Mike Mentzer was one of the most recognized bodybuilders of the golden era. As well as, one of Arnold Schwarzenegger's greatest rivals. The feud between them got real at the 1980 Mr. Olympia in Sydney, Australia. The previous year, in 1979, the Olympia had 2 weight classes. the above and under 200 pound category. Mike won in the over 200, but then lost to Frank Zane in the overall. Arnold was known for psychologically assaulting his opponents backstage and the 1980 Olympia was no different. Arnold told Mike, "Everyone knows you lost the Olympia because of your big belly." Mike aggressively approached Arnold accusing him of behaving like a child. Arnold sat down in a chair to diffuse the situation as the show was about to start.
What was being judged that day was not just the physiques of the 2 bodybuilders, but also their training styles and ideologies. Arnold had a high volume approach to bodybuilding. Claiming to spend 5-6 hours a day in the gym 7 days a week. Mike had a more efficient approach, with a method known as (HIT) High Intensity Training. Mike would basically just hit the weights really hard for 30 minutes, then take 2-3 days off. Claiming to work out only 2 days a week. His weekly routine consisted of 1 upper body day and 1 lower body day. While simply applying exercise variations each week.
Most people think that in order to develop an impressive physique, one must work out all the time. However, more isn't necessarily better when it comes to weight training. It's not about the quantity of the workout, but the quality. Muscles don't get bigger while at the gym. The weight training is the (catabolic) or break-down phase of muscle development. The muscles must be broken down in order to be re-built larger and better. The (anabolic) or growth phase of muscle development is done on the recovery days. Mike would place an emphasis on the importance of those recovery days.
Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to win the 1980 Olympia in what was one of the greatest controversies in bodybuilding competition history. Mike Mentzer placed 5th. The story goes, he broke his trophy in the parking lot and vowed to never again compete. He felt the sport had been corrupted with politics. Mike went on to teach bodybuilders High Intensity Training throughout the 80s and 90s, in a program he called Heavy Duty College. Most notably, he trained Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. In 2001, Mike died from heart complications at only 49 years old. Health enthusiast today, still discuss High Intensity Training, as Mike has left a permanent impact on the fitness industry.