![]() ![]() Though he died in 2000, he’s still celebrated for what many regard as the prototypical muscular physique. In the late ’60s, Steve Reeves retired with his wife to their California ranch. A generation of boys, including a young Arnold Schwarzenegger, came of age wanting to be Hercules, and many spent their allowances on barbells. Via big screens, Reeves became bodybuilding’s worldwide ambassador, even if few fans ever heard his real voice. But Hercules was a smash hit in Europe and, in 1959, in America, too, launching its star to international fame.Ī successful sequel quickly followed, and so did a deluge of Italian-made, sword-and-sandal flicks, some starring Reeves, some starring other musclemen. In 1957, Reeves traveled to Rome to star in what he thought would be just some Italian kid’s movie. However, despite a few small movie and TV roles, American producers never figured out what to do with someone so distractingly handsome and, by pre- steroid standards, colossal. Because his face was as perfectly chiseled as his physique, Hollywood noticed. Universe over future legend Reg Park, he was only 24, but the 6’1″ 220-pounder had reached the pinnacle of bodybuilding, competitively and aesthetically. ![]() He hasn’t a single weak spot in his make-up…He seemed from out of this world, just as though a super-man had suddenly appeared on a pedestal.” America, a writer in Your Physique magazine (the precursor of FLEX) raved, “I, personally, proclaim him to be the finest specimen of American manhood I have ever seen in a kid of his years. Joe Weider effused, “Steve Reeves was the male ideal of physical perfection.” After witnessing the 21-year-old Reeves shortly before he won the 1947 Mr. He seemed like something conjured up in an artist’s workshop. How did he do it, and what lessons can be applied to your workouts today? THE MOST CLASSIC PHYSIQUE Long ago and with only simple tools and food, Reeves constructed history’s most perfect body. Today, the original Hercules is the archetype for the classic physique division. In fact, as a reaction against the modern bigger-is-better ethos, he’s only solidified his status. Nearly seven decades after he last posed on a dais, Steve Reeves is still champ. There can be only one-the most aesthetic male physique of all time.
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