ferrigno weights
Lou Ferrigno Weights
Lou Ferrigno is an iconic figure in bodybuilding. Perhaps his most notable work is his 1977 documentary Pumping Iron and subsequent attempts to topple Arnold Schwarzenegger. Additionally, Lou has become known for championing proper gym etiquette and stressing the importance of balance when it comes to healthy eating habits.
His reported bench press of 560 pounds was impressive for its time; however, it falls far short of Ronnie Coleman and Stan Efferding’s recorded lifts.
Early Life and Education
Ferrigno was raised in Brooklyn and began exercising at 13, drawn to muscle magazines as an inspiration. By 1974 he had taken up professional bodybuilding, winning back-to-back Mr. Universe titles in 1973 and 1974 before placing second at Mr. Olympia a year later; making headlines via the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron; however he eventually left competition circuit for acting career opportunities.
Ferrigno Fitness, his own line of fitness equipment, has been featured on various television programs. Additionally, he made frequent guest appearances on The King of Queens (CBS sitcom) playing himself and Carla as next-door neighbors; additionally he played Hercules in Disney adventure film Hercules (1983).
Professional Career
Ferrigno began his professional bodybuilding career in 1971 when he won the WBBG Pro Mr. America (Teen division). Subsequently he would win both 1973 and 1974’s IFBB Mr. America competitions before making his World’s Strongest Man debut and placing fourth.
He had much to prove. After suffering an ear infection at 1 1/2 or 2, Ferrigno struggled in school and became subject to bullying from other children. For inspiration he turned to bodybuilding magazines, finding motivation among their rippling muscles and tales about diet and competition.
Though he never claimed to be the strongest bodybuilder ever, his reported bench press of between 560 and 600 pounds for his era is impressive. Additionally, his reported max squat and deadlift weights of 640 and 900 pounds respectively makes an impressionive showing in comparison.
Achievement and Honors
Lou Ferrigno is an icon in bodybuilding. Growing up during an era when bodybuilding was still mostly underground and without mainstream promotion, his rise to fame helped usher in mainstream bodybuilding into America’s culture and society.
Ferrigno had an outstanding competitive career. He won both the IFBB Mr. America title in 1969 and then four years later the IFBB Mr. Universe title – in addition to numerous other accolades and being featured in the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron.
His enormous physique made an unforgettable first impression as the muscular TV series hero The Incredible Hulk. Since then, Ferrigno has continued acting while also investing in fitness industry by creating Fersigino Weights strength training equipment line.
Personal Life
Lou Ferrigno suffered hearing loss due to an ear infection as a child, making him an easy target for bullies who frequently struck out at his hearing aids. Yet, despite this tragedy, he managed to find strength through bodybuilding; inspired by superheroes like Hercules and Spider-Man he started weight training at 13; two years later, he won his first Mr. America title; competing in his first Mr. Olympia competition two years later; competing again at Pumping Iron 1977 documentary; however bodybuilding ultimately was never fully taken up as full time career endeavor.
Ferrigno first made an appearance as himself on CBS sitcom The King of Queens from 2000 until 2007 before serving as Michael Jackson’s personal trainer intermittently from the early 1990s until 2009. Ferrigno married psychotherapist Carla Green in 1980 and they have three children together; Louis Jr is their eldest.
Net Worth
Lou Ferrigno currently boasts an estimated net worth of $12 Million, having amassed it through years of professional bodybuilding and fitness instructor. Additionally, his iconic role as The Incredible Hulk has contributed significantly to his financial success.
Ferrigno was born in Brooklyn on November 9th 1951 to Victoria and Matt Ferrigno (both police lieutenants) but suffered bullying for both speech impediments and hearing loss, with 75-80% loss by age three. At 13, inspired by pop culture heroes such as Hercules and Spider-Man he began weight training at his own cost with homemade weights using broomsticks or pails filled with cement as his family couldn’t afford real ones.
Arnold won his first major competition in 1974 by competing at the IFBB Mr. America competition while training with Arnold in Columbus, Ohio. Later that year he attempted to beat Arnold at the Mr. Olympia but fell short despite coming in second – this quest being documented in Pumping Iron documentary film.
