In a bunch of resurfaced interviews, the late veteran opened up on how his routine worked for him. After training for over 15 years, his strategy for the Mr. Olympia championship at the time was to hit the gym for fewer hours with more intensity. His signature heavy-duty training was hence born.

The logic behind the routine was recovery enabled growth. Therefore, intense training must be followed by sufficient rest periods to gain more mass and size. At that time, his method was revolutionary and rebellious.

To trace the history of how Mentzer discovered the sheer effectiveness of recovery for growth, one must go back in time to when the elite bodybuilder trained with his brother for competitions. One day, both he and Ray Mentzer had exhausted every muscle fiber in their body and realized how they couldn’t train the next day. Their bodies hadn’t completely recovered, and they ran the risk of injury.

“We haven’t even recovered from our workout yesterday, we’re not going to be able to invest with our our workout today with the intensity that is required to stimulate maximum muscle growth.”

Recovery not only brought the body back to its original state but also made the muscles stronger due to all the repair work. Mentzer recalled how he began noticing visible results after taking a day or two to rest between his training days. Eventually, he set his schedule – training for four days out of a nine or ten-day split. This included a 72-hour recovery period in between.

“Our gains skyrocketed again even for advanced bodybuilders. At one point, there I had gained 10 lbs of muscle in 3 weeks and lost 4 lbs of fat at the same time.”

Once he understood that one didn’t need to spend the entire day at the gym, Mentzer walked through his path. His technique may have been unorthodox at the time, but he set the bar high. This situation helped upcoming bodybuilders draw inspiration for their routines.

New-age bodybuilders read through Mike Mentzer and his protege’s books

Six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates had adopted Mentzer as his trainer early in his career. Since then, the bodybuilding Hulk followed the footsteps of the late legend by training heavy-duty. And now, Yates is an inspiration for upcoming bodybuilders.

Mr. Olympia’s elite contender, Nick Walker, recently opened up on his training plans. He recently suffered a horrific hamstring injury that forced him to pull out of the championship at the last minute. Post-injury, Walker switched his training methods to follow Yates and Mentzer’s heavy-duty plan. Judging by his prep for the upcoming New York Pro, it looks like the legend’s training routine has been working like a charm.

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Though Mentzer’s methods were unconventional, it has left an impact on many fitness enthusiasts. Mentzer who always shared training methods with his followers, once shared his favorite types of exercise for arm training. 

In a resurfaced video Mr. Heavy Duty shared a few of his arm training exercises. For his biceps, Mentzer loved training using the scot curls, nautilus curls, and concentration curls. For the triceps, he used to train with press downs, nautilus extensions, and dips. According to Mentzer, he felt that dips are the most effective and best exercise. 

“It’s also the best upper body, overall upper body exercise. I call it the upper-body squat. A very good exercise.”

However, Mentzer mentioned that before you get into training, there is a particular formula you should follow. The pre-training, intense training, and frequent training. Mentzer further mentioned that young bodybuilders should be careful while training and avoid doing too many sets on too many days for all body parts. 

Mentzer had noticed how bodybuilders who are willing and able to train significantly hard acquired a muscular physique. However, the mistake they often made was over train, which is not ideal for your body. Hence, Mentzer states that it is important to apply yourself while you train but overtraining is not the way.

“Results are usually linked primarily to motivation, and your willingness to apply yourself 100 percent.”

Mike Mentzer’s tip for achieving more gains from HIT training

Mike Mentzer’s heavy-duty training has seen a lot following ever since its inception. It’s been lauded and widely followed by fitness freaks and has almost achieved a cult status. The technique is aimed at performing a workout with intensity to maximize growth.

In a resurfaced video, the legend was seen exposing why heavy-duty training is imperative in fitness plans. He stated that HIT training never required the backing of equipment. He offered substitute exercises that worked the same set of muscles without equipment. 

The legend mentioned that one should focus more on strength and intensity and that if done right, it can give visible results. The results one yields from HIT depend completely on the efforts put in. That’s why Mentzer advises on going to failure for gains. 

This will trigger a recovery response from the body and further induce growth. Mentzer’s heavy-duty routine training included working till failure and going for a recovery period of 72 hours.

The post “Willingness to Apply Yourself…”: Mike Mentzer Once Unveiled His Favorite Exercise for Arm Training appeared first on The SportsRush.

While the late bodybuilder has shared various training methodologies, he once shared tips on how one can train alone when you don’t have a partner. In a resurfaced video of the veteran, he mentions how there are certain exercises where one cannot do forced reps without a training partner. 

However, Mentzer further stated that there is the vast majority of exercises, you can do forced reps. All you need to use is a little bit of innovation. Mentzer also shared a few examples of how to train alone. If you want to do a dip set, stand on a chair, go into the top position, and continue to lower yourself or use your feet as an aid.

Another example Mr. Heavy Duty shared is how to do the concentration curls. If you don’t have a training partner and want to do forced reps for your arms, do concentration curls. What you can do here is use your free hand to assist in completing the set. 

And when you want to train using the dumbbells laterals you curl the weights above your shoulder. Then extend your arms out and lower slowly under control. According to Mentzer training alone is not difficult and is rather simple. 

“It’s Very simple, that’s a lot of things you can do.”

In conclusion, Mentzer also states that it does not matter if you cannot do all his tips while training alone. But, as he always advocated in one statement, was to make sure when you train, you train hard. 

“You still train as hard as you can. You at least go to positive failure.” 

Mike Mentzer breaks down his observations about recovery and muscle gains

In another resurfaced video, the legend answered some FAQs about the techniques, specifically about his perception of gains and recovery. He answered how he observed this over a few weeks. The question also included whether he grouped certain body parts. Since his workout plan consisted of five days a week or almost every other day. 

Mentzer shared that he dedicated a body part to each of the weeks to train. On Monday – Chest and Back, Thursday – Shoulders and Arms, Sunday – Legs. The plan was made in such a way that the legs were given an edge for recovery since the workouts for the rest of the body parts coincided. The legs had a recovery time of 216 hours. 

He also mentioned how his clients called to inform him about following the same routine and getting similar results, with legs getting more time to recover. This led him to discover that growth directly affected muscle recovery. While training was necessary for the growth, a rest period was equally required to make the action happen.

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In a recently resurfaced video of Mentzer, he discussed how one would train if he/she were new to the world of fitness with the concept of Mars. Mentzer began by sharing an example: if you were new to planet Earth, you would not have any idea what the best way to train is. Therefore, he suggested that we all take a new approach to bodybuilding. 

All of the unwarranted assumptions and false generalizations about weight training would not hamper your thoughts and approach as a new person in bodybuilding. Mentzer further states that if he tells a person that all they need to do is a workout of 15 to 20 minutes every four to seven days to build muscle, he/she will never be confused and won’t think whether this is too little or more. 

Moreover, Mentzer added an important factor one needs to keep in mind while training. Bodybuilding is anaerobic, which is the opposite of aerobic. Anorerobic is a high-intensity short duration, while aerobic is a low intensity with a long duration. Therefore, based on exercise and nutritional science conducted by Mentzer, it is up to each individual how they want to work out based on their unique needs.

“We all have unique needs this does not contradict my earlier assertion that we are all essentially the same. We are all unique, in that each of us occupies a different space in time.”

Furthermore, when it comes to nutrition consumption, we all metabolize food at various rates. The reason is that each of us has a different metabolism. Hence, it is seen that some lose weight quickly and grow muscle at varying rates of speed. However, the processes of the system and body are the same. We need to see what is best for us. 

“While we each possess the unique stamp of an unrepeatable, irreplaceable personality we’re not all that different inside.”

In addition, bodybuilders are aware that muscle growth beyond normal levels is never fast enough. However, as per Mentzer, it is important to know that the physiological principles governing metabolism are universal. We all require proper protein and sleep. We all need intense exercise to stimulate growth. We all burn carbohydrates at 4 calories per gram. Therefore, Mentzer concluded with the fact that we are each unique as individual human beings.

