Aging Well
In
Dec. 2019, I collapsed with blood clots in my lungs. 5
days in intensive care and I was back up, running and training
with weights in the gym. Drs. were amazed at how fit I was
for a 71 year old and barring the blood clots, my lungs and
heart were great. I just told them that an even older
American gentleman who I have never met has been the inspiration
for me over many years. They hadn't a clue what I was
talking about but, I thought this message would make you smile
and know that your lifetimes work is still helping people.
All the best - Graham.
When I discovered your Ripped
articles in the early 1980s as a young lifter, I remember
saying to myself, "That's who I want to look like when I'm
older." Well, now that I'm older (and bald), I've strived
for that health & look you always presented - for this, I am
forever grateful to you for your inspiration.
Thank you for your website, your eloquent writing and
keeping those of us in the "masters" generation updated on the
importance of health & strength as we age.
Your writing on diet & weight
training all those decades ago in Muscle & Fitness
affected all of us who are now older - and we are better for it.
I do hope this finds you and your family safe during this trying
time in our nation's history.
My best regards to you - Joe Daniels
Physical Culture Historian
Hi Clarence, just been browsing your site,
always loved your stuff, have your books, always read your
articles, you are a great inspiration.
Thanks for keeping honest bodybuilding
alive; you and I know that good old fashioned training, along
with rest and decent nutrition stays with you all your life.
God Bless, David Gentle, now 85 having
spent 74 years in the iron game, see our “History of Physical
Culture” website: https://www.davidgentle.com/
* * *
The History of Physical Culture (HOPC)
contains one of the largest and most comprehensive online
libraries of its kind. It was originally founded under the
name, Sandow Plus in the United Kingdom in the late 90’s. Following the untimely death of one of its founders, ownership
was transferred to Canada and it was renamed the History of
Physical Culture (HOPC). Since then it has grown
exponentially.
Its online library represents two decades
of collective literature that consists of rare historical
publications from the early 1900’s to modern times. The HOPC
Library offers resources to meet the needs of individuals,
historians, media outlets, scholars, researchers and the
academic community. Along with contemporary work and biographies
by its talented team of historians and writers, it
contains hundreds of rare books, articles and photos donated by
the HOPC Team and collectors from all over the world who support
the HOPC’s vision to preserve history.”
Fitness & Science
The two of you redirected my mindset to a really useful way to
approach fitness. The power of small improvements is quite
amazing! I also use the website to keep up to date on fitness as
well as to be inspired by the success stories you share.
Secondly, you two
were the originals when it came to putting "science" into
fitness! There are many in the fitness world who claim this
moniker now, but you two started this years ago - and share a
lot of the information at no cost to your followers.
Kudos!
Scott R.
Thoughtful Gesture
I am writing to thank you.
I
got involved with some very bad people and
ended up in prison. I followed the wrong guys and lost my
career. While in jail, I wrote to you
and you were kind enough to write back and include a
complimentary copy of one of your books.
I found it to be
such a kind, thoughtful gesture and want to thank you for
it.
I first saw you back in the early 80's in muscle magazines and followed you ever since. You are the Jack LaLanne of my generation. Truly a gentleman, a
scholar, and an Inspiration!
Appreciate Openness
I
have been a fan of Clarence and Carol for almost 30 years now.
I like how open and real you are with your photos and even your
doctor & Cooper Clinic results. You have been the #1
influence on how I train. In fact, I was talking to a
friend at dinner tonight about some of the things you have
taught me over the years.
Thank you again for all you do.
NP
in Ohio
Happy birthday Clarence!
I really appreciate you
taking the time to share the results of your Cooper Clinic
checkup. Of course, your "ageless" pictures speak for
themselves. As a result, your life reflects solid
confirmation that your fitness and diet philosophy is RIGHT ON!
The best part of your sharing is that you tell it like it is
without altering the results. Your sincerity on the aging
process demonstrates your character makeup. Plus, your
writing style makes for a great narrative of who you are...a
super healthy individual. Thanks for your information
which encourages us all to keep focusing on our long term
health!
You definitely are an inspiration and motivator.
Sincerely,
Victor D. Silva
Thank You from English Instructor
I'm now over 70 years young, been
training since 12 years old including Army and Police service as
an instructor; found out about your methods of training in the
1980s and have been an enthusiast for your methods ever since.
I have received and delivered training all over Europe working
with and for Police and Special Forces.
All these organization's fitness
training programs are condensed in your core philosophy of
cardio, strength through resistance training, diet ,and above
all, keep at it and cycle the training program up and down to
allow recovery.
I like the way you embrace age and
training methods to suit real life. Hence I believe your programs are
spot on and your acknowledgement of aging keeps my spirits high
and myself on the way to the gym.
Thank you for inspiring another
human being to live well.
All the best from England,
Graham Lawrence
Gary's Gurus
"What Gary Keller (1019 Legacy Award recipient) has learned from
decades atop real estate industry...are the tenants that guide
Keller's life--those espoused by people such as mega-investor
Warren Buffett and fitness guru Clarence Bass"
Austin Business Journal, October 3, 2019
International Treasure
Clarence, let me just start out by saying I think you are one of
the most important human beings we have on the planet at the
moment. You have truly proven that what everyone thinks is not
possible, quite surely is. You are more muscular than most
people in their 20s. I know, that alone is freaking INSANE.
