“I Wanted to Get Bigger”: Hailed as the Most Aesthetic Bodybuilder Ever, Frank Zane, 80, Recently Called His 1982 Mr.Olympia Physique a Mistake

Former 3x Mr.Olympia, Frank Zane is arguably the most aesthetic bodybuilder that ever existed. Being fit even at 80, the experienced bodybuilder has great insights about the competition and desired physique. In a podcast with the channel Escape Fitness, the legend has expressed his views on the perfect physique, the importance of photographing before the competitions, and his journey through bodybuilding. One can’t miss observing how clear he was in his thoughts while pursuing the sport.

Frank Zane’s last Mr.Olympia title win was back in 1979. For the competition, he managed to develop the best combination of size, proportion, and definition. Yet, he didn’t compete in the 1981 Mr.Olympia competition despite being very muscular. The reason being, he had an accident and couldn’t peak for the competition. But, what happened the year after?

The idea of getting bigger for the Mr.Olympia competition, in 1982, was a mistake for Frank Zane

The 1982 Mr.Olympia competition was a disaster for the champion. He wanted to be bigger such that he could compete at 200 pounds. “It was a mistake because I was a little bit too bulky,” he recollects while speaking in the podcast. The legend bodybuilder was quick to realize that the central part of his body was a little bit too thick for the rest of it. 

So, in 1983 he went a completely contrasting direction which left him 15 pounds lighter and very muscular. That was his last competition as he retired owing to his shoulder injury. He was concerned if he kept performing at the competitions he would turn more prone to injuries.

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Later in the podcast, when asked about his ideal physique in bodybuilding, Zane was quick to share his thoughts.

Larry Scott’s delts and arms on Steeve Reeves would be the ideal physique for Frank Zane

According to the 80-year-old bodybuilder, “The perfect physique is one that has really great proportions, where everything matches, no one thing stands out. It all blends together and you have everything that is very well defined.”

He considers Steeve Reeves as his idol as the latter had everything well developed and fit perfectly. Zane also admires Larry Scott for his incredible deltoids in arms. He concludes by saying his perfect or ideal physique would be Larry Scott’s delts and arms on Steeve Reeves.

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Bodybuilding requires strenuous efforts by pursuers to reach the goal of having a perfect body. And this comes from a clear understanding of the body type which Frank Zane aced long back.