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

and were highly respected. They all served as role models for me. One of the best-built gentlemen in town was an older fel low who was a full-time year-round resident who, during the warmer months, would stroll or jog on the beach. He was fit, tanned and looked terrific despite being perhaps in his 60s at that time and ancient to my young eyes. We always referred to him as Mr. Siciliano. My father insisted I call him that, even though we were aware his ‘real name’ was Charles Atlas. Yes, I lived about two blocks from the Charles Atlas, who could not have been a nicer guy. Once he realized I was one of the young kids in town who was interested in becoming bigger and stronger, he always had a good word — a word of encouragement — and freely gave instructions on the proper way to do pushups, hand stand pushups, chins and pullups, bodyweight and calisthen ic types of exercises. These were things we could watch him doing on the beach in the mornings, especially during the warm weather. All of these influences, in combination with the first high school football game I viewed in 1957, truly motivated me.

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