Alex Aronis by Bruce Belas

GIANT SELF-IMPROVEMENT ISSUE Muscle Builder STOP BEING A WEAKLING How Six Men Traded Their Weakness For Superman Proportions HE-MAN SHOULDERS FOR YOU "Mr. Universe" Shows You How To Broaden Your Shoulders 1 GAINED 50 POUNDS From A Skinny Weak- ling To "Mr. Canada" And World Fame BUILD UP YOUR CHEST Add 5" To Your Chest This Easy, Fast Way DO YOU WANT BIG MUSCLES? Muscle Building Is Sim ple. Here's What To Do THIS CAN HAPPEN TO YOU You Can Be Admired -Well Built-Popular And Get Ahead In Life. Try This Success Plan Special ALEX ARONIS 18 YEAR OLD ANNAPOLIS HERCULES MAY 35c "I OVERCAME WEAKNESS AND WON A SCHOLARSHIP AT ANNAPOLIS " (cover man story)
Alex Aronis was 185 pounds in 1952. He was photographed by Bruce of Los
Angeles in the early 1950s, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy
in 1955, and became a minister in the early 1960s.
We offer an excellent featurette of ten 4x5 doubleweight matte prints for $2.50 Prepaid. Airmail 15c extra. Color slides of Alex Aronis-35mm only. Six slides for $3.50 Prepaid. Airmail 15c extra. 26
10 We present some dramatic poses of 18 year old Alex Aronis. For information on photographs and color slides of Alex Aronis, turn to inside back cover.
BRUCE OF LOS ANGELES PRESENTS PACIFIC COAST PHYSIQUES ALEX ARONIS-a rising new physique person- ality--is featured in this group of outstanding male physique studies. Three other handsome young athletes are included. These superb photographs are made from the original negatives by projection printing on double-weight matte paper. Catalogue No. 16 15 4x5's $3.00 First Class postage 15e extra Air mail 25e extra DUAL POSES of dynamic action posed by two teams of virile and rugged negros. A must for the collector of the male figure. Our usual fine prints. Catalogue No. 20 15 4x5's $3.00 First class postage 15e extra Airmail 25¢ extra STEREO REALIST COLOR SLIDES Until you have seen the male figure projected into the third dimension, you have missed the ultimate in physique studies. Various types of viewers. are available at your local photo dealer. A rare collection of 70 slides is now available. One set (General Assortment) (7 slides) $4.00 First class postage 12e extra Air mail 25e extra REGULAR 2X2 COLOR SLIDES We present the largest collection of color slides available on the male physique. A wide range of models is available --photographed in the studio, at the ocean beach, in the mountains, and in the desert. One set (General Assortment) (6 slides) First class postage 10 extra Two sets $3.00 Airmail 18e extra $5.00 Airmail 25¢ extra (General Assortment) (12 slides) First class postage 15¢ extra BRUCE OF LOS ANGELES Box 9305-C Station S, Los Angeles 5, California
Alex Aronis Alex Aronis, a youthful Apollo of Greek descent, was photographed when he was a senior in high school. With his weight of 185 pounds he was the bulwark of Hollywood High's football team. Later he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy where he was a regular lineman on their football squad. 23
muscle THE BODY BUILDER MAGAZINE power april/30c Alex Aronis 10 YEAR MUSCULAR SENSATION WEIGHT 1E, HEIGHT E ARMS 181 CHEST 44, WAIST 2
DIG THAT MIGHTY arm Alex Aronis is flexing in this impressive photo taken by SPARTAN. Many a bodybuilder would literally give his right arm for such a tremendous measurement of his triceps and biceps. Aronis isn't only strong in the arms, he's a physically rugged guy from his chest to his thighs. 26
man race of my belief and strength." "Are you so strong? Have you no fear of my powerful wrestlers? I am going to put you to a test." And so saying, the Sultan gave a signal and his wrestlers appeared. To the Sultan's surprise Yousouf laid these out one at a time. "I can perceive that you are very powerful. You will be one of my wrestlers," said the Sultan. "I will pay you a large sum of money every year and allow you three wives." "Ah! Light of lights," sighed Yousouf, "Mahomet sheds his brilliance over you. May Allah allow your beard to grow and flourish for many long years," as he prostrated himself before the Sultan. Thus was the career of a robber left behind to embark on a new one as wrestler by adoption of the Sultan.. One afternoon, while directing the exercises of my pupils in my physical culture school, in Lille, 30 Place du Theatre, I received a visitor, an old time athlete and wrestler named Doublier, He was managing wrestlers and at this time presented me to three men from his stable. What men! Three giants dressed in native Turk attire. The first, Kara Osman, was no less than 5'11" tall and must have weighed around 220 lbs.; he had a neck like that of a young bull, shoulders that were almost too wide, slim- waisted and muscles bulging under his swarthy skin. He was one of the most admirable specimens of humanity I had ever seen. Nourlah was bigger, 6'7" tall; he weighed 330 lbs. The third was none other, yes you