Flex (magazine)

Flex was an American bodybuilding magazine published by American Media, Inc.^[2]

Flex

Cover of the November 2007 edition
Editorial Director	Zack Zeigler
Categories	Bodybuilding
Frequency	Monthly
Total circulation (December 2011)	77,180 (2011)[1]
First issue	April 1983
Final issue	May 2018
Company	JW Media
Country	US
Based in	New York City
Language	English
Website	www.flexonline.com
ISSN	8750-8915

History

Founded in 1983^[3] by Canadian entrepreneur Joe Weider, local versions (essentially the U.S. content with local advertisements) are now published throughout the world, in countries such as the UK and Australia. The premier issue was dated April 1983, and featured Chris Dickerson on the cover.^[2] Flex centers more on "hardcore" and professional bodybuilding, as opposed to its companion publication Muscle & Fitness, which has a more mainstream fitness focus.

American Media purchased the Mr. Olympia event, as well as the Flex, Muscle & Fitness, and Muscle & Fitness Hers titles in 2003.

In March 2018 it was announced that Flex magazine would merge with Muscle & Fitness to become one magazine. Flex also combined with the Muscle & Fitness website as well. The last print issue was published in May 2018.^[3]

In February 2020, longtime bodybuilding enthusiast Jake Wood acquired Flex, Muscle & Fitness, and Muscle & Fitness media brands and Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend from American Media (now A360 Media).^[4]