Atlas Speaks

His philosophy and beliefs

by Donne Hale

HOW does a body builder feel when he reaches the ripe old age of sixty-two? What are his thoughts and his conclusions as he looks back down the long path to the days of his youth? Answering those questions fully would require a book, but perhaps I can cover the principal points briefly. You know, I don't claim to be a philosopher or that only my theories are correct. Nevertheless, six decades of living and almost a half century of physical culture have taught me many things. If I may, I would like to share them with you.

As a youngster, I discovered that self improvement is the most interesting hobby of them all. To go a step further, the body building phase of this art can become downright intriguing! Despite a lifetime in this field, both as a business and pastime, my enthusiasm is as great as ever. So it's no surprise to me that thousands of new recruits flock to the gyms every year or buy courses for guidance along the road to physical supremacy.

It is this very fascination that often proves a pitfall to the man seeking a stronger or more perfect physique. As results begin to come, with muscles springing into prominence and his strength magically increasing, it's hard for him to retain his perspective. In many cases the body builder's world begins to revolve around muscles and exercise-he gradually grows away from a normal balanced life. He forgets that he has a mind and a personality to develop; he soon tends to overlook his social responsibilities and neglects his soul. This is the type of situation that results in outsiders condemning our cause. Personally, misunderstandings such as this bother me deeply and I would like to do my part to correct them, if I can.

I believe today's physique culturists seek goals that are too extreme; goals that require rigid devotion to reach. Building muscles to the extent that they no longer are symmetrical seems foolish to me. Even more senseless is the practice of gaining bulk for its own sake, with no regard for practical use. Development that is a mere ornament is not natural and is a step in the wrong direction. The AVERAGE person desires, above all else, a state of perfect health and freedom from pain. I think that should also be the first consideration of any devotee of exercise-internal fitness. Next in importance should be an efficient body; a machine that can handle itself under all conditions and is dependable in an emergency. Finally, the LAST objective should be a balanced, manly physique that is outstanding because of its beauty and not for its over-development.

Aside from systematic, routine exercise, there are many muscle building activities. Wrestling and tumbling produce men with bodies that are beautifully knit, as well as capable. Swimming and fancy diving have also resulted in many fine, graceful physiques. Cross country running, if regularly practiced, will develop stamina to a remarkable degree, while handball is wonderful for the reflexes. It's obvious that one form of exercise cannot substitute for all the others. That's the reason I'm a firm advocate of enjoying one or more of these sports in addition to the regular program. It makes training more pleasant and will keep you out of a mental rut by broadening your interests. Above all. you will mould a body that is efficient, enduring and agile, rather than a mere mass of muscle.

Many a body builder also makes a mistake by distorting the role of exercise in his life. It surely isn't all important, to the exclusion of other interests. However, it shouldn't be regarded as a temporary madness that consumes all your energy in youth and is forgotten as the years roll by. I believe that regular muscular exertion should be a part of every person's life from childhood until old age: it should be an accepted habit, just as brushing the teeth or shaving. We all acknowledge the benefits of exercise when young but many labor under the delusion that vigorous activities must be curtailed by age. There is no basis for this belief.

I was personally acquainted with the great Rolandow when past seventy, and he was still an outstanding specimen. The famous Dr. Kellogg was another friend of mine who retained youthfulness throughout his life. When in the nineties, he enjoyed daily fresh air workouts the year around! There are several elderly men who train regularly at my club and offer further evidence in support of my contention. All are in their seventies or eighties, yet each one is erect, vigorous, with a fine physique and plenty of athletic ability. Then too, you must consider the distance runners. These men are still competing in gruelling races when in their sixties and most don't even reach their peak until middle age.

In my own case, I've satisfactorily proven that youthfulness can definitely be prolonged. I'm physically as capable as I was thirty years ago, though there have been slight changes in the appearance of my body. I'm as full of pep, health and enthusiasm as in my early youth. This is not a happy accident, but has resulted from my belief that a man can be vitally active at any age. Furthermore, I am currently following an intensified program that has already produced great changes in my physical condition. For these reasons, I believe that the regular habit of exercise will help a man to retain a perfectly functioning body as long as he lives.

In passing, I would like to add a few comments regarding this subject of a vital old age. You must THINK young, ACT young and LIVE young! "Middle aged" people today are more youthful in appearance and much more active than the same group of thirty years ago. This change has been due to many factors, but greater preoccupation with staying young has been a major cause. I think this is a process that will continue until the majority will be "young" at sixty or seventy. Then, when we are conditioned to seeing people at that age in good shape, it is only another short step to accept the idea that they can be just as youthful at eighty or ninety. I am convinced that the day will eventually dawn when men and women of a hundred will no longer be a rarity. They will be vigorous, alert specimens at that age, holding responsible positions and doing important work. If you consider this trend, then you must surely acknowledge the wisdom of planning your exercise for a lifetime-not only for the few years of youth.

