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The history of bodybuilding has witnessed a few rivalries that captured the attention and admiration of fans, like the intense competition between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mike Mentzer. Both bodybuilders were known for their exceptional physiques and unwavering dedication to the sport. Mike Mentzer was renowned for his striking muscularity and impeccable physique. However, the late bodybuilder is again in the limelight because of an old picture.

The former Mr. America has become the topic of discussion with the latest post on the popular Instagram handle of ‘Chicago Adnois Bodybuilding.’

The secret to the workout regime of Mike Mentzer

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The recent picture of the renowned page showcased Mentzer’s appearance on the cover of the popular Muscle Builder and Power magazine in 1976. It showcased his sculpted muscles and flawless proportions. The cover featured Mentzer in his prime, displaying a well-defined chest, bulging biceps, and chiseled abs that left spectators in awe. The symmetry and balance of his muscles were truly remarkable and a testament to his hard work and commitment to the sport.

However, the legendary bodybuilder back then also opened up about his scientific approach to training, which focused on intensity over volume. One of the secrets to Mike Mentzer’s exceptional physique, which he openly shared during his first appearance on the cover, was his implementation of the popular method introduced by Canadian bodybuilding legend Joe Weider. This technique involved the use of “forced reps.”

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“The powerful athlete shared with readers how he made gains using the Weider forced rep system, capping off his later win as IFBB Mr. America for 1976”, the caption stated. In this approach, a bodybuilder performs an exercise until failure and then receives assistance from a spotter to complete a few more repetitions. However, this is not the first time the lead bodybuilder has grabbed attention with this physique.

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The old rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mentzer grabbed the attention

Recently, a video posted on the popular Instagram page of Golden Days rekindled the excitement surrounding their intense competition during the 1980 Mr. Olympia. The video showcased gripping moments from the competition, providing a glimpse of the sheer intensity and dedication displayed by both Arnold and Mike on stage.


The post quickly became a sensation, generating a buzz across all social media platforms. Fans flooded the comments section, passionately sharing their opinions and choosing sides between the two legends. The staunch supporters of Mike Mentzer argued that he truly deserved to win the competition, given his exceptional physique.

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On the other hand, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s fans defended his legacy as an all-time great in the sport of bodybuilding. While both had their own distinctive training methods, Mentzer’s revelation of employing forced reps as part of his routine sheds light on the science and dedication that lay behind his remarkable physique.