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Reg Park
 Born Jun 7, 1928 in Leeds, England Married to Mareon October 22, 1952 Reg is a member of an elite band. He is one of the last batches of natural champions. Men who achieved their prize-winning physiques by sheer effort and hard work and of course, good wholesome nutrition.
One of the most admirable roles associated with Reg Park is that of mentor. One of Reg's clients wrote the following tribute as a testimony to Reg's rich and rewarding influence on others. There comes for each one of us a defining moment in our lives. Often, it is the meeting of a person who has a significant and positive impact. A person who influenced us to such an extent that we will never forget them. A person who may have taught us something; a person who may have been a leader, a coach, an achiever or someone who simply helped us when we really needed help. This person touched our lives just as we touch the lives of others. For me, that person was Reg Park.
What makes this man remarkable? He has a talent---A talent for making people feel good about themselves! Reg is a natural mentor. A lifelong believer in the discipline of helping others to grow, helping others fulfill their dreams. As a successful businessman, Reg could have stopped working 20 or even 30, years ago. And yet, as he powers his way towards his 80th birthday, he still spends 12, sometimes 13 hours in the gym each day, helping people to improve their physical wellbeing...helping them to reach their dreams of fitness and appearance. This man is the physical and often spiritual mentor to hundreds of devotees. Still hundreds more wait patiently to get onto his schedule. ~ Michael Pryke
 Arnold Schwarzenegger and his mentor Reg Park Another Reg Park client, Ross Alexander, writes: "As important as the training, Reg has taught me about life and my business. He is an honorable man with an “old” set of rules, being hard, honest and fair. I could never have imagined what a bearing Reg has had on my life. Anyone who has the good fortune to spend time with him, will realize why it is that he has made such a difference to so many."
How strong was Reg Park? For the time period, he was one of the strongest men in Europe. As a strongman, it comes as no suprise that his favorite exercise is the squat. In 1954 his 500 lb bench press was the first-ever in Europe and he had thus equaled the standard set by the much heavier Doug Hepburn who was at that time world weightlifting champion. As in all sports, with the passing of time standards have gone higher but even today 500lb is a pretty awesome weight. (Prior to the influence of Reg Park, most UK trainees would use comparatively light weights for just one set happily squatting with their own bodyweight. Following Reg’s example, top lifters soon raised their standards with bench presses going from 200 to 400 or more.) Reg attempted to lift the Thomas Inch Dumbbells but in his own words was unable to accomplish the feat. "I tried lifting Inch's "Challenge Dumbbell" (172 lbs. With a 2.47" diameter handle). It was impossible to move off the ground. In my mind, it is impossible to lift by anyone. [The Inch Dumbbell today is owned by David Prowse and is on display at his gym.] I made mince meat of his cable expanders. They were very easy. I was unable to close his grip machine, which supposedly took 580 pounds of force to close. I did; however, register 525 pounds on it, which was fairly close to Inch's record of 556 pounds; this was the second best attempt done to that time." An explanation of the Thomas Inch Dumbbell is given here at The Unliftable Inch Dumbbells. More about the Thomas Inch Dumbbells can be found in the following link. Thomas Inch Dumbbells.
How did Reg Park train? Here is a link to Reg's training routines, maximum lifts and several training articles written for the Reg Park Journal. In addition to popularizing the 5 x 5 system of training, Reg also developed a Cable Training System. Here is a link to the Reg Park System of Cable Training. Was Reg Park faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive?... Nah.. Did Reg have functional muscle? He had it in spades and so did Dave. Read all about the impressive lifts that rescued the two weary travelers on a dark night in the South African countryside. NOCTURNAL PROWESS  The Gladiator and Hercules!    Reg Park's website www.RegPark.net Wonderful magazine covers of Reg Park can be found at MuscleMemory.com Brian's Drive-In has an assortment of photos of the Legend. There is even a classic photo of Reg instructing lady lifters! An extensive gallery of fine photos can be found here. Last edited by Sharon. Contributors: Laree and Sharon |