Golden Era great Frank Zane was once the image of bodybuilding in his prime. He outperformed the greatest of athletes and held his position as the Mr. Olympia titlist for three consecutive years since 1977. Therefore, there has been much intrigue as to how Zane achieved his aesthetically superior physique. 

While there have been many discussions on the matter, YouTube personality John Heart, popularly known as Mr. America Heart, urged the star athlete to share added insights into his secret of achieving the perfect frame in a recent interview. 

Frank Zane reveals what was different 

As per the interview shared a few hours ago, the 81-year-old star was asked what was special about his training in 1976 and 1979 that helped him peak into his finest physique. Hence, Zane shared he spent quite some time with powerlifters when he learned the true potential of slow negatives. 

He said, “Hanging out with powerlifters for a while, I learned the concept of slow negatives. I never did those before a guy just like Doug Young, just incredibly strong and powerful, did slow negatives and ponderous weights, especially in the bench press. I learned that from the powerlifters.” Highlighting his association with athletes from a distinct discipline, Zane claimed to have benefitted from their training specifics. 

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Besides, the American pro also added that working out with the other notable bodybuilders of that time also had a great impact on his mindset. “The other bodybuilders have basically always been my strong point, training in the gym at the same time as Arnold, Dave Draper, Colombo, you know, it was a great atmosphere,” the IFBB champion noted. However, maintaining his peak form was getting tedious and stressful for the athlete, and he eventually retired. 

Zane once explained his retirement from bodybuilding

After placing fourth at the 1983 Mr. Olympia event, Zane began speculating about his future in the sport. Moreover, a series of injuries also influenced his decision to retire. After the 1983 event, the athlete suffered a severe shoulder injury and was already affected by his loss. Thus, he came to terms with the fact that it was time to step down from the stage. 

However, Zane once explained his injuries as the primary reason for the decision. He said, “Injuries were catching up to me. My shoulders, in particular, needed surgery, and I wouldn’t be able to lift the same sort of weight with them or train the same way with them afterwards.” 

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Just like every great thing comes to an eventual end, even Zane’s career hit a dead end. However, the time he dedicated to the sport is cemented in the books of history, and he shall forever be hailed as the King of Aesthetics.