Achieving success in the realm of bodybuilding goes way beyond just lifting iron and building muscle. In fact, training is often considered one of the easiest aspects. What requires the most discipline, and where most fail, is the strict diet that is required to transform one’s physique. Working on mental resilience is as important as pumping muscles. And 3X Mr. Olympia Frank Zane recently talked along the same lines in his recent Instagram post. 

He admits the secret that helped him win three times on the most prestigious stage in the sport of bodybuilding. He reveals the importance of having a strong mental foundation for achieving success.

Frank Zane reveals his secret behind a sculpted physique

Frank Zane, who used to think of himself as a sculptor, worked on an inseparable connection between his mind and body. In his recent Instagram post, he talked about the importance of meditation in an individual’s life. He explained that while every lifter focuses on improving their strength and getting muscular, only a few realize the importance of training the mind. Zane wrote, “It’s not just about physical growth. It’s about major aspect, because a common aim is to get bigger and stronger.”

He continued by explaining, “And if you want to reach your maximum potential as a body creator you need to attend more than just working out, eating and sleeping. You need to train your mind and emotions. Meditation is a way to train your mind, and they all work in together.”

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Frank Zane is one of the only two bodybuilders ever to defeat Arnold Schwarzenegger on a competitive stage. Schwarzenegger later admitted that after his defeat to Zane, he “cried all night.”

Arnold’s unexpected loss at 1968’s Mr. Universe

When Schwarzenegger came to America for the first time, he was taken by surprise by the fact that Americans had a different definition of having a good physique. While Arnold carried a lot of size, he certainly lacked definition. Taking extra points for his ripped physique, Zane won the 1968 Mr. Universe competition in Miami, Florida. In an older edition of his daily newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, Schwarzenegger explained his state of mind after that defeat.

He wrote, “Frank Zane beat me. I was shocked, I was depressed, and I was all alone. Schwarzenegger continued, “I cried all night. And in the morning, I woke up a little more clear-headed. Now, instead of denial and worst-case scenarios, I saw that Frank won because he was more cut than me and he had better definition. That meant I needed to work on my definition.”

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Taking a lesson from his defeat, Schwarzenegger worked hard towards getting lean. His hard work definitely paid off, as he continued by winning seven Mr. Olympia titles, setting a record back then. The iconic rivalry between Zane and Arnold will forever be etched in history textbooks. What are your views on their feud and Zane’s formula for success? Let us know in the comments.