Muslce Power, Vol 11 No 6, Page 16, May 1951
AT the borderline of San Fernando Valley, California, there is a spot where the weak are made strong. Known as "Vince's" gym, the sparkling enthusiasm of its owner, Vince Gironda, combined with his technical "Know-how" of modern physical training, makes possible an enviable record of SUCCESS cases among his many clients.
His personal victory over previous physical inferiority and puny weakness makes him a sympathetic teacher whom his pupils worship. The knowledge they have that he too started from SCRATCH. . .and used the very same methods of weight training to rebuild his own body that he teaches them, immediately secures a common bond between instructor and pupil, and one look at his present flawless physique is more than enough inspiration for anyone.
A bodybuilder for more than 10 years, his first taste of fame came in 1941, when at 22 years of age he won the Mr. California title. Vince admits that he could hardly believe it as being true, when he was presented the trophy that great night 10 years ago. As a beginner he had been so much weaker and thinner than the average, that his victory left him breathless, unbelieving that the magic of weights had actually performed another of its miracles. . . and that this championship body was really his.
[MUSCLEMEMORY NOTE: I have Vince Gironda born in 1917, which would make him 24 in 1941. I also have Harold Zinkin winning the 1941 AAU Mr California.]
As reality took hold and Vince found that he had actually rebuilt his body to outstanding perfection, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the methods of weight training which had made this possible. It was right then that the seed of desire to help others was sown. He KNEW that a kind fate had pointed out his future career to him. . a career of helping others to be strong and healthy. From that point on he dedicated himself to the future realization of this goal. . . which presently has reached a ripe maturity.
While Vince was adding the finishing touches to his splendid physique, his fame spread to Hollywood where his fine appearance and fearlessness placed him in strong demand as a double and stunt man in the movies He still accepts an occasional part, his latest appearances being in the movies JET PILOT as well as in a gymnasium scene in a new Larry Parks picture.
Frequently he works together with his good friend Armand Tanny in the movies and their rough and tumble action keeps the public on edge whenever they appear.
Despite all his success he has remained sincere and humble always. It is this undivided attention he pays to every pupil, feeling each of their problems as strongly as though they were his own which places such a demand on his time that frequently he misses work-outs, just so that he can give his full attention to assuring the success of others. This unselfish attitude gives you some idea of his entire personality. Soft spoken, mild mannered, intelligent and a perfect gentleman, he represents the BEST in physical educators.
Possessor of a magnetic, charm, his happy marriage to his beautiful wife Peggy, who also is a keen health enthusiast, represents the ideal union and sets a perfect matrimonial example for others to follow.
This majestic Adonis, now 32 years of age, is always in perfect condition. He can be seen actively taking part in dozens of contests and exhibitions yearly and has justly built up a following of fans who insist that he represents PERFECTION. Standing 5'9" tall, weight 175 pounds, neck, arms and calves each approximately 16 1/2" in size, his artistic form and clean-cut muscularity is greatly admired. His slim 30" waist, spreading out to a massive 49" expanded chest, supported by powerful 24" thighs, lends an impressively strong quality to his body, and others unconsciously sense his immense strength.
His unusual ability in the bench press, with a personal record of 325 pounds, largely explains the massive formation of his thick pectorals and balloon-like deltoids.
Always fast to accept modem training methods, Vince has every type of apparatus in his gym. He feels that the time required to build physical perfection today has been cut in a third . . compared with the less modem methods and equipment of years ago. In particular he approves of specialization as a means of rapid progress.
A change of pace in the program is highly recommended by him. In this manner the muscles develop more all around utility and serve one better for all physical activities. While he changes the actual exercises he performs from time to time, his manner of performing sets and repetitions is interesting. For three weeks out of each month, he performs all exercises 6 repetitions and in sets of three. The fourth week, he performs all exercises 30 repetitions in sets of five. This varied repetition program builds power, bulk, and endurance, and keeps the physique well defined and not too bulky in appearance, according to Vince. Certainly it has worked ideally in his case.
A believer of moderation in all things, Vince is annoyed at those bodybuilders who force themselves to eat and drink to extreme in their desire to pack on body weight fast. Such a program will end up in disaster if continued indiscriminately. A more sensible diet will bring sure and safe gains, so his advice is to never stuff.
Personally, Vince is rather indifferent to his prize-winning muscles. Of course he is proud and thrilled to possess an outstanding and world famous physique, but his greatest pride rests in the success of those he trains. Conscientious, ambitious, and progressive, the career of Vince Gironda to date may well be summed up with this incident. One day, not too long ago, a young advertising salesman paid Vince a call. He asked Vince if he was interested in placing an ad in his publication . . . adding, "I'll of course be glad to write the ad for you." Vince smiled and said . . . "My best ads aren't written. My pupils wear them wherever they go." Vince of course was referring to the muscles, good health and happy attractiveness his pupils always carry with them Custom made health and physique . . . created by a great craftsman. . . Vince Gironda . . . the Adonis of San Fernando Valley . . !
- The versatile posing ability and flawless, proportions Vince Gironda has acquired through weight training is plainly evidenced in this fine group of poses. Standing 5'9" tall, weight 175, 49" chest and arms, neck and calves each about 16 1/2", he represents the classical ideal of many. Together with his lovely wife Peggy, they have dedicated their lives to help others become healthy and attractive.
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