BIOGRAPHY
THE MAN BEHIND THE MASK
Arnold Schwarzenegger, host of the Grand Perix bodybuilding
competition, gasped in disbelief as the final contestant
walked on stage, "It's Steve Michalik, the Phantom
bodybuilder!" From that moment on, Steve would
forever be known as "The Phantom," a man who,
time and again, would defy all odds to become not only
a champion, but a legend.
Steve Michalik, a triple-crown body building 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 at the age of
eight where, due to an abusive father, Steve spent most
of his time locked in a closet. It was there that Steve
stumbled across some old comic books and discovered
his inspiration, Captain America. Like his hero, Steve
decided that strength, wisdome and integrity would be
his weapons against injustice. Although he realized
he couldn't be "Captain America," he could
be "Mr. America," and destiny was written.
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. Dr. Merkin's vast
library introduced Steve to the teachings of the bible
as well as 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 appearances.
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 Fifty One. 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's insatiable appetite for knowledge and truth
compelled him to seek out many spiritual leaders and
great minds of the world. While serving in the armed
forces sin South-East Asia, Steve would spend much of
his off-duty hours in the mountains with Buddhist Monks,
learning all he could about their philosophy, and how
they utilized the powers of the mind. The rest of his
time was spent, against the direct command of superior
officers, lifting cement-block barbells in the open
fields. When told how dangerous this was, Steve would
simply explain that he couldn't be killed; after all,
he had a destiny to fulfill. He was destined to become
Mr. America.
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. It was at this time, Steve's
"mind over body" abilities would be put to
the ultimate test.
Remaining true to his philosophy - agree to disagree
- Steve was determined to prove the doctors wrong. He
would use the power of the mind to achieve the "impossible".
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".
Steve's philosophy of mind over body, in combination
with his principles of Atomic Fitness, enabled him to
achieve tremendous success, and conquer enormous physical
and mental barriers. 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. America), author bodybuilder Joyce Vedral, 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 continue to use to produce
new generations of champions, are the very principles
described in this book. Do you have what it takes?
Professional Background:
• Author of the book, Atomic Fitness, a comprehensive
guide to the psychological and physiological aspects
of training.
• Director of Wellness and Anti-Aging Center at
Steve Michalik's Powerhouse Gym in Farmingdale, NY
• President of Mr. America's Family Fitness and
Counseling Centers
• President of Mr. America's Sports and Strength
Center
• Director of Mr. America's Nutritional and Dietary
Counseling Center
• Director of Steve Michalik's Natural Bodybuilding
Team
• Professional Bodybuilding Champion
• Professional Illustrator
• Featured Guest Lecturer and TV Personality
• Contributing Editor for East Coast Muscle
and Natural Muscle and Fitness
• Director and Host of Prime Life Fitness
and Anti-Aging Program
Significant Accomplishments
• Mr. USA - 1971
• Mr. America - 1972
• Mr. Universe - 1975
• Winner of twenty-two local and state championships
incuding:
---Most Muscular Man in the USA
---Mr. Apollo
---Mr. New York State
Television and Screen Credits:
• TLC - The Man Who's Arms Exploded
• CNBC
• MSNBC
• Scarborough County
• The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch
• Mike Douglas
• Tony Randall
• Dick Cavett
• Candid Camera
• ESPN Specials
• ESPN News
• Wonderama
• Channel 13 Specials
• NBC
• ABC
• CBS
• News 12
• Midday Live
• Health Digest TV
• Sally Jesse Raphael
• 20/20
• WFAN with Mike and the Mad Dog
• Numerous radio talk shows
Major Motion Pictures:
• Pumping Iron II: The Women
• Blood on the Badge
• Powerkill
Numerous Awards and Honors including, but not
limited to:
• Peabody Award For Best Infomercial
• Classic Anatomy Bodybuilding Hall of Fame
• National Physique Committee Lifetime Achievement
Award (1982)
• Lifetime Achievement Award for Bodybuilding
and Fitness (2006)
• Best Coaching Award for producing outstanding
natural bodybuilding champions
• Clear Body / Clear Mind Anti-Drug Award
• International Fitness Award
• Special Award for services rendered at Shuloku's
New Mexico Anti-Drug Center
• Special Award for the organization of the Greek
Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding.
• Steve's Story was awarded placement in The
Best American Sports Writing of the Century
Featured Articles:
• Flex Magazine
• Daily News
• The New York Times
• Sports Illustrated
• Muscle Illustrated
• Rx Muscle
• Iron Man
• Muscle Fitness
• Muscle Development
• Newsday
• Numerous other health and Fitness magazines
over the span of 30+ years.
Infomercials:
• Fitness Over 60 Video
• E-Z Crunch
• Morton Pies
• G.E. Nice and Light Iron
Professional and Community Affiliations:
• Board Member - National Committee for the Abuse
of Anabolic Steroids
• Chairman - Metropolitan AAU
• Member - International Association of Bodybuilders
• Member - Disabled Olympics Committee
• Director - J.A.S.A. Fitness Program
• Consultant - New York Board of Education
• Consultant - New York State Legislature
• Consultant - New York Jets (NFL)
• Consultant - New York Mets (MLB)
• Consultant - Green Bay Packers (NFL)
• Testified to State Legislature on the use and
abuse of Anabolic Steroids.
• Established the first anti-aging and fitness
program for senior citizens in New York State
Corporate Clients:
• Protective Marketing Enterprises
• Deleo Development Corp
• Jaron Equities Corp.
• J.J. Bums and Co.
• Sterling Equities and the New York Mets
• Morgan Beaumont
• Colossus Framing
• Consultanto Bayshore Physical Therapy
Individual Professional Athletes:
• Swiss Olympic Track Team
• Lyle Alzado, Oakland Raiders
• Darryl Strawberry, 1986 MVP
• John Defendis, Mr. USA 1988, 9x's Consecutive
winner for "Trainer of the Year" Award
• Bev Francis, 1st Professional women's Bodybuilding
Champion
Future Projects Pending:
• Co-Author of the book, Atomic Golf, The Creation
of the Ultimate Golfer
• Promoter of natural bodybuilding and fitness
competitions
• 2007 calendar and fitness DVD
• Bodybuilding and Fitness website, "mramericas.com"
Steve Michalik's extensive background of accomplishments
and experience is a proven asset which he has, on countless
occasions, demonstrated with himself and others. His
"mind over body" ability is one that leads
a person down the road to the discovery of self. Steve
has demonstrated with himself and others how to overcome
both physical and mental barriers in life. This ability
is what has led to his championship status and that
of countless champion clients.
Steve is also the creator of the revolutionary Intensity/Insanity
training principles, and the concept of Atomic Fitness,
which utilize the basic theories of physics (time, space,
energy, and matter) to change human structure and DNA.
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GALLERY