Bodybuilding legend Frank Zane competed alongside golden era greats like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, Mike Mentzer, and many more. He even handed Schwarzenegger his first defeat in America. Known for his proportions, balance, and aesthetics, Zane inspired the creation of the Classic Physique division that Chris Bumstead dominates today. However, a resurfaced image of Zane from the 1970s reminded fans just how good the 80-year-old used to be in his prime.

Yesterday, the Instagram page Barbell Films posted three images of the God of Aesthetics on their page. Gregor Arax took high-resolution photographs. Despite being black and white, the photographs captured prime Frank Zane in all his Mr. Universe-winning glory. Fans couldn’t help but praise The Chemist and his near-perfect physique.

Frank Zane in competition shape

In the three images, Frank Zane hit three different poses. The pose he hit in the first image was a mix of different poses. In the first photo, Zane had his right arm folded overhead behind his head. Meanwhile, the left rested against his left tight, showing off his arm development. Zane also added a slight bend at the midsection, as many classic bodybuilders did while posing. 

The pose Zane hit wasn’t a mandatory one, it highlights different aspects of his physique. The next one was a relaxed variation of the side chest and arms which displayed his biceps and triceps. In the final photograph, Zane hit the mandatory relaxed front pose. The pose perfectly captured the symmetry and proportions of his physique. Barbell Films wrote Arax took the pictures at the 1970 NABBA Mr. Universe.

At the show, Frank Zane won the Overall Amateur Title, defeating Chris Dickerson and Albesrt Beckles. The previous year, Zane had defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, since 1970 Mr. Universe was Zane’s first appearance at a NABBA show, so he couldn’t go up against Arnie, who won the Overall Professional title. Fans drooled at the God of Aesthetic’s classic physique.

Fans reacted to the man who inspired an entire bodybuilding division

“Classic bodybuilding as its finest…” wrote one fan who knew that Zane was among the bodybuilders for whom Classic Physique has become so popular. Another user echoed the same sentiment. “Classic is for me the best look ever, not too shredded, no Ballon legs and no bubble guts,” wrote the second fan.

Read More | “Was Never the Strongest Guy”: 80 YO Veteran Bodybuilder Confesses His Shortcomings Despite Eventually Becoming the Epitome of Aesthetic Physique

Others found Zane’s physique a work f art because one individual commented, “Art!” One fan might have known Zane defeated Schwarzenegger. However, one eagle-eyed fan spotted that former three-time Mr. Olympia looked dehydrated. “You can tell by looking at his face how dehydrated he was during the show,” wrote the user.

Watch this story | Started working out to end younger brother’s alley fights, 80 YO Frank Zane unearths unknown details about his childhood

What did you think of Frank Zane’s classic physique? Write your thoughts in the comments.