https://zacheven-esh.com/mike-mentzers-heavy-duty-book-training-methods/As a kid, it was he who I wanted to look like (yes, even over Arnold).
Outstanding physique, no matter how he built it!!
Mike for the win!! And Ray was one of the strongest ever...
I came across Mike Mentzer's training methods as a kid. In fact, if memory serves me properly, I began reading about Mike Mentzer around age 11. You see, I would read my older brother's bodybuilding books and magazines for 2 years before I actually began training.
I began training in June of 1989 but leading up to that point, I would dabble in lifting the weights my brother had in his room. It was strange to me that I would lift weights for 2 or 3 weeks and then quit. I thought something was wrong with me. But in mid June of 1989, things changed for me.
I stuck with the training and never looked back. I cut the sleeves off many of my shirts and lots of people took notice of my arms. Those compliments are NOT what inspired me though. What inspired me were the stories I read about in Arnold's books. Stories of overcoming obstacles and having BIG dreams. Those stories sucked me in and got my imagination rolling.
The old black and white photos made me imagine that I was right there, with these bodybuilders training.
I may not fully agree that Heavy Duty / HIT training is the Only Way to train, there certainly are elements to learn from and times that are appropriate for this style of training.
I modified this style of training for myself in my 20s and achieved my best results in strength AND size.
