That is me on the right with one of my younger brothers.  As a youth growing up in Connecticut, I idolized the fitness gurus of the 1940s and 1950s - only at the time, they were referred to as physical culturists (My brother, above, idolized the Beatles.  He's now an accomplished musician).  Although many of those I idolized were considered bodybuilders, they were not considered the unhealthy sort that comes to mind when we think of bodybuilders today, or even 40 years ago.  These guys and gals, now about 80 years ago, led very healthy lifestyles for the most part, and good examples to follow, from Steve Reeves to John Grimek, from Terry Robinson to Jack Lalanne and Abbye Stockton.  They embodied a healthy lifestyle as they looked long term to a longer health span, not some short term, quick fix goal.

When I eventually made my way out to the west coast in early adulthood, I was lucky enough to work with many of those same aforementioned individuals I idolized.  Although at this point in my life it was the mid 1980s, the gym I worked in resembled that of the 1950s.  Nothing fancy; only dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells (usually all York brands), standing incline benches, Pullup bars, Rings and other things one would find in 1950 gyms.  There was a track that went around the entire gym, 8 laps to a mile.  The newest feature were Schwinn Airdyne Bikes from the late 1970s.  None of this would be seen in a gym today...

Fast forward a few decades, and those same features that were found at 2040 Avenue of the Stars in Los Angeles, California, can now be found in my studio.  Although condensed, the studio has everything one could possibly need in order to get into great shape.  My focus is on working with the individual from the inside-out, giving them the tools needed, so that the elusive mind-muscle connection that is so important for optimal workouts can be attained, at any age. 

I focus on key metrics that have the biggest impact in their ability to extend health span, and thus lifespan:  the development of strength and quality muscle mass, improvements in bilateral mobility and flexibility, increased balance and agility, and a better foundation for aerobic endurance and greater VO2 MAX.  A caveat: this is not a place for those looking for quick fixes.  I have seen enough of those individuals.  Only good effort over the long term can create positive changes, and that is my focus.

Ben Barrett, MS, CSCS