Eugen Sandow is rightly considered the (grand)father of modern bodybuilding.
He was also the first "natural" bodybuilder, not having access to the pills, powders, and potions that modern bodybuilders favor. Of course, Sandow was blessed with great genes. The book presents Sandow's philosophy of physical training.
Sandow's basic exercise method, detailing his exercise program, is the subject of another book.
It is interesting to learn Sandow's concepts of exercise and diet, and compare them with our so-called modern views of the same.
This is Eugen Sandow's second book and his most popular one. It was published in 1897 after his first trip to America and included a more fully developed explanation of his reliance on very light 5 pound dumbells combined with maximum mental focus and projection directly into the muscle or muscles being tensed.
The following quotes contain the principles included in this book:
Exercise in front of a mirror.
It is the brain that develops the muscle. Brain will do as much as the dumbell, even more.
When you are sitting down reading practice contracting your muscles. Do this everytime you are sittng down leisurely, and by contracting them harder and harder each time, you will find that it will have the same effect as the use of the dumbells or any more vigorous form of exercise.
It is very advisable for all pupils to get in the habit of constantly practicing this muscle-contraction. It in itself is an admirable exercise, but it is even more valuable owing to the fact that it improves the
will power and helps to establish the connection between the brain and the muscles which is the basis of strength and condition.
For the beginner the most difficult part of my system is so fully to concentrate his mind on his muscles as to get them absolutely under control. It will be found, however, that this control comes by degrees.
The brain sends the message; the nerves receive it, and pass it on to them. With regard to
the Will Power that is exerted it should be remembered that whilst the effect of weightlifting is to contract the muscles, the same effect is created by contracting the muscles without the weight.
