“Man is an indivisible entity, an integrated unit of mind and body,” said the bodybuilding legend, Mike Mentzer. Mentzer believed there is a correlation between bodybuilding and philosophy, as evident in his books. Despite never lifting a Sandow trophy, he is still regarded as one of the best bodybuilders ever to grace the stage. His ideologies and beliefs related to training are often considered unorthodox. Mentzer’s approach to training placed a strong emphasis on high-intensity training, with emphasis on heavy weights and low reps. Recently, an old video of him has resurfaced on the internet where he talks about the importance of high-intensity training. 

So what is the video all about, and how did the fans react to it? Let us get into the details of it.

Mentzer’s advice for optimal muscle growth

In the video, uploaded by OOFA FITNESS on their Instagram handle, Mentzer started by addressing the commonly asked question about which is better…free weights or machines. He revealed that there is no magical equipment for muscle building. He continued by emphasizing that it is the efforts you put in and not the equipment you use, which will lead to muscle hypertrophy.

“Whatever you choose, free weights or machines, no one piece of equipment is capable of working magic. For optimal results, the single most important factor is intensity of effort,” said Mentzer. He added, “The results you realize will be totally dependent on the energy you put forth. So give it your all and realize your ambitions.”

Read More: “Might Have Been Under the Influence of Something”: Bodybuilding Veterans Unveil the Truth Behind Flex Wheeler’s “Ninja Attack” Story After Over 2 Decades

He believed that shorter, more intense workouts were more effective than longer, less intense sessions. Mentzer’s high-intensity training was based on scientific principles. He argued that the traditional ‘bro science’ was not an efficient way to train. While his approach was considered controversial at the time, athletes and trainers these days do implement his training methods. 

Fans react to Mentzer’s resurfaced video 

After entering the Hall of Fame, Mentzer died in 2001 due to heart failure. More than two decades after his death, fans still had some heartwarming things to say about the legend. The comments section of the video was filled with positive remarks about his training style.

One of his fans commented, “I wish he was still alive, guy had a crazy physique” while another user wrote, “I needed to hear this. Thank you.🙌❤️.” Some fans even appreciated his technique by saying, “Making more sense than a lot of “evidence based” folks nowadays.” Another user wrote, “guy only trained 3or4 times a week…rest days are were it happens guys✨.” One fan was amazed at his pre-workout, and said “This guys pre workout was literal meth”

Watch this story: “It’s a Remake of Twins”: Viral Image of Former President George Bush and Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Most Unexpected Place Leaves Fans in Frenzy

Mentzer’s training principles and contributions to the field continue to be respected and studied by those interested in fitness and bodybuilding. The training regulations he preached certainly were effective, as he registered his name in the list of greatest bodybuilders of all time.