Who Owns Muscle & Fitness Magazine?

who owns muscle and fitness

Muscle & Fitness is an American fitness and bodybuilding magazine founded in 1935 by Canadian entrepreneur Joe Weider. In February 2020, it was announced that the magazine was sold to Arizona-based female bodybuilding enthusiast Jake Wood. The sale included other media brands such as Mr. Olympia, Flex, and Muscle & Fitness Hers, which were formerly owned by American Media, LLC. With this acquisition, Wood added prestigious brands in the fitness industry to his growing portfolio, which already included digital media and event properties.

Characteristics Values
Current Owner Jake Wood
Year of Acquisition 2020
Acquisition Price $70 million
Previous Owner American Media, LLC
Founder Joe Weider
Year Founded 1935
Original Name Your Physique

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Arizona-based Jake Wood bought Muscle & Fitness

Muscle & Fitness covers the latest trends in training, nutrition, gear, and technology, in addition to celebrity content. It is a well-known brand in the fitness category, offering diverse content and featuring the biggest and fittest names in Hollywood, star athletes, and bodybuilders. The magazine has been a staple in the health and wellness publication space, providing valuable insights and inspiration to fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

The sale of Muscle & Fitness to Jake Wood was part of a larger deal that included other iconic fitness brands such as Mr. Olympia, Flex, and Muscle & Fitness Hers. This portfolio of premium fitness properties was acquired by JW Media, an Arizona-based fitness media and events company founded by Wood, a female bodybuilding enthusiast and industry insider.

The acquisition of Muscle & Fitness by Jake Wood marked a significant change for the brand, as it transitioned from print to a fully digital strategy. This shift included staff transitioning, content expansion, original programming development, and an increased focus on visitor engagement through digital and social media platforms. The decision to cease print publications was influenced by financial considerations, as American Media Inc. (AMI), the previous owners, sought to pay off debts owed by the company.

The new ownership of Muscle & Fitness by Jake Wood has brought optimism to fans and industry professionals alike. Wood's passion for bodybuilding and fitness, along with his innovative approaches to marketing, are expected to drive the brand's future success and engagement with its dedicated audience. The digital transformation and expanded reach across multiple channels position Muscle & Fitness to offer enhanced content and continue its legacy of empowering individuals on their fitness journeys.

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Joe Weider founded the magazine in 1935

Joe Weider founded Muscle & Fitness, an American fitness and bodybuilding magazine, in 1935. It was originally published under the title 'Your Physique' and was renamed 'Muscle Builder' in 1953 or 1954. The magazine acquired its current name in 1980.

Weider was a Canadian entrepreneur who moved to the United States as a young man. He was inspired to take up bodybuilding as a teenager after discovering it in a magazine. Weider founded several popular bodybuilding magazines, including Muscle and Fitness, Flex, Men's Fitness, and Shape. These magazines had a readership of 25 million at their peak and featured photos of bodybuilders and Hollywood stars.

In addition to his publishing empire, Weider created the first sports nutrition company, Weider Nutrition, in 1936. He also sold Weider-brand weight sets and other exercise equipment, which he advertised in his magazines. Weider was an early advocate for women in bodybuilding and launched a women's section in his Muscle Builder/Power magazine in 1979. He also recognised the potential of the internet and started an online site for Muscle & Fitness in 1996.

Weider sold his magazines to American Media, Inc. in 2002, and the brand was later sold again in 2020 to Arizona-based Jake Wood, a fitness industry insider.

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Muscle & Fitness is now a fully digital publication

Muscle & Fitness, a well-known fitness and bodybuilding magazine, has transitioned to a fully digital publication. Founded in 1935 by Canadian entrepreneur Joe Weider, the magazine has been a trusted source of information for fitness enthusiasts, offering tips on exercises and nutrition, alongside featuring prominent bodybuilders and celebrities.

In February 2020, American Media, LLC announced the sale of Muscle & Fitness, along with its companion magazines, Mr. Olympia, Flex, and Muscle & Fitness Hers. The new owner, Jake Wood, is an Arizona-based female bodybuilding enthusiast and promoter. This sale came as a shock to many, as Muscle & Fitness was a long-time staple in the health and wellness publication space. However, it was later revealed that American Media Inc. was facing financial difficulties, with a $100 million deal to sell the National Inquirer still pending.

