Part Two! Part Two! By:
By:Ron KosloffRon Kosloff Note:
Note:This is part two, click hereThis is part two,click herefor part one!for part one!
LL
ast Month, Vince's friend Ron Kosloff revealed ast Month, Vince's friend Ron Kosloff revealed never-before told anecdotal tales of the musclenever-before told anecdotal tales of the muscle maestro. This month, he adds more unpublished gems tomaestro. This month, he adds more unpublished gems to complete his one of a kicomplete his one of a kind necklace ofnd necklace of Gironda memories.
Gironda memories.
Early on in my association with this young fellow I'm training, he observed that we weren't doing Early on in my association with this young fellow I'm training, he observed that we weren't doing much. You never want to work a muscle more than twice in one week, and when you work it, you much. You never want to work a muscle more than twice in one week, and when you work it, you work it with
work it with intensityintensity. You never rest for more than 15 . You never rest for more than 15 or 20 seconds between sets. When or 20 seconds between sets. When youyou work with intensity you'll be surprised how fast you get the pump, which is what you're looking for. work with intensity you'll be surprised how fast you get the pump, which is what you're looking for. Remember, when you're trying to gain, you
Remember, when you're trying to gain, you never work your stomach because the stress attacksnever work your stomach because the stress attacks and shocks the nerves in your solar plexus and then your hormone levels go down.
and shocks the nerves in your solar plexus and then your hormone levels go down. This is the routine I
This is the routine I had him on to start. You had him on to start. You work your biceps, triceps, delts, chest and back work your biceps, triceps, delts, chest and back onon Monday. You work your forearms, thighs, leg biceps
Monday. You work your forearms, thighs, leg biceps and calves on Tuesday. If you and calves on Tuesday. If you want to workwant to work your inner thighs on Tuesday also,
your inner thighs on Tuesday also, that's okay. Repeat Monday's workout on Thursday andthat's okay. Repeat Monday's workout on Thursday and Tuesday's workout on Friday. Then you have to rest because this is when HGH is released by Tuesday's workout on Friday. Then you have to rest because this is when HGH is released by your pituitary and you'll gain muscular size.
your pituitary and you'll gain muscular size.
I said, "I'm going to show you how not to work out. I'm not criticizing anybody, but this is how I said, "I'm going to show you how not to work out. I'm not criticizing anybody, but this is how most people train." I pointed to a fellow in the gym, a local bodybuilding hero who'd won a few most people train." I pointed to a fellow in the gym, a local bodybuilding hero who'd won a few contests and was a steroid user. "He's probably here six days per week," I explained, "but when contests and was a steroid user. "He's probably here six days per week," I explained, "but when he comes in he doesn't do very much. He thinks that just being in the gym and taking steroids is he comes in he doesn't do very much. He thinks that just being in the gym and taking steroids is going to increase his physique, which will probably happen with the steroids." I told the kid to going to increase his physique, which will probably happen with the steroids." I told the kid to watch this guy.
watch this guy.
He was doing the bench press for his chest, but the bench press is not a chest exercise. The He was doing the bench press for his chest, but the bench press is not a chest exercise. The neck press is, as Vince taught. He grunted and groaned and grunted and groaned, did about 7 or neck press is, as Vince taught. He grunted and groaned and grunted and groaned, did about 7 or 8 reps, and then sat there for ten
8 reps, and then sat there for ten minutes looking at himself in minutes looking at himself in the mirror. Then he got up andthe mirror. Then he got up and went for a drink of water. A
went for a drink of water. A few minutes later he came back few minutes later he came back and did another set. He and did another set. He grunted andgrunted and groaned some more and then went into
groaned some more and then went into the next room and b.s'd with the next room and b.s'd with some guys for 10 or 15some guys for 10 or 15 minutes before doing another set.
minutes before doing another set.
When he'd finished his chest, he did his delts the same way. He read the bulletin board, did about When he'd finished his chest, he did his delts the same way. He read the bulletin board, did about 4 sets, and left. Most guys spend
4 sets, and left. Most guys spend hours at the gym and tell hours at the gym and tell their girlfriends about their long, hardtheir girlfriends about their long, hard workouts. Well, this guy did practically
workouts. Well, this guy did practically nothing. He spent more time reading the nothing. He spent more time reading the bulletin board,bulletin board, drinking the water, and looking at himself in the mirror than he did working out. There was nothing drinking the water, and looking at himself in the mirror than he did working out. There was nothing intense to his workout.
intense to his workout.
Another question the kid asked me
Another question the kid asked me was, "What about personal trainers? How come was, "What about personal trainers? How come you're ayou're a personal trainer and (pointing to another fellow in the gym who was doing personal training) he's personal trainer and (pointing to another fellow in the gym who was doing personal training) he's certified?" So I said, "Certified by whom? I know that guy's methods. He'll tell you to eat gobs and certified?" So I said, "Certified by whom? I know that guy's methods. He'll tell you to eat gobs and gobs of complex carbohydrates. Look at the people
gobs of complex carbohydrates. Look at the people he trains. Are they making any progress? No.he trains. Are they making any progress? No. You're going to get into this gym four times a week and you're going to work out Monday a half You're going to get into this gym four times a week and you're going to work out Monday a half hour, Tuesday a half hour, Thursday a half hour, Friday a half hour, and then you're going to go hour, Tuesday a half hour, Thursday a half hour, Friday a half hour, and then you're going to go home. These people spend two and three hours a day in a gym and their personal trainer kills home. These people spend two and three hours a day in a gym and their personal trainer kills
them. Why? Because otherwise they don't feel lik
them. Why? Because otherwise they don't feel like they have got their money's worth. They e they have got their money's worth. They don'tdon't understand the overload principle."
