Cologne - Those who want to stay healthy and look good must build muscle. Bodybuilding, CrossFit, or powerlifting are currently experiencing a boom. However, the trend has a downside: due to hard training with heavy weights, the dream body eventually doesn’t fit into the dream outfit. Sleeves pinch, shirts strain across broad lats — problems that almost everyone knows who enjoys spending their leisure time in the gym. The result of many months of pain and gain looks strong but doesn't always fit into the European standard size.
This is also what René Ruschmeier and Thomas Bohnenkamp from the label “Wiehenstahl” have noticed. At the international trade fair for fitness, health & wellness in Cologne, known as FiBo, the duo from NRW will present their exclusive shirt collection specifically for bodybuilders and strength athletes from April 7 to 10, 2022. They will receive support directly at their stand from the largest German bodybuilding legend, Dennis Wolf.
Everything started in NRW
The two founders from Hüllhorst were first made aware of the problem by friends that there was hardly any well-fitting clothing for muscular upper bodies. In 2019, they took the step into self-employment. Within just one year, they collected the body measurements of bodybuilders all over Germany and developed a completely new shirt pattern. In addition to searching for suppliers, production sites, and setting up online sales, COVID-19 hit. “That was a hectic time,” recalls Bohnenkamp. But the concept turned out to be a great success. The two are now looking back on the three years since the company was founded with satisfaction and smiles. From manufacturing to shipping, the company has also committed to sustainability and environmental protection, using only fabrics certified to the Öko-Tex standard and consciously avoiding plastic in manufacturing and distribution.
The perfect bodybuilder shirt at FiBo
Visitors can receive advice at the “Wiehenstahl” booth, try on a shirt, and even take one home right away. During the very first fittings in gyms, testers reacted almost euphorically. “Some didn’t want to take off the sample shirts and would have preferred to buy them directly from us,” recalls Ruschmeier. Thanks to a unique sizing system with 15 different sizes, three lengths, and a strong taper, the shirts offer optimal freedom of movement. No more straining at the chest or arms — and this is achieved without elastane. The cut ensures the perfect fit for any occasion, whether business, classic, or casual. “We can now proudly claim to be the first in Europe to offer real business shirts specifically for strength athletes,” says Thomas Bohnenkamp. Business partner René Ruschmeier adds: “We are overwhelmed by the many positive feedbacks from our customers and the excellent response in the fitness market.” Thanks to this feedback, Ruschmeier and Bohnenkamp can hardly wait to present their brand at FiBo in Cologne to a large audience for the first time.
Bodybuilder icon Dennis Wolf for #TeamWiehenstahl at FiBo
A renowned partner for the two founders is IFBB bodybuilding star Dennis Wolf. The most successful German professional bodybuilder has an impressive international career with milestones such as a podium finish at Mr. Olympia and a victory at the Arnold Classic. Dennis Wolf, also known as “Big Bad Wolf,” now lives in Las Vegas and is a big fan of the “Wiehenstahl” collection. At FiBo, the blonde giant will be personally present every day at the booth 10.2H19 in the newcomer pavilion. The label can be found at www.wiehenstahl.com as well as on Instagram @wiehenstahl and Facebook www.facebook.com/wiehenstahl or on the FiBo website at fibo2022.wiehenstahl.com.
