Bodybuilding fans are witnessing the end of an era as one of the last print magazines ceased publication after 59 years. Rick Collins, who wrote for Muscular Development for over 22 years, confirmed that the magazine would no longer publish physical editions in a recent Facebook post.
Muscular Development was started by Rob Hoffman and released its first edition in 1964. In a time when social media didn’t exist, Muscular Development provided fans with all the current happenings in the sport. The iconic magazine featured big names such as dominant former Mr. Olympia titleholders Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
After decades of showcasing bodybuilding’s finest athletes, Rick Collins officially announced that Muscular Development would be terminating the print edition in a Facebook post.
“It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Official Muscular Development Magazine. After 250 monthly columns spread out over 22 years, touching on all things fitness, hormones, law, and culture, I have been advised that the magazine is closing up shop and will print no further issues.
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So sad. When I started, print was still a powerhouse and social media didn’t yet exist. It’s a different world now. I will deeply miss working with the members of team MD, and I wish them well in all their future endeavors. What’s next for me? I’ll keep my day job lawyering my butt off and maybe see what else looks interesting!” Rick Collins wrote.
It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to Official Muscular Development Magazine. After 250 monthly columns spread…
Posted by Rick Collins on Thursday, November 16, 2023
Speculation Of Company Wide Shut Down For Muscular Development, “It’s a Different World Now”
In addition to the magazine halting its printing, it has been rumored that the company as a whole will be shutting down. Though this has yet to be confirmed, fans are left speculating following Ron Harris, who was until this point a writer and editor for Muscular Development, posted his goodbye on Instagram which eluded to the shutdown of the entire company.
“Nothing lasts forever.” That being said, I had an incredible run with MD. I wrote my first article for the magazine in September of 2001, and would go on to write thousands more articles and columns. In January of 2017, I was offered the dual roles of Senior Writer and Online Editor.
I didn’t want the Online Editor job at first, but I soon embraced leaving my comfort zone and began producing video content. The late Peter McGough was so helpful in my moments of doubt, as was Giles Thomas. Peter was the one who came up with the name for my interview show, The Ronline Report, of which I did over 600 editions.
I also went on-site to cover contests all over the USA and a few in Canada. Though I’m sad to see it all end, I thank MD owner Steve Blechman for the opportunities he gave me. Most of all, it was the team I worked with that made it all so special: Jen Giresi, Giles Thomas, Alan Dittrich, Alan Golnick, and Angela Frizalone. I also met so many amazing athletes, promoters, photographers, supplement company owners, and fellow bodybuilding fans.
Where do I go from here? I can’t say for sure right now, but I’ve been working in this industry for nearly 33 years and I don’t plan on going away. Thanks to all of you out there who supported MD’s magazine, web site and forums, and of course the YouTube channel. I’ll be seeing you all again soon! On to the next chapter of my life.”
Fans were quick to address the possibility of rebranding the YouTube channel hoping that Ron Harris would be able to keep it going.
Follower @daithicaiside asked:
“The followers are yours can you not rename the YouTube channel and yourself and Giles run and monitise it.”
Ron Harris responded to the comment by saying:
“We can start a new channel.”
Currently, the online subscription as well as the forum has already been shut down. The forum provided a platform for sports enthusiasts to express their views, though it was heavily debated due to censorship of offensive posts.
Muscular Development not only inspired countless generations during its publication but also became a driving force for those who grew up alongside its presence. Bodybuilding fans bid farewell to one of the sport’s last remaining magazines.
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I would like to know how to purchase a Muscular Development T-shirt, (especially since I subscribed to MD for a full year and only received 3 issues!!! I wasn’t even offered a refund for the remaining 9 months of the subscription. My T-shirt size is extra large (Black if available). Thank-you, Jefferson Parks, 23 LF Baum Road, East Helena, Montana 59635