Five Quick Fitness Truths from the Premier Athletic Coach of the World

Remember to stand up for what you believe in and take care of those around you. Today I had the chance to review an old book by Bob Hoffman. Bob Hoffman was often billed as the “Premier Athletic Trainer of the World.” He did so through his promotion of heavy lifting, American lifting teams, York Barbell books and magazines help spread his training to thousands of people.

One of the things that always shocks me when I read a book from 30, 40 or 100 years ago is how smart, simple things that they recognize as practical truth for making physical gains are as universal today as the were then.

Here are five quick snippets of what Hoffman said that are as true today as they were when he was in his prime and even when Milo was in his prime as well.

1. If you’re following an intelligently designed workout program, and you’re still not gaining you need to look at the other factors in your life. (Are you getting good food, good ample variety, is their peace in your household or is there constant stress, etc.)

2. Sleep is a major factor in both the growth of your muscles as well as the success of your training. Taking a few extra minutes to set your sleeping arrangement right will result in better quality sleep and better gains.

3. A variety in training emphasizing both heavy and light exercises consistently working the ones you want to gain on and experimenting with a wide variety of others is the surest way to excellent muscular development.

4. Progression is the law of training and life. If you’re not gaining right now be patient and continually strive for that progression and even though it may take a little while you’re body will adapt and eventually you will gain.

5. If you want the little muscles to grow you have to do both specific movements for them as well as the big movements that work the big muscle groups across the whole body. Little muscle groups are often held back because the body’s basic platform isn’t strong enough to support extra growth in them.


Examine your training and the appropriate lifestyle conditions and see if they fit in this advice. That truth will bring you to a new level just like it did for the York lifters in the 60’s and the Golden Era Strongmen of the 1900’s.