Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-08-21
NE Of the best known and most
popular figures in local ath~
letic ranks is G, Edward Beck
EFT. veteran director of the
r,nnta,x ralaueicaI 1iaIaa rtftaeIt of

popular figures in local ath~
letic ranks is G, Edward Beck
~ EFT, veteran director of the
mems physical department Of
the Central Young Mems Christian As
ISOLATION at 1886 q street. Though ne
Is 30 years old and has been with the
local Y for A>re than % years, Beckett
still is active on the floor OF the gym
every day. He conducts one period OF
instruction four days during the week
and two periods on two days
Beckett came to Washington April
rs, 1900, as assistant director Of the
physical department of the X here. At
that time he held similar post In the
West Side Branch of the Baltimore Y
Mel Rideout, now I'm the West was di~
rector here when Beckett began his
duties 1t was as the result of requests
made by members OF the Washington
Y who made his acquaintance at meet
ings In various sports between teams OF
the Washington and Baltimore Us that
Beckett came TO this city.
In 1906 Rideout went TO Paris as di-
rector of the Y there and Beckett
succeeded him as director here. which
post he hastheld continuously since.
Halls From Baltimore.
Becketts first affiliation with work
took place when he became a member
OF the East branch in Baltimore his
home town. Prior to Joining the Or
ganization he had been active as a
Young athlete on the lots around that
city. In Baltimore young Beckett had
the benefit Of special training from the
late Thomas Cornelius, physical director
Of the Central Branch, Y. NJ G, A.
II was In October. 1891. that Beckett
was sent To Lansing, Mich. To Ali his
first post as Y physical director, From
Lansing he went TO the \ at Marinnette,
Wis, and from there 10 the West Side
department at Chicago, While serving
these assignments Beckett each Stunt
mer attended the Y training school at
Lake Geneva, Wis. Two years of in
strnction In the University Of Balti-
more School Of Medicine early in his
career also has proved valuable prepa~
ration.
Later Beckett came back East and as
gumed the post of assistant physical de
rector Mt the West Branch In Baltimore,
which post he reiinqulshed to come 10
Washington While In Baltimore he de-
yeIoped crack indoor base ball and
basket ball teams.
Despite his comparatively advanced
age, Beckett Ia n fine physical specl~
men. lie attributes his excellent condi~
ton TO his mode of living, the keynote
Of which has been moderation In every
thing. He has not smoked since he
started his Y work Beckett believes
that one Of the most important factors
III maintaining physical efficiency IL
regular examinations He always has
an examination on or about each birth
day anniversary,
Advocates Exercise, But.
Beckett IL strong advocate Of phys
teal exercise, but emphasizes that 1t
should be- exercise prescribed by an
expert The average man knows sur
prIangly little about his body, he says.
He explains special exercises may be-
followed that will correct physical de-
fects In individual cases. Beckett says
that the chief trouble with the men
he examines Is faulty posture. He es"
Inmates That he has 10 give advice 10
fully Oh per cent Of them ON this sub
ieot The posture Of most men indl"
Gates. says Beckett, that they we're born
for inaetion when the body was de-
signed Tor aetgn and the maximum