“You Are Not Meant to Do That”: 80-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Who Barely Gets Sick Shares the Secret to Aging Gracefully

Former IFBB pro, Frank Zane’s wealth of wisdom is often sought by many accomplished or aspiring bodybuilders. In this case, 4x Mr. Universe, Michael O’Hearn reached out to the legend to derive his insights on the limitations of age and how one may tackle it gracefully. Zane also discussed a crucial aspect of life that lives above all achievements. 

In an interview with The Mike O’Hearn Show on Generation Iron and BarBend’s YouTube channel, the 3x Mr. Olympia spilled facts about fitness, longevity and healthy training. He also reflected on the true meaning of life, which left a deep impact on the athlete. 

Frank Zane shares pieces of wisdom on life after bodybuilding

As per the social media update, the 80-year-old legend was enquired by O’Hearn about a crucial aspect of training. He asked what is it that most youngsters or even 40-year-olds don’t comprehend about the process. In response, Zane said, “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.” An overwhelmed O’Hearn enthusiastically agreed. 

Furthermore, the G.O.A.T. deduced the intense hard-work needed to maintain a peak physique as impractical. “It’s too much of a sacrifice to keep doing that,” the Hall of Famer stated. Moreover, he added, “you have to do with the dieting and mental framework. You know it eats away at you. You’re not meant to do that.”

Zane took the opportunity to present a metaphorical instance of Mt. Everest. The 200-lbs icon said, “You can blame Mt. Everest, you don’t stay up there, do you? You can’t stay up there, you come down to the base camp. You can live in the base camp, but you can’t live at the top.”

Read More: Despite Being Fairly Fit at 80, the Bodybuilder Who Defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger Admitted His Journey Could’ve Had “Less Pain” in 2008

Besides that, the icon also shared a beautiful insight that most know, yet won’t abide by it. “This life is the most important thing, being happy, enjoying yourself, doing things that make you happy,” he revealed. Another intriguing question put forward by the 54-year-old fitness model asked Zane about his good health despite his declining age. “It gets harder as you get older, and the motivation may subside a bit, but you’re extremely healthy,” he asked. Thus, Zane promptly answered with a “Yeah, I don’t get sick.” However, this is not the first time he publicly addressed prioritizing his body and life over success. 

Watch this story: A quick look at the genesis of the bodybuilder who received the title ‘Uncrowned Mr. Olympia’

A veteran in the bodybuilding industry, Frank Zane’s flawless physique, and finesse were a point of wonder to many. However, subsequent injuries compelled him to step away from the sport. Yet, he holds nothing against how things turned out and remains a reflection of true spirit in the sports world.

What did you think of his revelations? Let us know in the comments.