Description
How was working out in the 80s different from the gym today? In this behind-the-scenes episode of Homeowner Repair, I sit down with my good friend Gerry, a personal trainer I've known for about 30 years, to talk old school training vs. modern gym culture. Back then we had no internet and no cell phones. We learned from bodybuilding magazines and the monsters in the gym, rested about 30 seconds between sets, cranked metal on the gym speakers and spotted each other. We cover arm day as a "tune-up," bro science and phones in the gym, "eat big, be big," why bulking after 40 isn't smart, big deadlifts and torn pecs, the old Powerhouse Gym and Gold's Gym days, and the pro wrestlers who used to show up at the local gym. We even get into how cars used to last, too.
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Meet Gerry: 30 years of friendship
0:48 Fixing people vs fixing cars
1:27 Arm day is a tune-up
2:02 The greatest era: then vs now
2:41 No internet, no phones, just grind
3:26 Rest between sets: 30 seconds vs 3 minutes
4:30 From pipe cleaner to lifter
4:54 Monsters in the gym and muscle magazines
5:46 Bro science and phones in the gym
6:08 Eat big, be big
6:29 When cars actually lasted
7:06 80s parking lots and Powerhouse Gym
7:53 Juice bar, pizza and competing
8:17 Bulking after 40? Maintenance instead
9:03 Big deadlifts and knowing your limits
9:56 Old guys going heavy and torn pecs
11:57 80s metal vs today's gym playlist
12:43 Walkmans and spotting each other
13:40 Kill or be killed mindset
14:17 Pro wrestlers at the local gym
15:43 Wrap-up: get to the gym
❓ FAQ
Q: How was gym training different in the 80s?
A: There was no internet and nobody was on their phone. We learned from bodybuilding magazines and the big guys in the gym, went in, grinded through the whole workout, and didn't sit on machines for 15 minutes at a time.
Q: How long should you rest between sets?
A: Back in the day we rested about 30 seconds between sets, and Gerry still trains himself and his clients that way. A good method is taking turns with a training partner. They do a set, then you do a set, so you get just enough rest without sitting around.
Q: Should you bulk up after 40?
A: Gerry doesn't recommend it. Blowing up and cutting down might work in your 20s or early 30s, but in your 40s, 50s and 60s it should be more about maintenance: protein, calories, and a steady approach.
Q: Should older lifters still go heavy?
A: Be careful. We both know people who have torn pecs trying to lift like they did in their 20s. Gerry stopped doing heavy barbell deadlifts so he doesn't hurt his back and can keep training his clients. You've got to know when to back off.
Q: What's the best advice for starting out?
A: Start simple. Eat some eggs, add some protein, eat big, train hard, and stay off your phone in the gym.
Q: What music is best for working out?
A: Back in the day our gym cranked metal. Today it's headphones and Iron Maiden. Music helps you blast through the workout and block out everything around you.
💬 Did you train in the 80s or 90s? What's changed most in your gym? Drop your questions about getting into working out in the comments. We'll reply and give you some advice.
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#OldSchoolBodybuilding #GymLife #80sFitness
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