| Steve Michalik |
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   "The Phantom" Born: 1949 Height: 5'10" Weight: 210 lbs. Titles Won: 1971 AAU Mr. Apollo 1971 AAU Mr. Apollo (Most Muscular) 1971 AAU Mr. USA 1972 AAU Mr. America 1975 NABBA Mr. Universe (Tall Currently Director of Personal Training, Powerhouse Gym, Farmingdale, NY Sooned to be released videos and book, Atomic Fitness Appeared in Pumping Iron II: The Women in 1985 
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THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK An excerpt from his upcoming book Atomic Fitness Steve Michalik, a triple-crown bodybuilding champion, whose titles include Mr. USA, Mr. America, and Mr. Universe, amongst twenty two various other titles, began developing his Atomic Intensity system of training as a youth. Due to an abusive childhood, Steve spent most of his time locked in a closet with nothing to occupy him but a stack of super-hero comic books. A scrawny kid with bad genes, a small bone structure, and low self-esteem, Steve dreamed of becoming like his hero, Captain America, who was larger than life, and stood for courage, strength, integrity, and a love of country. Thus, was born Steve’s quest for knowledge, truth, and the ultimate answers in the pursuit of how to build the ultimate physique. Growing up, Steve was fortunate enough to come in contact with people who could assist him in his quest. His family physician, Dr. Merkin, was the first to offer guidance, and was a great inspiration to Steve. Dr. Merkin mentored Steve, not only in the areas of anatomy and physiology; but also, the important role philosophy and spirituality play in overcoming life barriers. Doctor Merkin’s vast library introduced Steve to the New Testament, the works of Darwin, Newton, Aristotle, Socrates, Plato, and Shakespeare, all of which he consumed with avarice. Steve was determined to not only learn the mechanics of the mind and body, but also the "why’s" behind their functions. Steve was driven to search for truth, rather than accepting popularly promoted apparancies. It was this drive that would set forth the basic law he would follow for the rest of his life: "agree to disagree". Unbeknownst to Steve, at this early stage, it would be this point of view that would enable him to achieve championship status, and eventually, even save his life. A further inspirational figure in Steve’s journey was his Uncle John. Steve’s uncle was a physicist who worked at Area 51. Uncle John was a treasure trove of information regarding time, space, energy, and matter. Steve immediately realized the applicability of this information to muscle growth, and quickly assimilated these principles to bodybuilding. This revolutionary system of training would become what is now known today as Atomic Intensity. Or, as coined by the NY times, Atomic Fitness. Steve fulfilled this destiny in his early twenties. After winning the titles of Mr. USA, Most Muscular Man in the USA, and various other competitions; Steve achieved the extremely rare honor of being awarded the title of Mr. America his first time out. After proceeding to win the prestigious title of Mr. Universe in 1975; with his two hundred fifty pounds of perfectly symmetrical muscle, Steve was primed to win Mr. Olympia and put an end to Schwarzenegger’s reign. His escalating fame and popularity, prompted a network to offer him a spot hosting a science show; and he was filmed extensively for the movie "Pumping Iron". Steve’s future seemed certain, when suddenly, tragedy struck. Failing to notice Steve’s Mustang, the driver of a dump truck backed his vehicle over it, crushing the car and Steve’s spine. Paralyzed from the waist down, doctors were convinced Steve would never walk again. Remaining true to his philosophy - agree to disagree - Steve was determined to prove the doctors wrong. With the help of his eight year old brother, Paulie, Steve embarked on a plan of rehabilitation. Each night, at the ungodly hour of 2A.M., Steve and Paulie would battle their way to the car. With Paulie hunkered below, working the gas and brakes, and Steve at the wheel, the team of brothers made their way to a friend’s gym in Amityville, NY. There, with Paulie’s assistance, Steve would drag himself from machine to machine, never giving in to self-doubt, or allowing for any consideration other than success. The doctors predicted it would be at least ten years, if ever, before the nerves in Steve’s legs began to come back to life. Steve was thrilled then, when after only a few months, pain began developing in his lifeless limbs. Disagreeing with the increasingly excruciating pain, Steve pushed harder, until he was leg pressing eight hundred pounds. A year later, in Florida, displaying thirty inch thighs and a twenty seven inch waist, Steve shocked the audience when he appeared as the last contestant in a Grand-Prix show and was awarded a slot in the tour! Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was hosting the production, couldn’t believe his eyes as he gasped, "It’s Steve Michalik, the phantom bodybuilder." From that point on, Steve would forever be known as "The Phantom". His system of Atomic Intensity has proven its effectiveness time and again, both in his personal career, as well as, the careers of other well known champions. Some well known names Steve has had the privilege to work with include: bodybuilding champions, Lou Ferrigno (The Hulk) and John DeFendis (Mr. USA), author/bodybuilder Joyce Verdrell, the Swiss Olympic Track Team; as well as, baseball and football legends, Darryl Strawberry and Lyle Alzado, to name a few. Today, Steve teaches the principles of Atomic Fitness, compressing time, space, and energy to increase matter, to a bevy of time-strapped housewives and corporate leaders. Steve’s clients are constantly amazed at their ability to transform their physiques in a fraction of the time they were previously investing. Less time, greater results; who wouldn’t be thrilled with that? Steve is also active in the campaign against steroids. He is constantly sought after to offer his experience and expertise on the dangers of steroid abuse. In addition, Steve leads a team of natural bodybuilders who consistently dominate the stage. To this day, Steve remains dedicated to maintaining physical and mental well being. He never misses a workout, and is a constant source of inspiration to those he mentors. Champions are not born, they are created. Anyone with the desire and the willingness to achieve greatness can do so, if they have the proper mind-set, and apply effective strategies. The principles Steve used to achieve the status of champion, and continues to use to produce new generations of champions, are the very principles described in this book. Do you have what it takes? |
| What is your favorite scripture? My favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13 . Who were your childhood heroes? Captain America, because he stood for God, country, and integrity. If you could meet anyone from the bible, other than Jesus, who would it be? That's not fair. Well then, my second choice would be Judas. It would be quite incredible to find out what was really behind Judas' actions and if he really understood the implications of those actions. What biblical figure do you most identify with and why? Adam. He was God's first creation. Absolute perfection. A balance of symmetry, body, and power. This is what I've always strived for. What trait do you like most about yourself? My ability to know, to observe, and to understand truth and reality. What trait do you like least about yourself? I have no tolerance for unethical, self-indulging humans who want to attempt to squash. How have you been able to represent God in your sport? By being all He'd want me to be and communicating that to others. If you could change one thing about your sport, what would it be? I'd like to put the "Mr." back into bodybuilding. In the old AAU days, a winner had to have character as well as muscle. If you were to die today and go to heaven, what would you like to hear God say? Thank you Steve for trying to know me. |
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Thank you Steve for your wonderful testimony, informative articles and we look forward to reading your new book, Atomic Fitness. |
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For more information about Mr. Michalik,
please visit his website at http://www.mramericas.com
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