understand the overload principle." German scientists proved - and this was
German scientists proved - and this was documented - that the only way you documented - that the only way you can increase thecan increase the size of the muscle is by what they call the
size of the muscle is by what they call the German overload principleGerman overload principle: The greatest amount of: The greatest amount of work in the least amount of
work in the least amount of time. How much work you do time. How much work you do doesn't matter. How fast you do it doesn't matter. How fast you do it isis what counts. That's why sprinters have
what counts. That's why sprinters have far, far superior physiques to long distance runners, whofar, far superior physiques to long distance runners, who overtrain. The principle was proven conclusivel
overtrain. The principle was proven conclusively a hundred years ago by y a hundred years ago by German scientist, andGerman scientist, and that's the method Vince adapted.
that's the method Vince adapted.
"They don't understand that the word protein means most important." "They don't understand that the word protein means most important." That's why his students always looked a thousand times better than anyone else. The guy was That's why his students always looked a thousand times better than anyone else. The guy was just so brilliant it was almost mind-boggling. The scientific principles and ideas he would use to just so brilliant it was almost mind-boggling. The scientific principles and ideas he would use to
create a physique were just amazing.
create a physique were just amazing. These people don't understand that. They don't These people don't understand that. They don't understandunderstand nutrition. They don't understand that the word protein means most i
nutrition. They don't understand that the word protein means most important.mportant.
I showed the kid what this personal trainer was doing wrong. He was telling people to grab the I showed the kid what this personal trainer was doing wrong. He was telling people to grab the weight with their thumbs around the
weight with their thumbs around the bar. You almost never put your thumb around bar. You almost never put your thumb around the bar - onlythe bar - only in a few exercises. In any exercise you will inadvertently use your forearm to help lift the weight. If in a few exercises. In any exercise you will inadvertently use your forearm to help lift the weight. If you put your thumb under the bar, it's called a palm grip. Some call it a false grip. He had these you put your thumb under the bar, it's called a palm grip. Some call it a false grip. He had these people doing sit ups and leg raises.
people doing sit ups and leg raises.
They were trying to gain size but not getting anywhere because, as Vince explained, of the shock They were trying to gain size but not getting anywhere because, as Vince explained, of the shock to the solar plexus. He was having them do bench press for chest, but the bench press is not a to the solar plexus. He was having them do bench press for chest, but the bench press is not a chest exercise. It's mostly an exercise for the front
chest exercise. It's mostly an exercise for the front delts. When you bring the bar down delts. When you bring the bar down to theto the lower pec line, you're working your delts. If you arch your back to hoist the weight up, you're using lower pec line, you're working your delts. If you arch your back to hoist the weight up, you're using the teres major. If you put your thumb
the teres major. If you put your thumb around the bar, you're using your triceps and around the bar, you're using your triceps and forearms.forearms. You're working everything but your chest.
You're working everything but your chest.
Vince preached isolation exercises. He really scoffed at personal trainers because they didn't Vince preached isolation exercises. He really scoffed at personal trainers because they didn't know much. Somebody just made five hundred
know much. Somebody just made five hundred dollars to give them a phony dollars to give them a phony certification, andcertification, and they still didn't know what they were doing. They don't know much about kinesiology. They don't they still didn't know what they were doing. They don't know much about kinesiology. They don't know much about how a muscle works, and if you don't know how a muscle works, how can you know much about how a muscle works, and if you don't know how a muscle works, how can you work a muscle? Like Vince, I
work a muscle? Like Vince, I teach nutrition first and then exercise. I don't teach nutrition first and then exercise. I don't just teach exercise andjust teach exercise and ignore nutrition because bodybuilding is 85% nutrition.
ignore nutrition because bodybuilding is 85% nutrition.
Some people look but they never really see. Some people listen but they never really hear. Those Some people look but they never really see. Some people listen but they never really hear. Those are just some of the lessons of l
are just some of the lessons of life, and most people never ife, and most people never learn life's lessons. Unfortunately, biglearn life's lessons. Unfortunately, big advertising and marketing are America. Doesn't make any
advertising and marketing are America. Doesn't make any difference what you have as ldifference what you have as long asong as you market it correctly. I've often said that if
you market it correctly. I've often said that if somebody produced rabbit pellets and toldsomebody produced rabbit pellets and told bodybuilders they were good for you, bodybuilders would be eating rabbit pellets without bodybuilders they were good for you, bodybuilders would be eating rabbit pellets without question. Vince said once that the average intelligence in your average gym ape wasn't much question. Vince said once that the average intelligence in your average gym ape wasn't much higher than your average pair of socks!
higher than your average pair of socks!
Vince Gironda didn't really get along with Joe Weider. They were adversaries and their training Vince Gironda didn't really get along with Joe Weider. They were adversaries and their training philosophies were totally different. There was no comparison between Vince's method and the philosophies were totally different. There was no comparison between Vince's method and the Weider method, but Weider didn't care. To him Vince was just a gym owner and seller of his Weider method, but Weider didn't care. To him Vince was just a gym owner and seller of his nutritional supplements and courses. It's a sad, sad
nutritional supplements and courses. It's a sad, sad fact that when Vince Died, Madeline, hfact that when Vince Died, Madeline, his wife,is wife, told me that he was overdrawn about $160 dollars on his bank account. Vince pretty much died a told me that he was overdrawn about $160 dollars on his bank account. Vince pretty much died a pauper. I'm very much saddened by that fact.
pauper. I'm very much saddened by that fact.
