Strong Man Cody

SUNDAY, JULY 9 AT 5:30 PM

Equipment Provided By Wildwood Athletic Club

Vaudeville In The Street

While the Chautauqua movement was blossoming and spreading culture, education, and spiritual enrichment, novelty entertainment tapped into society’s intrigue with odd and unusual acts. People of extraordinary and bizarre abilities who didn’t quite fit the mainstream mold emerged, offering wild and opulent shows.

Feats of strength were among this uncategorized talent, particularly at a time when manual labor predated modern equipment for lifting and moving heavy objects. Strength was often a requirement for performing tasks under certain employment. Lifting, carrying, sawing, hammering, and pulling heavy objects could make workmen invaluable assets to a work crew. The expectation to endure a manual labor job day after day was not uncommon at the turn of the last century.

The first summer residents of Mountain Lake Park were encouraged to engage in fitness activities to keep them feeling healthy and renewed. Summer schools boasted the importance of outdoor recreation as a way to build character and strength in children. Fitness classes offered calisthenics and the ancient art of club swinging that utilized heavy clubs to improve strength, flexibility, and joint mobility. Early residents also took up tennis, croquet, baseball, boating, and hiking while staying in Mountain Lake Park.

Strong Man Cody’s passion for fitness and self-improvement reflects these early ideologies. His dedication to strength training and laser focus earned him the record as Maryland’s deadlift champion within his weight class. In a demonstration of strength, Strong Man Cody will attempt to break a new personal record before a live audience to cheer him on. During his demonstration’s rest time, he will share his story of what attracted him to lifting and what motivates him to continue. He will also offer words of wisdom about health, fitness, and living a fulfilling life.