JOE Weider was hailed by Arnold Schwarzenegger as the “Godfather of Fitness". He was also the mastermind behind some of bodybuilding's biggest competitions and publications — here's everything you need to know about the legend. 5 Joe Weider was responsible transforming bodybuilding from a niche subculture into a mainstream sport and lifestyle Credit: Getty Who was Joe Weider? Known as "The Father of Bodybuilding”, Joe Weider was a legendary figure who revolutionised the fitness industry.
He changed the understanding of the connection between exercise, nutrition and good health for a great many people. Joe also played a pivotal role in shaping the career of probably the most famous bodybuilder of all time — Arnold Schwarzenegger. Early life and career Joe was born in Montreal, Canada, but his date of birth is somewhat of a mystery.
READ MORE ON BODYBUILDING FITNESS ICON All the details on Mr Olympia and Arnold Classic bodybuilding champ Ryan Terry MR FITNESS Meet bodybuilding champion Samson Dauda The man himself always gave his birth date as November 29, but the year sometimes changed, ranging from 1919 to 1923 — his official website states it as 1920. According to reports, the year he was born is unknown because the records were lost in a fire. Joe’s journey began as a skinny teenager who was bullied in his tough Montreal neighbourhood.
Inspired by a magazine called Strength, he crafted his own weights from scrap parts found in a railway yard and began an intense.