After Vince died, Weider had the very, very commendable decency to write a little section in his After Vince died, Weider had the very, very commendable decency to write a little section in his magazine concerning him. Basically, it said, "We are sad to see that Vince Gironda recently magazine concerning him. Basically, it said, "We are sad to see that Vince Gironda recently
passed away." Then he gave Vince a lot of credit when he stated, in very small print, "Clearly this passed away." Then he gave Vince a lot of credit when he stated, in very small print, "Clearly this man was way, way, way ahead of his time." And he certainly was. Thank you Joe.
man was way, way, way ahead of his time." And he certainly was. Thank you Joe.
Vince knew the lessons of life, such as you should never be concerned whether people like you Vince knew the lessons of life, such as you should never be concerned whether people like you or not, but whether they respect you. The
or not, but whether they respect you. The liking will come after they liking will come after they respect you. He scared manyrespect you. He scared many so-called authorities with his revolutionary ideas and theories. This is why they attacked him so-called authorities with his revolutionary ideas and theories. This is why they attacked him routinely.
routinely.
For example, he always used
For example, he always used the word, 'overtonus' in referring to loss of the word, 'overtonus' in referring to loss of muscle tissue from overmuscle tissue from over training. He had read this in a medical journal, but his critics constantly attacked his use of this training. He had read this in a medical journal, but his critics constantly attacked his use of this word, saying they'd never heard of it. Vince called his findings facts, but Gene Mozee and John word, saying they'd never heard of it. Vince called his findings facts, but Gene Mozee and John Balik said that statement was extreme. However, I never
Balik said that statement was extreme. However, I never knew his methods to fail. To knew his methods to fail. To me theyme they were facts!
were facts!
This student of mine asked me about supplements and Muscle Media and MET-Rx and EAS and This student of mine asked me about supplements and Muscle Media and MET-Rx and EAS and Bill Phillip, and of course, I had to answer him honestly. At first, I didn't intend to mention Bill Bill Phillip, and of course, I had to answer him honestly. At first, I didn't intend to mention Bill Phillips and Muscle Media because they don't have much to do with Vince, but I've been sort of Phillips and Muscle Media because they don't have much to do with Vince, but I've been sort of prodded into doing it because
prodded into doing it because of a rather degrading remark Phillips of a rather degrading remark Phillips made about him. A customermade about him. A customer of mine related it to me two
of mine related it to me two or three years ago, and it mad me or three years ago, and it mad me angry and upset, so I think angry and upset, so I think I'llI'll discuss it if you don't mind.
discuss it if you don't mind.
I feel as if Phillips is the new Joe Weider. That's just my gut feeling. His Muscle Media is just a I feel as if Phillips is the new Joe Weider. That's just my gut feeling. His Muscle Media is just a catalog marketing his own supplements, which is his right, of course, but I feel he slammed Vince catalog marketing his own supplements, which is his right, of course, but I feel he slammed Vince and made him look very foolish. My customer told me he was at a seminar or bodybuilding
and made him look very foolish. My customer told me he was at a seminar or bodybuilding contest somewhere where Phillips was talking to a group of people. Someone asked him about contest somewhere where Phillips was talking to a group of people. Someone asked him about liver tablets, milk and egg protein, and Vince Gironda, and he said, very directly, that was liver tablets, milk and egg protein, and Vince Gironda, and he said, very directly, that was "old-time" bodybuilding. That was passé. He implied that Vince didn't know what he was talking time" bodybuilding. That was passé. He implied that Vince didn't know what he was talking about.
about.
"The church in the Middle Ages called it propogate... that's where the term "The church in the Middle Ages called it propogate... that's where the term
propaganda comes from. The Orientals call it mind conditioning or propaganda comes from. The Orientals call it mind conditioning or
brainwashing. Today we call it marketing." brainwashing. Today we call it marketing."
Let me explain a bit of philosophy. There was once a man named Martin Boorman who was a Let me explain a bit of philosophy. There was once a man named Martin Boorman who was a minister of propaganda in Hitler's regime. Boorman
minister of propaganda in Hitler's regime. Boorman knew that if you control what peoplknew that if you control what people see,e see, what they hear, and what they read, you literally control them. The church in the Middle Ages what they hear, and what they read, you literally control them. The church in the Middle Ages called it "propogate." That's where the
called it "propogate." That's where the term propaganda comes from. The Orientals call it mindterm propaganda comes from. The Orientals call it mind conditioning or brainwashing.
conditioning or brainwashing. Today we call it marketing. If you
Today we call it marketing. If you get all your iget all your information from the media, you're brainwashed.nformation from the media, you're brainwashed. Remember the egg scare? The media told
Remember the egg scare? The media told people that eggs cause heart attacks, and people that eggs cause heart attacks, and everyoneeveryone believed it. Whenever I do a consultation or seminar, I tell people I wish there were zippers on believed it. Whenever I do a consultation or seminar, I tell people I wish there were zippers on their heads so that I could unzip hem and take out all the garbage the media has put in.
