Training Methodologies of the 1960's by Dr. Ken E. Leistner

I probably went there five, six, seven or eight weekends in a row and I literally sat in a corner. I watched and I observed. I learned what they did. I heard about Mid-City Gym, so I went there and introduced myself to the owner. The owner, of course, was Tom Minichiello. I just wanted to watch and see what was going on. Also at that time in approximately 1961 or ’62, I got to see some of the lifters as well as bodybuilders because Mid City accommodated some of the Olympic lifting guys. Ike Berger, one of the all-time greats, was there. I believe he was split ting his time between California and New York. I saw Dave Sheppard and some of the other great lifters. That broadened my horizons and made me realize one could really get very strong and well built. Another fellow I met observing there was a young Olympic lifter, a bit older than me, who was in attendance at New York University. I was told he was one of the best shot putters in the country and may have held high school records. This was Gary Gubner who, like me, was seeking informa tion, although he already seemed to be stronger than most of the guys at the gym. 99Again, this was typical.

11