BODYBUILDING HIT
Legendary yet unconventional bodybuilder Mike Mentzer’s training philosophy emphasised brief but intensely focused workouts with ample time for recovery. But does such an approach work for the regular gym-goer?
In the realm of bodybuilding, there are legends, and then there’s Mike Mentzer. Crowned Mr. Olympia Heavyweight champion in 1979 and holding the unique honor of being the only Mr. Universe recipient to achieve a perfect score, Mentzer etched his name as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
However, what truly turned heads was his unconventional approach to training. While his peers pounded the gym floor six days a week, clocking in hours upon hours of training, Mentzer took a radically different path. His sessions were short, sharp, and sparingly spaced. Embracing the principles of high-intensity training (HIT) popularized by Arthur Jones in the 1970s, Mentzer made his most significant gains through brief yet intense workouts. Advocating as little as one or two sets per body part every fortnight, he challenged the conventional wisdom of the bodybuilding world.
Such defiance didn’t come without its critics. Mentzer faced heavy scrutiny and was often labeled as an outsider in the bodybuilding community. But for those of us juggling the demands of work and family, Mentzer’s approach offered a glimmer of hope. In a world where time is a precious commodity, his philosophy hinted at the possibility of achieving a solid physique with minimal hours spent in the gym.
It’s always been a concept that’s intrigued me. If Mentzer’s methods really could deliver results, then perhaps the hours typically dedicated to training could be condensed to fractions of what we’re accustomed to. And so, I embarked on a journey to put his principles to the test, curious to see if the promise of greater efficiency could outweigh the traditional grind…
Trimmed-back training Mentzer’s HIT methodology wasn’t just about building muscle; it was about doing it in the most timeefficient manner possible. Sure, the idea of sporting 19-inch biceps might seem enticing, but in a world where sleep is a luxury, I’ll take that extra hour under the covers any day. If I could streamline my gym time while still reaping the rewards, Mentzer’s principles are definitely worth considering.