their heads so that I could unzip hem and take out all the garbage the media has put in. The media can control our thinking. This is exactly what Mr. Phillips is doing. He's done some The media can control our thinking. This is exactly what Mr. Phillips is doing. He's done some very, very slick marketing that I'm just awed
very, very slick marketing that I'm just awed by. I mean, this guy has by. I mean, this guy has come out with hiscome out with his
supplement guide, and amazingly his products always come out on top. Four or five years a go a supplement guide, and amazingly his products always come out on top. Four or five years a go a magazine called Nutrition News called MET-Rx a hoax.
magazine called Nutrition News called MET-Rx a hoax. Steve Patton, who works for
Steve Patton, who works for Universal NutritionUniversal Nutrition Supplements, is a good friend of mine. Supplements, is a good friend of mine. Steve andSteve and I talk a lot about nutrition and Vince and bodybuilding. In the course of one conversation Dr. Scott I talk a lot about nutrition and Vince and bodybuilding. In the course of one conversation Dr. Scott Connelly's name came up. (Connelly supposedly
miracle in MET-Rx?" He replied, as I have always said, the miracle is in the marketing. It's a hell miracle in MET-Rx?" He replied, as I have always said, the miracle is in the marketing. It's a hell of a marketing plan.
of a marketing plan.
Bodybuilding today is totally controlled by the magazines. One magazine that seems to be in Bodybuilding today is totally controlled by the magazines. One magazine that seems to be in charge is Muscle Media. A lot of people read it, and they say, "Well, if Bill Phillips says it, it must charge is Muscle Media. A lot of people read it, and they say, "Well, if Bill Phillips says it, it must be true. Bill Phillips says liver tablets are no good." Let me tell you something about Bill Phillips be true. Bill Phillips says liver tablets are no good." Let me tell you something about Bill Phillips and liver. He panned liver, said it was not good. It's old time bodybuilding, he said. He wouldn't and liver. He panned liver, said it was not good. It's old time bodybuilding, he said. He wouldn't take it because it traps toxins i
take it because it traps toxins in the body, and that's got to n the body, and that's got to be terrible.be terrible. The liver probably has a
The liver probably has a thousand functions. It manufactures hormones, it filters, it convertsthousand functions. It manufactures hormones, it filters, it converts amino acids to protein, it transfers nutrients... I could
amino acids to protein, it transfers nutrients... I could go on and on. It contains go on and on. It contains P450, whichP450, which happens to detoxify drugs and a thousand bad substances in your body. Liver is a unique food, happens to detoxify drugs and a thousand bad substances in your body. Liver is a unique food, and that's why Vince turned me onto it. Liver used to be the staple of bodybuilding, and now and that's why Vince turned me onto it. Liver used to be the staple of bodybuilding, and now some guy says its no good and nobody uses it.
some guy says its no good and nobody uses it. LiverLiveris a phenomenal food. When an animal canis a phenomenal food. When an animal can get any food of its choice,
get any food of its choice, organ meat is what it organ meat is what it goes for first. It an animal gets an goes for first. It an animal gets an egg, it eats theegg, it eats the whole egg. It doesn't just eat the white and throw the yolk away.
whole egg. It doesn't just eat the white and throw the yolk away. Phillips promotes
Phillips promotes creatinecreatine, and creatine is a , and creatine is a great product if you don't abuse it. Bgreat product if you don't abuse it. But remember,ut remember, the reason Vince advocated a lot of liver, a lot of glands, and a lot of meat is that they contain the reason Vince advocated a lot of liver, a lot of glands, and a lot of meat is that they contain creatine. That's why when you took li
creatine. That's why when you took liver tablets; you got a tremendous amount of ver tablets; you got a tremendous amount of energy. Plusenergy. Plus the fact that liver contains cytochrome C, which
the fact that liver contains cytochrome C, which is an iron-bonding amino acid is an iron-bonding amino acid that draws oxygenthat draws oxygen into the bloodstream.
into the bloodstream. The p450 in the l
The p450 in the liver is s tremendous antioxidant and iver is s tremendous antioxidant and detoxifier, probably the most powerfuldetoxifier, probably the most powerful known. Dr. P.H. Ersoff at the University of
known. Dr. P.H. Ersoff at the University of Michigan proved that in the early Michigan proved that in the early 1950's. See why liver1950's. See why liver and glands and meat are so
and glands and meat are so important? Because they're hormone-precursing nutrients. (Just askimportant? Because they're hormone-precursing nutrients. (Just ask the Indians).
the Indians).
Mr. Phillips implies his EAS products are "new-way" bodybuilding. Well, I've looked at a lot of his Mr. Phillips implies his EAS products are "new-way" bodybuilding. Well, I've looked at a lot of his products and some of them are good, but, as
products and some of them are good, but, as Gironda proved, you have to have al Gironda proved, you have to have al least aleast a thousand milligrams of chelated or ionized calcium every day, plus high amounts of
thousand milligrams of chelated or ionized calcium every day, plus high amounts of macrominerals and trace minerals.
macrominerals and trace minerals.
