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Brother Iron, Sister Steel: A Bodybuilder's Book
Brother Iron, Sister Steel is a private journey into bodybuilding as only Dave Draper, former Mr. America, Mr. Universe and Mr. World, can tell it. Training techniques, exercise descriptions and nutritional strategies form the book's foundation, but what glues this book together are Dave's personal experiences and insights, humor and candidness, all of which speak to the heart and soul. The delight in the iron work, the play of the steel and the redefined motivation will have you striving forward to reach your fitness and training goals.Further your iron journey—or take your first steps—as you find yourself caught up in the style and rhythm that are Draper's alone. You'll see the lessons of Brother Iron, Sister Steel hit home as your training enthusiasm abounds. In your next match with the weights you'll see the work of your muscles with new clarity under the guidance of Dave's insight.
- GenresFitnessHealthNonfiction
335 pages, Paperback
First published January 10, 2001
62 people are currently reading
286 people want to read
About the author
Dave Draper
20 books8 followers
Librarian note:
There is more than one author with this name
Dave^Draper
There is more than one author with this name
Dave^Draper
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 24, 2020
I'd read this years ago. It's great.
March 12, 2013
I've made the comment before that Dave Draper is like the Jack Kerouac of the weight-lifting set. The comparison stands; Mr. Draper's work is wonderfully informal in tone, and pulls you along with a flowing, almost poetic stream-of-consciousness style writing. It's a smooth, easy read that puts a smile on your face.
The subject jumps from his thoughts on bodybuilding and weightlifting in general, to the growth of the sport, life lessons, bodybuilding philosophy and techniques, and his memories of the legends of the sport: Schwartzenegger, Zane, Oliva... and of course himself. Though Draper's grounded approach and self-deprecating humour prevent any trace of ego from spoiling the tales.
A significant portion of this book won't be of the slightest interest to most people; while Draper's knowledge of bodybuilding techniques is vast and a fascinating read for anyone interested in emulating his approach, only a small portion of the population is driven to that pursuit. That said, his memories of the Muscle Beach days, bodybuilding culture at its peak (just before Schwarzenegger's fame catapulted it into the limelight and the combination of fame and drugs transformed the scene forever), and of the tragically late Sharon Tate all make for wonderful reading for those interested in social history. It's a look at California in its wonder years, and the welcoming, friendly tone of Draper's narrative brings it to life.
The subject jumps from his thoughts on bodybuilding and weightlifting in general, to the growth of the sport, life lessons, bodybuilding philosophy and techniques, and his memories of the legends of the sport: Schwartzenegger, Zane, Oliva... and of course himself. Though Draper's grounded approach and self-deprecating humour prevent any trace of ego from spoiling the tales.
A significant portion of this book won't be of the slightest interest to most people; while Draper's knowledge of bodybuilding techniques is vast and a fascinating read for anyone interested in emulating his approach, only a small portion of the population is driven to that pursuit. That said, his memories of the Muscle Beach days, bodybuilding culture at its peak (just before Schwarzenegger's fame catapulted it into the limelight and the combination of fame and drugs transformed the scene forever), and of the tragically late Sharon Tate all make for wonderful reading for those interested in social history. It's a look at California in its wonder years, and the welcoming, friendly tone of Draper's narrative brings it to life.
July 8, 2009
What a silly and fun book. If you're into overbuilt guys reminiscing about the good old days of pumping iron.
November 22, 2020
Interested in bodybuilding? Lifting? Living? Read this book first. You might not have to read anything else.
November 3, 2021
David Draper is the Douglas Adams of bodybuilding. He's able to turn the iron and stink of the gym into roses and gold. He writes as if he's sitting with you between sets of curls, imparting the wisdom of someone who has been in this sport for decades. His passion is so intense that you can feel it spilling out of these pages.
Draper published this work when he was 59 years old, beyond his prime, but with a lifetime of wisdom. While it contains a spattering of information of all types, it serves primarily as a memoir what he has accomplished during his life. He recounts his time training with some of the greats, some of his acting gigs, and details some of his workouts. Towards the end he passes on some valuable advice for staying motivated and getting over the common hurdles that stop people from getting into the gym.
Though decades old, his training and nutrition advice still hold up today. Most valuable are his insights and zest for the sport. It is a contagious sort of attitude that I believe will propel anyone far in their own passions.
Draper published this work when he was 59 years old, beyond his prime, but with a lifetime of wisdom. While it contains a spattering of information of all types, it serves primarily as a memoir what he has accomplished during his life. He recounts his time training with some of the greats, some of his acting gigs, and details some of his workouts. Towards the end he passes on some valuable advice for staying motivated and getting over the common hurdles that stop people from getting into the gym.
Though decades old, his training and nutrition advice still hold up today. Most valuable are his insights and zest for the sport. It is a contagious sort of attitude that I believe will propel anyone far in their own passions.
October 20, 2025
Draper!
Great book to inspire and instruct one to the worthy world of weightlifting and bodybuilding.
Technical info on weightlifting and diet, as well as some autobiographical information on Dave Draper, The Blond Bomber.
Very informative and the snappy and witty writing style grows on you as you read the book.
Read this book and start or continue to train!
Great book to inspire and instruct one to the worthy world of weightlifting and bodybuilding.
Technical info on weightlifting and diet, as well as some autobiographical information on Dave Draper, The Blond Bomber.
