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Mike Mentzer Tribute
Mike's Influence On My Life
By Kevin Dye
To mark the anniversary of Mike Mentzer's passing, one of the best mentors a body-builder could ask for, I'd like to share how Mike influenced my training outlook, and how I still dearly miss him. Those who've read my articles before know how I discovered Mike and his Heavy Duty system. I believe things happen for a reason, so it was no chance Mike came along when he did, during a period of my life where I was seeking knowledge and guidance to assist my efforts to grow bigger and stronger.What stood out most about Mike, versus every other champ of the day, was the logic and conviction he held about what was needed to trigger muscle growth. Instead of merely another variance of what other the champs were doing - 10 sets of 6 reps, 12 sets of 8 reps, 20 sets of 10 reps - Mike was his own man, able to logically think for himself. Such levels of logic were almost unheard of back in the 70's. What was "good enough for Arnold" ruled the day! After all, having the longest winning streak of Mr. Olympia titles, who dare question the #1 champion of the sport of body-building?
But Mike did, after discovering the catch-cry "more" had limited potential, following his ever dismal results from taking it to the extreme. If "more" was indeed better, his 12 hour workouts should have made him one of the most developed men on the face of the earth. After all he had the genetic blessings, that much is clear, but even with Mother Nature's embracing Mike he found every expanding the time he spent in the gym was a path in the wrong direction. Fortunately he met Casey Viator - who came out of the same mold - and ultimately Arthur Jones, which completely changed Mike's mindset and training approach. For the remainder of his life, the name "Mike Mentzer" stood for the staunchest advocate for High Intensity Training the world has ever known!
In search of the most effective way to develop my 16yo body, Mike's articles stood out amongst the dogma which was standard fare back in the 1970's. Mike was without doubt "the thinking man's bodybuilder". I appreciated how genuine he was to help others, and I quickly became a staunch Heavy Duty advocate for life. In 1995, I became one of Mike's phone clients, which was a dream come true! It was a crucial period in the evolution of Heavy Duty; Mike was testing out new tactics in the development and perfection of his system. Static contractions were a new and exciting tactic. Mike was ecstatic with the success rate he was having with his clientele. Naturally they were included in my routines from then on and it immediately became clear Mike wasn't kidding about how productive they were.
Like Mike, I have trained a vast amount of avid bodybuilders over my life time. And those who kept an open mind and weren't afraid to "turn their back on the crowd" all gained - and gained quickly. Mike wasn't afraid to stand out from the crowd, thankfully so for myself and the never ending hoards of trainees failing away on volume routines, burning out and getting nowhere. Closing in on four decades of Heavy Duty training, Mike's teachings are as valid now as they were when I first heard about them back in 1978. With each passing year I am fondly reminded how right Mike was. He wasn't infallible but he also wasn't afraid to think outside the box in his never ending search for what works best. I will be forever indebted to Mike for enticing me to think for myself, instead of adhering to dogma just for the sake of it. Mike will always hold a special place in my heart, you never forget someone who profoundly impacts your life so significantly. Rest in Peace Mike, you are sadly missed.
Note: For more information please read the book "Heavy Duty Memioir" by Kevin Dye.
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Disclaimer: This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
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