Yorton took up weight training in order to rehabilitate himself following an extremely severe automobile accident. Chet was left with multiple contusions and lacerations. He also suffered from having many bones broken and shattered. He came within a eighth of an inch of getting killed. His thigh bones required implantation of metal reinforcements to both legs. He responded so well to this bodybuilding regimen; that within 5 years, he was entering and winning physique Contests in his native Wisconsin.