Once you know how to train, Mentzer suggests using your critical thinking to guide your training efforts, rather than assuming that a random bulked trainer can guide you successfully to your ultimate bodybuilding goals.

Hence, a new approach of Mentzer is that our diet and nutrition need to be in check. Following Mentzer’s approach to building muscle will most probably get you the desired results as long as you train hard.

Mike Mentzer breaks down the foundations of muscle-building intensity

The fitness icon who excelled in the golden era with his mettle once shared the foundation of muscle-building. He shared that the principle of intensity is the cardinal fundamental of exercise science. In a resurfaced video, Mike Mentzer decoded the base of muscle-building intensity and the facts behind it. 

He defended the idea that the basics of exercise are not important, but the intellectual foundation of all exercise science is. It is dependent not just on muscle mass but also on neuromuscular factors.

People can be vulnerable to chronic diseases even after being cautious about their diet and lifestyle. Thus, the employment of intense exercise and physical movement can avoid it. Moreover, it is aerobic and anaerobic, which contribute to the two branches of exercise science and muscle building. This is how the legend proved that intensity is the core element of any training or exercise.

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Platz has witnessed most of Arnold’s and Mike’s rivalry on stage and off it. A resurfaced video recently showed him sharing one of the reasons for Mentzer’s death. Tom mentions how there was always tension between the champion bodybuilders. They were never calm when they saw each other.

One of the main reasons for this was their workout routines and methodologies. While Schwarzenegger suggested training 6 days a week, twice a day, is good for building muscle, Mentzer brushed away that idealogy. He said one needed to train only 2 or 3 times a week. What further occurred was that Arnold’s methodologies were being challenged in print and magazines. The Austrian Oak was not happy with what was happening.

It was during the 1980 Mr. Olympia when their rivalry got intense. Most of the bodybuilders in the backroom saw Arnold arguing, and he snapped at Boyer Coe. Mentzer, who was in the same room, lashed back at Arnold. The 7-time Olympia irritated Mentzer, saying everyone knew why he lost the previous year and saying, “You have a fat stomach anyhow.”

Mentzer right away charged at Arnold to settle things up, which Arnold did not expect and got scared of. Mentzer said in an interview later on:

“He couldn’t look me in the eye. He literally went from being a frantic hysterical adolescent to shrinking away like an injured child.”

Moreover, Tom Platz stated that, years later, the two made up, and it was clear to everyone, including Mike, that he was the next Mr. Olympia. Mentzer was one of the most intellectual persons and bodybuilders who graced the bodybuilding community. Platz says that probably if Mike had just congratulated Arnold, next year would have been his.

In conclusion, Tom Platz felt that one of the reasons Mentzer died at an early age was because he carried anger with him at all times. Knowing he was one of the best bodybuilders and not being able to win a championship due to multiple reasons, Mentzer let that affect him largely.

“He got upset and carried this bitterness and carried this anger with him everywhere he went. And I think that’s one of the reasons to cause him to die.”

Mike Mentzer’s sudden death and the legacy he left behind

Mentzer’s contributions to refining bodybuilding training methods were phenomenal in terms of his experiments to achieve successful muscle growth. He donned the role of trainer in the latter days, wrote books on his teachings, and contributed to the shaping of many bodybuilding icons.

He passed away owing to heart complications. His friend and colleague, Val Segal, confirmed he died of natural causes, putting the rumors about his death to rest. After his sudden demise, his ideas and techniques gained traction as a new philosophy in training picked up by modern bodybuilders.

In a career spanning 3 decades, his practice of HIT and heavy-duty training has been popular in the fitness arena. Mentzer left a big hole in the bodybuilding fraternity with no capable successor to represent the mantle. His ideas still live on, and many widely practice them because of their relevance to reaching full muscular potential.

The post Former Mr. Universe Tom Platz Once Revealed One of the Reasons for Mike Mentzer’s Death appeared first on The SportsRush.

