Joe Weider
Trainer of Champions

A true pioneer in his efforts to bring strength and fitness consciousness to the public's attention, Joe Weider continues to use his expertise to help people the world over lead healthier, happier lives.

Joe oversees a publishing empire that includes the "bible" of bodybuilding MUSCLE & FITNESS, FLEX for the hard-core bodybuilder, MEN'S FITNESS for the active man, SHAPE, FIT PREGNANCY, NATURAL HEALTH, and MUSCLE & FITNESS HERS for women who want more out of fitness. Joe has come a long way. Today, he remains the dominant force in the fitness-publishing field because of an unyielding passion for what he does best - educating athletes and the public on the importance of physical development and nutrition.

Born in 1922, Joe grew up in a tough neighborhood in Montreal, Canada. His introduction to bodybuilding came when he stumbled across a weightlifting magazine and decided to build up his body so he could fend off the neighborhood bullies. After a visit to a metal scrap-yard, he formed two barbells from wheels and axles and began training at home. When he began noticing results, Joe became convinced that there were more people like him who could benefit from weight training. So, at 17 and with only $7.00 in his pocket, he started a newsletter called "Your Physique". This was just the beginning.

In association with the IFBB (International Federation of BodyBuilders), led by his younger brother Ben, Joe began sponsoring physical development contests for men. In 1965 he created the Mr. Olympia contest, considered by many to be the "Super Bowl of bodybuilding". Among the most famous Mr. Olympia is Arnold Schwarzenegger, a seven-time titleholder turned film superstar.

In recognition of women's dedication to the sport, Joe went on to create the Ms. Olympia contest in 1980. In 1995, a Fitness Olympia category was also added. There are presently 173 countries affiliated with the IFBB and it now ranks as one of the top five international sport federations in the world.

Located in Woodland Hills, California, Weider Health & Fitness is the parent company of a number of divisions including Weider Publications LLC. and Weider Nutrition International Inc. in Salt Lake City. Bodybuilders and athletes throughout the world consume his sports nutrition products as an essential part of their training program and healthy lifestyles.

Throughout the years Joe Weider has been recognized for his leadership, dedication and outstanding contributions to the field of physical fitness. His hard working, hands-on-everything career led him to be named Publisher of the Year in 1983 by The Periodical and Book Association; in 1992 the United States Sports Academy presented him with the Dwight D. Eisenhower Fitness Award; in May 1995, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports from California Gov. Pete Wilson. But the honor that Joe is perhaps most proud of is the Distinguished Citizen Award that was presented to him by the Boy Scouts of America in June 1991 that refers to him as "the father of fitness".