King of Aesthetics Frank Zane Warns Bodybuilders Against Rapid Weight Gain: “You Ruin Your Symmetry”

Hailing from the golden era of bodybuilding, Frank Zane was widely known as the King of Aesthetics during his time. With his broad shoulders and tapered waist, Zane had brought the focus on symmetrically aesthetic physiques instead of bulked-up mass monsters. Even when competing against giants like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, Zane was able to tip the scales in his favor with his perfectly sculpted figure. Now, at 80, Zane often uses his social media handles to share his knowledge and enlighten new-age bodybuilders. He also never shies away when it comes to warning the rookies about what they shouldn’t do.

Recently, Zane issued a strict warning for bodybuilders focusing completely on weight gain. Bodybuilders frequently need to gain or lose weight while training for contests in order to reach their goals. When it comes to gaining weight, they often wolf down nutrients and supplements to gain the most weight in the shortest amount of time. However, Zane believes that this is not the proper way to proceed. Therefore, the once-lightest bodybuilder has shared his insights on how to exactly go about it.

Patience is the key

On 30th April 2023, Frank Zane posted a photo of himself from his prime bodybuilding days on Instagram. Written in caps on the photo were the words, “GAINING WEIGHT.” In the caption, Zane shared an insightful message warning new-age bodybuilders not to rush when it comes to gaining weight. Frank Zane reasoned, “Do not be in such a hurry to gain weight that you ruin your symmetry and proportions.”

The 3x Mr. Olympia asserts, “Weight gained quickly goes primarily to big muscle groups like thighs, butt, pecs – all centrally located. Building mass to extremities like calves and forearms helps with a more aesthetic look.” This isn’t the first time Zane has chosen to address the issue of weight gain in bodybuilding. In the past, too, The Chemist has claimed that gaining muscle isn’t the hardest part.

Read More: Still Celebrated as One of the Best Aesthetic Physiques Ever, Legend Frank Zane Says He “Never Really Bowed Down to Any Judge”

It’s not all about the gains

More often than not, people focus on the overall pump instead of focusing on the different parts, individually. Zane advocates that though it’s easy, it might not be what the person needs. He alleges that gaining mass isn’t the hardest part, but gaining in the right place is. The veteran suggests picking a role model and working out accordingly to gain that physique. Later, one can monitor their growth by comparing their photographs to that of their idols’.

The veteran has always advocated documenting workout journeys through photos. He defines it as sculpting and alleges it only happens with the perfect exercise and form. While there are other factors like nutrition and rest, sculpting is selective growth. Frank Zane’s valuable insights on the dos and don’ts of fitness regimes undoubtedly serve as a great help for new-age bodybuilders.

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