In a candid chat with Mentzer’s protege, Dorian Yates, bodybuilding icon Tom Platz reveals a shocking incident about the veteran’s final days. Even before his untimely death, Mentzer witnessed some heartbreaking incidents that eventually led to his downfall.

The legend passed away on June 10, 2001. His brother, Ray, followed suit a few days later. The duo had established their style and technique, which educated many young bodybuilders to do it right. Yet, in his career, Mike witnessed downfalls after the infamous Mr. Olympia in 1980. Amidst many who boycotted the bodybuilding championship that year and the time that followed, Mentzer was one of them.

Some hypothesize that the veteran took the loss hard enough to change his ways of living. Platz recalled seeing him in a debilitated state outside of Gold’s Gym once. He didn’t seem to be in his senses.

“I remember one day I was walking to Gold’s Gym, and Mike’s there in the gutter, laying there like a drunken guy.”

Platz later approached him, only for Mentzer to not hear his arrival. Later, when he went into the gym, he saw the veteran in an upsetting state indoors, ripping away his pictures from the wall of fame.

“I said to my training partner, ‘Tony, if I ever get like that, keep the pictures stay on the wall’. I was sort of making a joke, but I felt so sad for Mike.”

Admittedly, the late legend sobered up later on and would be found smoking cigarettes outside the gym. But Platz was upset about watching an intellectual like Mentzer get wasted away. Eventually, when he passed, it brought together the entirety of the bodybuilding world to remember the contributions of the physique scientist.

Mike Mentzer left behind a legacy: Heavy-duty training is now the trend

Heavy-duty training is synonymous with Mentzer’s name. The late legend pioneered high-intensity training along with longer rest periods to guarantee larger muscles and optimum growth. Backing his training techniques with science and logic, Mentzer helped many aspiring bodybuilders, including Dorian Yates, succeed.

Despite his untimely demise, Mentzer’s ideas and principles live on. In current times, bodybuilders like Nick Walker religiously derive inspiration from Yates, who trained under the late icon. The techniques surrounding heavy-duty training are popular even today and help one succeed in their goals.

The post “Laying There Like a Drunken Guy”: Tom Platz Reveals Startling Details on Mike Mentzer’s Final Years appeared first on The SportsRush.

In a resurfaced video, the veteran answered some frequently asked questions about his training techniques, particularly about how he perceived muscle gains and recovery. Mentzer went into some details about how he came about observing this over a few weeks.

The question inquired if the veteran grouped certain body parts during training since his plans always involved working out every other day or five days a week. To this, Mentzer explained how he segregated different parts of the body according to the days of the week:

• Monday: Chest and Back
• Thursday: Shoulders and Arms
• Sunday: Legs

This plan gave legs an edge over the others in terms of recovery, since the chest, back, arms, and shoulder workouts would intersect in some way or another. However, the legs remained in recovery for over 216 hours, as per Mentzer.

“With that particular protocol, after 6, 8, 10, 12 weeks, an ever-increasing number were calling to report, “Hey Mike! The legs are still doing great but the upper body has either slowed down or come to a complete halt.” Now wouldn’t that…strike you as interesting…”

It seemed interesting to the veteran how all of his clients called to inform him about the same phenomenon. All of them followed the same routine and, while having individual capabilities, they reported similar results. The only common factor between all the occurrences was how the legs received more time to recover.

This phenomenon gave rise to Mentzer’s theory that growth was directly affected by the recovery of muscles. While active training helped in stimulating an environment for growth to occur, a rest period was necessary to kick things into action.

Mike Mentzer once compared growth and recovery to dug-up roads

The simplest analogy that Mentzer once used to explain gains through recovery was to imagine muscles as roads. Intense training acted as digging up these roads. Individuals exert full force and push to their maximum.

However, recovery ensured that these dug-up holes were filled. That’s why it was important to have ample time to rest, so the ‘holes’ are properly filled in, i.e., the muscles are completely recovered. This technique not only ensures complete healing but also makes the muscles stronger by reinforcement.

