Marvin Eder, known as the “Biceps from the Bronx”, passed away on February 1, 2022 at the age of 90. Eder was known for his impressive strength, and an aesthetic physique, as he was a bodybuilder and powerlifter. Although he loved both sports and was an inspiration to many, Eder retired at a very young age due to politics in the sport.
Marvin Eder had to fight since he was born, because as a child he was easily sick and suffered from many diseases. He became a skinny teenager. Marvin was also 5 feet 2 inches tall, and people suggested that he stay away from weights as they would stunt his growth. Marvin still wanted to train, so he went to a local park and did pull-ups and dips.
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Marvin Eder’s bodybuilding career
Marvin’s bodybuilding career began at the “East Side Barbell Club” gym, and his career would last from 1949 to 1950. The results of his competitions were:
- 1949 Mr. America: 2nd place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1949 Mr. New York City: 1st place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1949 Mr. New York City: 1st place (IFBB, Junior Most Muscular)
- 1949 North American Championships: 1st place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1950 Mr. America: 6th place (UAA)
- 1950 Mr. East America: 1st place (IFBB)
- 1951 Mr. America: 3rd place (UAA)
- 1951 Junior Mr. America: 2nd place (UAA)
In his prime, Marvin weighed 200 pounds, with a height of 5 feet 8 inches. He also had 19-inch arms, a 50-inch chest, 17.5-inch calves, and 26.5-inch thighs.
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Marvin Eder’s weightlifting career
Marvin’s experience with weights was full of mistakes. However, Abe Goldberg noticed the potential in him and began mentoring Marvin. That resulted in serious strength and muscle gains. After a while, it became clear that Abe had discovered a fitness phenomenon.
Marvin’s strength was at a supernatural level, especially his triceps and chest. The most notable uprising of his was a bench press of 500 pounds (227 kg), as he was the first person to do so weighing less than 200 pounds (90.7 kg). Marvin also had a 665 pounds squat (301.6kg) and a 750lbs (340kg) dead weight.
Marvin loved weightlifting and hoped to compete in the Olympics. He was on the right track, but once again politics in the sport prevented him. After retiring, Marvin pursued a plumbing career and was quite successful.
Some of his extraordinary feats of strength were:
- bar dip – Marvin did a single-rep dip with two men hanging by their feet (434 lbs).
- deep squat for representatives – Marvin could do 50 reps with a 300-pound barbell load.
- shoulder hold – Marvin could press 360 pounds by taking the bar out of the brackets.
- Side Lateral Raises – 120-pound dumbbells for reps were comfortable for Marvin
- bicep curls – 100-pound dumbbell reps were said to feel like a warm-up.
- olympic press – 330 lbs.
- one arm chins – eight consecutively with each arm.
- press behind the neck – 305 lbs.
- Side press, left hand – 220 pounds (with a man sitting on his hand).
- Consecutive hand push-ups on a horizontal ladder – 25.
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Marvin Eder was so strong that the only man who could keep up with him was another bodybuilding legend, Reg Park. Some other athletes described Marvin as the strongest pound-for-pound bodybuilder of all time. It’s almost unbelievable that Marvin Eder was completely natural, and that makes his career all the more impressive.
fitness voltage I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Marvin Eder.
