Edward H. ("Ed") Yarick (June 11, 1910 – November 3, 1988) was a gym owner and weightlifting & fitness trainer. He and his wife Alyce ran the namesake Yarick's Gym (sometimes called Yarick's Physical Culture Studio).

Ed Yarick was the oldest of 3 children of Burnell Yarick and Sigrid Johanna Hanson (Yarick), born in Alameda and raised in Oakland. He attended Roosevelt High School (now a middle school), where he played football and center on the basketball team. His brother, Roy Clifford Yarick (1924 – 1944), was killed in action during WWII.

Yarick married Alyce Jeanette Stagg (Yarrick) (April 18, 1916 – December 4, 1991) and they had one son, Bart Clifford Yarrick. Alyce also worked for the city of Alameda's recreation department. She was stopped by a police officer while using the track at Fremont High School one night. 3

Yarick's Gym

Yarick's first gym was in his backyard. It became so popular that he opened a professional gym at 3355 Foothill Blvd. Later the gym was moved to 2114 MacArthur Blvd. 1

1955 ad 1956 ad

He trained several Mr. America titleholders:

Yarick was also the AAU commissioner for weightlifting in northern California, and knew some of the prominent weightlifters including Olympians Tommy Kono and John Davis. In 1948 and 1949, Yarick put the "Big Show" at the Oakland Auditorium, featuring hand-balancing, gymnastics, tumbling, and a strength show. It included notable bodybuilders and weightlifters.

1953 with Olympic weightlifter Tommy Kono1959 ad

Alyce and Ed moved to Modesto in 1958, where they ran the Universal Slimette, with Alyce training the women and Ed training the men. They retired in 1978. 1

Ed died in 1988 and Alyce in 1991. Their grave marker is decorated with 3 figures, one in a bodybuilder's pose, another balancing on their hands, and the third lifting weights, and with the inscription "Trainer of Champions." 2

from FindAGrave 2

Links and References

  1. Body-building coach Edward Yarick dies Oakland Tribune November 2, 1988
  2. Edward H. Yarick on FindAGrave
  3. Sports Ray by Ray Schwartz Oakland Enquirer April 30, 1950 (p2)
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