What is your secret, to that amazing lifetime of muscularity and
leanness?
You are truly incredible!!
Hi Matheus:
Careful or I might start
believing it; Carol warns against getting a big head.
To answer your query, my secret,
if there is one, is always looking for ways to improve; building
on success one step at a time. See Outlook Matters--My Story:
https://www.cbass.com/outlookmatters.htm
Thank you for your very kind
comment.
Clarence
Gift of Inspiration
HELLO MR. BASS!
I JUST WANTED TO TELL YOU I
USED TO FUMBLE THROUGH THE MUSCLE MAGAZINES AT LEAST 25-30 YEARS
AGO AND I'D SEE YOUR FACE ALL THE TIME. I WAS FASCINATED TO SEE
YOU SO RIPPED AND HEALTHY LOOKING. YOU WERE THE ORIGINAL OF THE
RIPPED GUYS AND YOU INSPIRED ME TREMENDOUSLY TO STAY LEAN.
I'M 47 YEARS YOUNG NOW AND WILL
CONTINUE ON WITH THE LEGACY THAT YOU SHARED WITH THE WORLD.
THANK YOU SIR FOR THE GIFT OF
"INSPIRATION."
Regal
Love From
Denmark
Hello Clarence:
You are really an idol for me...
I am sure it is true that lifestyle (eating Whole Foods
minimally processed and exercising regularly) has kept you at a
low body fat your whole life. I mean, I would be
overjoyed, if I could stay at the 10-12 range for my life by
following your lifestyle tips.
Lots of love and support
from Denmark!
Konrad Jensen
Hey! from UK
Just been looking through your website
while having my coffee on my night shift here in the UK. It's a
little after 0240hrs and I've been reading some articles on
Vince Gironda and looking through yours and Frank Zane's old
photos from back in the day! I've gotta say bodybuilding
and physique has really lost its way over the years. The
Anabolics have completely ruined the physique. Your conditioning
was insane Clarence! I mean you really came into your top
form in your 40's. You gotta love the fact you've held your
condition all these years. Phenomenal physique and really
inspiring. I think a lean athletic physique is the way to
go for sure! I'm 38 and seeing the levels of conditioning you
achieved after the age of 40 is something to behold.
Thanks for the inspiration, and thanks for the great content on
your site also!
Good day to you Sir!
Andy Bellion
Pharmacist Thank You
I just want to drop you a short note of
thanks. I'm a recently retired 70 year old pharmacist.
I first started reading your work way back in my old drugstore
days when I could steal a few minutes and goof off. Thanks
to you I'm still working out with high intensity and strength
training a few times a week as you recommend. And I have
read all of your books. I cannot tell you how valuable
your writing have been to me during my career as a working
pharmacist. I knew I could always count on your
recommendations as being well researched and up to date. I
hope I (we) have helped some patients along the way. So I
just wanted to thank you and wish you continued Health and a
long life. I am sure there are many more people just like
me that feel the same way that I do.
With respect,
Bill Neunder
Perspective of a Minimalist
Clarence: At 59, I have spent my life making things
simple. I have maintained a 5'10" 160 lb physique for 40
years. I take no medicine, supplements or vitamins and
have a simple diet of fruit, vegetables, oats, rice, peanut
butter, yogurt and chicken.
My
workouts are just under 40 minutes 5 days a week and I use a
minimal of equipment along with bodyweight exercises (sit-ups,
ab wheel roll outs, pull ups, push ups and dips). I have
good muscularity and flexibility along with a resting pulse of
50 and average BP of 120/65.
I
have been inspired by Jack LaLanne and Clarence Bass. My
success in marriage, family and business is in many ways
attributable to my fitness and I can credit my fitness to my
Spartan home gym and simple exercise regime.
Thanks for being an inspiration and like Jack Lalanne before you
a national treasure.
David Helms, Dallas, Texas
From Florida
Good afternoon. Nice to meet you via e-mail. I have
followed your career in bodybuilding and bought one of your
books, Challenge Yourself. The book was very well
written and informative.
You truly provide superb scientific information and wonderful
practical knowledge to us the readers and followers. At 58
and heading toward the "golden years," it is very reassuring to
have all the information you provide. It is also inspiring
to see that with hard work and sensible eating patterns you can
be healthy and strong later in life.
I am incorporating many of the principles you discuss, such as
walking. I have two medium sized dogs and except for
lightning, I walk them every day for two to three miles, do one
intense cardiovascular sessions a week and two full body
sessions of weightlifting a week, with one being traditional
lifting and the other being more circuit training.
I am very grateful for all your advice on training, nutrition
and a healthy lifestyle. I hope our paths cross one day so I can
personally thank you for your excellent work.
