In the fourth installment of an occasional series, we celebrate with mockery the worst, the weirdest, and the WTF covers in the long history of muscle magazines.
Deleted dream sequence? Couples bodyweight training? We only know it’s in the running for the ultimate WTF cover. (Bodybuilder: Alan Guest) May 1989
Check out the special effects in the original Aquaman movie. (Bodybuilder: Alan Stephan) September 1948
Just curl the tiniest dumbbell so it doesn’t distract from your biceps. (Bodybuilder: Sia Shahabi) March 1987
Did I say tiniest dumbbell? I meant that comically oversized dumbbell. (Bodybuilder: Pete Grymkowski) June 1980, first issue of Muscle & Fitness, which previously had other names (One more ridiculous thing: you!)
Just in case you thought creepy gym-lurker guy was a new thing. April 1920
Billy Arlen was warning about climate change back in the ’80s. (Bodybuilder: Billy Arlen) April 1982
Speaking of the ’80s… (Model: Gea Johnson, Bodybuilder: Shawn Ray, his first cover) June 1986
Oxygen tank. Spear gun. Do we have to spell it out for you? (Model: Debbie Halo), April 1995
Chet: “Yeah, I don’t know. I don’t really want to hike all they way into the forest just for a photoshoot. Isn’t there an easier way?” (Bodybuilder: Chet Yorton) April 1967
Really, a Dolly Parton bust and a 20-inch waist?! You don’t think you’re overselling this? (Bodybuilder: Peter Lindsay, Bustbuilder: Dolly Parton) May 1979
See also: Bad Muscle Magazine Covers, Vol. 3
