80-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Once Gave His Verdict on What Happens to Muscles When You Stop Training

When it comes to the aesthetics of bodybuilding, the name Frank Zane comes to mind. The legend highlighted the nuanced understanding of training without compromising on the aesthetics of the body proper. Even after retirement, the legend never stopped training. In fact, he modified his routine to suit his age and body requirements.

The champion won the title of Mr. Olympia three times, from 1977 to 1979. After his first big win in 1977, the legend shared some of his observations about various training routines. While he initially used to train light, he switched up his strategy before Olympia. Here’s why!

Frank Zane realized heavy training was better

After his win at Mr. Olympia in 1977, the champion revealed how his initial training days informed his future workout regimes. While he used to indulge in light pumping and training, he changed his routine for the better. This new and improved training helped Zane gain more mass and build up a better physique.

All of this was credited to heavy training. Oscillating between high and low reps for various body parts worked like magic! Frank Zane bulked up and grew in size, just in time for the big day.

He also clarified the true difference between the two routines and how they worked for him. According to Zane, while the light training helped him bulk up, it wasn’t effective in the long run. He elaborated, “my size quickly diminished when I stopped training”. Instead, heavy training helped him sustain the build, even if he halted training for a while. He explained, “I find that if you train heavy, and then you lay off for a while, you hold your size longer.”

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Although the veteran is currently 80 years old, he still hasn’t stopped training. In fact, Frank Zane curated a training routine for himself that doesn’t focus solely on lifting weights. This helped him train better while also being mindful of his age.

Zane’s workout for the elderly

While the veteran is now 80 years old, he has still managed to keep up in top shape. But lifting weights at that age couldn’t be easy. So what does Zane do? With the occasional motivating quotes on his social media, Zane’s first idea is to never stop training. While age is just a number for the champion, physical limitations don’t come between him and his will to train.

He recommended embracing machine workouts for elders. Walking on the treadmill could do wonders as a part of one’s training. Similarly, instead of working with free weights, Zane recommended machine-based weights instead. Zane’s legacy as a veteran bodybuilder and three-time Mr. Olympia brought him a lot of success.

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While people his age would give up on physical activities, the star still works hard to get better and healthier. He hopes to motivate his fans about the same. And boy, didn’t he do that right? Share which star bodybuilder inspires you the most in the comments section!