Senate bill number 264 in 1936 told the American people that our soil was lacking 22 minerals Senate bill number 264 in 1936 told the American people that our soil was lacking 22 minerals then. Now 64 years later, the deficiency
then. Now 64 years later, the deficiency is over 40 minerals. Some people is over 40 minerals. Some people say 45. That's whysay 45. That's why Vince recommended Celtic sea salt and liquid minerals - so that you could get all your minerals. Vince recommended Celtic sea salt and liquid minerals - so that you could get all your minerals. Your minerals and trace minerals are
Your minerals and trace minerals are hormone precursors. When you stimulate hormones, youhormone precursors. When you stimulate hormones, you create muscle tissue. B Complex is indispensable. I don't see any good, solid quantities or high create muscle tissue. B Complex is indispensable. I don't see any good, solid quantities or high potencies of B complex in any EAS products.
potencies of B complex in any EAS products.
Then there's the matter of synthetic hormones on the market these
Then there's the matter of synthetic hormones on the market these days - androstenedione and adays - androstenedione and a couple of others. Vince always said that if you're very well nourished, you can manufacture your couple of others. Vince always said that if you're very well nourished, you can manufacture your own hormones into your 50's, 60's, 70
own hormones into your 50's, 60's, 70's 80's and 90's. My grandfather, who 's 80's and 90's. My grandfather, who lived to be almost 98,lived to be almost 98, was sexed into his 80's! My grandmother, who lived to be 101, had her last baby at 54. They had was sexed into his 80's! My grandmother, who lived to be 101, had her last baby at 54. They had tremendously high hormone levels because they
tremendously high hormone levels because they at all natural foods.at all natural foods.
Vince was dead set against synthetic hormones of any kind because when bodybuilders take Vince was dead set against synthetic hormones of any kind because when bodybuilders take synthetic hormones, their own hormone production ceases. Testicles shrivel
synthetic hormones, their own hormone production ceases. Testicles shrivel up to nothing, and aup to nothing, and a lot of men have to take
lot of men have to take synthetic hormones for the rest of their lives. Ssynthetic hormones for the rest of their lives. So don't mess around witho don't mess around with andro and all that garbage. Oh
andro and all that garbage. Oh sure, it makes everybody a lot of money, but sure, it makes everybody a lot of money, but you can do ityou can do it naturally folks. Vince Gironda always advocated
naturally folks. Vince Gironda always advocated the natural way, not the cheater's way. Dthe natural way, not the cheater's way. Drugrug users, as Vince always said, are
users, as Vince always said, are nothing but cheaters.nothing but cheaters.
"Drug users, as Vince always said, are nothing but cheaters." "Drug users, as Vince always said, are nothing but cheaters."
In a lot of protein powders that Bill Phillips and the others make, I see 50 or 45 grams of protein, In a lot of protein powders that Bill Phillips and the others make, I see 50 or 45 grams of protein, and I think: "Oh my God! You
and I think: "Oh my God! You can't digest all that protein can't digest all that protein unless you take extra amounts ofunless you take extra amounts of protylitic enzymes and hydrochloric acid." If you're a man, 30 to 35 grams is all you can digest at protylitic enzymes and hydrochloric acid." If you're a man, 30 to 35 grams is all you can digest at a meal. For a woman, it's
a meal. For a woman, it's 25. Undigested protein is converted 25. Undigested protein is converted to sugar. It sounds good, but it'sto sugar. It sounds good, but it's just a game of one upmanship
just a game of one upmanship between companies. One company says, "We have 25 between companies. One company says, "We have 25 grams ofgrams of protein." The next one says, "Well, we have 35." And so on and so on. It's just a marketing ploy. protein." The next one says, "Well, we have 35." And so on and so on. It's just a marketing ploy. I spoke with Mr. Phillips about eight or nine years ago and asked him why there isn't any fat in his I spoke with Mr. Phillips about eight or nine years ago and asked him why there isn't any fat in his protein. He replied, "Oh, you can't have
protein. He replied, "Oh, you can't have any fat." See, he was any fat." See, he was on the anti-fat bandwagon, provingon the anti-fat bandwagon, proving he didn't know you'll die without natural fats. Americans have been on a high-carbohydrate, he didn't know you'll die without natural fats. Americans have been on a high-carbohydrate, zero-fat diet for the last 40
fat diet for the last 40 or 50 years, and we're getting or 50 years, and we're getting fatter and sicker. Don't believe anything butfatter and sicker. Don't believe anything but the facts. Americans are the fattest people in the
the facts. Americans are the fattest people in the world, and we're also the siworld, and we're also the sickest people in theckest people in the world.
world.
Where there's money there is the pursuit of money,
Where there's money there is the pursuit of money, and people will do and people will do anything to make it. I'm notanything to make it. I'm not much of a Bible-pounder, but in the Bible, Jesus says, "Beware of the person who wears the much of a Bible-pounder, but in the Bible, Jesus says, "Beware of the person who wears the clock of respectability," and "The Love of money is the root of all evil."
clock of respectability," and "The Love of money is the root of all evil."
Very few people under the age of 50 will ever believe or listen to Vince's methods simply because Very few people under the age of 50 will ever believe or listen to Vince's methods simply because of the maturity factor. Young people are easily
of the maturity factor. Young people are easily swayed. I recall three friends I swayed. I recall three friends I met when I ownedmet when I owned the Powerhouse Gym - Tom Patton, who's won
the Powerhouse Gym - Tom Patton, who's won a few titles and ia few titles and is a personal trainer, Dan Martin,s a personal trainer, Dan Martin, who's a personal trainer, and Little John Pechinino.
who's a personal trainer, and Little John Pechinino. They all have excellent
They all have excellent physiques. Many years ago, when I first met physiques. Many years ago, when I first met them, they thought I was athem, they thought I was a nice guy, but oh those silly methods! That was when they were in their teens and 20's. I take my nice guy, but oh those silly methods! That was when they were in their teens and 20's. I take my hat off to each one of them. They
hat off to each one of them. They didn't agree with me, and didn't agree with me, and that was fine, but they never reallythat was fine, but they never really disagreed.
disagreed.
