Central PA Sports History: Bob Hoffman
Photo courtesy Beverly Pfingsten
Bob Hoffman grew up at the turn of the century as a skinny, sickly kid in the Pittsburgh suburb of Wilkinsburg. But in his mid-twenties after moving to York, Hoffman transformed his body with the use of a simple barbell and a dedicated regimen to physically become a different man. This personal transformation carried over to his professional life too as he also started training other weightlifters, organizing weightlifting competitions, and manufacturing equipment. By 1932, Hoffman had founded the York Barbell Corporation and laid the groundwork in Central Pennsylvania for a future fitness empire in what became known as Muscletown, USA.
York Barbell changed the industry by designing and developing equipment while promoting exercise and weightlifting through education and competition. And Hoffman reaped the benefits as he was recognized as the "Father of World Weightlifting" and named to the President's Council for Physical Fitness. Hoffman passed away in 1985, but thirteen years later a historical marker was erected in his honor to recognize his many accomplishments on what would have been his 100th birthday.
If you go:
The marker is located along Broad Road near the York Barbell factory and headquarters (map). The building is also the location for the Weightlifting Hall of Fame and proudly displays a seven-and-a-half-foot bronze statue of Hoffman out front at the entrance.
Posted by Mick Reinhard at 2/21/2012 1:00 PM 
Categories: Central PA Sports History
Tags: Bob Hoffman York Barbell
Categories: Central PA Sports History
Tags: Bob Hoffman York Barbell
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