Physical culture has a select few individuals whose names resonate through the ages. Sigmund Klein’s feats have been featured in “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not” more than ten times. Klein became an inductee of the International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Hall of Fame in 2006 due to his contribution to the sport.
Early Life
Sig Klein was born on September 10, 1902, in West Prussia (Austria-Hungary-Germany). Klein’s life journey would take him from humble beginnings to become an iconic strongman, weightlifter, and influential figure in the development of physical training.
Klein moved to New York City when he was 22 years old. It was in this vibrant melting pot of cultures that Klein’s interest in strength and athletics began to flourish.
Sig started as a professional wrestler, but weightlifting and physical training became his true calling.
Life as an Entrepreneur
Beyond his personal achievements, Klein’s impact on the fitness industry extended to his entrepreneurial endeavors.
He opened a gymnasium in New York City in 1929. It was known as “Klein’s Studio of Physical Culture.” The gym’s tagline was, “Here We Make Men.”
Within no time, the gym became a popular hangout for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and celebrities. Klein’s dedication to providing high-quality training facilities and instruction ensured that his gym became a hub for the advancement of physical fitness in America.
As a testament to his influence, Klein was often sought after by Hollywood stars and professional athletes for his expertise.
Many photoshoots for Joe Weider’s magazine were shot in his gym. He trained and worked with notable personalities such as John Wayne, George Reeves, and Charles Atlas, among others.
Sig Klein’s Workout Routine
Sig Klein was known for promoting specific exercises and training regimes that aligned with his training philosophy and the “Klein System” of physical education.
He emphasized functional strength, overall athleticism, and a well-rounded approach to training. His training style encompassed compound lifts, calisthenics and lots of grip training.
Compound Lifts
Klein promoted exercises such as the squat, deadlift, clean and jerk, and snatch. These compound lifts developed strength, power, and overall body coordination. As well as developed athleticism and explosiveness.
Bodyweight Calisthenics
Klein favored push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and handstand work for developing upper body and core strength, as well as mobility and stability.
Grip Training
He incorporated grip training exercises such as heavy barbell holds, wrist curls, and gripper exercises to develop a strong and powerful grip.
Balanced Development
Klein stressed the importance of training all major muscle groups to ensure symmetrical strength and overall physical fitness.
Functional Training
He believed in training movements rather than isolated muscles, incorporating exercises that improved agility, flexibility, and coordination.
Signature Moves
Sig is best known for the “Klein System” of physical training. He combined lessons from weightlifting, bodybuilding, and gymnastics to create a comprehensive total-body training approach that emphasized functional strength, flexibility, and overall athleticism.
Klein often said that one of the best tests of strength was to clean and press two 75 lb. dumbbells for 12 perfect reps. Klein himself could do up to 19 Tiger Bend push-ups. Some signature bodybuilding and weightlifting moves associated with Sig Klein include:
- Tiger Pushups
- Tiger Bend
- The Klein System
Klein’s Diet
Klein’s approach to nutrition was consistent with his overall philosophy of promoting health, strength, and athletic performance. While specific details about his daily diet may not be extensively documented, here are some general principles that likely guided his dietary choices:
- Adequate protein intake
- Whole foods and nutrient
- Caloric sufficiency
- Hydration
- Personalized approach
Awards
Klein was not only a trainer but also a highly accomplished athlete himself. He competed in many weightlifting competitions and even set a few world records. The way he combined power, speed, and agility made him a force to be reckoned with in the weightlifting arena.
Sig’s notable accomplishments in the field of physical culture certainly earned him recognition and accolades. Here are a few noteworthy achievements:
- In 1924, Klein won the United States National Weightlifting Championship, showcasing his exceptional strength and skill in the sport.
- In 1925, Klein claimed the world title in the lightweight division, further cementing his status as a formidable weightlifter on the international stage.
Rivals
Pioneer in Iron Game History
Siegmund Sig Klein competed in the field of weightlifting during the 1920s and 1930s. There were renowned weightlifters who shared the competitive stage with Klein and were recognized for their achievements. Here are a few weightlifters who could be considered notable contemporaries of Klein:
- Charles Rigoulot, a French weightlifter, won the gold medal in the middleweight division at the 1924 Olympic Games and set a number of world records in various weightlifting categories.
- Joseph DePietro, an American weightlifter, won the silver medal in the lightweight division at the 1924 Olympic Games and set multiple world records in different weight classes.
- Pierre Gasnier, a French weightlifter, won the gold medal in the heavyweight division at the 1924 Olympic Games and set multiple world records in the sport.
Notable Moments
Some memorable stories from the life of Sig Klein include:
The Kettlebell Lift
One famous anecdote involves Klein’s impressive display of strength during a training session. The story goes that Klein performed a lifting movement known as the “Kettlebell Lift.”
The movement involved hoisting a pair of kettlebells weighing a total of 290 pounds (131 kilograms) overhead. This incredible demonstration of strength showcased Klein’s exceptional power and ability to handle heavy loads. And proved an undeniable measure of his strength.
The Klein Challenge
Today, there are numerous videos of “The Klein Challenge” on YouTube. To perform the challenge, hold a 75-pound dumbbell in each hand and perform 12 clean and press repetitions.
Building His Gym
After becoming famous, Klein opened his gym, known as “Klein’s Studio of Physical Culture,” in New York City in 1929.
Married Professor Attila’s Daughter
Klein married Grace Attila, the daughter of Professor Louis Attila who was also a famous strongman and one of the first trainers of celebrities. Klein took over managing Attila’s gym before opening his own.
Sig Klein’s Publications
Klein remained committed to promoting the ideals of physical fitness and strength all throughout his life. He wrote articles for various publications, sharing his knowledge and experiences with a broader audience. Klein’s writings were informative, practical, and infused with his passion for physical culture.
His articles covered topics ranging from exercise techniques to nutrition, offering valuable insights that continue to resonate with fitness enthusiasts to this day. He published:
Klein’s Bell
In the early 1930s, Klein published a monthly magazine called “Klein’s Bell.” The magazine’s topics included weightlifting, bodybuilding, nutrition, and exercise techniques.
You can pick up a copy of the original magazine compiled into a book on here.
The Klein Technique
Klein authored a book titled “The Klein Technique: A Rational Course of Physical Education” in 1938. The book detailed his comprehensive training system, known as the “Klein System,” which integrated weightlifting, bodybuilding, and gymnastics. It emphasized functional strength, flexibility, and athleticism.
Articles in Strength and Health Magazine
Klein contributed articles to the popular strength and fitness magazine, Strength and Health. His writings covered various aspects of physical training, including exercises, training principles, and nutrition. His articles were known for their practicality and effectiveness.
Pamphlets and Booklets
He also produced smaller publications in the form of pamphlets and booklets, which served as guides and instructional materials for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. These publications covered specific topics and provided step-by-step instructions for exercises and training routines.
Super Physique: Bodybuilding Barbell Course
He authored an instructional booklet for training with barbells.
How to Bench Press Correctly
This was a booklet training on bench press exercises.
Klein’s Famous Quotes
“Time and money spent in training the body pays a larger dividend than any investment”
“The stronger the body the more it obeys, the weaker the body the more it commands.”
“The glory of a man is his strength.”
“Train for shape and strength will follow.”
“Strength is first, last, and at all times the ability to do things.”
Conclusion
Sig Klein is remembered fondly. His books and training manuals are highly sought after as collectibles.
Many regard him as a true pioneer of bodybuilding. Unlike most strongmen, he emphasized training for physical symmetry and balance over strength. He is still revered for his monumental strength and his influence on physical culture.
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