ABSTRACT
In 1947, 18-year-old New Yorker Donald Trill (pseudonym) signed his application for the Charles Atlas Championship Trophy.1 He listed his measurements before and after completing Atlas’s “Health, Strength and Physique Building System” and described his improved appearance: “Have developed rosy cheeks. My vests have become so tight that I think a few buttons will pop soon”. In response to the question regarding “Health (constipation, etc.)”, Trill wrote “Am in good health, no constipation, or any suspicion of it”. His strength had also improved: “Can now play bass fiddle and get a much stronger and fuller tone out of it. My fingers and arms no longer get tired after an orchestra workout, but instead I feel fresh as a daisy”. Finally, he stated, “I can now go swimming and not be afraid that fellows and girls will laugh at my physique”. His response mirrored the plot of the famous magazine advertisement for the Atlas System, the comic strip story of “Mac”, who redeemed his honour and recaptured his girl by remaking his physique.
