The current popularity of Mentzer 19:40 - Going against the grain 25:00 - Why John wrote this book 30:30 - Mike Mentzer's destiny to be a bodybuilder 37:00 - Mike Mentzer's shoulder injury 44:15 - Mike's need for knowledge  46:50 - Why Mike didn't train after he stopped competing 49:35 - John reads the article "High Sets, Low Sets" written by Rick Wayne for the January, 1978 issue of Muscle Builder magazine.  Links: John's Online Training and Nutrition Programs Become a Bodybuilding Legends Member Bodybuilding Legends website John's YouTube Channel Mike Mentzer: American Odysseus on Amazon
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  Mike Sapp, Arnold's Training Partner in 1980 23.06.2025 1t 36min

  Mike Sapp, who trained with Arnold Schwarzenegger during the summer of 1980 right before the Mr. Olympia contest, is the guest on this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast. Mike talks about when he started training, his time working out at Gold's Gym in the late 1970's and, of course, his time training with Arnold during the summer of 1980. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads the article "My Olympia Comeback" written by Arnold Schwarzenegger for the February, 1981 issue of Muscle & Fitness Magazine. Time Stamps: 1:40 - John's Contest Prep 5:20 - Upcoming interviews for the Podcast 6:35 - Emails to the Podcast 9:05 - Contest Prep Video Series 9:54 - Interview with Mike Sapp 12:00 - Meeting Bill Pearl 16:30 - Training at Gold's Gym in the '70's 30:15 - Meeting Arnold 42:45 - Training at World's Gym in 1980 47:15 - Mike's collection of gym shirts 49:45 - Vince's Gym 51:30 - Breakfast with Arnold 57:50 - Working out with Reg Park 1:00:35 - Going to the first Arnold Classic 1:35:00 - John reads the article "My Olympia Comeback" written by Arnold Schwarzenegger for the February, 1981 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member John Hansen Workout and Diet Programs John's YouTube Channel Bodybuilding Legends website  
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  Carlos from Golden Era Bookworm, Part Two 27.05.2025 1t 25min

  On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, Carlos Cassana from the YouTube channel Golden Era Bookworm, is the guest. In Part Two of his interview, Carlos talks with John about a variety of topics including how the general public looks at Bodybuilding, how healthy is natural bodybuildiing, Carlos's opinion of bodybuilding, the longevity of bodybuilders from the different eras and when did steroid use begin. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads two articles from Muscle Builder magazine including "Where Were You When Larry Scott Was King?" written by Jack Neary from the September, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder and "Vancouver Comes Up Diamonds" written by Bill Reynolds from the April, 1980 issue of Muscle Builder. Time Stamps: 2:00 - Pittsburgh and New York Pro Shows 5:20 - Emails to the Podcast 19:08 - Carlos Cassana Interview, Part Two 19:53 - How the general public views Bodybuilding 26:00 - Is Natural Bodybuilding healthy? 31:09 - Carlos's opinion of Bodybuilding 38:45 - The longevity of Bodybuilders 46:46 - When did steroid use begin? 59:58 - John reads the article "Where Were You When Larry Scott Was King?" written by Jack Neary from the September, 1979 issue of Muscle Builder Magazine. 1:14:09 - John reads the article "Vancouver Comes Up Diamonds" written by Bill Reynolds from the April, 1980 issue of Muscle Builder Magazine. Links: Become a Patreon Member Golden Era Bookworm YouTube Channel John Hansen Fitness website John Hansen YouTube Channel Bodybuilding Legends website
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  Carlos from Golden Era BookWorm, Part One 07.05.2025 1t 4min

  On this episode of the Bodybuilding Legends Podcast, Carlos Cassana, from the popular YouTube page Golden Era Bookworm, is the guest to talk about his passion for Bodybuilding. In Part One of his interview, Carlos talks about how he became interested in Bodybuilding as a young man, his fascination with the early bodybuilders from the Bronze and Silver Eras and why the Golden Era was the greatest period in Bodybuilding history. Carlos also talks about the effects of anabolic steroids on the body and how the drugs changed the sport of of bodybuilding from each era. At the end of the podcast, host John Hansen reads an excerpt from the book Bodybuilding: Tracing the Evolution of the Ultimate Physique written by Gordon LaVelle.  Time Stamps: 3:14 - The Pittsburgh Pro Championship 4:17 - John's Contest Prep 5:30 - Start of interview with Carlos Cassana from the Golden Era Bookworm YouTube channel 6:10 - How Carlos became interested in bodybuilding 12:15 - Why Carlos started his YouTube channel 14:40 - The role of steroids in Bodybuilding 17:30 - Does blood work reveal the effects of steroids? 25:00 - What effects do growth hormone and steroids have on the body? 30:45 - The different eras of bodybuilding history 36:00 - The beginning of bodybuilding competitions 37:45 - Why the Golden Era of Bodybuilding is the best 47:10 - Host John Hansen reads an excerpt from the book Bodybuilding: Tracing the Evolution of the Ultimate Physique written by Gordon LaVelle. Links: Become a Patreon Member  Golden Era Bookworm YouTube Channel John Hansen Fitness website John Hansen YouTube Bodybuilding Legends website