It was the mid 1990's. The Miami Beach club scene dominated the nightlife while the bodybuilding and fitness craze ruled the day at the beach! Seinfeld was the hottest show on TV and Physique Bodyware was the Best Selling, American made line of Workout Clothes for Guys and Gals on the planet! Sun Gym was the best place to train. Times were good. Also during this era Miami Beach real estate was booming! Night clubs, bars, restaurants and ocean front property worth billions was your ticket to fame and fortune. Not to mention the exotic line of over the top cars Porsches, Lamborghini's and Ferrari's that all the shiny people changed like shoes.
It just happens, during one of those Miami heat waves in 1994 the CEO of Physique Bodyware, Mr. G. was in town on business, hooking up some new clients with huge wholesale accounts. One of those meetings was with the owner of Sun Gym, Daniel. He was a nice guy with a charming personality and great physique. That night a deal was struck, Physique Bodyware was going to supply the Juiced Up Freaks of Sun Gym plus a full line of exclusive workout clothing for the grand opening of their new Gold's Gym franchise. Sun Gym, located north of Miami Lakes was "the gym" a place where bodybuilders hung out. Not for Geek's, they preferred hardcore freaks, the bigger the better! With 600 members, the gym featured a pro shop, equipped with the latest line of Free Weights, Hammer Strength, Nautilus, Treadmills and more not to mention the full line of anabolic steroids, AKA "Juice Bar" for sale in the bathroom... business was booming!
Over the next few months Daniel, John and Physique Bodyware were best friends. Fancy cars, a Villa, private parties with singers, movie stars, endless champagne, beautiful women... then the money stopped rolling in. Daniel decided that he wanted to renegotiate his terms, he wanted exclusive sales rights for all of Florida with a longer, net 90 term payment plan with Physique Bodyware, big mistake! Later that same day I, Mr. G. was on the "red eye" From NY to Miami to pay the Sun City Gym gang a little visit. At five foot nine inches and 270 lbs. I was not impressed or afraid of a couple of gym rats, besides I figured they were reasonable business men who wanted to keep a good reputation in the Gym World and would reconsider.
It must have been around midnight when I pulled into the gyms dimly lit parking lot. By chance, John, the other owner was pulling in at the same exact time, what are the odds. I walked over to him, still sitting in his white Carrera convertible and said politely "if Sun City is unable to pay Physique Bodyware according to terms of their contract then" ...but before I could finish my sentence John, looking very nervous, confused and sweating profusely, insisted that everything was cool! He assured me that Physique Bodyware would get paid soon. Realizing that something was off, especially since this guy had a crazed look in his eyes, like a wild animal who has not slept for days, I encouraged John to pay now and receive a 5% discount for both Sun City and Gold's Gym accounts. After what seemed like a 10 minute pause, John said "sure, you bet lets go upstairs and see Daniel he should still be here, he's got your money". We both proceeded to the main office inside Sun City gym.
The office was dark, cold as ice with an odd smell of burnt grilled chicken. There was Daniel holding a dirty orange duffle type gym bag that looked heavy even for him. He knew why I was there so he proceeded to reach into the bag and pulled out a block of $100.00 bills around 6-8 inches thick and said, "this should cover it, and your welcome!". I Replied boldly without hesitation, "your welcome? who's money is this in the first place?" Yours, but I stopped this guy from keeping it" looking over at John, said Daniel. I replied, "thank you, now I gotta catch the next plane back to NY".
Daniel yelled, "what's your rush? we're going to party 'till dawn! besides what's in NY that can't wait a few more days? We have a big score that's gonna make us all rich enough to buy 10 Gold's Gym franchises around the world and Physique Bodyware is going to supply them all with gear, Lets talk!" Sensing things were going from bad to worse I did my dead on impression of James Caan from the movie "Thief " If you wanna talk to somebody join the lonely harts club.. Do what? "I'm gonna stay home feed the pigeons, watch day time TV, what the hell do you care?" Not even a chuckle. Then I tried my best Arnold from The Terminator and said "I'll Be Back". they looked confused, laughed then walked into the gym to make a protein smoothie. I managed to get the hell out of there fast and caught the next flight home.
Days later the Miami Herold broke a story about a gang of bodybuilders and personal trainers from Sun Gym in Miami Fla. who killed people in a botched robbery. Rumer has it that the suspects were seen wearing Physique Bodyware clothing and were easy to identify. The rest of this story is history. I hear that The Sun Gang heist was made into a movie staring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, Mark Wahlburg, Ed Harris, Tony Shelub and...due out in 2013.
After being drilled for 2 days by the Miami Police regarding Sun Gym and Physique Bodyware's relationship, I was cleared of all charges. 'Till this day many unconfirmed sources say the money from the dirty orange duffle bag was from an earlier heist that took place, maybe that same night in fact. Also, the smell of BBQ chicken was really that of human flesh? But keep this in mind, the one story you will not hear about or see in the movie "Pain and Gain" is how I, the CEO of Physique Bodyware almost joined the list of victims killed by the Sun Gym Gang. Some or most of my story is BS or is it? You decide!
Showing posts with label physique bodyware. Show all posts
Showing posts with label physique bodyware. Show all posts
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Haven't heard of Physique Bodyware? You must be living under a Rock since 1990!
Worn by some of best physiques in the business since 1990, Physique Bodyware has been featured in countless TV shows and Movies. Recently featured in the movie "Pain and Gain" worn by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Also staring Mark Wahlberg plus a huge supporting cast.
This limited edition Y-Back Stringer Tank Top is only available here! Check out this great fitting Men's Y-Back stringer tank top by Physique Bodyware now! Logo reads: "Physique Bodyware Go HardCore or Go Home!" Made in the USA. Order your limited edition men's Y-back stringer tank top from Physique Bodyware now!
Friday, July 6, 2012
The History Behind The Mr. Olympia Sandow Trophy & How Physique Bodyware Came To Own One!
Former bodybuilder and CEO of Physique Bodyware, Wayne Genovese was fortunate enough to acquire the Holy Grail and most coveted of all prizes in the sport of bodybuilding ever, the Sandow trophy. Close friend and business associate George Helmer, president and CEO of the Steve Reeves International Society, has authenticated this verdigris patina bronze work of art as the original IFBB Mr. Olympia trophy version. George actually compared our Sandow trophy to the original won by bodybuilding icon Steve Reeves at the 1950 Mr. Universe contest where he beat Reg Park and gave us the nod it is an original Sandow Statue. With so many fakes and copies around today it is truly a thrill to own such a huge piece of bodybuilding history!
Such a Deal
The seller, an old time Hollywood actor and TV executive in Burbank, CA acquired this Sandow many years ago from a well known pro bodybuilder down on his luck back in the 80’s, maybe even an Olympia winner? Sworn to secrecy, this bodybuilder’s identity still remains anonymous 'till this day, which only adds more mystery and intrigue to this legendary work of art. Who could have been so down & out back in the day that he'd part with such a prize? Was it Frank Zane? Was it Franco Columbo? Maybe it was Chris Dickerson, Samir Bannout or Lee Haney? Arnold did not need the money, he had all that Conan cash! Who really knows for sure.
The Artist
The son of an artist, Frederick W. Pomeroy was born on Oct. 9, 1856 in London. Known for his talent and skilled eye in nude portrait work both male and female it was clear to see why he was chosen to create this masterful bronze statue.
The Man! The Legend!
Eugene Sandow was born Frederich Wilhelm Mueller on April 2, 1867 in Prussia, now Germany and spent most of his years in London. Little did he know that he would pave the way to today’s fitness revolution and become the first modern bodybuilder to get paid for flexing his muscles and as a personal trainer. Sandow’s life style was like a modern day rock star on tour going country to country as a featured headliner and entertainer as a music hall strong man even rivaling the great magician Harry Houdini. On Sept. 14 1901, now a successful gym owner and physical culture entrepreneur Sandow promoted the first ever bodybuilding contest known as “The Great Competition”. Out of twelve contestants the field was narrowed down to just three winners of a statuette of Sandow himself. First prize, was a gold statue won by William L. Murray. This statue was never found and the story goes it was either melted down or destroyed during WW II in London. Second prize was silver and bronze was for third place. Sandow authorized several different copies of the statue; they were either given to friends and admirers or sold, while others were displayed in Sandow’s gymnasiums to help promote physical culture. Most of these statues were destroyed, damaged or lost over time. In 1925 Sandow passed away at his home in London. The unusual circumstances that surround his death still remain a mystery.
It's Show Time
The 1950 Mr. Universe contest was held in London and it was time for the Sandow to make its long overdo debut. The original third place bronze statue from “ The Great Competition” would be the first prize trophy given out this night. English muscleman, Reg Park was the favorite to win that night. What a great relief to know that the Sandow awarded fifty years earlier would never leave the motherland; they were wrong! American superstar Steve Reeves defeated Park in a huge upset that brought the Sandow to the US where it wouldn't be used as a contest prize trophy again until 1977.
The Rest Is History
Frank Zane was the first winner of the famed statue in over a quarter century in Ohio. Now, over 29 years later the Sandow is the most recognized and sought after prize in bodybuilding. Not just a piece of bodybuilding history and fine art, the Sandow is the most recognized and sought after prize in the sport of bodybuilding. Past winners include: Arnold, Chris Dickerson, Franco Colombu, Samir Bannout, Lee Haney, Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler. Not just a symbol of bodybuilding, history or fine bronze art, the Sandow is much more than that, it represents the beginning of the physical culture movement and a lifestyle that changed the world and its people.
Physique Bodyware salutes Eugene Sandow for his many great feats and accomplishments that started the physical culture revolution that paved the way for legends like Steve Reeves, Reg Park and Arnold plus all those who follow.
SIDE NOTE: During 1979-1980 Joe Weider did have ads in Muscle & Fitness offering Sandow's for sale at $1000.00 ea. He did sell a couple. Currently our Sandow Trophy is NOT for sale! Read More>>>
-Wayne
Physique Bodyware Staff Writer
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 Mens Workout Shorts made in America by Physique Bodyware Style 761 - Men's Pro Workout Short. Our best selling mens workout shorts! Amp up your workouts in our best selling men's workout shorts. Our signature men's workout shorts feature that form fitting classic style worn by Bodybuilders world wide. Order now! Exclusive form-fit mens workout shorts feature color contrasting side panels, safety stitched seams with soft covered multi-needle elastic waistband. Great workout shorts for Bodybuilders. Fitted not tight, our Mens workout shorts help reduce fatigue and friction while you workout plus they look & feel Awesome! Ergonomic, fitted mens workout shorts great for lifting weights, cardio and tanning. Made in America. Cotton/Poly. Order now! |
Physique Bodyware. Men's Workout Shirts
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