Born to a Coal Mine Electrician Father, 81-YO Legend Who Defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger Details His Tough Childhood: “They Didn’t Have a Clue”

In a world filled with different ideas and tips on fitness in the modern world, Frank Zane has a simple way of instilling the values of bodybuilding in the younger generation. Zane lacked role models in his childhood, but he saw how hard his father worked. Unfortunately, his father passed away at 57 due to drinking and smoking habits.

Zane recently appeared in an interview with 54-year-old Mike O’Hearn and it was uploaded on Generation Iron’s YouTube channel. He detailed his tough childhood and how he motivated himself through hard times.

People around him had “no clue” about bodybuilding: Frank Zane   

During the interview, the Titan talked about his child who was growing up seeing his parents be athletes. Zane further went on to explain how, when a child grows up, they have a keen eye on the happenings around them. This is why parents need to set an example, Zane said. As the video progressed, Zane talked about his hard childhood. He said, “I never really had any role models when I was growing up.”

The God of Aesthetics also spoke about his father and the shredded physique he sported due to him being an electrician in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. However, due to his poor drinking and smoking habits, he passed away at 57. Despite his father having an amazing physique, neither he nor any others around Zane were into the sport he later pursued. There was no talk or knowledge of bodybuilding where he came from, he revealed. 

The 3 time Olympia winner continued, “People were very unenlightened.” And when O’Hearn further asked what Zane meant by that, he replied, “Uh they didn’t have a clue.” Most people were coal miners in his hometown and the people his age were either good athletes or football stars or they were out drinking all the time. This is why, there was no one that the three-time Mr. Olympia could emulate while setting out to pursue his goals.

Read More: Legend Who Taught Mathematics to Arnold Schwarzenegger in College Opens Up About Hardships Bodybuilders Faced Back in the Day: “There Was Really Not a Way to Survive”

Despite growing up in an area where his goals were foreign to others, Zane went on to succeed owing to his dedication to the sport. The 81-year-old who had to fend for himself as a kid further advised O’Hearn on how to guide his child toward success. 

Later in the video, when O’Hearn revealed his concerns about what career his child, Titan, might choose after growing up, Zane reassured the former Mr. Universe with an important piece of advice. Cautioning against pressuring his child, Zane explained, “You just have to set the example and don’t force him into anything.”

So like Zane explains, children absorb information like a sponge and should be left to decide their goals for themselves. However, this does not mean that you can’t become role models for them. Do you agree with Zane’s advice? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares An Ultimate Four-Worded Fitness Advice