Strengh Sensei Bookshelf
Bill Pearl's Keys To The Inner Universe
One book Charles Poliquin frequently referred to in his writings and seminars is the 639-page bodybuilding classic, Keys to the Inner Universe by Bill Pearl. First published in 1978, this book set the standard for providing the most extensive list of exercises available for physique transformation.
In the world of competitive bodybuilding, Bill Pearl was the G.O.A.T. He entered his first competition in 1952, and the following year won the AAU Mr. America and the NABBA Amateur Mr. Universe titles. One of the competitors in that event was Sean “A Milkman from Scotland” Connery. Yes, Connery, the actor who many consider to be the G.O.A.T. of the James Bond movies.
At the age of 37, Pearl won the Pro Mr. Universe title, his fourth. Arnold competed in this event, but in the amateur division. Pearl had retired after this event, but rather than celebrating his legacy, bodybuilding magazines presented the case that Pearl was afraid to compete in other organizations for fear of losing. In response to these conspiracy theories, Pearl decided to compete in the 1971 Pro Mr. Universe and take
on all comers.
Accepting the challenge were Arnold’s idol and 3x NABBA Mr. Universe winner Reg Park and future 3x Olympia winner Frank Zane. Then there was Sergio “the Myth” Oliva, the winner of three Mr. Olympias and the last bodybuilder to beat Arnold. Oliva was considered to have the greatest bodybuilding genetics in his time. He possessed massive arms larger than the circumference of his head (seriously!) and powerful
thighs larger than his waist! At age 41, Pearl beat them all.
Besides his longevity in the sport and accomplishments, Coach Poliquin admired the fact that Pearl was as strong as he looked. At a bodyweight of 218 pounds, Pearl’s lifting maxes included the following: seated press behind-the-neck, 310; military press, 320; bench press, 450; front squat, 500; and back squat, 605. Consider that these lifts were performed “raw,” without the special supportive gear used by many of today’s strongest men. Pearl even had a strongman act that included using his powerful arms to bend spikes and horseshoes and blowing up hot water bottles until
they popped.
Keys to the Inner Universe begins with 60 pages covering his accomplishments, the basic principles of progressive resistance, and program design. Included are sample workouts for a beginner, intermediate, and advanced trainee. He also discusses many important topics, such as basic bodybuilding nutrition and proper breathing during weight training. Except for the chapters on nutrition and anabolic steroids, much of this material is timeless.
This introductory material is followed by the meat of the book. Pearl divides the body into the major body parts (arms, chest, shoulders, and so on) and gives us 500 pages of illustrated exercises, 2-3 exercises per page. He describes how to perform each exercise, then provides drawings of the start, finish (and when necessary, mid-point)
of each movement.
After the exercises, Pearl treats us with bonus material in the form of photo essays, general health information, a glossary, an index, and a list of recommended readings.
Bill Pearl is a legend of the Iron Game, and Keys to the Inner Universe provides a remarkable gift to anyone who wants to transform their physique, get stronger, and improve the overall quality of your life!
[Note: You can purchase Bill Pearl’s Keys to the Inner Universe at Amazon.com.]
Lead photo by Miloš Šarčev
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