The Weider Wing
at The National Fitness Museum |
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For over 60 years the Joe & Ben Weider, along with their wives, Betty and Huguette have encouraged millions of people to get fit and live happy, happy lives!
Their complete story, coming soon... |
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Special Tribute by Cory Everson
Most people recognize me from Muscle and Fitness, Flex, Shape or my TV shows which, of course, I would have never had that opportunity to do; had I not been Ms. Olympia.
My career was shaped with the direction and love of the Weiders along with my ex-spouse, but still great friend, Jeff Everson. I believe one cannot achieve great success without a support team, and the Weiders were always there for me. Joe gave me advice with posing and bringing out the best in my body through little tricks he had acquired over the years, Jeff wrote up my daily workouts to guide my training and Betty gave me personal words of wisdom when I was down or exhausted, which always boosted my spirits 100%. She had never ending encouragement for me and recognized my positive attitude and encouraged me to share that enthusiasm with others.
In 1980 Joe gave me the opportunity for my first public exposure, prior to me winning anything at all. I had just recovered from a life threatening blood clot which not only almost cost me my leg; but my life! Jeff wrote an article called the “Woman with Bionic Blood” when I still was an “unknown” living in Deerfield Illinois. I think Joe wanted to give me an emotional boost so he published it.
What most people don’t know about Joe is that he is a warm caring man who loves all athletes. He himself, was a great athlete, and knows the hard work that goes into every moment of training to become a champion. Joe said it is how you treat others, how you help to improve the life of those less fortunate that earns you the right to be called a champion. He has a rare and special wisdom of life.
I shot a cover with Betty so many years ago I don’t even remember the date, but to this day it is my favorite cover. Betty is one of the most gorgeous women I have ever seen....at any age, and her beauty is as deep inside, as it is on the surface.
I got to know Ben after my competitive days. He went beyond the call of duty to help me research adopting in foreign countries....what a generous thing to do.
Joe is like a father to me. He is always there for me then as well as now. I know I can turn to him and Betty for the rest of my life and they will always be there with open arms. Their love is faithful to the end and as loyal as they come. To them, “Once a friend; always a friend.”
Joe taught me a huge life lessons about being a champion. He said champions are set apart, not from placement in a contest or whether he or she wears a gold medal, but because of who they are and what they represent. “Champions don’t need the medal to be a leader.”
Champions stay humble and keep their integrity. Champions are kind at all times. Champions behave respectfully and do their personal best in the matters of Mind, Body and Spirit. This is what a true Champion is all about....and if you honor those traits and they are a part of who you are, then you can call yourself a Champion.
The Weiders are true champions and an inspiration to us all! Thank you Joe, Betty, Ben and all those who have given me so much over the years. What a pleasure this has been to share my most intimate thoughts with you all.
Love and respect Always, Cory Everson
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| The February 1983 issue of Muscle & Fitness magazine featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and Rachel McLish on the cover! |
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We are thrilled to be opening the Weider Wing at The National Fitness Museum. It is a rightly fitting addition to the museum and hall of fame and we hope that many will have the opportunity to come and visit.
Not only have the Weiders built the Greatest Fitness Empire of All Time, they have paved the path for many in fitness to follow. The Weider influence, over the last 60+ years, has helped give rise to the many rewarding careers that we find in fitness today. |
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| Minooka's Village President, Jason Briscoe, (pictured left) cuts the ceremonial ribbon officially opening the Weider Wing at The National Fitness Museum on Dec. 2nd, 2006 |
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| Betty Weider a model of health and fitness in 1950's. |
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| Come and try out the Slant Board that Betty prefers to maintain her great shape! |
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| Betty was inducted into the National Fitness Hall of Fame on March 18th, 2007 |
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| Joe’s words, taken from the 1990 Mr. Olympia program…
“As I’m sure you are aware, the bodybuilding movement has started a cultural revolution worldwide, with people in every corner of the globe becoming more aware of the benefits of weight training and proper nutrition.
There is no better way to become super fit or super strong than with the use of weight resistance training.
Tonight, we are watching history in the making. For the first time, all of the Mr. Olympia competitors will have undergone stringent drug testing.”
“Bodybuilding is a health building sport, where drugs of any kind have no place.” - Joe Weider
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| 2006 HOF Inductee, Ben Weider retires after 61 years of service! |
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