Eugen Sandow

Eugen Sandow
"Sandow, the Magnificent," as he was known, was the first Strength Star. He was equal part Strongman and physique star, and performed his unique act all over the world, most notably as a part of the famed Ziegfeld Follies.

As far as strength feats, Sandow could bent-press 271 pounds (later broken by George Hackenschmidt)but in his act often used a "dumbbell" composed of two huge baskets (in which a person sat) which impressed audiences even more than a similar lift in "real weight."

He also broke chains by chest expansion and even lifted a horse overhead with one hand and walked across the stage .

What went over even better than his incredible strength feats were Sandow's Muscle Control act. Audiences had never seen anything like it - Sandow looked like a Greek statue brought to life.

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