Under the new ownership, Muscle & Fitness has ceased its print publications and embraced a fully digital strategy. This transition included staff transitioning, content expansion, original programming development, and an increased focus on visitor engagement. The digital shift allows the brand to reach a wider audience, including its growing social media presence.

The completion of the digital transition was announced in March 2020, marking a significant milestone for the publication. Muscle & Fitness now offers diverse content, covering trends in training, nutrition, gear, and celebrity fitness routines. This digital approach enables the publication to engage with its audience during a challenging time, providing accessible content to support their fitness journeys.

Muscle & Fitness's digital transformation is a testament to its adaptability and commitment to staying relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape. By leveraging digital platforms and social media, the publication continues to inspire and motivate fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

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Dwayne Johnson was named Man of the Century in 2015

Dwayne Johnson, also known as "The Rock," was named "Man of the Century" by Muscle & Fitness magazine in 2015. Johnson landed the cover of the December 2015 issue of the magazine, marking its declaration of him as "Man of the Century." Johnson is a former WWE wrestler turned Hollywood actor, producer, writer, and philanthropist. He is one of the most bankable Hollywood stars, with his movies returning more than $8.9 billion in box office earnings worldwide.

Johnson's career in WWE began in the mid-90s after a knee injury dashed his hopes of an NFL career. Trained by his father, a professional wrestler himself, Johnson became one of the most popular WWE superstars of all time. He led the company through its famed "Attitude Era" alongside other popular wrestlers like Triple H and "Stone Cold" Steve Austin. Johnson's popularity in the wrestling world helped him gain a growing global audience of fans who were captivated by his physicality and wit.

In addition to his success in the entertainment industry, Johnson has maintained a strong connection to his athletic roots. He is a former college football player at Miami and continues to train like an elite athlete. Johnson is also an enthusiastic fan of bodybuilding and has appeared at the prestigious Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, an annual showcase event for the global fitness industry and the world championships of several professional physique sports, including the legendary title of Mr. Olympia.

Muscle & Fitness magazine, founded in 1935 by Canadian entrepreneur Joe Weider, is a well-known American fitness and bodybuilding publication. The magazine covers a range of topics, including training, nutrition, gear, technology, and celebrity content. It also features professional bodybuilders, figure competitors, and entertainers. Johnson's selection as "Man of the Century" by the magazine highlights his impact and influence in the fitness industry and among his fans.

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Muscle & Fitness is a fitness and bodybuilding magazine founded in 1935 by Canadian entrepreneur Joe Weider. It was originally published under the title "Your Physique" before being renamed "Muscle Builder" in 1954 and then renamed again to its current name in 1980. The magazine has since ceased print publication and has transitioned to a fully digital strategy.

Muscle & Fitness is known for its signature coverage of the bodybuilding and fitness lifestyle. It offers a diverse content mix, including exercise and nutrition tips, and advertising for nutritional supplements. The magazine has a mainstream fitness and bodybuilding lifestyle focus, while its companion publication, Flex, covers more specialized "hardcore" and professional bodybuilding topics.

In February 2020, Muscle & Fitness, along with its companion publications, was sold to Arizona-based female bodybuilding enthusiast Jake Wood. The sale included the prestigious Olympia brand, an annual event held in Las Vegas that serves as the world championships of several professional physique sports, including the legendary title of Mr. Olympia.

The sale of Muscle & Fitness to Jake Wood marked a new era for the magazine, with a focus on digital and social media engagement. Dan Solomon, President and Chief Olympia Officer, stated that the consolidation of high-profile media brands has allowed them to build a powerful customer engagement program, offering a fully digital and social media experience.

Frequently asked questions

Arizona-based female bodybuilding enthusiast Jake Wood.

Canadian entrepreneur Joe Weider founded the magazine in 1935.

American Media LLC sold the magazine to pay off debts owed by the company.

Muscle and Fitness has ceased print publication and has transitioned to a fully digital strategy.

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