have guessed right-Yousouf Ismaillolo, Yousouf was 6'2" tall and weighed 265 lbs. In his presence one could sense the in- nate strength and untamed spirit. Doublier was enjoying the effect of their presence on me-I was astounded at these three splended specimens of the Ottoman race. I asked him how I could show my hospitality in a manner they would appreciate. "Oh! they are on a very simple diet," he answered. "Water in great quantity and all the pie they care to eat." I immediately made the necessary arrangements and soon a boy from the pastry store delivered a monumental pile of pies. You souf took the biggest, which weighed over two pounds, folded it in four and devoured it as easily as an ordinary person would eat a bar of chocolate. Nourlah and Kara Osman joined him and in a very short while our three companions had cleared the table. At Doublier's request, Yousouf displayed his strength as a gesture of appreciation. A broom-handle was grasped in the center, hands close together; one easy twist of the wrists without visible ef fort the handle was neatly broken. Twelve pieces of lump sugar were taken from the bowl on the table and piled one on top of the other. The middle (Continued on page 36) Alex Aronis, popular 16-year- old body builder and author shows his tremendous pec- toral and am development clearly in this pose. Si Sanford, showing the mature develop which comes from years of steady training Photos by Spartan. 15
Your editors pick the body- builder they feel is most deserving of the title of... "MR ARMS" 13" upper arms. He gained 2" the first year. Then each year he packed on another inch, until at 18, they confounded the experts by hitting a solid 19". If you examine the shape, the contour and the balance of his upper arm, the height of his bi- ceps and the fullness of his tri- ceps the massive bulk and the steel-hard form, you will certainly agree that here is one of the really great arms of all time. We feel that Alex led the way. He showed that really big arms could be built without any loss in muscularity or balance. Only after he led the way did the current army of arm giants find the road. The bodybuilding world will prob- ably never know exactly how big Alex' arms could have become. We (Continued on page 35) Yet, great as these champions may be, we believe that there is one who is rightfully entitled to be called 'Mr. Arms' ahead of them. He is Alex Aronis whose picture is shown here. As long as 5 years ago Alex smashed the 19" mark. He was only 18 at the time. He began training at 13 with 17 We are living in a era of fabulous upper arms. 18", 19" and 20" girths have never been so frequently seen. Leroy Colbert with his massive upper arms is undoubtably the current king. Jack Delinger with 18½ at 5'5" tall has proved that the short man can crash the 18" barrier. Reg Park, with 19" arms so hard that they feel like iron when touched, teaches the lesson that big arms don't need 'beef' when the indi- vidual trains right.
OUR BOYS Boys DEP'T by ALEX BRONIS While lying upon bench with legs extended, raise and lower the legs until they touch floor and also come to overhead position. For the rectus muscles of the abdomen. Ebertol phate-Nash While lying upon bench with upper body ex- tended, twist sideways and then rise to sitting position. Repeat same process with other side. An excellent exercise for the entire front and sides of waist. MANY fellows do a lot of exercising for their legs and arms, thinking that these parts are the most important. Often they neglect their waists. Perhaps they figure that their waists are all right, small enough, and that the abdominal muscles will develop from the usual barbell activity given to the arms and legs. In a sense, this is true, yer, in the case where a fellow's waist is inclined to be too fleshy, or not properly shaped, there must be directly applied movements done in order to obtain a good development. On the other hand, if a fellow's waist is very small, he may feel that size is all right and that he needs no further work for that region. The small waist needs direct work just as does the too large waist. No one can obtain good rectus abdominal muscles unless he does special movements for those muscles. Then too, all waist work will help all of the internal organs and supply greater energy for future training. Dumbbells come in handy, as does a barbell, for most waist movements. Such will supply more resistance against which to work, and it is this added resistance that cuts down the number of reps and at the same time gives the abdominal muscles harder work. If you merely perform ordinary sit-ups, without added leverage, such as allowing the legs to extend (Continued on Page 44) Sit upon bench and hold dumbbell in one hand with arm stiff. Place other hand upon head. Then pick bell off floor while bending to side and while pulling upon head. Excellent for the sides of the waist.