Now, ten years later, Tom uses Vince's training and nutritional methods exclusively. So do Dan Now, ten years later, Tom uses Vince's training and nutritional methods exclusively. So do Dan and John. They all ask me, "Ron, why didn't you make me listen to you 15 years ago?" Well as I and John. They all ask me, "Ron, why didn't you make me listen to you 15 years ago?" Well as I said, it's all education, wisdom and experience. If the lightbulb of life doesn't go on by the time said, it's all education, wisdom and experience. If the lightbulb of life doesn't go on by the time someone is 35 years old, it'll never really go on. He's going to be wallowing in his ignorance until someone is 35 years old, it'll never really go on. He's going to be wallowing in his ignorance until the day he dies.
the day he dies.
I'm currently training a young man named Tony
I'm currently training a young man named Tony Oglesby at the Powerhouse, and I'm certifyingOglesby at the Powerhouse, and I'm certifying him in Vince's methods. When Tony first came to me two years ago he was a little bigger, but had him in Vince's methods. When Tony first came to me two years ago he was a little bigger, but had absolutely no shape, no definition, no
absolutely no shape, no definition, no symmetry. He called himself "hardcore," whatever thatsymmetry. He called himself "hardcore," whatever that means. Now, two years later, Tony's about 1
means. Now, two years later, Tony's about 10 or 15 percent smaller, but wi0 or 15 percent smaller, but with phenomenal shape.th phenomenal shape. I wish you could see this kid! He's never entered a contest, but he will.
I wish you could see this kid! He's never entered a contest, but he will. Right before he does, I'm going
Right before he does, I'm going to put him on Vince's Sto put him on Vince's Six Week Bulk course, and then ix Week Bulk course, and then after that,after that, his definition course. I haven't seen
his definition course. I haven't seen the competition yet, but Tony does not the competition yet, but Tony does not take steroids, nevertake steroids, never did, and won't. He's going
did, and won't. He's going to blow everybody away. I to blow everybody away. I guarantee that right now. Whenever anyoneguarantee that right now. Whenever anyone went to Vince and said
went to Vince and said he wanted to be Mr. America, he wanted to be Mr. America, Mr. California, Mr. Olympia, or Mr.Mr. California, Mr. Olympia, or Mr.
Whatever, Vince would always reply, as he did to Larry Scott, "You do exactly what I tell you to Whatever, Vince would always reply, as he did to Larry Scott, "You do exactly what I tell you to do, and you will be a title winner.
do, and you will be a title winner.
The only crime Vince Gironda ever committed was being out of style and being 50 years ahead of The only crime Vince Gironda ever committed was being out of style and being 50 years ahead of his time. He stood virtually alone because he didn't pursue the big bucks and he didn't choose to his time. He stood virtually alone because he didn't pursue the big bucks and he didn't choose to lie. This quality, I'm sure you'll agree, is not only admirable and honest, but also to be respected. lie. This quality, I'm sure you'll agree, is not only admirable and honest, but also to be respected. The truth is a very pow
The truth is a very powerful weapon. It was one of Verful weapon. It was one of Vince's virtues. This weapon, the truth, wasince's virtues. This weapon, the truth, was really the only weapon he
really the only weapon he had against the steroid users and had against the steroid users and the entrepreneurs. I hope you get mythe entrepreneurs. I hope you get my point.
He always prodded people to think. I know he made me think. He gave me a compliment one He always prodded people to think. I know he made me think. He gave me a compliment one time. He said, "You must have a high IQ because you're always searching, always prodding, time. He said, "You must have a high IQ because you're always searching, always prodding, always asking questions." Vince's own IQ was near genius level. It's just too bad that people out always asking questions." Vince's own IQ was near genius level. It's just too bad that people out there who are making millions of dollars selling B.S. are not that intelligent.
there who are making millions of dollars selling B.S. are not that intelligent. The only mental capacity they have
The only mental capacity they have is to make money at all is to make money at all costs. I'm going to do my best tocosts. I'm going to do my best to make Vince Gironda a symbol of all that is good, decent and honest in bodybuilding. I will do my make Vince Gironda a symbol of all that is good, decent and honest in bodybuilding. I will do my best not to let his name, his methods and his principles fade away without a fight.
best not to let his name, his methods and his principles fade away without a fight.
I recently spoke with Vince's widow, Madelaine, and she has given me the exclusive rights to I recently spoke with Vince's widow, Madelaine, and she has given me the exclusive rights to distribute his courses. In the coming months, I hop
distribute his courses. In the coming months, I hope you'll see some ads e you'll see some ads in the magazines statingin the magazines stating that Vince's courses are available again. My objective is to keep Vince Gironda's name alive and that Vince's courses are available again. My objective is to keep Vince Gironda's name alive and make sure his knowledge, philosophy and goodwill toward bodybuilding will live on. I hope you'll make sure his knowledge, philosophy and goodwill toward bodybuilding will live on. I hope you'll understand that I'm doing this because Vince
understand that I'm doing this because Vince was my teacher and mentor. I truly loved was my teacher and mentor. I truly loved the man!the man! If you read his courses, you'll understand how brilliant he was. You cannot fail to benefit from If you read his courses, you'll understand how brilliant he was. You cannot fail to benefit from them.
them.
If the courses are a success, I'm going to make three videos that will explain Vince's philosophy, If the courses are a success, I'm going to make three videos that will explain Vince's philosophy, his nutritional principles, and his training methods. Some of the knowledge in these courses will his nutritional principles, and his training methods. Some of the knowledge in these courses will be mine because there was nobody to carry on the torch so I did a lot of experimenting. Vince be mine because there was nobody to carry on the torch so I did a lot of experimenting. Vince commented on many, many projects I showed him, like
commented on many, many projects I showed him, like aa colon-cleansingcolon-cleansingkit I developed.kit I developed. Vince always stressed keeping the colon clean. Hippocrates also said that a healthy colon is Vince always stressed keeping the colon clean. Hippocrates also said that a healthy colon is essential. I'm going to offer to teach
essential. I'm going to offer to teach anyone who wants to come to anyone who wants to come to Detroit all of Vince's nutritionalDetroit all of Vince's nutritional principles and certify anyone in his principles and theories. If you see something on the video you principles and certify anyone in his principles and theories. If you see something on the video you don't understand, I will be glad to advise you, or you can call me at any time. My office number is don't understand, I will be glad to advise you, or you can call me at any time. My office number is 313-372-1807.
313-372-1807.
I am going to attempt to erect a
I am going to attempt to erect a historic marker on Ventura Boulevard to pay historic marker on Ventura Boulevard to pay tribute to Vincetribute to Vince Gironda, the father of modern bodybuilding - the guru, as he is often called. If anyone would like Gironda, the father of modern bodybuilding - the guru, as he is often called. If anyone would like to send in donations, they will be greatly appreciated. I also plan to use the money from the sale to send in donations, they will be greatly appreciated. I also plan to use the money from the sale of the courses for this project so a lot depends on how sales go. My address is NSP Research of the courses for this project so a lot depends on how sales go. My address is NSP Research Nutrition, c/o/ Ron Kosloff, 15255 E. Seven
Nutrition, c/o/ Ron Kosloff, 15255 E. Seven Mile, Detroit, MR 48205.Mile, Detroit, MR 48205.
In writing this article about Vince, I don't want to imply that he was perfect. To a lot of people he In writing this article about Vince, I don't want to imply that he was perfect. To a lot of people he had his faults, but then don't w
had his faults, but then don't we all? You're never e all? You're never going to meet a perfect person, ever. Yes, hegoing to meet a perfect person, ever. Yes, he had his faults, but he sure had his positives. He knew what he was talking about as far as had his faults, but he sure had his positives. He knew what he was talking about as far as
bodybuilding goes. One of his faults, he admitted, was that he had a battle with the grape in liquid bodybuilding goes. One of his faults, he admitted, was that he had a battle with the grape in liquid form.
form.
This happened after the death of hi
This happened after the death of his first wife. But no matter. Nobody is s first wife. But no matter. Nobody is perfect. I truly felt deeplyperfect. I truly felt deeply for this man. I became very emotional whil
for this man. I became very emotional while writing this article. It's a e writing this article. It's a tribute to Vince, a tribute totribute to Vince, a tribute to his greatness. Everything I have written comes from my heart. I
his greatness. Everything I have written comes from my heart. I wasn't at Vince's funeral, but If Iwasn't at Vince's funeral, but If I had, this would have been my eulogy to him.
had, this would have been my eulogy to him. When I walk into a
When I walk into a gym for a workout, I instinctively think gym for a workout, I instinctively think of Vince, for that is the profound of Vince, for that is the profound effecteffect he had on me. Students I ha
he had on me. Students I have trained relate the same feeling to ve trained relate the same feeling to me as if he were me as if he were watching them.watching them. I always ask my students to promise me they will tell people it was the guru's methods that gave I always ask my students to promise me they will tell people it was the guru's methods that gave them their physique, so that his methods will live on.
them their physique, so that his methods will live on. My advice to young bodybuilders i
My advice to young bodybuilders is to remember the old German proverb, "Ve gis to remember the old German proverb, "Ve git too soon oldtt too soon oldt und too late schmart." Almost to a
und too late schmart." Almost to a T my students who make progress in T my students who make progress in a short amount of timea short amount of time say they realize that they had
say they realize that they had wasted one, two, three or four years on wasted one, two, three or four years on worthless training. Don't doworthless training. Don't do that yourself. Listen to Vince and give him a chance.
"There are only two reasons in life why people lie. One is for personal gain, "There are only two reasons in life why people lie. One is for personal gain,
and the other is to make money." and the other is to make money."
In my life, I've met very few people who didn't speak with a forked tongue, as the Indians used to In my life, I've met very few people who didn't speak with a forked tongue, as the Indians used to say of the white man. There are only two reasons in life why people lie. One is for personal gain, say of the white man. There are only two reasons in life why people lie. One is for personal gain, and the other is to make
and the other is to make money. Got it? There are no other reasons. There money. Got it? There are no other reasons. There are people who giveare people who give and take in the bodybuilding game, so you'd better know who they are.
and take in the bodybuilding game, so you'd better know who they are.
