While a strict diet and consistent training might be the base for getting the Olympia-winning physique, there is something that every bodybuilder does differently. Some might have a special training regime some might have a secret shake recipe and the list of uniqueness goes on. Back when Dorian Yates claimed his first Olympia title in 1992, he became the first bodybuilder to do so from England. Recently, 6x Mr. Olympia revealed the secret that helped him build up the jacked physique. Yates’ trick was to supplement his training session with the right amount of sleep.

Not long along, legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger shed light on the impact of sleep on one’s body development. Arnie even suggested his fans add an extra hour of sleep to their daily routine. Now, Dorian Yates has opened up about how sleep contributed to his wins.

The sleep hack by Dorian Yates

On 2nd May 2023, Dorian Yates posted a throwback photo of himself. In the caption of the post, he revealed the post-workout regime he followed during his prime days. The champion wrote, “After every workout, I’d head home to eat my post-workout meal and then sleep for two hours.”

Emphasizing the importance of sleep, he further added, “Sleep was so important to me, I’d make sure I got my eight hours at night, but then I’d take a two hour nap in the afternoon too.” Even the people around him knew how much the bodybuilder valued his sleep cycle.

Read More: “Got Some Pain”: After Ronnie Coleman, 6x Mr. Olympia Announces Surgery for Same Health Issue

He continued, “Kevin Horton – who often took my physique pics – would say that when he drove up to my house in Birmingham, he’d always check to see if the upstairs curtains were shut… this meant I was sleeping!” A few days ago, the mass monster also revealed how he grew his muscles at that time.

The variable intensity of workouts

Dorian Yates believes it’s a good idea to decide is a cycle for intensity training. In another one of his Instagram posts, Yates suggested taking it easy after 6 weeks of intensive training. He claimed that’s what he did during his prime time. Calling it a week for deloading, Yates asserts it is one where one can take the week off or drop the intensity of the routine.

Yates further stated, “It’s extremely, actually pretty impossible, to train with my level of intensity all year round without any sort of rest… it’ll take its toll on your CNS! Rest and recovery is when the growth happens…”

Watch this story: Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares Valuable Advice With Beginners

Giving his body enough time to rest and recover was how Dorian Yates ruled the stage of the biggest bodybuilding contest for six years straight. Even decades after his retirement, he continues to be a reliable voice in the field.