Classic Physique Supplements - Harold Poole

What kind of supplements did the champions of the Golden Era of Classic Physique Building use to build their great physiques? In the current issue of MuscleMag (July 08), there is a great interview with Harold Poole (Mr. America, Mr. Universe), one of the last non-drug users of the Golden Era, who placed 2nd in the first two Mr. Olympia contests against Larry Scott (1965, 1966 - some say he should have won in 1966). In the interview, he states the following: "I took wheat-germ oil, dessicated liver tablets, protein powder, and brewer's yeast." That's it! More evidence that one can build a spectacular, classic physique, without steroids and with a minimum of nutritional supplements. - Classic Physique Builder

The Twilight of the Golden Age of Classic Physique Buildling: Harold Poole (Mr Universe 1963, Mr America 1964)

The Golden Age of Classic Physique Building did not end ubruptly in 1960 with the advent of steroids, but it did fade away rapidly. Nevertheless, it took some time before steroids permeated the field. During the 1960s, natural bodybuilders like the great Harold Poole competed with those who began to use steroids such as Dianabol. Unfortunately, as time went on, natural bodybuilders like Poole realized that they could not match the unnatural development of the steroid-users. So, the "naturals" gradually left the competitive field as the 1960s wore on.

This is exactly what happenned to Harold Poole. He competed with Larry Scott at the first two Mr. Olympia contests in 1965 and 1966 and placed 2nd each time. In 1967 he competed against Sergio Oliva and placed 3rd. After that he realized he could no longer compete with those who had an unfair advantage due to steroids. So he gradually left the field, but occasionally reappeared to test himself against the steroid-users.

Harold typifies the 1960s as the "Twilight of the Golden Age of Classic Physique Building." He had an amazing drug-free classic physique that anyone would be proud of! For those who have no interest in steriods, isn't it inspiring to know that a physique like Harold's can be built naturally?

You can read a great interview with Harold Poole by David Robson at this site: www.bodybuilding.com/fun/drobson301.htm