I have hundreds of old muscle magazines tucked away in storage, but the one that started it all for me was the December 1985 issue of MuscleMag International, featuring Scott Wilson on the cover. I must have read that magazine every day for weeks.

One of the standout pieces in that issue was an excerpt from the legendary Vince Gironda, the Iron Guru himself. Here’s a glimpse of his no-nonsense approach:

You know we have a facility opposite my place in Ventura Boulevard. It’s known as Nautilus Aerobics Fitness Center. Has it eaten into my business? Not at all! Why? Because it’s not a gym, it’s a singles bar! My place is about muscle—the more, the better. My motto is no pool, no chrome, no music… just iron!

I think of Nautilus as a waste of time for the serious bodybuilder. I see aerobics as a worthless exercise and running as a disaster.

My diet? I still advocate a meat and fat diet (and eggs) to generate more male hormone. When I feel hungry (and if I want to feed my muscles), I’ll down a shake made of two fertile eggs and whipping cream. Yes! I’m aware of the anti-fat brigade. I just don’t go along with them!

That was classic Gironda—brutally honest and decades ahead of his time in some ways.

Another highlight of that issue was Garry Bartlett’s column, which covered a forgotten yet highly effective bodybuilding supplement. It may have faded from the mainstream, but it’s worth revisiting.

I’ll bring that old-school favorite back in the next post—stay tuned!