"Ben Weider meets the 'Father of French Bodybuilding' Professor Edmond Desbonnet"

By Rob Wilkins,
Special Assistant to the IFBB

In this rare photo from the IFBB archives, Ben Weider visits with Professor Edmond Desbonnet at 5 de la Varenne, Paris, France

During the formation of the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB), President Ben Weider spent much of his time corresponding and visiting with the world’s leading physical fitness authorities. His goal was to exchange information with experts and organize their bodybuilding efforts under the auspices of the IFBB. In 1946, several months after World War II ended, Weider traveled to Paris, France, to visit the “Father of French Bodybuilding,” Professor Edmond Desbonnet.

In the late 1940’s, few people considered experts in physical fitness were as well known and respected as Professor Desbonnet.

Bodybuilding pioneer, Professor Desbonnet (1868-1953) a distinguished gym operator, physical fitness trainer, journalist and athlete in France, strongly believed that having a healthy body was just as important as having a well-developed mind. This passionate conviction made him the most prominent figure of his time in promoting the benefits of a bodybuilding lifestyle to the French people as well as throughout Europe.

Professor Desbonnet shared his love and enthusiasm for physical perfection by writing many books and articles including La Force Physique (1904), Les Rois de la Force (1911) and Pour Devenir Fort et le Rester (1918). His thoughts and teachings related to physical fitness also appeared in popular magazines such as La Culture Physique (1904-1971) and La Santé par les Sports (1911-1924).

During his time with Professor Desbonnet, Ben Weider spent many hours discussing various weight-training techniques. “Professor Desbonnet was obsessed with strength and improving one’s physical conditioning,” Weider said. “We spent hour after hour debating the ideal training program and during our conversations, Professor Desbonnet provided me with great insight related to French bodybuilding training routines."

As a testament to his long-lasting influence on physical fitness in France, Professor Desbonnet is still commonly referred to as the “Leader of the Physical Culture Movement.”

“He was very instrumental in helping me persuade French bodybuilders to join the IFBB and to this day, France continues to be one of our strongest members. I truly appreciate the advice and support Professor Desbonnet provided.”

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Rob Wilkins is a Master Sergeant in the US Air Force stationed at the Pentagon, Washington, D.C. Wilkins is also a Special Assistant to the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) and a recipient of the IFBB Gold Medal. To contact Wilkins, e-mail him at robifbb@yahoo.com