“There’s No Good Reason to Keep Doing This”: 80-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Reveals the Harsh Reality of Aging That Led Him to Quit the Sport

Three-time Mr. Olympia winner Frank Zane can claim to be part of the bodybuilding G.O.A.T. lists. While a G.O.A.T. is judged on their impressive feats, another factor is their knowledge about themselves and making the right calls at the right time. The 80-year-old former bodybuilder understood that and presented that reflective side of him on YouTube.

Apart from his good athletic spirit, the bodybuilder sustains an intuitive and thoughtful personality. This was on display on Mike O’Hearn’s show on the Generation Iron Fitness & Bodybuilding Network. The octogenarian shed light on the importance of living life regardless of athletic endeavors. Frank Zane, who is well aware of his priorities in his declining age, advises the two hosts that after a certain age the motivation spirals. 

Frank Zane shares his thoughts on working out at a declining age

After years of success, the 80-year-old legend now intends to take it easy. He wishes to have a life of calm and tranquility, indifferent to most individuals his age. After a host asked the icon for a photo frame that featured him at his peak, Zane asserted, “In the end, that’s all you have, because the body fades, you know if you can hold on…”  

The three-time Mr. Olympia then pointed out 54-year-old O’Hearn’s well-maintained physique and said, “You’re doing good for that age. I was in a decent shape in my early 50s too, but…”

The pro reflected on his experience with aging and claimed that it gets harder with time. Zane last competed at the age of 41 in the 1983 Mr. Olympia. As his injuries were catching up to him, he couldn’t continue his powerlifting feats. 

“The older you get, the harder it gets, and the less motivated I was to keep doing it because… there’s no good reason to keep up keep doing this,” the American ex-bodybuilding athlete implied. A lack of motivation may have resulted in a less than 100% Zane taking to the stage for further competitions, resulting in his on-stage aura diminishing.

He related it to his time after retiring from the industry. As per his revelations, the senescent phase restricts oneself from continuing with hard-core workouts. Thus, after all the years of hard work and passion, knowing when to call it quits and opt for a life of peace is worth it. Similarly, in another instance, the pro disclosed another precious piece of wisdom. 

Read More: “Stomach Size Will Shrink”: God of Aesthetics Frank Zane Shares a Simple Yet Effective Way to Reduce Body Fat

Frank Zane on maintaining a peak physique 

The bodybuilder’s insinuations follow more of a genuine and practical route. He shared that attempting to remain at peak physique isn’t ideal in the long run. “I always had this in mind. It basically is don’t stay peaked, stay less than your best. Always stay under. I always looked at 94 percent number.”

Zane opined that it’s “too much of a sacrifice” to keep the body peaked at all times, concerning the number of intense workouts, diet regimes, and other necessary aspects. “This life is the most important thing, being happy, enjoying yourself, doing things that make you happy,” the champion emphasized. Although, he indicated that keeping healthy must be a priority, persistently focusing on aesthetic developments could be a threat to the essence of life. 

Very few athletes from the industry ask followers to prioritize life at most. While remaining fit and healthy must be imperative, for sure, living a little gives life meaning. Don’t you agree? Tell us in the comments. 

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