George Eiferman

George Eiferman in a 1950 issue ofStrength & Healthmagazine

George Eiferman(November 3, 1925 – February 12, 2002) was an Americanprofessional bodybuilderand trainer.Born inPhiladelphiain 1925, he served in theNavyduringWorld War IIand entered into the sport of bodybuilding afterwards.Known for his size and definition, particularly his shoulders, pecs, and arms,he won the Mr. Philadelphia competition in 1947, theAAU Mr. Americacompetition in 1948, and theMr. Universein 1962.He was inducted into theIFBB Hall of Famein 2000.

Career

In 1942, on his 17th birthday, Eiferman decided to join theUS Navy.During this time, he began lifting weights seriously and ended up putting on 40 pounds of muscle by the time of his discharge on his 21st birthday in 1946. He then joined Fritshe's Gym inPhiladelphia.

In 1947, just a year later, he won the Mr. Philadelphia competition which helped him advance into theMr. Americacompetition where he placed 5th. In April 1948, Eiferman won the title Mr. California. One month later, he won the Mr. America title. He later moved toCaliforniawhere he worked out regularly atMuscle Beach.During this time, Eiferman made a movie calledThe Devil's Sleep.The 1960sGeorge of the Junglecartoon character was created by the cook on his mine sweeper during the war who combined Eiferman's likeness and the Tarzan character.

Having a number of prestigious titles, he began traveling the country and giving speeches at high schools on living a healthy lifestyle and the benefits of weight training for the Nationwide School Assemblies of America organization.

He came to my high school in Twin Falls, ID in 1953. He talked about sailors who didn't have enough strength to pull themselves up into a rescue boat in the war. He was not just about body building for show. Strength was important too. I went into the USMC with six months of weight lifting and it served me well, doubling my strength – inspired by his lecture back then. Few athletes did lifting in 1962, not even the Marine football team! My high school history teacher told us that George told him it took five years before he saw any difference in his build. Finishing his lecture, he demonstrated a pullover while on a bench with a 110-pound barbell. I know now that the pullovers make your lower pecs well defined, and he had them. I talked with him on the phone when he was in Las Vegas at his gym in 1995 and was able to thank him for putting me on the right course for being strong and healthy.

Eiferman continued to lift, train, and compete and went on to win the Mr. Universe title in 1962. He also opened up his own gyms inHawaii,Vista, California,andLas Vegas.

In the 1980s, Eiferman had a TV show calledTake 5 for Fitnesson Fox 5 in Las Vegas. As a trainer, nutritionist, and fitness ambassador, he had working relationships with weightliftersSteve Reeves,Lou Ferrigno,andArnold Schwarzeneggeras well as entertainersMae West,Debbie Reynolds,Liz TaylorandMarilyn Monroe.He also helped train celebrities likeRock Hudson,Sylvester Stallone,and even Elvis in the early 1970s when he was having weight/health issues.

Eiferman was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000.

Training method

Eiferman followed a full-body approach, as opposed to asplit workout routine.He would complete his workout three times per week, increasing the frequency in the lead up to a competition.

Physical measurements

Height: 5’7” (171.45cm)

Weight: 195lbs (88.6kg)

Arms: 16.7 inches (42.42cm)

Forearms: 13.4 inches (34cm)

Chest: 47.5 inches (120.6cm)

Thigh: 25 inches (63.50cm)

Calf: 16 inches (40.64cm)

Wrist: 7.3 inches (18.54cm)

Ankle: 9.6 inches (24.38cm)

Family

George had a son, Shawn Eiferman, and a daughter named Leah Eiferman with his first wife Tobi Kestenberg Eiferman. George's cousin Teresa had a son named Barry and took the last name Cores when she got married. Now he has two third cousins named Madison and James Cores Sailer. George had a sister Eleanor who was a Ladies Professional Bowler. Also four additional cousins, Fred. Joe, Herb and Leon all named Eiferman.

Death

On February 12, 2002, Eiferman died with his wife Bonita at his side.

Organizations

• EIferman was a member of Mae West's revue in the 1950s.

External links

• George Eiferman Photos
• Find A Grave