Atlas came to the USA in 1903. He started his mail order business with English homeopathic doctor, Fred Tilney in 1923. Tilney wrote the course and managed the business while promoting Atlas as the figurehead for the business. He sold his half of the business to Charles P. Roman in 1929 and moved to Florida where he ran a very successful mail order supplement business until he passed away in 1977 aged 77.

Atlas did not die from a heart attack after jogging on the beach. He started experiencing chest pains after his workouts and was diagnosed with clogged arteries. He developed a mild form of diabetes a year before and started eating a hi-protein diet. This clogged his arteries and he was hospitalized after the chest pains became severe. He passed away on December 24th 1972. He was 80.

His grand daughter, Gia is an orchid expert and lives in Santa Monica, CA. His grandson Thomas Atlas M.D. is a top radiologist and lives in Orange County.

This story is inspiring yet a bit sad. Atlas represents what many of us are looking for. We relish our health and want recognition for teaching others about living the health and fitness lifestyle. Moreover, as trainers we have dreams and aspirations of making it BIG like Atlas did, yet life always manages to throw in a few wammies along the way. You do realize that you and Atlas lead and live parallel lives? You a body builder, boxer and now the essence, hope and guiding light for many of us professional in the industry. You are doing a great thing here and i am proud to know you my friend!

Greg, really? I wouldn’t have pegged you for over 35 – well, just chalk that up to another success story inspired by Charles – and yeah, I’m sure you figured out who the last person is, but everyone else will have to wait and see – what’s funny is that in researching this post, I discovered one person I left out – I may need to throw in one more BONUS installment!

I was one of those kids in the late 60’s / early 70’s that sent in the order form for my Charles Atlas workout program.

I wasn’t familiar with his life story, so it was fun learning about his journey in fitness and life. Thanks for sharing.

This is a great series and great subject.

It’s been said (not sure by whom) that it’s important to know the history of your “sport”.

Take a look at the NBA recently…seems like every playoff season the announcers start asking Garnett, Kobe, LeBron and company about their idols in basketball history.

Well, I consider fitness and marketing my “sport”. And, hopefully we’re all passionate about it and continue to make a difference in people’s lives.

That’s my 2 cents for today. Keep up the excellent work!

Boh

David Bohmiller