Marvin Eder known as the “Biceps from the Bronx” passed away on February 1st, 2022 at 90-years-old. Eder was known for his impressive strength, and a aesthetic physique, as he was a bodybuilder and a weightlifter. Although he loved both sports, and served as an inspiration for many, Eder retired at a very early age because of the politics in the sport.
Marvin Eder had to battle since birth, because as an infant he got sick easily, and suffered many illnesses. He developed into a skinny teenager. Marvin was also 5 foot 2 inches tall, and people suggested he keep away from the weights, as it would stunt his growth. Marvin still wanted to train, so he went to a local park and executed chin-ups and dips.
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Marvin Eder’s Bodybuilding Career
Marvin’s bodybuilding career started in the “East Side Barbell Club” gym, and his career would last from 1949 to 1950. His competition results were:
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- 1949 Mr. America: 2nd place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1949 Mr. New York City: 1st place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1949 Mr. New York City: 1st place (IFBB, Junior Most Muscular)
- 1949 North American Championships: 1st place (IFBB, Junior)
- 1950 Mr. America: 6th place (AAU)
- 1950 Mr. Eastern America: 1st place (IFBB)
- 1951 Mr. America: 3rd place (AAU)
- 1951 Junior Mr. America: 2nd place (AAU)
At his prime, Marvin weighed 200 lbs, with a height of 5-foot 8-inches. He also had 19-inch arms, 50-inch chest, 17.5-inch calves and 26.5-inch thighs.
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Marvin Eder’s Weightlifting Career
Marvin’s experience with weights was full of mistakes. However, Abe Goldberg noticed his potential and started guiding Marvin. That resulted in serious strength and muscle gains. After a while, it was clear that Abe had discovered a fitness phenomenon.
Marvin’s strength was on a supernatural level, especially his triceps and chest. His most notable lift was a bench press of 500 lbs (227 kg), as he was the first person to do it while weighing less than 200 lbs (90.7 kg). Marvin also had a 665 lbs squat (301.6 kg) and a 750 lbs (340 kg) deadlift.
Marvin loved weightlifting and hoped to compete in the Olympics. He was on the right path, but once again, the politics in the sport prevented it. After retiring, Marvin chased a plumbing career and was quite successful.
Some more of his extraordinary feats of strength were:
- Bar dip – Marvin did a single rep dip with two men hanging from his feet (434 lbs).
- Deep squat for reps – Marvin could do 50 repetitions with 300 lbs loaded on the bar.
- Shoulder press – Marvin could press 360 lbs when taking the barbell out of the racks.
- Side lateral raises – 120 lbs dumbbells for reps were comfortable for Marvin
- Bicep Curls – reps with 100 lbs dumbbells were said to look like warm-up.
- Olympic press – 330 pounds.
- One-arm chins – eight consecutively with each arm.
- Press behind neck – 305 pounds.
- Side press, left hand – 220 pounds (with a man sitting on his hand).
- Consecutive handstand push-ups on a horizontal ladder – 25.
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Marvin Eder was so strong that the only man who could keep up with him was another bodybuilding legend, Reg Park. A few other athletes described Marvin as the strongest pound-for-pound bodybuilder ever. It is almost unbelievable that Marvin Eder was completely natural, and that makes his career even more impressive.
Fitness Volt would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Marvin Eder.
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