Dorian Yates became the first and only English bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia. While champions like Jay Cutler have said that those training in America had an advantage over bodybuilders based in other countries, Yates was the first bodybuilder to prove this statement wrong by dominating Mr. Olympia in the 90s. Earlier, Yates explained the x-factor behind his success.

The six-time Mr. Olympia spoke about the “Heavy Duty” training philosophy he learned from uncrowned Mr. Olympia Mike Mentzer. However, Yates took the High Intensity Training (HIT) methodology to the extreme. However, Yates explained why despite following his Blood and Guts training, not everyone can conquer the Olympia stage.

The unmatched will of Dorian Yates

Yate posted a throwback clip from his workouts that showcased the intensity of the bodybuilding icon’s workouts. Yates wrote that he was confident anyone following heavy-duty training would benefit if they were willing to push their limits. However, the 61-year-old’s secret to success was his will to push further than most people, even other elite bodybuilders who strived to defeat him.

“It’s one of the reasons why not everyone who trains like this can become Mr Olympia,” wrote the six-time champion. Bodybuilding helped Dorian Yates escape a life of criminality. Hence, he approached it with unwavering discipline. Every workout for the former Mr. Olympia felt like a battle. “As if I was going to face a literal life and death struggle,” explained Yates.

Dorian Yates also explained how he went well beyond what most people identify as muscle failure. “I’m not talking about going through the pain barrier or past the ‘burn’.” wrote the six-time champion. The 61-year-old explained that the last few reps of every set felt like a journey through hell. Yet, the champion couldn’t have pushed so hard without his training partners, and he acknowledges it.

Watch this story | “Pancakes, Egg Whites, Bacon”: Bodybuilding Legend Ronnie Coleman Spent $136,875 on the Same Breakfast for 25 Years

The six-time Mr. Olympia credited his training partners

Dorian Yates might’ve said that not even his biggest challengers pushed harder than him inside the gym. However, he credited his training partners for helping him squeeze out a couple of extra reps even when he was ready to stop. “They too were great warriors supporting their general,” the former Mr. Olympia wrote.

Just like he appreciated everything Mike Mentzer taught him about the science of bodybuilding, he also thanked his training partners. After all, in his prime, the champion only allowed a handful of people to train inside the claustrophobic and dungeon-like Temple Gym in Birmingham, England.

Read More | Mass Monster Dorian Yates Discloses the Secret Behind Phenomenal Horseshoe Triceps: “Was Able to Conquer the Grandest Stage”