Contrary to Popular Belief, 80-Year-Old Bodybuilding Veteran Once Detailed How Bulking Up and Cutting Down Before a Competition “Was Always a Disaster”

Veteran Mr. Olympia champion Frank Zane knows everything about preparing for bodybuilding competitions. In an interview with Muscle and Strength, Zane finally disclosed the reason why he stopped bulking after preparing for the 1972 competition. While Zane came out as the victor in the 1972 Mr. Universe competition, he also shared some rare inside details about the competition. 

Along with these details, ‘The Chemist’ also disclosed his weight and body condition during the 1972 Mr Universe competition. The bodybuilder also told about a unique practice that helped him in the 1972 Mr Universe competition and subsequent bodybuilding contests.  

Frank Zane’s disclosure about why he stopped bulking and his bodybuilding journey 

“I tried bulking up a few times and it was always a disaster”, Zane admitted. Bulking refers to the practice of eating a large quantity of food to gain a certain amount of weight. Zane further narrated how he attempted bulking for the 1972 Mr Universe competition and his weight came up to 210 pounds. 

Later, Zane recalled how he realized that a month before the contest he had to lose weight. “I dropped about 10 pounds, came in around the mid 190s and won the show”, he stated. However, Zane was unhappy because he noticed one snag. His body and physique were not as well-defined as the year before. This made him decide to quit bulking before a competition. 

Read More: “More Interested in Longevity Than Heavy Weights”: 80-Year-Old Frank Zane Discarded Popular Training Method With Concrete Logic in 2021

Further, talking about his diet, ‘The Chemist’ also stated that he consumed carbohydrates in a limited quantity. This helped him to lose weight. During another interview, Zane gave a shocking statement. “So I wait until I get hungry. And the first time I get hungry I still don’t eat”, he said. It turns out that Zane’s hunger before eating motivated him to lose weight. 

Afterwards, Zane told a new strategy he applied to be well-prepared for the competition. What he did was simply to take more photos which other bodybuilders didn’t do at that time. This strategy helped Zane to be aware of how he looked before the competition, giving him an added advantage. 

Frank Zane’s startling statements about his training and diet

To train his abs, Zane recounted that he did a thousand repetitions exercises per day. ‘The Chemist’ also admitted to taking thirty or more pills to consume the required amount of protein to develop his body. This shows why Zane was able to develop such a perfect physique. 

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The Chemist’s statements once again prove why he is known as one of the greatest bodybuilders even today. His journey from teaching to winning Arnold Classic’s Lifetime Achievement award shall inspire millions. What motivates you about Frank Zane’s bodybuilding journey? Share with us in the comments section.