Robert “Bob” Kennedy (1938-2012) was a well-known contributor to the bodybuilding and fitness world as a publisher, author, artist, and business owner.  Robert Kennedy Publishing published books and magazines on bodybuilding, fitness, health, and nutrition. He opened 26 fitness stores across the country, as well as created his own clothing line and supplement products. 

Kennedy ventured into the publishing world in 1974 with the creation of his bodybuilding magazine, MuscleMag International. Soon thereafter, Kennedy expanded his business to include the following magazines: Oxygen, American Curves, Clean Eating, Maximum Fitness, and Reps! Kennedy authored over 50 books including Hardcore Bodybuilding, Reps!, RockHard!, Beef It!, and Pumping Up!  After becoming a book author, Kennedy once again expanded his company to include books.  

Kennedy was influential in the bodybuilding world for more than his writing and publishing skills.  He is known for coining the term “Hardcore Bodybuilding,” after the publication of his book with the same name, and for the “Pre-Exhaust Principle” often used by bodybuilders during their quests for more mass. For his lifetime of service to the bodybuilding world, Arnold Schwarzenegger awarded Kennedy the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2012 Arnold Classic Bodybuilding and Fitness Expo.   

Kennedy was an avid artist painting under his father’s name, ‘Wolfgang Kals.’ He also loved photography and practiced his camera skills by photographing many of the bodybuilders and models used in his magazines.

Robert “Bob” Kennedy Collection contains photographs, media, correspondence, artifacts, artwork, documents, and clippings documenting Kennedy’s life as a publisher and artist.