Steve Reeves - Biography

Biography - Bodybuilder

Many people have asked me why and when Steve got into bodybuilding. What motivated him to take that direction in his life? Well, it's somewhat complex and it happened over a period of many years.

Steve's father Lester died when Steve was only 18 months old. Goldie, Steve's mother would tell her young son what a great man his father was and what great shape he was always in. Steve's father was a rancher and was always in great shape. This left an enduring impression on Steve, I believe.

In addition, Steve's mother was an excellent cook and nutritionist, which gave him the foundation on proper foods and nutrition.

One summer when Steve was 10 years old, he spent a couple of months on this mother’s friend’s ranch. The oldest son of the family, Vernon Hall, was splitting logs with a huge axe. Steve would help by picking up the wood and take it back to the cabin.

Steve told me “I really became interested in bodybuilding because of Vernon’s great physique. When Vernon would take off his shirt and swing that hefty axe his muscles flexed with every move.”

After moving to Oakland, Steve met Joe Gamina, who lived on Steve’s paper route. Joe and Steve did some arm wrestling, which Joe won. Steve could not believe how Joe could have beaten him. Joe then introduced Steve to weight training in Joe’s little garage gym. Steve spent a few months working out in the garage and achieved a good physical base. His interest grew apace. He found out about noted bodybuilding coach Ed Yarick - who owned a gym in the Oakland area. After Ed explained his training methods and nutrition guidance to Steve - the young man decided it was time to workout at Ed’s gym instead of the garage.

Read the complete bodybuilding story in the Steve Reeves member’s sections of this site.

Learn how Steve first found out just who John Grimek was and how Steve competed in all his contests. Find out where he trained for each contest, plus look at the contest results and personal entry forms.

Steve’s Book “Building the Classic Physique – the Natural Way” is an excellent way to read his story and understand his training and nutritional methods.

--George Helmer

Bodybuilding Titles
Though Steve's competitive bodybuilding career was relatively short (1946-1950), he did win many major titles. The following is a year-by-year listing of how Steve did during his bodybuilding days.
Winner

1946 - Mr. Pacific Coast (This contest would remain the Mr. Pacific Coast, Contest held in Portland Oregon)
1947 - Mr. Pacific Coast  (This would become the Western America the following year. Contest held in Los Angeles)
1947 - Mr. America (Contest held in Chicago)
1948 - Mr. World (Contest held in Cannes France)
1950 - Mr. Universe (Contest held in London England)

Other

1948 - Mr. USA (2nd place)
1948 - Mr. Universe (2nd place)
1949 - Mr. USA (3rd place)

Steve's Best Measurements

According to Steve himself, these are his best measurements during his bodybuilding days. These measurements were taken "COLD" - without being pumped before the days workout.

Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 216
Shoulder Breath: 23 1/2"
Neck: 18 1/2"
Chest: 52"
Waist: 29"
Hips: 38"
Biceps: 18 1/4"
Forearms: 14 3/4"
Wrists: 7 1/4"
Thighs: 26"
Calves: 18 1/4"
Ankles: 9 1/4"

Steve's Recommended Order of Training

Deltoids
Pectorals (chest)
Lats (mid and upper back)
Biceps
Triceps
Quadriceps (front thighs)
Hamstrings (back of legs)
Calves
Lower back
Abdominals (midsection)
Neck

Even more information on Steve's bodybuilding days can be found in the Members' area of the site - click here for more information!

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