The post Mike Mentzer Once Revealed His Groundbreaking Observation Surrounding Recovery and Muscle Gains appeared first on The SportsRush.

The rivalry between the two bodybuilders was well-known to everyone. They threw verbal jabs at each other during interviews and were fierce competitors every time they stepped foot on the stage. Even off-stage, they did not agree with each other, as they both believed in their philosophies of training. While Mike Mentzer pioneered the heavy-duty training system, Arnold believed in the traditional, high-volume approach.

Training methods comparison

The primary reason Mentzer and Schwarzenegger had conflicts with each other was their opposing training principles. Mentzer advocated the High-Intensity Training philosophy, which fitness fanatics are aware of. This method focuses on intense workouts with extended periods for recovery. On the other hand, Arnold followed a technique that focused on high volume with a longer period of workout and shorter rest time.

It was this comparison and difference that saw the emergence of a rift between the two stars. Both athletes believed that their ideologies and capabilities were better than the others in terms of effectiveness and efficiency.

Mike Mentzer: High-Intensity Training

Mentzer, while training and even guiding his clients, was a firm believer in maximizing muscle stimulation within a short period of time. He felt this was crucial for muscle growth and strength gains. Mike Mentzer trained with very low volume and very high intensity. Mentzer once said in an interview:

“I trained literally 30 minutes four times a week,” 

Mentzer’s main argument for not adopting a traditional bodybuilding routine revolved around the excessive volume involved, which he believed was unnecessary. Which, as per him, leads to overtraining, diminished results, and exhaustion of the body. Therefore, Menzter was the one who only focused on a few intense sets for each exercise he did. He promoted the idea of training to failure and encouraged recovery time to elevate growth.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: High-Volume Training

If Arnold ever missed a day at the gym, he ensured to make up for it the next day, and he would spend two to three hours in one go and would go to the gym twice a day.

He believed that his method of training was crucial for structuring and shaping the muscles by pushing the limits. This way, one would have the desired body and aesthetics they work for. Arnold once said in an interview:

“I started training five to six hours a day and became a fanatic about it.”

Furthermore, Schwarzenegger believed that Mentzer’s philosophy was too simple and adopted a different mindset. Arnold saw bodybuilding as an art form and symphony of motion that required the correct thought process to achieve the level of muscularity one desired.

However, both athletes, with their respective forms of training philosophies, have won accolades. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a 7-time Mr. Olympia champion, a top international bodybuilding competition. Mike Mentzer won one of the highest titles in bodybuilding: IFBB Mr. Olympia heavyweight in 1979.

Mentzer and Schwarzenegger, since they entered the scene of bodybuilding, were intense competitors. They always looked to outdo each other at any level, which pushed them to the limits of their physical capabilities. However, it was during one such event in the 1980s that their rivalry grew even more intense.

What happened between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mike Mentzer at the 1980 Mr. Olympia?

The 1980 Mr. Olympia is one such event that will be remembered for a very long time by athletes and fans alike. It was the most controversial year that witnessed the feud between Arnold and Mentzer rise.

 

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At the backstage of the event, the two athletes were seen arguing and engaging in a verbal battle before the contest. During their verbal spat, Arnold told Mentzer that everyone knew why he lost last year, which was because he “had a belly.” This statement did not sit well with Mentzer. He charged at Arnold, stared him down, and settled things down. Mentzer said:

“He literally went from being a frantic, hysterical adolescent to shrinking away like an injured child.”

Though the two went at it against each other on stage, eventually it was Schwarzenegger who emerged as the victor. He secured his seventh Mr. Olympia title. Mentzer was disappointed and knew something was off, as he felt good that year in structure and build and was tough to beat.

The following year, they declared Franco Columbu the winner at the Mr. Olympia. Mentzer decided to hang his boots after this and ended his bodybuilding career. He, however, kept training and trained his clients consistently.

The post Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Mike Mentzer: Training Methods Comparison of the Legendary Bodybuilders appeared first on The SportsRush.

