Maxalding
Encyclopedia
Maxalding is an exercise system of muscle control using a form of isometrics. Books and pamphlets teaching the system were first published in 1909 and continued until Maxalding ceased to trade in the late 1970s.
' system of Charles Atlas
and those of others, did not use weights. Where the other systems concentrated on muscle development, Maxalding went one stage further and taught muscle control.
The methods taught had been around since the early 1900s and indeed many of the photos used in the instruction leaflets, even those sold in the 70s, date from that period. Some exercises of Maxalding, involving isolating the muscles of the abdominal region, are similar to the yoga
exercise called nauli
. The methods of centralisation and central isolation of the abdominals and other exercises must have seemed revolutionary when first released and do not seem to be generally advocated elsewhere so would seem novel even today.
Maxick, real name Max Sick, was a German strongman
. He was born in Württemberg on June 28, 1882 and moved to Britain in 1909, where he met Monte Saldo. He died in South America on 10 May, 1961 while exploring the Amazon and Matto Grasso rivers. The Maxalding principles are based mainly on exercises and techniques which appeared in his book 'Muscle Control', written in 1911.
Monte Saldo was the professional name of Alfred Montague Woollaston who was apprenticed to the great Eugen Sandow
in 1897. He took this stage name at the turn of the 20th century while touring Europe demonstrating strength and gymnastics
. He was also an artist's model and in 1914 he published a book called 'How to Pose'. He provided the financial means of promoting Maxick's methods and starting the Maxalding postal course. His son F.H.C. Woollaston took over, using the professional name of Courtlandt Saldo. He carried on the business until sometime in the late 70s. Courtlandt Saldo died in 1983 at the age of 72.
System
The Maxalding system, like the 'dynamic tensionDynamic tension
"Dynamic Tension" is the name Charles Atlas gave to the system of exercises that he first popularized in the 1920s.Dynamic Tension is a self-resistance exercise method which pits muscle against muscle. The practitioner tenses the muscles of given body part and then moves the body part against the...
' system of Charles Atlas
Charles Atlas
Charles Atlas, born Angelo Siciliano , was the developer of a bodybuilding method and its associated exercise program that was best known for a landmark advertising campaign featuring Atlas's name and likeness; it has been described as one of the longest-lasting and most memorable ad campaigns of all...
and those of others, did not use weights. Where the other systems concentrated on muscle development, Maxalding went one stage further and taught muscle control.
The methods taught had been around since the early 1900s and indeed many of the photos used in the instruction leaflets, even those sold in the 70s, date from that period. Some exercises of Maxalding, involving isolating the muscles of the abdominal region, are similar to the yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
exercise called nauli
Nauli
Nauli is one of the Kriyas or Shatkarma from Yoga. The exercise is to serve the cleaning of the abdominal region - digesting organs, small intestine and is based on a massage of the internal belly organs by a circular movement of the abdominal muscles.Nauli is an exercise of the classical Hatha...
. The methods of centralisation and central isolation of the abdominals and other exercises must have seemed revolutionary when first released and do not seem to be generally advocated elsewhere so would seem novel even today.
Founders
Maxalding (originally called Maxaldo) was a name created from those of the founders, Maxick and Saldo, and first came into being in 1909.Maxick, real name Max Sick, was a German strongman
Strongman (strength athlete)
In the 19th century, the term strongman referred to an exhibitor of strength or circus performers of similar ilk who displayed feats of strength such as the bent press , supporting large amounts of...
. He was born in Württemberg on June 28, 1882 and moved to Britain in 1909, where he met Monte Saldo. He died in South America on 10 May, 1961 while exploring the Amazon and Matto Grasso rivers. The Maxalding principles are based mainly on exercises and techniques which appeared in his book 'Muscle Control', written in 1911.
Monte Saldo was the professional name of Alfred Montague Woollaston who was apprenticed to the great Eugen Sandow
Eugen Sandow
Eugen Sandow , born Friedrich Wilhelm Müller, was a Prussian pioneering bodybuilder in the 19th century and is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Bodybuilding".-Early life:...
in 1897. He took this stage name at the turn of the 20th century while touring Europe demonstrating strength and gymnastics
Gymnastics
Gymnastics is a sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and balance. Internationally, all of the gymnastic sports are governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique with each country having its own national governing body...
. He was also an artist's model and in 1914 he published a book called 'How to Pose'. He provided the financial means of promoting Maxick's methods and starting the Maxalding postal course. His son F.H.C. Woollaston took over, using the professional name of Courtlandt Saldo. He carried on the business until sometime in the late 70s. Courtlandt Saldo died in 1983 at the age of 72.