Charles Atlas program?

[Questor]

My son is interested in doing the Charles Atlas program. I'm surprised it's still around. Do you know anything about it, and whether it has any value?

Thanks.

[rex6666]

I am thinking now days it would be a lot easier and cost less to go
to a good local gym, and hire a trainer for a few sessions.

That is of course, if no bullies have been kicking sand in his face, then only
Charles can help.

[Questor]

Yeah. That's my take on it too. Especially since we already  have a gym mat, weights, and a lifting bench that we use a lot. My understanding is that the Atlas program was developed during a time when such things were very rare and difficult to obtain. It seems like if he wants more muscle, he's better off just doing more of what he's already doing.

[blind ear]

Joe Weiders "Muscle and Fitness" magazine has most current training techniques based on current research. Weider covers all segments of training not just body building. Go to a local fitness center for machines, weights and support.

[m-g Willy]

Atlas used the push-pull method of using opposing musles to exercise.
Such as- a bicep curl consisted of curling your right arm up while the left hand was pushing down on the right hand wrist.
The problem with Atlas's system was as you got tired, you would not be straining the muscles as hard as you would with a free weight.

[Questor]

M G Willy:

Now that makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the insight.

[nw_hunter]

My son is interested in doing the Charles Atlas program. I'm surprised it's still around. Do you know anything about it, and whether it has any value?

Thanks.

   


Ah! The old Charles Atlas Program. I remember as a 110 lb skinny kid of 18, I went to the beach and a 180 lb. bully kicked sand in my face.

After I finished with the Atlas coarse I weighed  190 lbs of solid muscle. Back to the beach I went , and a 250 lb bully kicked sand in my face!!!!......Old joke I know, but "Hey" I'm old

[crustaceous]

There is a good article on Charles Atlas in Smithsonian Magazine.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/Muscle-Man.html

[nomosendero]

Alot has been learned since the day of Mr. Atlas. The speed that he can adapt to weights will depend on genetics, attitude & a big deal is his experience that he has with athletics or manual labor. If he hasn't done much of either, he needs to adapt a little more gradual to avoid injuries.
And I can tell you the number one mistake of beginners is overtraining with improper form/technique being 2nd.

Missle & Fitness is very good & I really like "Ironman", they have alot of programs for over 40 also as well as young teens getting ready to train. View   www.ironmanmagazine.com

[Questor]

He's pretty serious about this. He just ripped a phone book in half. Really!

[Rustyinfla]

 Most schools these days have weight rooms. He should be able to use that for free.

  Just watch him that he doesn't get hooked up with the wrong crowd and start using juice.

[Sourdough]

My son got interested in weight training a couple of years ago.  He started reading Muscle and Fitness magazine, and developed his training programs from the information he got there.  Today he is ripped as the kids say here.  He does look like Arnold did when he was 20.  A large shirt is so tight on him it leaves his muscle definition outlined.  He wears Ex-large shirts now, and is only 5'6" weights 185 lbs.  Body fat index is ranging from 3% to 5%.  Depending on his work out regamine.  He is still going to college and sometimes time is a problem, studies come first.

When we go out to eat, the young waitresses can not stop at our table enough, and they are always addressing him for service.  His mother and I are ignored. 

At the gym the guys tell me he is buff, what ever that means.

[blind ear]

NOMOSENDERO;

 Does IRONMAN cover any research on useing nitrous oxide for recovering heart paitents rebuilding new vessels or how LITTLE creatin is needed by older people to help maintain muscle mass, streangth and endurance that is naturally lost as we get older? M&F hasn't covered them as a specific regular "old folks" column item. The web link looked real good.

eddiegjr

[nomosendero]

NOMOSENDERO;

 Does IRONMAN cover any research on useing nitrous oxide for recovering heart paitents rebuilding new vessels or how LITTLE creatin is needed by older people to help maintain muscle mass, streangth and endurance that is naturally lost as we get older? M&F hasn't covered them as a specific regular "old folks" column item. The web link looked real good.

eddiegjr

On that first question, liability issues may come up & expect the std. talk to your Doctor first response, concening creatine, good question, don't really have to do the overload that they say, I will see what I can find out for you & may answer via PM