The Health Crusader
How to achieve radiant good health through exercise and natural means was Bernarr Macfadden's central message. On this subject, there was nothing phony or hypocritical about his position when it came to practicing exactly what he preached. Macfadden not only lived what he preached, but he did so with an enthusiastic and tenacious mental attitude. If there was ever an example of how the mind can influence physical well-being, it was personified in Bernarr Macfadden. His "I'll show you" determination as a youth to overcome the odds and achieve health and strength molded his character for a lifetime. His Philosophy He taught that a diet made up mostly of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is vital to good health. This was a revolutionary concept at a time when little was known about nutrition. The common thought at the time was that people should eat a lot of calories. Macfadden contradicted the popular beliefs of the time about diet. Today we know that his teachings about diet were amazingly accurate.  Although
Macfadden was not a strict vegetarian, meat was a very
minor part of his diet. He preferred carrots to just
about any other food. He shunned candies, cakes, pies,
and ice cream. He also taught that white bread was one
of the worst things a person could eat. He advocated
eating in moderation - two meals a day. He said that
the 3 meals a day routine killed many people!
He advocated fasting both on a regular basis (He fasted every Monday during his whole life) and when sick. Almost all diseases could be cured by the correct fasting regimen. He was strongly in favor of drinking whole milk. He even prescribed a milk diet for some ailments. He opposed pasteurization and homogenization of milk. He was against the use of tobacco, alcohol, and drugs, even drugs prescribed by doctors. He said that most doctors are just "pill pushers" who treat symptoms. To treat a disease, you must remove the cause. He opposed vaccinations. (As a child, he had almost died from a poorly done vaccination.) He told people that they need to exercise regularly. His favorite form of exercise was walking. Besides walking several miles each day, he also organized walks that were hundreds of miles long. His method of walking was brisk, to say the least. He also prescribed calisthenics and training with light weights. He taught that hair growth can be stimulated and that 20-20 eyesight could be restored. He told people that they should never wear eyeglasses, but do exercises to correct their vision. For toothache he prescribed chewing on pieces of wood! He opposed women wearing corsets or any kind of restrictive clothing. He advocated wearing loose fitting clothes. He believed that the best shoes had no heels and were open like sandals. He went barefoot whenever he could, because he said that the energy of the earth came up through his feet that way. He taught that sex and the sex drive were good and natural and that prudery and ignorance fostered all kinds of social ills. He believed in sleeping on a firm surface. He mostly slept on the floor all during his life. He believed in having fresh air in a well ventillated room while a person is sleeping. Sleeping outdoors during warm weather was best. He spoke out against the stranglehold that organized medicine had on health care in America. He spoke in favor of licensing drugless practitioners and midwives, naturapaths, homeopaths, and chiropractors. He advocated natural childbirth and that mothers nurse their babies. He taught that air baths and exposure to sunlight were good and healthful. He believed that a cold plunge built strength and endurance. He is supposed to have been the founder of the Polar Bear clubs. He believed that energy, determination, courage, and an iron will were vital to lasting health. He believed that physical exercise stimulated the brain to think better. He stated that by his methods all diseases could be cured including: all forms of cancer, tuberculosis, diabetes, and venereal diseases. He was the first to propose that the President should have a National Secretary of Health on his cabinet. His Books
(Click on link to see details of the encyclopedia.) 
Macfadden When He Was in His Prime
Macfadden did not have the muscular development that people like Atlas or Treloar had. However, he was exceptionally strong; he could lift a 100 lb. barbell single-handed over his head 17 times and could tear a deck of cards in half twice. Excercising with
Macfadden Poster
 CLICK HERE to view a rare video clip of Macfadden posing and exercising. This may take a while to load. Please be patient.
INTRODUCTION || EARLY YEARS || WEAKNESS - A CRIME || PERFECT WOMAN - PERFECT FAMILY || A PUBLISHING EMPIRE || FAME - FORTUNE - FOLLY - FAILURE || FINAL YEARS || RESOURCES-LINKS-MACFADDEN STUFF
Muscles, Sex, Money, & Fame A spectacular pictorial biography of the amazing life of Bernarr Macfadden. With over 300 vintage photographs and illustrations. The most comprehensive collection of photos about Macafadden ever published in print!  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE Need an inexpensive
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