Strength and How to Obtain It

by Eugen Sandow

Build real strength with the proven Sandow method for physical culture.

This classic guide lays out a practical system of exercises, mindset, and training ideas that helped Eugen Sandow develop notable strength and shape. It blends theory with step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing gradual progress and mindful training for lasting results.

Inside you’ll find an accessible program that begins with how to exercise, when to train, and how to integrate mental focus with physical effort. The material covers the role of the brain in developing muscle, the value of anatomical study, and how to tailor routines to different ages and fitness levels. The book also shares real‑world experiences from Sandow’s career, illustrating how consistent practice can shape strength and health over time.

A clear path for starting a personal training routine, with guidance on timing and progression. Practical tips on mental focus, breathing, and body awareness to improve results. Descriptions of various feats and exercises that demonstrate progressive training principles. Context from a practitioner’s long career, illustrating how training supports overall health. Ideal for readers seeking practical, era‑defining approaches to physical development and self‑improvement.

Genres: Fitness

168 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 2002

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating and encouraging book. The title is a bit misleading and Sandow doesn't exactly outline an exercise plan or program. However he talks about the benefits of strength, health, exercise etc. There is a fantastic autobiography comprising the second half of this short book. Sandow is a very interesting character, as the first body builder in modern history basing his physique off of the Greek and Roman statues he found in European museums. Sandow is credited with creating the 'Grecian Ideal' a body type that has been idealized and pursued by proponents of fitness and aesthetics. The book in many ways is also interesting as a historical product of its time and gives insight into the origins of the modern fitness movement.

[Michał Hołda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pioneer in bodybuilding, very accurate about subject of building mussels & maintaining strength. Because not to exercise is crime to nature and the biggest secret which is not secret is that you have to use your mind.

[Cris Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of Eugen Sandow on Rogue's documentary " The Rogue Legends Series - Chapter 1: Eugen Sandow".

The book and the documentary tell the life of Eugen, who was a weak kid that trained himself to be a really strong guy. He eventually made a living from his strenght shows, bodybuilding program, and selling workout equipment.

The circus ambiance can seem a little bit ridiculous to us now, but most of his feats are still quite impressive:



Pretty cool guy if you ask me.

[Joel Marbo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This could’ve dived more into actual training routines etc. Having said that, five stars because it brought me value that is greatly impacting my approach to training and performance/execution of exercises.

[James Robert Clark · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit less than what I had imagined due to how overhyped Sendow is by greats like Schwarzenegger, Pavel Tsatsouline, & others. But still worth a read.

[briek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting historical artifact but mostly tall tales

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not much to it, but short and enjoyable. Slow, deliberate movements of increasing low weight. The whole game in a sentence.

[Tech Nossomy · Rating 2 out of 5]

One of the first books to popularise the idea of body building. Split in two parts: the first on rudimentary anatomy and training and the second on auto-biographical experiences as a show-man. The text reads as if redacted by a professional author for readership gains. For historical interest only.

Available on Project Gutenberg.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read over the life of a man who could be said to be the father of modern body building. Eugene Sandow was an undoubtedly amazing individual who pioneered a new form of exercise in order to achieve preset measurements. However in true Victorian fashion he was an over the top self publishing showman and so the stories of some of his feats must surely be taken with a pinch of salt. Sadly in true Victorian fashion there is an overtone of class structure and snobbery as well as two very definite episodes of outright racism in his writing. Never the less an enjoyable and interesting look into a very niche area of Victorian society.

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book on vintage strength training techniques.

I found some of the advice hard to follow, and I'm not sure I believe that he wrestled a lion or lifted a horse above his head, but to have the reputation that he does, I am sure he was a pretty strong guy!

[Christopher Nance · Rating 2 out of 5]

Only briefly goes into methods of strength training, it is mostly filled with tall stories from his life (many of which seem highly exaggerated)

[Darius · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did NOT expect this book to be that crappy. There's literally nothing of value.