Showcasing vintage male photography, mostly nude. You must be 18 years of age or older to visit this blog! If you hold a copyright on any material shown on this blog, notify me, and it will be removed immediately.
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Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Early machine weights
Our last weightlifting photo shows what might be an early version of one of those
mechanical systems. I wish we had a better view of the fellow at right.
When I was in college, I went to the YMCA downtown. We swam naked, and I saw a lot of men lifting weights in the raw. I even remember men naked on the indoor track. At the college, we swam raw, but most men wore at least a jock for all other workouts. Times have not changed for the better, believe me.
There used to be a few vintage gyms around, Aspen, Phoenix, Puerto Penasco, but I haven't seen one in a long time. I found them fun and friendly. This guy has some good "goods" in his line of sight. No wonder he likes calf-raises." Very nice physique!
Early on in my research into the history of men's sportswear, I discovered that weightlifting was one of those disciplines practised very readily in the nude. And as with the example above, very often that meant completely naked - that would in part be as a result of protecting the wood of the sprung gymnasia flooring. I am not sure how this was the case, given that the medical orthodoxy of the day insisted on genital and abdominal support - hence the wide waist band on a jockstrap.
As we know from the appalling massacre at the Munich Olympics (1972), weightlifting was a very popular discipline in Israel. This was because there was a paucity of gymnasia and stadia in the newly refounded state and weightlifting could be engaged in anywhere. In a recent Israeli film covering the lives of some young men doing their national service in the IDF, a repeated scene was of them leaving their dormitory - and returning to it - with another of its occupants weightlifting in the nude. I asked if this was exaggeration or sensationalism to be told that no, it was entirely possible. (And I remain convinced that heartthrob Mark Spitz - who won seven gold medals at Munich and had to be evacuated for his safety - kept the Speedo popular for far longer by being photographed in one wearing his medals.)
What today would be called a "singlet" but was then called a "leotard" - after the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1838–1870) - was used for public competitions more or less from the start.
The days of fellows exercising nude are probably gone. But that IS the way to exercise, and being around other naked people is best for mental health and well-being.
When I was in college, I went to the YMCA downtown. We swam naked, and I saw a lot of men lifting weights in the raw. I even remember men naked on the indoor track. At the college, we swam raw, but most men wore at least a jock for all other workouts. Times have not changed for the better, believe me.
ReplyDeleteReally!
DeleteThere used to be a few vintage gyms around, Aspen, Phoenix, Puerto Penasco, but I haven't seen one in a long time. I found them fun and friendly. This guy has some good "goods" in his line of sight. No wonder he likes calf-raises." Very nice physique!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if there is a resale market for vintage weight equipment.
DeleteEarly on in my research into the history of men's sportswear, I discovered that weightlifting was one of those disciplines practised very readily in the nude. And as with the example above, very often that meant completely naked - that would in part be as a result of protecting the wood of the sprung gymnasia flooring. I am not sure how this was the case, given that the medical orthodoxy of the day insisted on genital and abdominal support - hence the wide waist band on a jockstrap.
ReplyDeleteAs we know from the appalling massacre at the Munich Olympics (1972), weightlifting was a very popular discipline in Israel. This was because there was a paucity of gymnasia and stadia in the newly refounded state and weightlifting could be engaged in anywhere. In a recent Israeli film covering the lives of some young men doing their national service in the IDF, a repeated scene was of them leaving their dormitory - and returning to it - with another of its occupants weightlifting in the nude. I asked if this was exaggeration or sensationalism to be told that no, it was entirely possible. (And I remain convinced that heartthrob Mark Spitz - who won seven gold medals at Munich and had to be evacuated for his safety - kept the Speedo popular for far longer by being photographed in one wearing his medals.)
What today would be called a "singlet" but was then called a "leotard" - after the French acrobatic performer Jules Léotard (1838–1870) - was used for public competitions more or less from the start.
I'll never forget Mr. Spitz and his Speedo. Wow!
DeleteThe days of fellows exercising nude are probably gone. But that IS the way to exercise, and being around other naked people is best for mental health and well-being.
ReplyDeleteThe Greeks got it right from the very beginning.
Deletemaybe this is at a bathhouse? The posters on the wall lead me to think so-Dee Exx
ReplyDeleteThat would make sense.
Delete