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"The Kid" At Vince's Gym, circa 1980
When I was twenty I decided on a few things: move to Los Angeles; get a job in the film industry; workout with weights. As a young sports star in Michigan I never lifted weights - hated 'em. But, since I wasn't going to pursue sports I needed to stay in shape, so time for a switch. When I arrived in North Hollywood, I immediately took my motorcycle down Ventura Boulevard to get the lay of the land. That's when I saw the "Vince's Gym" sign (which is still up today). I looked the place over, decided it couldn't cost too much based on the small, worn exterior. And the inside matched the outside. It was affordable. I got a tour from a trainer, and decided to start for real the next day.
I say "for real" because that was the feel of Vince's Gym. It was basically a narrow room, with what looked like Rocky Balboa's original locker room/shower. In fact, within a week I was convinced by Vince to suck down raw eggs in that locker room after my workouts. Yes, Vince sold brown eggs.
It's true what I've since read about Vince: Do it right or get out. After the first time I saw that happen I made a mental note. The next morning I went to Vince and asked for his advice. From that point on he took care of me. And so did the other members, that included - Carl Weathers, Jeff Goldblum and the nicest guy of all, Robert Blake. Blake labelled me "The Kid." (Maybe from his days as a "Little Rascal".) Vince would give me a new and difficult exercise and Blake would say "Vince, 'The Kid' can do anything you throw at 'em."
Vince taught me everything I needed to know. From that, I would soon start my 30 year career as an Exercise Specialist - creating training programs for any population. Eleven years ago I bought a classic-style gym - Body Builders Gym (Silver Lake), which is over the hill from where Vince's used to be. Instead of making movies, I devoted my health/fitness career to showing people how to do it right.
Thanks Vince.
Erik Flowers
co-owner of Body Builders Gym, Silver Lake CA.
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