Before Pioneering Symmetry and Aesthetics, 81-Y.O. Bodybuilding Legend Was Almost Destined to Be a Naval Officer

81-year-old retired bodybuilding icon Frank Zane pioneered aesthetics in bodybuilding. While his peers like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Serge Nubret, and others also prioritized symmetry, Zanke took portions and symmetry to new heights. Even Arnold Schwarzenegger once stated how Zane turned the stomach vacuum into a pose of its own. However, the King of Aesthetics almost pursued a different career.

In a recent interview, the 81-year-old opened up on how he achieved bodybuilding greatness through discipline. Earlier, the three-time Mr. Olympia posted his interview with Movieverse Entertainment on his Instagram handle. During the interview, he revealed he wanted to enroll in the U.S. Navy.

The teacher who became Mr. Olympia nearly went to Naval Academy

During the interview, the host asked How Frank Zane reached the pinnacle of the bodybuilding world. Zane answered his disciplined nature helped him achieve glory. So the host asked “What was the main inspiration or power source for you to build this discipline? Discipline is a difficult thing to obtain and to maintain.” Zane answered there was no secret.

The former Mr. Universe said discipline came to him without effort. “I just had something I wanted to do. And I realized that I had to stick to it. And so I did,” explained the God of Aesthetics. However, he said that he had always wanted to get into something that nurtured discipline. “I remember there’s a television show called and it was called Men of Annapolis,” said Zane.

The dicplined life of men in the Navy “inspired” Zane. “(I) actually wanted to go to Annapolis Naval Academy and almost did, but instead, I got a scholarship to college and I went there,” explained the bodybuilding. Fortunately for bodybuilding fans, Zane became a teacher instead of a member of the armed forces.

A teacher and bodybuilding legend

Frank Zane balanced teaching and bodybuilding for over a decade. “I became a teacher teaching mathematics in first year in Pennsylvania,” said the bodybuilding icon. He then taught the second year in New Jersey and the following three years in Florida. For the following eight years, he taught in Los Angeles City Schools. During that time he competed and defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Read More | “Just Got Over-Trained Doing That”: Bodybuilding Legend, Who Taught Math to Arnold Schwarzenegger in College, Reveals His Workout Regimen Wasn’t Useful for Him

After his defeat, Arnie invited Zane to train with him at Gold’s Gym in Los Angeles. During their time together, Zane taught mathematics to the Austrian Oak, helping him get a university degree. However, it wasn’t until 1977 that Zane quit teaching and did bodybuilding full-time.

What did you think of the 81-year-old bodybuilding legend’s story of almost becoming a naval officer? Tell us in the comments.

Watch this story | “You are so Cerebral”: Siding with Arnold Schwarzenegger, legend Flex Wheeler highlights major problems in new bodybuilding era