John Garan

John Garan

New York born John Garan began serious physical training after meeting Abe Boshes and went on to buid one of the most incredible physique of all time. But Garan wasn't just all show, at a bodyweight of only 155 pounds he could regularly squat with over 300 and was an excellent wrestler. He regularly trained at Sig Klein's Gym and was featured in his "Klein's Bell" publication.

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Ironman Magazine #1

Who could have ever thought that a man who found a mimeograph machine in the trash would go on to establish one of the most beloved strength magazines of all time? That's exactly what Peary Rader did back in 1936. He and his wife Mabel printed, owned and ran Ironman Magazine for five decades before they eventually sold it. This was Peary's very first attempt at a magazine, called "Super Physique" and featured John Grimek on the cover. There were only about 50 of these printed. If you own one, consider yourself lucky.

Ironman Magazine #1

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John Grimek

John Grimek strikes a classical pose on the cover of the December 1941 Issue of Strength and Health Magazine. Grimek won the AAU Mr. America Bodybuilding title in 1940 and in 1941, the only man to win it twice (and judging by this cover, it's not hard to see why.) In addition to his two Mr. America wins, John Grimek also won the 1939 York Perfect Man Contest, the 1946 Most Muscular Man In America contest, the 1948 Mr. Universe contest and the 1949 Mr. USA contest.

John Grimek

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