You might think that taking advice from the most ripped pensioner you’ve ever seen is a one-way ticket to feeling pretty bad about your own workout regime. But fear not, former Mr Olympia Frank Zane has decided to share his secret sauce: a shockingly simple workout hack that will make your muscles swell.
We’re no strangers to going beastmode on a workout here at DMARGE: having recently reported on Zac Efron’s insane bulking and cutting regimes, as well as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s hack for monstrous shoulders, we really thought we’d seen it all.
Step forward Frank Zane, who’s revealed a fitness secret this week that took us all off guard but, on reflection, actually makes perfect sense as a one-stop shop for building mass without adding hours in the gym.
Bodybuilder Frank Zane, a veteran in the fitness industry and winner of esteemed titles such as Mr Olympia and Mr Universe, has revealed his easy tip to make your muscles bigger without having to work out more. Even at the ripe old age of 80, it seems that Zane is keen to stay in shape and share his valuable advice with those looking to bulk up.
Zane is a retired professional bodybuilder who is considered one of the greatest physique champions of all time. Born in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Zane began weight training at the age of 14 and won his first Mr. Pennsylvania bodybuilding title in 1961.
WATCH: Zen isn’t the only legend pumping iron in their golden years.
Zane went on to win the Mr. America title in 1968, followed by the Mr. Universe title in 1969, 1970, and 1972. He was known for his well-defined, symmetrical, proportionate physique and his mastery of posing relatively early in the sport’s commercial history.
Zane won the Mr. Olympia title in 1977, 1978, and 1979, beating out bodybuilding legends Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu. He retired from competitive bodybuilding in 1983, but he continues to train and promote the sport.
Aside from bodybuilding, Zane is also a teacher and author. He’s written several books on fitness and bodybuilding, including The Zane Way to a Beautiful Body and Frank Zane: Mind, Body, Spirit. He’s also taught physical education and art.
In a recent Instagram post, Zane shared his nifty trick to make workouts more effective. What is it? Stretching between sets at the gym. According to Zane:
“Stretching between sets will double the effectiveness of your workout. The stretch involves the muscles you are working and gives these muscles more of a pump. Breathing deeply, think or say the mantra ‘I am flexible and can stretch my limits’.”
@therealfrankzane
Zane shared this post with his 200,000 followers and it received well over 4000 likes. Fans were quick to show their appreciation, with one follower commenting, “Zane, you are the best. With intellect effort and a lot of dedication in your infinite discipline and iron will you not only forged yourself, but millions.”
Clearly the hack has served Zane well: throughout his 50-year-long career, he’s has worked alongside legends in the industry and has achieved a highly coveted spot in the “Top 10 Legends of Bodybuilding” as well as a rightful space in the Bodybuilding Hall of Fame.
Zane is often found sharing his wisdom online and acting as a performance coach for millions. He recently shared another secret to his success, saying that focusing “on the quality of your sets instead of weight and number of reps” is essential.
If you’re looking to get better results in the gym without having to lift more or stick around any longer – and let’s be honest, aren’t we all – then it might be time to get stretching between sets.
If it’s good enough to beat Arnie, then it’s good enough for me – see you in downward facing dog.