The Wisdom Of Mike Mentzer

Summation of training philosophies from whom the term heavy duty was gifted.

Jessop Trust

1/1/2014

Heavy Duty

Heavy Duty is the brand associated with and descriptive of Mike Mentzer’s prescient approach to physical training. Short, very intense training sessions once warm, and only a few sets thereafter to absolute failure utilizing maximum poundage with the lifter being in complete control of the weights, coupled with a maximum amount of recovery time for the target muscle.

Heavy Duty emphasizes there should be a deliberate focus on the negative (eccentric ) portion of the repetition, and keeping the muscle under tension much longer than most could imagine.   Slow to Grow is a statement that comes to mind.    It is in fact the negative portion of the repetition where strength is created.   The positive (concentric) portion of the lift, whereby the muscles are actually shortened is secondary, to both mass gains as well as those of strength, because for one momentum will always remain a factor with every “positive” repetition of the exercise, which of course will always negate some section of the muscular fibers energies off of the intended muscle being trained.   Thus the primary point being, that when a muscle is under completely controlled and deliberate tension for an extended period of time as in a very slow, negative repetition is where true strength will be created, to which will result in the goal of pursuing Mass.

What an excellent read for those looking to make lasting impressions to their own physique, and more importantly minds.  Mike was highly intelligent, profoundly wise and far more than a Champion Legendary Bodybuilder as those in the business of iron know, especially those that knew him and those that seek sources of information as opposed to repeaters of talking points.  Each time read will provoke more thoughts into one’s own training approach this is certain, his seminars being excellent as well.   Yet there is something about proper comprehension through the written word  that is virtually impossible to duplicate.

The hard-core, heavy-duty styles of training started long before a few years ago.   All the “new” systems that are being promoted and utilized now by the industry were brought to the forefront by learned men and women, before us.   Not by perceived superstar trainers whom looked like they have never even touched a weight and that promote toxic poisons sadly known as supplements.   Nor, by many of the coaches whom simply repeat information and rename an antiquated philosophy or style of training and then call it their own.

Might we all strive further for Humility Before Honor, because before we ourselves can be recognized as great, we must ourselves first recognize the greatness in others.   This last sentiment has been taught by many, including the Genius of Manly Palmer Hall.

Unfortunately though, the vast majority of the time the names of the thoughtful individuals that bring forth the most profound insight to the space, the ones whom have done and continue to do the mental work perfecting their craft never seem to show up in the glossy photograph altered magazines of today or receive much credit.   However, they are rife with advertisements on every page about supplemental chemi-kill laden products for sale that ought to never be ingested, and advice, that is usually simply a shallow regurgitation of a concept that they themselves do not yet understand.   Yes a shame it is that we notice not much homage paid at all to the true originators of what should be treasured ideas that many of us take advantage of daily.   Many of those promoting these training programs and diets, did not devise them as they would have most believe.   What could be deemed the intellectual property of a true center of information, simply has been renamed and called one’s own without respect, or even mention, to their source in almost all cases.

This is precisely why the most intriguing knowledge and empowering intelligence is so difficult to find or obtain, on any subject.   This is exactly why also we as a society are devolving, not evolving as they (tel lie vision) tells you, and such incredible information moves about so demonstrably slowly.   What if we pertain this same concept detailed here to health, and withhold what could be life altering information to others because we ourselves want to be celebrated and recognized for our perceived knowing?

Our ego while great and necessary, can also prove terribly disastrous and wickedly insalubrious to self and service of humanity when dominant.

We say here to be proud of treasured resources of accurate information and the names behind the intentions must always be referenced.   Much respect to Dorian Yates for being one of the few I have ever heard credit Mike Mentzer for his own success and his Olympia wins.   This is because Dorian is a thoughtful man whom realized the power of the information he was provided and perhaps is self aware of the exact point of this message.   He did not keep the information that assisted him in transforming to himself, he paid respect and admiration to the provider as it should be, however difficult this might be for all of us.   This is vital on so many levels that these principles are adhered to by everyone, myself of course included.   I did not know Mike other than through his own words and what a few others have unselfishly written about him, yet we are though tightly connected in many other ways, as I began to discover some time ago.

Mike was labeled an Objectivist, you know by people who have been “taught” to label things.   More than likely by those who are unable to define the term, or at the very least comprehend it, yet, referred to him as this anyway.   Unfortunately because one studies certain things it seems they are often labeled the same.   He, as many others have stated many times over that it was one special teacher in their lives that started their journey.   One acquaintance, or friend who helped unlock their mind.   Always seemingly one, that opens the eyes of others.   When the student is ready, the teacher will appear as the ancient proverb goes.

Mike Mentzer was known to study metaphysics (beyond physics) and Mother nature.   He was known to study novelists and philosophers.   One, was a very special personality of our past that we here know a little something about.   So does now disgraceful holly-wood it appears.

Philosophy is not ancient old men telling riddles and asking questions as the system would have us believe, but lovers of wisdom as the word translates.  Knowledge that is obtained through logic and reason.   Mr. Mentzer knew this as well and this is what he was known to instill in his clients.  Mikes methods and styles of training, correctly coincide with the human body and minds natural causal design.   The way they were meant to work efficiently together.   Intense stress for a short duration, and long periods of rest and recuperation.   Exactly, how our much stronger and bigger ancestors lived long ago it seems.   Be aware though of taking his systems literally, even the largest of literary religious works, the wisdom is in allegory and metaphors.

I feel there are many caveats to what his intentions were towards his readers.   We understand Mike was intelligent enough to know this as well.   He realized if he said do one set per body part we would do three.   If his thoughts were say 5 reps max depending on body part, we would do 8.  My perception of his mindset is that he realized this also, and that the 3 or the 8 was actually, or very well close to his target number anyway.   Hence, Mike would write instruction programs asserting to do one set per body part, possibly surmising we would do three.   He, as many others are thinking many moves ahead.

It is only within the context of having properly developed your mind that you will be able to truly enjoy the achievement of your material values, including that of a more muscular body.” ― Mike Mentzer

We truly appreciate and commend the few distinct writers whom diligently work to keep those names alive from our past that have provided us so much material to expound upon in the future.

We thank you Mr. Mike Mentzer for being much more than a Champion Bodybuilder.   We thank and appreciate you for your wisdom and research that have helped so many.   We anticipate many more will soon realize your vitally sound contributions to the collective consciousness within and out of the Iron Game.   May you and your brother Ray rest in peace, and might your spirit and love for knowledge continue to flourish amongst us all.

Older School

Mike and his brother Ray at the bottom right hand corner.  Along with many other Great Champions appearing in this image from our past.

Mr. Mike Mentzer

(November 15, 1951- June 10, 2001)