In a recent episode of The Menace Podcast, host Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Chris Cormier sat down with Arnold Classic 2024 contender James Hollingshead for a candid chat. The pro bodybuilder spoke about his plans surrounding the championship and Yates being his guiding light.

For the British bodybuilder, Yates was the torchbearer who introduced a new way of training to gain mass. Often compared to the icon due to his roots and physique, Hollingshead admitted that the veteran paved a path for English bodybuilders like him to shine.

“You can only relate to certain people. A lot of it comes to ethnicity, you know genetics obviously. I’m just a white geezer from England who has to compare myself to what is not obtainable, because Dorian’s not obtainable.”

And while he acknowledged that he had a long way to go before he could come close to Yates’ prime, he was able to relate to him due to various circumstances. The veteran was one of his favorite bodybuilders who set the blueprint for an ideal physique for him.

“He wished us luck with the Arnold which is very meaningful because Dorian’s a man of very few words…I watch Blood and Guts to this day most days before training just because it just never fails.”

Currently, Hollingshead is gearing up for the Arnold Classic 2024 with consistent training. As he reaches the final lap, fans will expect him to put his best foot forth. This year, he’s pitted against icons like Hadi Choopan, Samson Dauda, and more. However, with some guidance from the training techniques of Yates, he might just change the game.

How Dorian Yates’ rise came courtesy of Mike Mentzer and his philosophy

After his first Mr. Olympia title, Yates knew he had to keep winning as long as he could. He sought guidance from Mentzer, who took him under his wing. What followed was an epic collaboration between an expert in high-intensity training and an iconic bodybuilder who responded well to the routine.

Yates acquired the Temple Gym around that time to work out with full focus. He would put all his might and strength towards single-set exercises guided by his mentor. Soon, the duo grew popular for Yates’ Blood and Guts workout, which many modern-day bodybuilders like Hollingshead still swear by. And that’s how they created a legacy.

The post “Watch Blood and Guts to This Day”: Arnold Classic 2024 Contender Reveals Drawing Inspiration From Mike Mentzer’s Protege Dorian Yates appeared first on The SportsRush.

During his time, Mentzer ensured to record his workout routines and exercise strategies to help other bodybuilders. Recently, a lecture of the late bodybuilder resurfaced on the internet where he was seen discussing whether you should do a second set when training. 

In the video, Mentzer begins by saying that many people ask him whether performing a second set would make that much of a difference, and his answer is spot on. 

“Not only would it make a difference but going from one set to two is the biggest mistake of all.”

The reason Mentzer states it’s a mistake is because there is a possibility of a 100 percent increase in the volume of the exercise. This leads to twice the time for one to recover after a workout. Mentzer further mentions that his clients used to have a fear that they weren’t performing enough exercise to stimulate growth by doing just one set. Menzter’s only response was one, if they could provide one good reason why he should consider allowing them to do one more set, he would then consider it.

“After all these years as a trainer, not one single individual has ever given me one good reason.”

When overtraining the body it militates against muscle growth production. However, one should not consider overtraining as a wasted effort. It is counterproductive, it prevents you from growing when you are finished working out. 

Therefore, Mentzer said that, when you overtrain you feel exhausted and have used up a considerable portion of your body’s limited reserve of resources merely to fuel the workout. Hence, doing a second set or overtraining is not apt for the muscles or the body. 

Mike Mentzer reveals the holy grail for fitness geeks to get gains faster

Any fitness enthusiast will stand by Mike Mentzer’s heavy-intensity training method. Even after his passing, his legacy has stood the test of time because of its efficiency and effectiveness. His published books and lectures speak volumes about its impact.

In a recent video, Mentzer can be seen sharing the philosophy behind this training. The star was replete with notes that would fill in any knowledge gaps people would have about the topic. He stated that individuals, their bodies, and physical capabilities differ and therefore intensities with which they should work also differ. 

High-intensity training focuses on the idea that the harder or more intensely one trains, the more one will gain. This also means more gains in less time. Mentzer also warned people to check for the point where they train themselves to failure, but can still go forward.

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