Dissing Mr. Olympia Founder as a “Size Freak”, 81-YO God of Aesthetics Rejected Being Bigger to Focus on Symmetry: “Couldn’t Weigh Much More Than 190 and Look Good”

Frank Zane, also known as the God of Aesthetics in the realm of bodybuilding, challenged the idea that only a gigantic physique was necessary to win the Mr. Olympia contest. His body was all about being symmetric. Despite not having huge muscles, he won the Mr. Olympia title three times. He is one of the few who has defeated the bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Even in his 80s, Zane successfully gave training to aspiring bodybuilders to achieve their goals. However, due to his weight and perfectly symmetric body, many have raised the question that he did not lift heavy weights.

Frank Zane’s clarification to lifting heavy weights

In an old interview published by Long Shot Leaders, the host Michael Stein asked him if Joe Weider, the co-founder of IFFB pro, told Frank Zane to train heavily because you’re doing light weights. to which he responded in denial. He said, “That’s not true, I trained heavy. I used heavy weights. I worked up in weight.” He described that he lifted heavy weights and gradually increased the weights accordingly.

READ MORE: “Train Hard Enough To Elicit a Little Soreness”: 81-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Shares Signs That Reflects Your Progress in the Gym

The IFBB pro further added to his statement,

“But Weider was always, he was what you call a size freak and he was really attracted to, the bigger, the better. That wasn’t my goal.” He clarified that Weider always preferred larger muscle sizes, but Zane was only focused on a balanced physique.

Despite his weight, he won 3 titles

Additionally, Zane added, “I really couldn’t weigh much more than 190 and look good. So that’s what I focused on”. He was engrossed in staying around that weight to ensure he looked how he wanted. He emphasized his aesthetic and balance over sheer size during his bodybuilding journey.

As the conversation moved forward, the god of aesthetics mentioned that he didn’t limit his workouts to one particular part of the body. Instead, he trained all his muscle groups, but back then, not many bodybuilders had impressive leg muscles. His thighs were quite good. Although his calf muscles were initially small or undersized, he worked on that area to make it stronger and proportional. As his work paid off, in 1977, 1978, and 1979, he won his Sandow trophies. However, the inspiring figure still contributed to the sport with his guidance, continuing to share his experiences and helping others through social media.

 

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