Remember, though, a perfect physique is useless without the guiding power of the mind. Many of the old time strength athletes spent their lives in a constant struggle for bare survival. These men had beautiful bodies, plenty of ability and were wonderful fellows personally. Their only failing was an exaggerated concern for the physical, a disregard for the development of mind and earning capacity. I wish that every muscle culturist would take that lesson to heart. Spend at least as much energy on mental growth, the building of personality and the development of a livelihood, as you do on physical activities. If it is impractical for you to attend school, you can still cultivate your mind and improve yourself. Personally, I was a poorly educated child and had no opportunity for further schooling. I soon discovered that this was a big handicap, one that I must overcome if I was to accomplish what I wished. It was then that I became a student in the school of life-every person I met was my teacher, each new day became my classroom. I struggled to learn, to improve myself in every way and I'm still trying to do so. With the facilities that are now available, there is no excuse for anyone to neglect his mind. The body builder who devotes sincere attention to study along these lines will be generously repaid throughout his lifetime.

In today's world we have another serious problem to be considered by physical culturists. Each year the living tempo becomes more hectic; people are tense, nervous and become upset over trifles. It's a national disease that threatens the individual's health and physical progress. We have forgotten how to loaf, to laugh and to love those around us. There isn't enough time to be patient, to be considerate and to enjoy the simple little pleasures of life that once meant so much. The art of easy rambling conversation, the custom of being neighborly-these too have gone from the scene. If these refinements are no longer natural to our way of life, then I feel that they should be consciously re-Iearned. If you have been guilty of neglecting them, resolve to make some changes. Slow down your pace, tackle your problems in a relaxed manner, find time to LIVE! Develop the ability to make your muscles and mind "go limp" at a moment's notice; that's a real accomplishment that can be mastered with practice and will help fight tension. Learning this art of relaxed living will enable you to discover new enjoyments and to accomplish much more in a physical way.

There are three other factors in behavior that merit the attention of a serious trainee. Though morals and emotions obviously don't make muscles, I have found they have a definite effect on the results gained from training. The following points seem important to me, since they've strongly influenced my life and may prove to be of some value to you.

The first suggestion concerns your mental attitude and is a relatively simple trick that can be made habitual. Briefly, I advise you to be optimistic, to smile often and be cheerful always. The man with a hopeful, affirmative personality has a distinct advantage over the sour pessimist. Secondly, I favor a normal home life for the man who wishes to reach the top, physically. I know of nothing else that can equal the contentment experienced by members of a happy family, working harmoniously together. I also believe that the mature man profits greatly from the moral encouragement of a good wife and accomplishes more than when single. The third factor concerns religion, although many athletes feel embarrassed about acknowledging their trust in God. I think this is ridiculous and I, for one, am proud to say that I'm very religious. Many of my most pressing problems have been solved by solitary prayer and meditation, though I enjoy regular church attendance, as well. More than ever before, people today need the strength, the security and guidance that can be found in faith.

Why have I mentioned these three points that seemingly have no direct bearing on the culture of a physique? Simply because serenity, confidence and optimism are as necessary to your physical being as proper food or exercise. A body builder who devotes attention to these influences on his moral strength, will be rewarded for his trouble by making easier physical gains, too.

During the past twenty years, Americans have gradually become muscle conscious. However, there is room for further progress in this direction if each of us will do his part. Regardless of his system, any man with a well developed body or exceptional athletic ability has a responsibility to society. It is his duty to inspire others and to use his knowledge in helping the exercise novice over the rough spots. The body builder should present a good example to the average person in being a well balanced, capable, man among men, not a strutting exhibitionist that prompts amusement or scorn.

We must be tolerant of the cautious fellow who is not convinced that he needs serious exercise and is "just interested in health". If this type is gently encouraged, improvement will usually change him into a real enthusiast. On the other hand, if you ridicule his modest desires, trying to sell him your ideal of big muscles or great strength, you'll only scare him away. Honesty is important to people, so don't be too radical in your claims for body culture. Answer the questions of those not familiar with your methods, give them assistance, but show them results rather than promises.

I think we are also overlooking a big field of prospects when we neglect the children. As the twig is bent, so grows the tree-why don't we take advantage of that simple little fact? A child is easily directed into channels of right living if you are patient and express interest in his progress. Those tiny tots will be adults in a few years and the habits of health will be deeply ingrained in them. If you have children, teach them to exercise, to play sports, to follow the rules of nature. You'll help them to stay out of trouble and you'll be moulding more rugged Americans for the future-both pretty important aims, in my opinion.

With this rambling discussion of life in its relation to the exercise devotee, I've attempted to be helpful. You may agree with some of my conclusions and find others that you can't accept. I only ask that you seriously THINK about the issues I've mentioned. We of the physical culture field-no matter what system we advocate-are in a position to do much good or harm in the world. If, by our example, we encourage others to enjoy the benefits of right living, we are behaving in a noble, humane manner. If, however, our actions result in criticism, ridicule or fear of physical training, we are actually retarding human progress. It is only by becoming well rounded mentally, morally and socially, as well as physically, that we can accomplish the former. Let's each of us do his part to make the future of body culture a great universal success!

PHOTO CAPTIONS

- The two photos of Charles Atlas on these pages, were taken in Florida by Mr. Hale and show Atlas at the age of 62 and with a very rugged physique. His measurements are very much the same as when he was in his 30s and at his best, as shown in most of his ads. He is still a very good athlete.

- At top is a fine photo of Atlas, taken recently, and loaned to us by Roger Servin, who operates the Esquire Health Club in Jenkintown, Pa. Isn't that a terrific chest, arm and shoulder for a man of 62. The lower photo shows Atlas and Servin posed together. Mr. Hale tells us that Atlas has between 5,000 and 6,000 new pupils per month for his correspondence course. During the war 26,000 service men completed his course, a fact of which he is very proud.