Oliver J. Langstadt, Miami, Florida
From Australia
Thanks for sharing the article on how
exercise slows down muscle aging and strengthens the immune
system. I've just turned 55 and having read this has
motivated me more than ever to exercise hard and eat well.
I really look forward to reading the informative articles you
put up on your website each month and I particularly like your
take on each article. You will always be my go to man for
health and fitness. Keep up the awesome work!
Andrew Jewell
From
England
I just want to say thank you for the
fabulous information and site you have put together. I saw you
in the magazines I read as a kid. I've just turned 30, strong
but fat after getting married, having kids, getting lazy, etc.
You have motivated me to be my best self again and reduce my
weight. I always wanted abs like yours and seeing what you have
accomplished way down the line I have no excuses in my 30s.
You are a true representative of
physical culture, longevity and wisdom. A far cry from the
chemical Frankenstein bodies of today's bodybuilding. You
show balance, health and provide a positive role model to may
young and old. Thank you.
Joe Charnley
Health Markers
Excellent Health marker tests Clarence,
most people bury their heads and would rather not know at any
age. This attitude also allows one to continue along a
destructive health/lifestyle regime as in "if I am not aware of
any problems I do not have to solve them."
Regarding the testosterone reading of 788 at 80 years
of age without TRT - Incredible.
During the early 80s I used to see your advertisements
and articles in Muscle & Fitness and bypass them for more
heavily built stars of the day (Arnold and Sergio) but having
gotten older (51) I realize how much wisdom your methods hold
and can aid a person to attain good health and well-being for
life.
Good health to you and yours.
Best Wishes from England.
**********
Better
than Amazon Prime!!
Hello Carol,
Thank you very much for the very fast delivery of your book
Lean for Life. And it was autographed to boot!! Also, many
thanks for the bonus book The Lean Advantage 3. That was
unexpected and much appreciated.
But I have a confession to make. I have known about Clarence
Bass for many years. I am a lifelong fitness exerciser using
just barbells and a stationary bicycles at home (69 years old,
6’4”, 190). I have been VERY impressed by Clarence in the muscle
magazines over the years, but unfortunately never went to your
website.
Well, several weeks ago I was linked to your website through
another article I was reading on the internet. Boy, was I
SHOCKED!! I actually think I lost consciousness for several
minutes. It was just too much for my aging, feeble brain to
absorb all at once.
I immediately went to my Amazon Prime account and ordered brand
new copies of “Take Charge, Great Expectations, Challenge
Yourself and Ripped 1” (I have the receipts to prove it!!). I
noticed your website ordering section, but of course I thought
“it will take weeks for the books to arrive.” Now I know better.
And to think I could have probably had those books autographed
really hurts!! (I generally “jump around” a book looking for
relevant sections of most interest to me - I eventually read the
entire book). I have also been on your website every single day
since I discovered it.
Clarence looks “beyond comprehension.” He looks better at 80
than anyone else at 20. I feel like crying when I look at his
pictures. It hurts that bad!!
By the way, you should not let Clarence bask in all the glory.
You look VERY HOT!! yourself. I know there are millions of men
all over the world just waiting for your bikini photos to appear
on this website, YOUNG LADY!!!!
Thanks again,
Jim Lee, Alexandria, VA
From Germany
Recently
I was giving a public lecture on the beneficial health effects
of high intensity training. When addressing the "anti-aging
effect" I showed the audience the pictures of you from your
homepage (that show you at 30, 40 etc.). The people simply could
not believe their eyes. Even when I continued talking about the
next aspect of my lecture, someone asked me to switch back to
the slide with your photos and asked if such a condition was
really possible. How is that for a compliment!
All the best and many greetings from Germany
Prof. Dr. Jürgen Giessing, University of Koblenz-Landau,
Germany, author of High Intensity Training (HIT), 2016
[Your
expanded training pictorial] is incredible! You have
likely done something with your life that no one else in the
world has ever done or probably ever will. Through unfailing
life-long consistency and careful documentation you have shown
what high intensity exercise, endurance, and excellent nutrition
can contribute to the maintenance of maximum human physical
function throughout the life span. Your life is a superb case
study that will be probably be referred to forever.
Congratulations, and thanks!”
Waneen Spirduso, Professor Emeritus,
The University of Texas at Austin, co-author of Physical
Dimensions of Aging
[Your
expanded training pictorial] is a dramatic example of
what exercise and nutrition and healthy living can accomplish
over a life span. Thank you for including me. I look forward to
sharing this with my students.
Edward F. Coyle, Ph.D.,
Professor and Director of the Human Performance Laboratory,
Department of Kinesiology & Health Education, University of
Texas at Austin
The
quote from [Dr.
Spirduso] is well deserved... She is the recognized world
renowned expert. Besides your physical accomplishments, you are
the only one I know who has not seen their career diminish in
their late 60's and 70's. Your latest book shows you are at an
even higher level than before.
Richard A. Winett, Ph.D., Heilig Meyers
Professor of Psychology, Director, Center for Research in Health
Behavior, Director of Clinical Science Training, Virginia Tech
is
the trademark of Clarence and Carol Bass.
(Founded
1980)
