80-Year-Old Legend Scraps the Common Belief the Bodybuilding Community Encourages: “It’s Bad News Getting an Injury”

Bodybuilding veteran Frank Zane had one of the most aesthetically pleasing physiques in the world. The 80-year-old was popular for not just training hard, but for his smart work-out strategies as well. Zane had slightly different approach towards training at the latter end of his career. The YouTube channel Escape Fitness recently shared an interview clip in which Zane opened up about the deleterious effect of heavy lifting.  

Where several fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders emphasize lifting heavy, Zane here dismissed such ideas and explained its adverse effects. Here is what the veteran had to offer.  

Inviting injuries won’t help build muscles

From defeating the iconic Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1968 Mr. Universe to winning three Mr. Olympia titles, Zane has achieved several milestones in his bodybuilding career. Lifting heavy has become the fashion and gives the person a sense of accomplishment. However, at the same time, there are several downfalls of the heavy lifting as well. When the interviewer asked Zane, “You have a slightly different approach, don’t you? And I guess also going heavy creates a lot of injuries.” 

Zane replied, “Yeah, possibility of injury increases dramatically when you’re going real heavy like that. And you know it’s bad news getting an injury because you know once you do, you are sort of stuck with it, tend to recurve, you’re not careful. The injury defines your upper limit in weights that you can use.“ Indeed, heavy weights may give a better pump and a sense of accomplishment. However, all of it can fade away in a matter of seconds if an injury happens. 

Read More | “I Was Joe Weider’s Number Two Bodybuilder”: Frank Zane Was Overshadowed by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Others Until 1977 Mr. Olympia

Apparently, Zane advocates that it is better to lift lighter, rather than invite injury. On the other hand, as an alternative to lifting heavy, Zane also disclosed a method which helps with better gains without risking injuries. He added, “I am more interested in longevity than heavier weights. Heavy weight’s not important at all anymore, but making lighter weights feel heavier in strict form is important, and getting a pump is important.”

But what led The Chemist from such opinions about heavy weight lifting? Let’s explore.  

Frank Zane spoke out of his painful experience 

Frank Zane wasn’t always against lifting heavy. It is an opinion that he made with his experience in the field. The former Mr. Olympia also began his lifting journey with the spirit to lift heavy. And he did continue until he was injured. But as time passed by, Zane realized the essence of bodybuilding doesn’t lie in lifting heavy weights. But it is about practising the sets properly and emphasizing on the burn when the light weights start feeling heavier. 

 

In a 2008 interview with Simply Shredded, Zane opened up about his experience with lifting heavy weights. Zane said, “Well, it gave me mass, but I’ll tell you one thing if I had to do it all over again, I don’t think I would have done it. It just gets you injured. You’re just focusing on the weight and often ignoring the subtle signs your body is giving you and once you’ve hurt yourself, that’s it. It never really goes away. Now I’m paying the price for all of that heavy lifting.” 

Frank Zane has gathered decades of experience in bodybuilding. Whether it is a popular opinion or not, Frank Zane provides what he learnt from his decades-long career.

Do you think lifting lighter weights is a better option than lifting the heavier ones? Let us know your opinion in the comments section.

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