When he's not seeing one of his patients at his chiropractic practice, Dr. Ken Leistner eats, sleeps, writes about and dreams about physical training. Known for his extremely intense training sessions, "Dr. Ken" practices what he preaches. This 60 year old eccentric training machine claims to have the maturity level of a 19 year old. Just a few years ago, Ken barbell squatted 407 lbs. for an unbelievable 23....yes, that's 23.... perfectly executed repetitions!! And study the photos, this is not a behemoth, nor performance-drug-enhanced monster. Ken tipped the scales at somewhere close to 160 lbs. when he performed that set.
In the past, when he hasn't been training, he's been writing about training in publications like "Physical Development", "H.I.T. Newsletter", "HardTraining", "Powerlifting~USA" and his own, "The Steel Tip Newsletter". He's also an entertaining speaker at strength and conditioning clinics.
And, when he's not squatting or hoisting large objects like say, an engine block, he may be training with the kids and youth from his neighborhood...or a long list of collegiate and professional athletes whom he's trained.
Dr. Ken worked on and off for Nautilus creator Arthur Jones and trained in the Deland, Florida training center in the 1970's that was to become the Nautilus Sportsmedicine empire....where he met up with Ellington Darden, Kim Wood, Dan Riley and many others.
Lately, Ken has helped in the design of what's known as the LOGBAR...which is a very interesting piece of strength equipment that can be acquired through www.functionalhandstrength.com, a company owned by Kim Wood's son, John Wood.
ASAP~Athletic Strength And Power caught up with Dr Leistner between patients just the other night and the digital tapes were rolling. The phone lines gave us a weak signal that night....but Dr. Ken sure didn't! By the way, this is the uncut version of the interview and may be rated PG-13 for language and training content. Click on the little white triangle for The Ken Leistner Interview---Part One.Download leistner_part_one.mp3
All Rights Reserved Copyright 2007 www.athleticstrengthandpower.com blogpost and podcast by Ed Cicale
Podcast music: The James Gang featuring Joe Walsh 1972; Funk 49
I have had the ultimate honor meeting Dr.Ken when i was in highschool. Dr.Ken is the MAN with the only sure plain to strengh Gain. Knowing Dr.ken has been one of the highpoints in mylife. I would like to thank him for training tips i follow to this day. Thank you and God bless
Posted by: Joseph Lopez | January 24, 2008 at 03:22 AM
Very few trainers in the Iron Game can stand next to Mr. Leistner. Every single thing this man says should be lapped up as the only thing that ever comes out of his mouth or the tip of his pen is honest to goodness training advice.
Posted by: Lee | October 27, 2008 at 09:37 AM
these jerks at bronzebow, especially Andy trashed Dr. Ken
http://www.bronzebowpublishing.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1766
Posted by: Bob | April 23, 2009 at 05:26 PM
Dr Ken Leistners House is for sale with us please call me if you are interested " Ray Cooper Realty Inc 516-872-4663 "
Posted by: ED | June 16, 2009 at 09:11 PM