AROUND HOLLYWOOD WITH YOUR EDITOR Let's Gossip Mac Batchelor turning left-banded... seems that Big Mac has become arm weary from wrist-wrestling so many who challenge him nearly every day, so now he is taking on all comers with his left arm only. But, between you and me, this gives Mac an advantage, because most people are right-handed, and if required to switch without much notice to left hand wrist- wrestling, they will find it a handicap, whereas Mac is ambidextrous, and with as much powr in the left as in the right. Maybe he's smart, too! George Eiferman finally came back to Hollywood. They all do, no matter what sort of itching feet they might get and depart for distant places. George looks just the same all his lumps still remain his prize possessions. Nice guy, too. Always ready for a smile or a kind word- and what a sense of humor! Vic Nicoletti who has been studying for a degree in Physical Educa- tion, finally obtained it and is now a full fledged teacher. And I know that he will make a good one. He got his first appointment as director of a playground at Venice, California, and by the time this reaches print, he probably will be at some school for the Board of Education ...That's the way Yours Truly started off years ago. Didja know that I used to be with the Board of Education? Well I wuz. Don't judge by my Hollywood Liedermanese. Sorry to have observed that colossal conceit also prevails among some of the pro wrestlers especially those up-starts who have only been in the game a couple of years. This, of course, does not prevail among those who are known as "dirty wrestlers" for those guys are really tough and all men, but some of these "handsome" types, become so saturated with ego that it actually oozes our of them when in the ring, so much so, that they border on the realm of "pretty boys." If they could hear the remarks from people in (Continued on page 34) Powerful Alex Aronis, showing lovely young companion how to use dumbbell for orm exercise. Even In this informal shot, the density and ruggedness of Alex's muscles is clearly shown. Alex is presently studying at Annapolis Naval Academy. Goodrich Christmas Time In Hollywood! No snow- just traffic of sightseers and street decora tions-Xmas trees, silver stars and shiny bells strung over Hollywood Boulevard. This view shows the Goodrich gym location on upper floor of Sports Center. Bert Goodrich on skiis! Here in California, Bert can have an ocean dip lip in the morning and be in the snow in the mountains by after- noon, which he frequently does. Bert is good on skills, tool CENTER 10
greater biceps height by Earle Liederman One of the most famous arms of all time the one of Alex Aronis, whose arm measured a solid 18" when this photo was taken. Today it is even larger and more impressive, but still retains the quality of height and muscular separation shown here. Warner 25
Our Boys' Dept by ALEX B.ARONIS Alex B. Arenis performing barbell raise behind head for both shoulders. This is one of the movements he recommends for shoulder improvement. (Ebersol photo) Alex B. Aronis-The 15 year old Hollywood strong- boy with the unusual de- velopment acquired from 18 months of hard barbell training. A young man of whom the West is proud. (Ebersol) Second article on a "boy to boy" talk by Hollywood's muscular strongboy. THE shoulders and the arms, when well-developed, will T give you a much better appearance. So many boys do a lot of arm work and neglect their deltoids. I notice this most every time I train beside them. Large arms with poorly shaped shoulders seem to me to give a weak appearance to anyone, while with well-rounded deltoids, the whole upper body seems to stand out. The arms and the shoulders should work together if power is wanted, yet, each needs special attention in order to get full shape. As I told you in my previous article, I believe in doing all my training while seated. That is, as much of it as I can. This allows me to put direct concentration and proper lever- age into the parts exercised and gives me no assistance from other body-parts, which usually happens when exercising individual muscles while standing. I learned this secret from (Continued on page 48) Alex B. Aronis photo-flashed while training for deltoid definition. Both bells are raised sideways from straight arms-at-side starting position and brought to shoulder height to exercise the outside of the deltoids. (Ebersol photo) NOVEMBER, 1948 Shoulder Exercise A photo flash of Alex B. Aronis catching him training to further develop his deltoids. This forward raising of dumbbells develops the front part of shoulder. Alex performs most of his training while seated. (Ebersol photo) 17
ED THERIAULT: "His fabulous right arm is unsurpassed." Warner MELVIN WELLS: "He ranks fourth among world's greatest arms-Lon By DAVID P. WILLOUGHBY Who has the BIGGEST ARMS? We hear a lot about claims of upper arms measuring 19 inches and more. Are such claims legitimate? Did any strongman ever possess such a muscular arm? Is such a muscular upper arm within the possibilities of human limi- tations? This article supplies all the answers and tells you the TRUTH about big arms. THERE is a large number of bodybuilders to whom size is the chief indeed, almost the only-objective of their physical training. These fellows exercise in a way that pumps their muscles up to the limit, and so long as they keep up the special training-keeps their measurements at their maximum. With this vogue for size prevailing among a great many members of a group (bodybuilders) which in itself numbers more adherents than at any pre- vious time in history, it is small wonder that today may be. seen some of the most fantastic examples of muscular development on record. Particularly is this true of the chest and arms, which, in size at least, are more pro- nouncedly developed among bodybuilders today than at any time in the past. Obviously, if one considers size alone (regardless of muscularity), the hugest arms will be found among strong- men of maximum bodyweight-men who weigh, let us say, from 250 pounds upward. Stanislaus Zbyszko, for instance, was long-famous for having had in his prime a 20.5-inch flexed upper arm (right). But when he pos- sessed this measurement he weighed 250 pounds or more at a height of only 68.9 inches. His left biceps, incidentally, was a whole two inches smaller than his right. "Apollon" (Louis Uni), the gigantic (Continued on page 58) ALEX ARONIS: "He was a skinny kid a few years ago. Today his arms are among the most massive in world."-Warner

Alex Aronis, a youthful Apollo of Greek descent, was photographed when he was a senior in high school. With his weight of 185 pounds he was the bulwark of Hollywood High’s football team. Later he graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy where he was a regular lineman on their football squad.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *