Back when Dad was fighting it is rare to hear about anything akin to a modern workout except to running, sit ups and jumping rope. Of course boxers boxed a lot and punched heavy and light bags but running was the main exercise.

Of course most guys did strenuous work to earn a living, and Dad did plenty of that. There was generally no time or money for any sort of fancy work out in his life until he was in his 60s. He walked a lot out of necessity but I don't think he lifted weights with any regularity until I was born ... that was because writing is VERY hard on the back. Writers stay in shape or they can't get out of bed in the morning. Too much sitting!