Ludwig Ingebregtsen Article Iron Man Magazine May 1973:
By Wayne Gallasch
Left: Ludwig Ingebregtsen, winner of the Mr. Norway title, has an outstanding physique which should place him high in future Mr. Universe contests. The back pose at bottom right shows a great depth of muscle and good shape. Photos by Gallasch.
It is unfortunate that many of Europe’s finest physiques are almost unknown in America and to a lesser extent in Britain.
Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Ludwig, one of Scandinavia’s top physiques, at the London NABBA Universe show. Each year, I have noticed his continual and steady improvement, culminating in a high placing in the ’72 professional Universe behind Zane and Coe. As Ludwig speaks good English, I was fortunate in being able to obtain his interesting story, together with these photos.
Coming from the land of the Vikings, it was natural that Ludwig should go to sea after leaving school. This was at the age of 17, and he commenced weight training at this time, simply because he wanted to be strong. There was no thought at all of bodybuilding – just the attainment of greater strength.
Ludwig continued training in a small weight lifting club in 1961 in Oslo, where he has spent most of his life. After 6 months training he had reached the local gold level. As more bulk and power was desired, Ludwig trained more for power lifting and bodybuilding and specialized in heavy dumbbell training. I believe this had a marked effect in developing his muscle separation that is evident today. The heaviest possible weights were used at all times and Ludwig has never been beaten at his body weight in lifting contests. He currently holds two Scandinavian records at a bodyweight of 181 lbs., namely 440 bench press and 570 dead lift. He is 5’7” tall, weighing 190 lbs.
When Reg Park visited Oslo and saw Ludwig doing one arm dumbbell presses with a weight almost equal to bodyweight, he suggested that weight lifting would probably see him winning an Olympic medal for his country. However, Ludwig must have been inspired by Reg, as he continued to compete in and win junior physique contests, such as the Navy and Scandinavian titles. Two years later he won the same two titles as a senior, and has since won Mr. Norway on several occasions. This stimulated Ludwig to set his sights on tougher overseas contests, so in 1967 he journeyed to London for the first time for the annual NABBA Mr. Universe contest. He was only the second Norwegian to ever compete in an international physique contest and did well placing 3rd in his class. This year, 1972, was his 4th trip to London for the Universe.
His comments on some of the top men he knows and has competed against are interesting. He rates Dave Draper as the most inspirational physique with his tremendous taper and upper body, and Pearl as the greatest of all time – especially for winning the 1971 Universe at 41years of age. He also rates Reeves and Len Sell of England as two of the most symmetrical physiques to influence him. The title of most sensational physique he gives to Freddy Ortiz who, in 1968 in London, nearly brought the place down with his posing. Ludwig cannot recall such excitement at a contest either before or after this appearance.
Since his Navy days, Ludwig has had a number of interesting jobs connected with physical culture. 1967 was a very special year, as he starred on TV and in theatre, and had a role in the Opera ‘Tosca’ as the strong man. He then presented a very popular posing type act in cabaret and clubs, becoming well known throughout Norway and Sweden.
Later that year he had the honour of being a model for the famous Scandinavian sculptor Palle Storm. For 3 months he sat daily for the life size bronze statue of himself titled “Seated Athlete.” I understand the sculpture was sold recently for a huge price, and it may be exhibited later in USA. Also he does regular modeling at the Norwegian Academy of Art.
Ludwig lives with his parents in the beautiful forests on the outskirts of Oslo, and his main interest and relaxation is music. He says he hasn’t yet found time for marriage. Now 28, his training and diet are straight forward and simple. Training 5 to 6 days a week on a split system with the emphasis on shape, symmetry and definition, Ludwig’s abdominals are equal to the best I have seen and his shoulders and chest are also outstanding.
His training lasts for about one and a half hours a day with plenty of heavy weights, working as fast as possible. The pressing type movements are favorites along with mid-section work. Posing is practiced regularly, and he has an excellent professional stage presentation.
Favorite foods are steak, fish, liver, poultry and plenty of fresh uncooked vegetables and fruit. He drinks skim milk, vegetable and fruit juices, Norwegian (mountain) water and a little black coffee and beer. This is supplemented with a good supply of protein powder and vitamin tablets, although Ludwig feels that it is best to obtain these essentials from fresh, natural food where possible. I feel sure you will be seeing more photos of this fine physique in the years to come, as he has the ability and determination to win many more titles.