Vince gave to bodybuilding his whole life and took nothing. He became very angry when talking to Vince gave to bodybuilding his whole life and took nothing. He became very angry when talking to the phonies in the game, like the phony drug users who are all around us. Of course, I totally the phonies in the game, like the phony drug users who are all around us. Of course, I totally agreed with him on that subject. Most people just follow the crowd in every phase of their life, but agreed with him on that subject. Most people just follow the crowd in every phase of their life, but if you are perceptive, you have to realize that all of us profit from visionary people like Vince. if you are perceptive, you have to realize that all of us profit from visionary people like Vince. I put his contribution in fitness
I put his contribution in fitness and in bodybuilding and in bodybuilding in the same category as Thomas Jefferson,in the same category as Thomas Jefferson, Henry Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Thomas Edison,
Henry Ford, Franklin Roosevelt, Thomas Edison, Hippocrates, etc. He never was a pHippocrates, etc. He never was a profiteer likerofiteer like some people in this game. Again, you know exactly who they are. He was, as Bob Seger said, some people in this game. Again, you know exactly who they are. He was, as Bob Seger said, like a rock. He never wavered as he took vicious and monumental abuse for his different views like a rock. He never wavered as he took vicious and monumental abuse for his different views - just like the famous men mentioned above. Even
just like the famous men mentioned above. Even I, as a proponent of his I, as a proponent of his methods, have receivedmethods, have received abuse. Years ago people at the
abuse. Years ago people at the gym used to laugh at me gym used to laugh at me behind my back, but how times behind my back, but how times havehave changed! Those who once laughed at me are now coming to me for advice.
changed! Those who once laughed at me are now coming to me for advice. Vince's most glaring shortcoming was that he
Vince's most glaring shortcoming was that he didn't have money to promote and market hididn't have money to promote and market hiss theories. If he had, oh my goodness, what a revelation that would have been! I have a picture in theories. If he had, oh my goodness, what a revelation that would have been! I have a picture in my office of Vince at age 46, when he had attained the best shape of his life. His research just my office of Vince at age 46, when he had attained the best shape of his life. His research just kept progressing and getting better.
kept progressing and getting better.
He was only 5' 8" tall but to me he was 8' 5". His size and the fact that he didn't possess a He was only 5' 8" tall but to me he was 8' 5". His size and the fact that he didn't possess a genetically gifted physique and structure made hi
genetically gifted physique and structure made him become a scientist and sculptor of him become a scientist and sculptor of his body.s body. He did this better than anybody because he had to. Then he passed his knowledge on to his He did this better than anybody because he had to. Then he passed his knowledge on to his students.
students.
He would be very proud to know that people call me today concerning his methods, as I observed He would be very proud to know that people call me today concerning his methods, as I observed that the great majority of them are very intelligent, and Vince loved intelligent people.
that the great majority of them are very intelligent, and Vince loved intelligent people. I feel very fortunate that on my trek through l
I feel very fortunate that on my trek through life, I've had great, honest, fair and knowledgeableife, I've had great, honest, fair and knowledgeable people teach me lessons of life. Vince was one of the best. He has created a cult of people people teach me lessons of life. Vince was one of the best. He has created a cult of people throughout the United States and the world
throughout the United States and the world who hold him in who hold him in the highest esteem. My heart isthe highest esteem. My heart is heavy because he truly had nothing to live for after he closed his gym.
heavy because he truly had nothing to live for after he closed his gym.
I can no longer go to L.A. and work out and learn from him. As Dr. John said, he was in the right I can no longer go to L.A. and work out and learn from him. As Dr. John said, he was in the right place but it must have been
place but it must have been at the wrong time. I know at the wrong time. I know that there are thousands of people whothat there are thousands of people who hate the fact he's passed and won't be around any longer, but then again maybe he will! hate the fact he's passed and won't be around any longer, but then again maybe he will! I truly respected and loved this guy.
I truly respected and loved this guy. I will miss him I will miss him very much. Goodbye to the greatest trainer ofvery much. Goodbye to the greatest trainer of all!
all!
Special Thanks: Special Thanks:
I dedicate this article to Vince's widow Madelaine, his son Guy, my friends Ray Raridon, Chris I dedicate this article to Vince's widow Madelaine, his son Guy, my friends Ray Raridon, Chris Arigona, Steve Patton, John Balik and Gene Mozee, all the old members of Vince's Gym, his fans Arigona, Steve Patton, John Balik and Gene Mozee, all the old members of Vince's Gym, his fans and students, my students, all the people who have called me, and especially to my friend Bob and students, my students, all the people who have called me, and especially to my friend Bob Kennedy of Muscle Mag International, for including this article in his fine publication. Thank you Kennedy of Muscle Mag International, for including this article in his fine publication. Thank you so much!
Note:
Note: Vince passed away in 1997. If you want to learn more about Vince and his uniqueVince passed away in 1997. If you want to learn more about Vince and his unique training methods, I recommend all of his
training methods, I recommend all of his training courses and his full-length book,training courses and his full-length book,
""Unleashing the Wild Physique.Unleashing the Wild Physique." You can purchase " You can purchase these hard-to-find collector's items atthese hard-to-find collector's items at very reasonable prices from Ron Kosloff, a long
very reasonable prices from Ron Kosloff, a long time friend and student of Vince's. Rontime friend and student of Vince's. Ron has the exclusive rights to Vince's courses and you can reach him in Michigan at (313) has the exclusive rights to Vince's courses and you can reach him in Michigan at (313) 372-1807.
