Train like the bodybuilding legend

Bodybuilding is a sport where athletes train specifically for aesthetics, aiming to make the muscles look bigger, more defined, and really make the lifter look like a superhero. Now when it comes to bodybuilding training, people think that you need to be in the gym 7 days a week for hours and hours a day, but that is not always the case. If your goal is bodybuilding, you need to realize the importance of recovery, prioritizing time off between training sessions, but at the same time making the most of your time in the gym. That is where bodybuilding legend Mike Mentzer excelled.

Though he is deceased, Mike Mentzer remains a celebrated figure in bodybuilding to this day, renowned for his revolutionary approaches to fitness and training. His legacy, which is encapsulated in the Mike Mentzer Heavy Duty Training Program, continues to influence enthusiasts aiming to push their physical limits in order to see the utmost results. Mike Mentzer’s workout program is a testament to his philosophy of prioritizing quality over quantity in training, which deviates from conventional high-volume workouts.

Who is Mike Mentzer?

Image courtesy of Instagram (mikementzerhit)

Born in Philadelphia in 1951, Mike Mentzer went on to become a highly distinguished bodybuilder, author, and trainer, sharing his knowledge throughout many different generations. He began his bodybuilding career at 18, quickly ascending the ranks with notable victories such as the Mr. America title in 1976 and a perfect-score win at the 1978 Mr. Universe. His prowess was further acknowledged in the 1979 Mr. Olympia where he clinched the heavyweight title. Mentzer's career was marked by his critical view of the sport's judging standards, leading to his early retirement at the age 29 after a controversial defeat in the 1980 Mr. Olympia, where he lost to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had stepped on stage after being retired for five years and many said did not deserve to win. 

Beyond competition, Mentzer was a revered trainer influencing many, including six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates, who was known for being one of the first bodybuilders to bring the “mass monster” look to the stage.

Overview of the Heavy Duty Training Program

Mentzer's program advocates a three-day split routine, emphasizing full-body engagement across the week with days dedicated to combining muscle groups, which is not always what you see in bodybuilding training routines. Typically, you will see bodybuilders focusing on one or two muscle groups per workout session, hitting each muscle group once or twice a week. However, Mike Mentzer’s training approach was detailed in his books, transitioning from traditional workout splits like the push/pull/legs to more integrated routines towards the end of his career.

Let’s take a look at what each day of training entailed for Mike Mentzer.

Day 1: Chest and Back

The first day of his exercise routine included chest and back workouts. Exercises include chest flies, Smith machine incline presses, and back workouts like machine pullovers and close-grip underhand lat pulldowns, concluding with deadlifts. Yes, Mike Mentzer kept the heavy compound lift at the end of the workout.

Day 2: Legs and Abs

Begins with leg extensions and progresses to compound movements like squats or leg presses, followed by leg curls and calf raises, and finishing with weighted decline sit-ups.

Day 3: Shoulders and Arms

Focuses on deltoids and arm muscles, starting with lateral raises and rear delt flys, followed by bicep curls and triceps exercises such as pressdowns and dips.

Mike Mentzer’s Key Training Principles

Mentzer’s method contrasts sharply with traditional bodybuilding regimes that mimic the high-frequency routines of icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but that does not mean it is not enough to get the job done. Mentzer had an incredible physique that was considered by many to be ahead of his time. 

Some of his main training principles include:

• High Intensity: Emphasizes training to failure to maximize muscle engagement and growth, taking each set pretty close to muscular failure.

• Low Volume: Unlike many bodybuilding training programs, Mentzer advocates fewer sets to maintain intensity and avoid unnecessary muscle strain.

• Progression: Stresses the importance of gradually increasing weight and reps to challenge the muscles continually, encouraging consistent progression.

• Low Frequency: Mentzer recommends adequate recovery time by limiting workouts to two to four days per week, where many other bodybuilding training programs will have you in the gym 5-6 days per week.

• Strict Technique: Ensures effectiveness and safety by advocating a full range of motion and controlled movements, with some forced reps and dropsets here and there to break down the muscle even further.

How to Progress on the Program

Implementing the double progression method in the Mike Mentzer Heavy Duty Training Program can be outlined concisely with the following steps:

• Select Initial Weight: Choose a weight that lets you perform at the lower end of your target rep range (typically 6-10 reps) with proper form.

• Increase Reps: In each session, aim to add more reps until you can perform the maximum in your target range.

• Increase Weight: Once you reach the upper limit of your rep range, increase the weight by a small amount (5-10%).

• Reset Reps: With the new weight, return to the lower end of your rep range and repeat the progression.

More Highlights of the Mike Mentzer Training Program

The Mike Mentzer training program is designed for anyone who is looking to train for bodybuilding, whether you are novice, intermediate, or advanced. As far as equipment, you will need a full gym due to the wide range of exercises, and you’ll be in the gym for 3 days a week, with each session lasting about 60 minutes. 

You can run the Mike Mentzer training program for about 12 weeks, then restart of find another one.

More Workout Programs

Now, if you are not a fan of the Mike Mentzer training program which can be found right on the Boostcamp App, you can check out plenty of other workout routines on Boostcamp! You can choose from over 50 free workout programs, with several variations of popular splits like the upper lower and push pull legs, as well as programs designed for strength athletes like powerlifters and Olympic lifters. 

You do not have to choose a pre-written program either, as you are able to create your own workout program that caters specifically to your goals. You can track your workouts and make sure that you are heading in the right direction, like your own personal trainer.

Mike Mentzer Workout Wrap Up

Overall, the Mike Mentzer workout program is something that you do not always see when it comes to bodybuilding programs. However, it has been proven to be effective, and deliver some serious results.

Will you be giving it a try?

Be sure to check them out and follow Boostcamp on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube!