It is a bit arcane not to discuss bodybuilders of the late 50s, moreso Olympia bodybuilders, and ask if they were taking steroids. I believe that they were steroids’ early adopters. For those competing in those days, steroids dictate the advantage. For such a wonder drug, could Frank Zane (source), The Chemist and three-time Mr. Olympia, fight the urge not to make a brew for himself?
In all absolute, I dig how Frank Zane achieved his sculpted amazingly-defined physique. Getting to that bearing without any help from steroids could mean intensely insane and strict training with Vince Gironda. Given that he attributed his bone structure and ability to hold muscle mass to his genes, it would still be, for me, impossible to attain that kind of built without steroids. Forgive my skepticism that Frank Zane was all-natural during his competitive years, but I am not against him if he ever truly did take steroids.
The question will always be, how was his steroid dosage, and how did he cycle? Was he able to talk to Gironda as to how much he would take based on his own calculations as a bodybuilding science and chemistry teacher? Wasn’t it Gironda who looked at bodybuilding scientifically, too? Also, in those days, there were no growth hormones or insulin. Only steroids. So, did master and student really made it their resolve to completely do away with any steroids? Or did they keep a bit to themselves?
With respect to Gironda, who I respect, to compete naturally in Mr. Olympia during those days, Frank Zane could have had the best genetics any man could have gotten. This reminds me of Clark Kent when he was thrown to the earth. His genes were literally building him up to go, grow, and glow in superhuman form even without any supplements (except solar). It’s all in his genes. All Clark Kent had to do was optimize, control, and train his abilities which were all thanks to his Kryptonian genetic makeup.
I suppose in creating that analogy, I would be comparing almost all of the bodybuilders today to Superman. At one point, everyone praised their genetics and training, which is, of course, befitting, however, to say that steroids have little, if nothing, to do with how they hulked or gone so massive is totally bordering to deceit.
I’ve read some of Frank Zane’s interviews and in most of them, he never acknowledged the way Gironda trained him. It could be that he also had his own gym and he wanted to have his own personal methods running it. Or, he does not want to ride on his late trainer’s popularity when he decided to put up his own gym. Or, maybe Frank Zane did use steroids but Gironda did not consent. Zane did fail to get a 4-peat losing to Schwarzenegger who seemed to have really up his game with steroids, of course.
Frank Zane, the man who pioneered muscular aesthetics rather than size, in my honest opinion can truly teach us a thing or two about steroids and how to properly use them. But he, too, is endorsing his own brand of supplements and selling some vitamins and power boosters, too, and he has a right to his convictions.
If it were true that those days of his life when he seemingly was on steroids are because he really was on steroids, Frank Zane won’t confirm it any longer. He lived in his prime, and he would be remembered as the man who brought muscle definition to bodybuilding. Not his chemistry kit.
Why was Frank Zane known as the chemist?
Frank Zane was widely renowned as The Chemist, due to his meticulous, scientific approach to bodybuilding. Known for experimenting with different training methods, nutrition strategies and supplementation protocols in search of more efficient means of building muscle mass and refining his physique, Frank was well known as an innovator within bodybuilding circles.
What bodybuilder worked out 3 hours a week?
Mike Mentzer was one of the bodybuilders who trained for three hours a week.
Did Frank Zane have good genetics?
Frank Zane is widely recognized as having outstanding genetics for bodybuilding due to his aesthetic physique and proportionality. However, genetics alone cannot explain his success as he followed an intense training regimen and adhered to a strict diet plan.
How much did Frank Zane bench press?
Frank Zane was not known for his bench press strength; rather he focused on bodybuilding rather than powerlifting; thus his bench press numbers are not widely known or readily accessible.
Do tall people have good muscle genetics?
Height does not directly determine one’s muscle genetics; genetics play an equal part regardless of height. Taller individuals may have greater potential to achieve muscle growth thanks to larger frames and longer limbs which provide leverage during exercises.
Who was the bodybuilder that beat Arnold?
Sergio Oliva was the bodybuilder who defeated Arnold Schwarzenegger.
How strong was Arnold in his prime?
Arnold Schwarzenegger was known to be exceptionally strong during his prime, reportedly bench pressing 500 pounds, squatting 700 pounds, and deadlifting 710 pounds – though exact figures may differ depending on which source was being quoted.
What was Frank Zanes diet?
Frank Zane’s diet consisted of whole, unprocessed foods with an emphasis on lean proteins like chicken, fish and eggs. Additionally, he consumed a wide range of vegetables and fruits alongside healthy fat sources like nuts seeds and avocado to ensure his training goals were being met; in addition to this he avoided processed food like sugary drinks and alcohol consumption.
How rare is a 500 bench press?
Bench pressing 500 pounds or more is considered an impressive feat of strength, and is an extremely rare occurrence; less than 1% of the population can achieve such strength levels.
Which bodybuilder has the greatest genetics?
Bodybuilding genetics can vary considerably among bodybuilders and can have an impactful effect on muscle size, shape, symmetry and proportions. Though Ronnie Coleman may be known for having exceptional leg development or Phil Heath for his overall symmetry and proportion; genetics alone do not guarantee success when it comes to achieving top-tier physiques. Hard work and dedication must also play an essential part in reaching top level physique.
