Uncategorized

Charles Atlas’s ‘Special Secret for Rapidly Building Enormous Power’

When Atlas Wasn't Playing Tug-of-War he was giving out Diet Tips “I realize you are anxious to build up great strength and power as soon as possible. Here is a simple secret which should help give you the results you hope for.” Charles Atlas, Mail Order Workout Programme, Lesson Two, c.1930s  In 1921 Charles Atlas… Continue reading Charles Atlas’s ‘Special Secret for Rapidly Building Enormous Power’

Basics, Biographies

“Hey Skinny, Your Ribs Are Showing”: Charles Atlas and American Masculinity

Introduction Consciously or unconsciously, we are all aware of Charles Atlas and his business. In today’s article we will look at Atlas, Physical Culture and constructions of White Masculinity in 1920s to 40s America. I believe Atlas’s ‘Dynamic Tension’ product was successful in this time as claimed to provide men with masculine qualities that they… Continue reading “Hey Skinny, Your Ribs Are Showing”: Charles Atlas and American Masculinity