‘Key to Success Was Outlasting Them’ : Despite Coming Second for Years, Frank Zane Stuck With His Gameplan to Win First Olympia Title in 1977

Currently training athletes in his learning center ‘Zane Experience’, Frank Zane is an unforgettable bodybuilding legend. During a recent interview with Men’s Health, Zane gave his expert advice for people going to the gym and aspiring bodybuilders. He also revealed his unique mindset to win Olympia in 1977.

Zane’s disclosure to Men’s Health was important as he had faced defeat several times in his bodybuilding career. In 1974, he was defeated by Franco Columbu in Mr Olympia in the lightweight category. Later, Arnold Schwarzenegger overcame Frank Zane to win the Mr Olympia title in 1975. Zane’s disclosure also showed his unique approach after losing to Schwarzenegger and Columbu. 

Frank Zane’s revelations about his strategy to win Olympia in 1977

During the interview, Zane disclosed how he didn’t lose hope despite losing to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1975. He said, “If you stick around long enough, and remain persistent enough, the people ahead of you will move on.” This was also the advice he gave to people who would read this interview. Continuing, he talked about how he hoped to win the Mr Olympia title after Schwarzenegger’s retirement. However, he was defeated by Franco Columbu in 1976. 

The bodybuilding also disclosed how losing to Franco was a blessing in disguise for him. Since he had come second, he could now say his intention was to come first and he also had photos to prove it. Being the first runner-up gave Zane the confidence that he could come first. His opinion was “If you’re going to win a competition like that, you need to convince yourself in advance.” 

Zane also narrated how he would go to Gold Gym to train before the 1977 Olympia competition. Continuing, he focused on deadlifting, abs training, cardio exercises and heavy lifting as a part of his workout. The bodybuilding champion also made a shocking disclosure about how he took amino acid tablets to increase the amount of protein in his diet. 

Frank Zane’s surprising disclosures about his bodybuilding career

The bodybuilding legend revealed how he made changes in his workout routine after 1978. He also told how he did training for three days in a row and then rest on the fourth day. Further adding, he narrated how he did a double-split workout before any competition. 

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Zane also spoke about how deadlifting during workouts was painful. Further disclosing how he once hurt his lower back while deadlifting. Later, it was Steve Reeves who guided him to do deadlifts more effectively. 

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The revelations made by Zane show that success was not a cakewalk for him. His never-give-up attitude after being defeated shall always inspire fans.