Mike Mentzer

[PolishHammer1977]

Anybody use the intense principles "Mike" used back in the day? Every set to failure, limited rest between sets....etc.... If so, how long does it take your body to rest and recover completely?

 

[SofaGeorge]

Anybody use the intense principles "Mike" used back in the day? Every set to failure, limited rest between sets....etc.... If so, how long does it take your body to rest and recover completely?

I've said this many times.

I used to work out next to Mike every day for years. He looked like shit. He was a living advertisement NOT to follow his HIT training. He trained at Gold's Venice and was a trainer there - all his clients looked like shit too.

I've never seen anyone get good results following his programs as they are written for one-set-to-failure.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

Sofageorge

That must have been tremendous to train with a guy that was under the tutelage of the "master blaster".

I often wondered why "Mike" decided on that training even after the priciples he learned from Joe Weider?

Thank you for the insight.

 

[SofaGeorge]

Re: Sofageorge

That must have been tremendous to train with a guy that was under the tutelage of the "master blaster".

I often wondered why "Mike" decided on that training even after the priciples he learned from Joe Weider?

Thank you for the insight.

It's not particularly great to say stuff like this about someone after they are dead... but Mike is not someone I had much respect for... and he sure took every pot shot he could at Weider. Mike never psychologically recovered from the '80 Olympia... and he had a very unhappy life by appearance.

He was a great example of why you should:

1. Never blame other people for your failures

2. Never let your defeats defeat you

He seemed to do both, and it did not lead him anywhere positive.

Weider, on the other hand, is a man I have enormous respect for. Almost all the old time pros revere him. He opened a lot of doors for people. He treated a lot of people very generously. He gave a lot to this sport. (He also knew how to be a good showman and a great salesman.)

 

[PolishHammer1977]

Sofageorge

You hit it on all angles.

I brought the topic of Mike Mentzer up as an ODE. I hope I did not stir the cauldron.

Once again, thanx for the insight.

 

[Bodhidogma]

Re: Re: Mike Mentzer

I used to work out next to Mike every day for years. He looked like shit.

i am willing to bet he looked far better than you.

 

[Intenceman]

Thats funny that you worked out along side him everday because Mike didn't work out everyday. There was a very long period wher he laid off entirely- about 1991-1995.
he looked bad during this period, especially towards the end. Then prior to Heavy Duty 2, he started training again and gained like 25-30 lbs of muscle, and looked way better. How do I know? I was a client from 1991 to 1994 or 5, then a friend and associate of his for a few years. Bear in mind that he was in his FORTIES during this period, not his prime.

 

[SofaGeorge]

Re: Re: Re: Mike Mentzer

i am willing to bet he looked far better than you.

You'd be losing that bet, babe.

As a matter of fact, you'd have a hard time finding ANYONE on this board that didn't look better than Mike.

 

[SofaGeorge]

Thats funny that you worked out along side him everday because Mike didn't work out everyday. There was a very long period wher he laid off entirely- about 1991-1995.
he looked bad during this period, especially towards the end. Then prior to Heavy Duty 2, he started training again and gained like 25-30 lbs of muscle, and looked way better. How do I know? I was a client from 1991 to 1994 or 5, then a friend and associate of his for a few years. Bear in mind that he was in his FORTIES during this period, not his prime.

That sounds very accurate... and a five year lay off would explain a lot. I rarely saw him working out... mostly training clients every day. When I used the phrase 'worked out beside him every day' I WAS THE ONE WORKING. He rarely did anything... and when I did see him do sets it was not an impressive moment. I saw him prior to Heavy duty 2... and truthfully did not notice ANY improvement... he always looked like crap on a stick... and he damn sure kept the sweats covering as much as he could.