Very informative and the snappy and witty writing style grows on you as you read the book.
Read this book and start or continue to train!
February 7, 2021
Awesome read, nice to read the old stuff. I'm not necessarily interested in bodybuilding per se. I'm mainly interested in strength and conditioning, but I feel I need to read the classics in fields related to my primary interest.
January 30, 2018
Probably the best historical bodybuilding book out there. I would also say it is the best if you like a more psychological approach and enjoy a well-written story.
February 8, 2018
This is not a read once and put on the shelf book. I will be returning over and over for both instruction and inspiration.
June 30, 2020
Wonderful look into the world of bodybuilding from a legend. Great for motivation. Very easy to get lost in Dave's easy-going writing. Definitely recommend for any fan of weightlifting.
October 11, 2023
Favorite Dave Draper book
December 16, 2025
Definitely will read again
This is the second time I've read this book and I will read it again. Draper's style never gets old.
This is the second time I've read this book and I will read it again. Draper's style never gets old.
February 27, 2012
If you love lifting weights, you'll love Dave Draper's book. You may, however like me, find yourself over-training whenever you pick it up. Draper had an astonishing physique back in the days before, and after Arnold came to America. He won a bunch of titles. If you ever saw The Beverly Hillbillies episode where they tried to find the perfect man for Ellie May Clampett, you saw Dave. He was the bodybuilder that did a posing routine for Granny, and she got all upset because he was "swollen up with fever" or something like that.
Anyway, it's a great book. He mixes his personal story in with great training advice, but what really shines through is his love of lifting weights, and how bodybuilding can be a healing, therapeutic journey. Inspiring.
Anyway, it's a great book. He mixes his personal story in with great training advice, but what really shines through is his love of lifting weights, and how bodybuilding can be a healing, therapeutic journey. Inspiring.
January 21, 2014
Good morning, friend, and get outta bed,
Run ‘round the block, you’ve got fat to shed.
Push that iron and lift that steel,
Who you are is how you feel.
Exercise is life’s surprise,
Within its hold longevity lies.
We’re not to say, “Some other time,”
To procrastinate is a sad human crime.
Consider the loss in vitality and desire,
As the body fails and systems misfire.
Sets times reps with focus and pace,
Intensity with sweat should you embrace.
This isn’t a hardship, a pain to resist,
It’s the thing of life upon which we subsist,
No nuisance is this, no curse to retire,
It’s a thing of life upon which we aspire.
Give up the couch some time each week,
Walk, run, lift weights these goals to seek.
You’re not alone and need not despair,
The fun’s ahead and the game is a dare.
Run ‘round the block, you’ve got fat to shed.
Push that iron and lift that steel,
Who you are is how you feel.
Exercise is life’s surprise,
Within its hold longevity lies.
We’re not to say, “Some other time,”
To procrastinate is a sad human crime.
Consider the loss in vitality and desire,
As the body fails and systems misfire.
Sets times reps with focus and pace,
Intensity with sweat should you embrace.
This isn’t a hardship, a pain to resist,
It’s the thing of life upon which we subsist,
No nuisance is this, no curse to retire,
It’s a thing of life upon which we aspire.
Give up the couch some time each week,
Walk, run, lift weights these goals to seek.
You’re not alone and need not despair,
The fun’s ahead and the game is a dare.
March 19, 2016
Interesting anecdotes, forgettable training information. That's not to say I did not enjoy the book, just that I wish Draper had written a full-fledged memoir instead. He's one of the more fascinating figures of the iron game and certainly has tales to tell - no reason for him to squander space talking about pro-traning routines that are available in abundance elsewhere, and would not work for an average person anyway.
June 8, 2013
Draper is a bit of a weird guy - reclusive, unorthodox, etc. But he knows his weightlifting. Draper sees through all of the b.s. in the fitness industry, and expresses this very skillfully in this book. Unfortunately, Draper's long section about the types of exercises is a bit much, especially since there are no accompanied illustrations. Despite this, it is a gem of read.
October 11, 2013
This is probably one of the best, most informative bodybuilding books out there.
Dave Draper, a legendary old school bodybuilder, is not only genetically gifted, he's quite an author....
Mr Draper talks to you as though you're sitting next to him, and he's schooling you on the world of Bodybuilding.
Highly Recommend!
Dave Draper, a legendary old school bodybuilder, is not only genetically gifted, he's quite an author....
Mr Draper talks to you as though you're sitting next to him, and he's schooling you on the world of Bodybuilding.
Highly Recommend!
January 29, 2008
Lots of great biographical stuff. Cool pictures from the golden age. Training info was of limited utility to me, but at least it does add another voice saying that there are no secrets. Hit the weights, eat, sleep.
June 21, 2010
The best bodybuilding book I've read in a while. Mr. Draper is very intelligent and witty. He has a fantastic sense of humor (at least to me). I hope he writes more!
June 15, 2013
Very informative and encouraging. I highlighted several sentences. Holding on to this book for the rest of my life.
January 20, 2018
A Perfect Fitness Book
This is an awesome bill that was written with passion, friendliness, and great warmth. It is full of tips, stories, and encouragements. I will be referring back to this book often.
This is an awesome bill that was written with passion, friendliness, and great warmth. It is full of tips, stories, and encouragements. I will be referring back to this book often.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews