MIKE MENTZER: THE IDEAL ROUTINE
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- Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
- To learn more about Mike Mentzer's life, legacy and teachings, please visit: www.hituni.com...
In this video Mike Mentzer explains the “ideal routine” that he put almost all of his personal clients on when they began training under his supervision. It is a four-day split routine, consisting of Chest & Back, Legs, Shoulders & Arms and (another) Leg workout. He explains all facets of this bodybuilding program, including exercises, sets and reps, and also an ideal training frequency to start with.
To see more of Mike Mentzer check out these videos by Wayne Gallasch of GMV:
MIKE & RAY MENTZER TRIPLE PACK DVD SET (V-209SP-DVD) tinyurl.com/ym4...
MIKE & RAY MENTZER - GYM WORKOUT DOWNLOAD (V-121) tinyurl.com/2ua...
MIKE MENTZER - FINAL CHAPTER DOWNLOAD (V-208) tinyurl.com/yc4...
That last bit at the end with "spending hours and hours at Gold's gym getting a pump" was totally not an indirect jab at Arnold LOL
And he won 6 Mr olympias😮
@@shesway5238 yeah he could have won 10 if he followed Mentzer. He isn't saying it doesn't build muscle because it does, clearly..just means its far less effective than mentzers way. He was right to have a dig after Arnold getting the horrible win which was not deserved one bit. stop been thick mate and think before u comment something dumb.
@@honesttroll3463cool but who asked?
@@bitbot9834me
Arnold loves rope extensions too. Lol
Switched up my routine from 4 days a week volume training to this for the past month and I regret not doing it earlier. Workouts are much shorter yet I'm more spent and more worn out than ever. Noticing strength gains never before experienced. Training to failure is what makes you grow the most. Mentzer was a genius
Are you using the same routine as mentioned in this video?
How are you doing so far maybe drop a 1 month review
bro would you like to have a detailed talk on this as i have some questions?? if yes then can you please provide me with your insta id or any other socials???
Yea please drop review, I love Metzner but I am yet unsure to switch my plan
Is it meant to be only one set per exercise? If so, It seems so so so minimalistic that it would even stimulate growth if your only going to failure for one set.
4 days between workouts (Monday, Friday, Tuesday, Saturday, etc.)
All movements performed until maximal failure. Control the eccentric portion always.
Workout 1: Chest & back
• Warm up with pulldowns and/or deadlift
• 1 set of pec deck (or flat bench DB fly’s, or cable crossover) (6-10 rep range)
o Follow immediately with superset: incline barbell press (machine preferred, but can do BB or DB incline press) (1-3 rep range) (use a fairly close grip, flare elbows)
• Close grip supinated grip cable pulldowns (6-10 rep range)
• Conventional deadlifts (5-8 rep range)
Workout 2: Legs
• Warm up with leg press and/or back squat
• Leg extensions (8-15 rep range)
o Superset: leg press (or smith machine back squat) (8-15 rep range)
• Standing calf raises (12-20 rep range)
Workout 3: Delts & arms
• Warm up with dips
• DB lateral raises (6-10 rep range)
• Bent over DB lateral raises (or backwards pec deck) (6-10 rep range)
• Straight bar BB curls (6-10 rep range)
• Triceps pressdowns (straight bar or V-bar) (6-10 rep range)
o Superset: dips (weighted if tolerated) (3-5 rep range)
Workout 4: Legs
• Warm up with back squat
• Leg extensions (static hold 1 rep for 10-25 sec, strictly control eccentric)
o Superset: squats (smith machine or BB back squat) (8-15 rep range)
• Standing calf raises (12-20 rep range)
I’m kinda confused about how many sets tho…each exercise is one set but you rep till failure?
Thank you. Copied and pasted to my docs.
@@davidmorgan8612 So how is that a warm-up if doing both till failure? I'm confused.
Am I stupid? Is it working out one muscle group and 3 rest days in between? Or one workout than 3 rest days? So you’ll be working legs for example once every 2 weeks?
So no exercise for abs?
"why not build a 20 inch arm 1st then worry about the details" 💀 mike "the savage" mentzer
He’s a savage lol
😂😂😂😂
Day 1: Chest & back
Warmup, then 1 set of Pec deck or flyes 6-10 superset incline press 1-3 reps.
Close grip pulldowns (chin up grip) 6-10 reps
Deadlifts 5-8 reps
Day 2: Legs
Leg extensions: 8-15 superset leg press
Standing calf reaises 12-20 reps
Day 3: Delts & arms
DB Lateral raises 6-10 reps
Bent over DB lateral raises 6-10 reps
Barbell curls 6-10 reps
Triceps pressdowns 6-10 reps superset dips 3-5 reps
Day 4: Legs
Leg extensions superset squats
Standing calf raises
4 days between workouts.
Not all heroes wear capes
Beast
By super set, do you mean until failure? I don't know how many reps are in a superset
@@jaynikk758 yes and no. Yes to both exercises to failure, but the superset part means going directly from the first station to the second, beginning the second lift within 90 seconds of ending the first. Sometimes you can do both at the same station. Sometimes the gym's full and you can't, but if you can that's optimal.
@@TangoFoxtrotRando Ah understood, thanks man!
7:15 - Day 1 screenshot
10:02 - Day 2 screenshot
12:00 - Day 3 screenshot
13:56 - Day 4 screenshot
Thank you brother 🙏
10:35 as Well. Or you miss Something important!!!
I doubt many of us are waiting 4 days
@@KaEl-bh1onyeah can't forget those real delts
Legend
How can I miss a man so much when I never met him? He was a genius
I’ve met and talked to Mike on several occasions the first time in Scranton PA I think it was 76 or 77. My youngest brother was in the teenage Mr. Pennsylvania contest, and Mike was a guest poster recently coming off his Mr. Pennsylvania win then a couple years later at Gibsons gym in Washington New Jersey he was training for the Mr. universe had already won them Mr. America after moving from pa to California. It was a all day seminar since Gibsons gym was a full Nautilis gym and free weights. He got absolutely huge from when I saw him in Scranton to a couple years later after moving to California to train, he had a quiet demeanor, and seemed very intelligent..
because u a mentzer yt shorts fanboy
@@chandragupta2605 hell yeah
@@chandragupta2605 no shame in that
I feel the same, I'm glad these videos are here because we'd never here about him otherwise
Even his voice has a Moustache
Lmaooooo
Genuinely made me lol
Lol😂
I must grow the moustache once I have gains😂💪
This is so true and I can’t explain why lolol
At first I was hesitant about doing it but after doing it for 2 months. I have to say this is prolly the most genius programme ever. From top to bottom. Every excercise has a purpose and now i even take 5-7days of between workout days cz I only go when i am completely recovered. Such a genius and a true blessing to natural athlete. RIP legend
Have you noticed any noticeable gains in muscle mass or definition?
@@sendifieldklend1650 I will definitely say that my muscle mass has increased and i am much fuller but tbh idk why but i have less definition. Maybe due to increase in muscle mass, initially i lost the definition.
are you natty though?
@@greenrobot5 Bro i followed this in the first place cz i am natty
@@TahmidFestXavibro in the rest days can i di my sports like tennis swimming…
As a beginner, I used to lift 30lbs with leg extensions, but now I lift 115lbs in the span of 4 months. I’m proud of myself for lifting more now. 🙏 thx
I love the way Mike spoke. It's great. His vocabulary was excellent, and he communicated so clearly. It's refreshing.
The voice is AI generated my friend. Mike passed away in 2001
@@shubh9207 I know he passed away, but I thought it might be an old recording. I don't know.
@@kit2770 It is Mike's real voice (not AI). The recording was made in 1996 and was on one of a multi tape series released by Twin Labs.
just took a week off in preparation for starting this tomorrow morning. Pretty excited to try this. Seems harmless to try because you can always add volume but I will do this exactly as explained in this video for at least 3 months
Me2 im excited but it feels so wrong not to train 5 days a week anymore i feel like im doing everything wrong. Lets do this!
@@There.Is.Only.Now. nice! Yea as long as strength increases each time it's a huge win. I love the idea of focusing on rest and only hitting it hard a couple times each week. It makes it easier to go hard the next time too. Only downside is I like going to the gym seeing the same people every day. Owell
I found this years ago by accident. I was doing the popular 5-6 days a week training but I never seemed to make much progress. Back then I had just started my construction business so as time went by I started to get busier and busier to the point where I was only training twice a week (some weeks only trained once) due to the demand of my business and that a lot of the time had to travel a lot. During that time I train less, all sudden people around me started to tell me how big I was getting, that if I was using steroids because they had noticed muscles grow so rapidly than before. After that I did some research and finally understood more isn’t always better. Since than I’ve been training consistent but always prioritizing rest and in a period of 14 years I have made it to 225 lbs of hard muscle.
Congratulations! Sometimes we have to let our own life experiences guide us in the proper direction.
What waz your natural weight before lifting
What routine
You're only able to push that hard if you've got youthful levels of hormones. Testosterone speeds up recovery. When I was a teenager, I could do a full body workout every other day, with full recovery in between. Now, only a decade later, still in my prime, I need more like 3 days for a muscle to fully recover lmao
TIME, the most precious commodity, gets harder and harder to come by. The biggest reason most people stop fitness/working out...TIME.
He is so correct. Whenever I used to randomly take 4-5 days off I notice I feel mad stronger and look better when I return to the gym .
Same
Yeah man I remember feeling the same once, it is just now I realised
Whenever i skip a few days in a row of my split (i train 5/6 days a week) i can do less reps than i normally would but as Mike said everybody responds diffrently to different intensities i just respond well to high intensity.
Guys should i do warm up sets in this workout plan
@@Tedi_youtubaraes, he mentions it around 14 minutes or so.
Mike was a century ahead of every single bodybuilder of the golden era. His approach was scientific and logical.
Some of the best bodybuilders in the world still train with volume. I don’t think he was ahead of his time. Dorian was his best product and he ended up injured with a belly.
Sure, HIT works for some but it’s short term.
It was neither scientific nor logical.
@@HavanaOutpostDorian is probably the healthiest guy from his era as of right now
@@GrenadeLauncherYT he says it all the time, his shoulder is a mess which is a big reason he started mobility training and not HITT. He tore his bicep and lat. He’s healthy because he stopped that training.
@@HavanaOutpostyh the main problem with this approach is practice..If im only doing a bench to afailure once every week and a half my body will not easily learn how to move the weight as efficient as possible. Sure ill get huge and strong quick but i bet the energy i expend lifting that will be more than the guy who benches every other day, ill also get injured quicker too
I’ve been training for 3 years consistently. 16-19. Put in a lot of effort, fluctuated between weights. Watched myself get stronger and get weaker. Did PPL 6 days a week along with Arnold 5-6 days. Yes I have made a ton of progress overall but gains are slowing down and I’m burnt out of the same stuff. I love the gym and it’s hard to go days without it but am finally deciding to switch things up drastically and cut back my volume and do my best to follow this routine throughout the rest of my cut also through my bulk. Today is Sunday and I will start tomorrow and come back to update this with any progress I make.
Edit: November 2nd - I’m going to be completely honest. I had a lot of trouble sticking to this routine. October was a rough month I injured my trap and was very sick twice. I got past that and tried to keep going on the routine but it was difficult. Keep in mind I was going 5-6 days a week before this so switching to 2 days with 3-4 days rest in between wasn’t working. I was slacking on eating on my days off and I wasn’t near as excited to workout as I thought I would be. So I changed the split, BUT I implemented many of mikes teachings and intensity into my workouts. My current split is 3 days a week: Push, Legs, Pull. Each workout a day of rest in between. 4 days rest during week. Usually for me this means Monday- Push, Wednesday- Legs Friday- Pull. So what I decided to do was PPL but ONLY 3 DAYS A WEEK. Each day I warmup with lighter sets and stretch and then go balls to the wall on my core movements. I push myself to failure doing only 1-2 sets along with implementing effective supersets. Needless to say I feel absolutely great on this split. I’m excited to workout, get to push myself but also get plenty of rest and I feel like I’m at one of my biggest physiques and am growing and getting stronger.
Edit - January 20th: Already wow! Well I’ll start by saying that within 4 months of changing my training style to align with Mike’s teachings, Im probably the strongest i’ve ever been or close to it. I’m pretty bulked up. I stuck to 3 days a week for awhile doing PPL 3 times a week. Coming into the new year I have been working out 3-4 days with high intensity every workout, proper warmups, and pushing myself to failure on most sets or the top set. I focused a ton on incline smith bench and my weight has increased drastically. Same with bicep movements, mainly preacher or concentrated curls. Within 4 months of my eyes being opened by Mike mentzer i have to say it has made a big impact on my training. I don’t follow his exact split, or workouts, but i certainly include the supersets, sets to failure, and the overall intensity. It has changed my workouts.
Make sure you return!
We're interested to know how it goes.
Good luck!
🔥
‼️💪🏾
A mainstrean who has a lot to say on low volume is Nick Walker who has an impeccable exercise execution all in all but is bringing his training to a new level with the Renaissance Periodization guys - I can't recommend those enough for you
Same bro like exactly the same lol
I’m training once or twice a week currently, and I am making good progress...! Mentzer was an absolute genius...! Thanks , John Little ,for sharing his methods!
I’m glad you find Mike’s material helpful.
You’re very welcome 👍
So only 2 times per week and u have progress? Is that too little?
That's great, and it keeps your enthusiasm there!
@@Mustafa-jc8ud its more like legs once a week, and upper body once every two weeks. chest/back and shoulder/arm are alternated every week. legs are always in that 2 day split.
I’ve been doing this program for a month and a half and I’ve had gains in weight and reps each workout, went from a 205 bench max for a year doing volume, and now have a bench max of 235 . This stuff works
Workout one in 4 days?
@@n.w.aicecube5713 you can do once every 3 days when you start. But after 2 months go to 4 days a workout
Goal is not to increase weights, it's to increase muscle mass. Of course this program is better for strength, but again that's not the goal. In fact that is a problem because there are limits to how much you can use strength as a means of overload and injury risk rises as you approach those limits and even before that as you generate an imbalance between the increase in muscle power and the slower increase in the ability of bones and connective tissue to handle those loads.
@@technolus5742 Well if you are following Mike Mentzer's routine then the goal absolutely is increasing the weights to get stronger because as he said, "to get bigger you have to get stronger". Also that problem of tendons and joints and connective tissue is really only if you are doing steroids that the muscles are getting stronger too fast for that to keep up but not if your are training naturally that isn't a concern.
did you follow his program down to the bone? Like number of sets, reps and exercise or you implement your own exercises?
What is soooooooo underrated about Mikes teaching is that the primary reason why muscle size INCREASES comes from an INCREASE in strength ..an absolute no brainer but we still dont incorporate mikes 6 sec "negative' whilst lowering a weight .
The negative phase places huge stress on connective tissues that get stronger over time enabling you to become stronger .
The rest between training days is absolutely necessary especially for a 'natural' as your recovery is EVERYTHING ! - The high intensity training results in more muscle fibre tears that heal ( if given time ) and the reason why you need MORE REST so your body can repair damaged tissue and keep you growing...... be kind to your body & your body is kind back.
Mikes information is absolute gold
@alphamale..7 The affected Tendons can get stronger. Time under tension like 6 seconds reps or 10-second reps helps to strengthen tendons alongside building muscle.
Guys im a beginner at gym but i am training according to his routine, is this ok should i continue? Thanks for your responses
@@rekhunter9934as long as u go within ur own limits and focus on form and quality then yes
6 seconds on going down?
0:27 Start
2:40 Day 1
7:20 Day 2
10:07 Day 3
12:10 Day 4
14:08 Warmup note
15:18 Progress notes
*
*
*
If I rest 7 days, is the training routine the same?
You're the man 👌🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
Q
Dude, is that the weight to use, or which weight should i use
In the modern world of sissy men You are the real man bro.
Keepin track of my progress:
09/08/23:
weight: 87 kg 6'2
bicep size: 15,5 inch
incline bench: 27,5kg(dumbell)
sq: 80
will update in a couple of months
UPDATE 1 (25/09/2023):
bicep size increased by about 3/4 of an inch
weight 90kg
incline bench: 35kg(dumbells)
squat: 110 (i squat very deep not a power lifter btw)
next update after new year
UPDATE 2 (10/01/2024)
biceps size increased by about half an inch
weight 98kg
incline bench: 40kg(dumbells)
sq: 3 plates (finally)
UPDATE 3 (13/06/2024)
So I dirty bulked like crazy till about 114kg which isnt exactly healthy, im currently cutting, im 107 now. I will cut till about 94-95kg or till im about 10-15% bodyfat. Whats nice is my lifts are still increasing.
I switched to flat bench for some variety, I dont know my one rep max cuz I feel like its dangerous and unnecessary, but right now I can rep 100-105kg. I think this is a very good improvement since this time last year I was doing 55kg (I can curl that now😂) and was very much overtraining. My bicep size is 17,7 inches no pump. The reason for the cut was I ran some blood tests and my testosterone was a bit low cuz I was overweight (600ng/dl) and so on this cut I will be also focusing on my general health. So far this method is dope, In never going back to volume training thats for sure. One thing I would advise if youre bulking, is dont over do it, trust the process, because you have so much time to recover its pretty much pointless to go overboard with the food. I was eating 5000k calories, which at my weight and height was just unnecessary. Im currently cutting at 2800-3000. I will update when the cut is finished.
Update?
Crazy Brother give updates
keep us updated, bro
can you do another update?
Did you stay at the same body fat percentage?
Again wow!!! In my 60 now I don't have to go crazy with the weights. Just follow the program. 4 days off then repeat. You get stronger and feel rested and with less injuries. Can't beat that. Thanks
Gonna try this program from today for 15 week , and will keep updating regarding my progress
Edit ...
*Feb 20 chest and back : Had a similar session as guided , felt soreness around my chest , abs and bit around back for 2 days . I think it's working well
*Feb 24 legs : after one day strong soreness around quads , calves are extremely damaged bit of soreness around abs , and very little around my hams. ( Didn't noticed any significant difference in size but i think am feeling strong )
* Feb 28 delts and arms : seen about a quarter in ch difference around arms and leg ; no sign of soreness in shoulders and arms after 1 day.
March 4 legs : i trained in 5 days cuz the gym was closed, able to get an extra rep with more time under tension in calves raises ( am trying to make my sets long ) . After 1 day very little soreness in the quad ( it's nothing compared to the 1st leg day soreness ) little bit around my calves .
March 8 chest and back : able to get 1 rep more , and increased the weight by 5 kg in deadlift for the same rep range . However Soreness around chest traps and lower back after 1 day
March 12 : legs . Able to add 5 kg on leg extension and calves raises with 1 2 less reps . Overall increase in strength . Soreness in quads and calves after 24 hours
March 18 : delts and arms . Got extra rep in each exercise (1 /2 ) . Soreness around tricep and bicep is visible after 1 day . Little soreness around traps and rear delts.
Leaving a comment so I can come back to this
Me too @@Yzer-g1e
You got an audiance building, dont fail, except as planned.
Tomorrow is Training
Let’s go bro💪🏻
I've listened, watched all of Mike mentzer videos, and his workout routines, and for me personally, i found that 3 days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays) works for me. I know that there is meant to be a significant amount of rest after a workout, but i recover quickly.
You are applying with Mike taught. That is, you have found your tolerance for exercise and are training accordingly. As long as you keep a training logbook and make adjustments to the volume and frequency when necessary, then you’re doing the right thing.
@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE Thanks for the reply
Is your Programme the exact/similar to the videos or is it completely different?
@aadil5486 What i do is similar to Mike's philosophy, and I'm grateful to how much Mike and his teachings has shown and taught me.
I can't believe this information is free. Amazing.
As someone who walks over 10k steps a day, with most of those steps being just up and down stairs. Then spending 2 hours at the gym everyday. I feel like this type of work out speaks to me. I need more rest time to allow my body to repair itself
M2 bro!!! Mike training make more sense… for real
I think walking doesn't have negative benefits on the rest days
@@eagle-od6pr i agree. But i sweat out approx 5lbs of sweat a day.
Stairs are a fantastic workout, the movement is such an adjustment from flat walking.
absolutely
these 4 workouts are basically upper/lower/upper/lower. So youre working out the full body almost once per week (8days). I havnt even done my 4th workout yet and I can tell this training style is working. I feel bigger and stronger. It's one thing to understand the logic but once you start to feel it in your body it just makes soooo much sense.
My brother had mentioned Mike Mentzer to me and I began looking for his work. I found this channel and boy am I hooked. I’ve been watching these videos and even plan on buying a copy of high intensity training. Mike Mentzers philosophy on training, nutrition, and personal life was light years ahead of his time. Thank you John for posting his videos
You’re welcome, Kendel. I’m glad you’re enjoying the videos.
Superb. Mike said once in an interview when asked to summarise his theory on muscle growth, he replied “ to develop your muscles to the largest possible degree in the shortest possible time, train for strength “. I always remember that statement and it has proven to be true for me.
no you can train for strength every day but not for muscle mass u cant u need some recovery and rest etc etc etc
I remember my quads blew up just working up to a daily max doing singles or doubles and now that I'm doing more of a bodybuilding type program they're taking so much longer to look good even with a pump
How to train muscles for strength?
@@yaduvanshi5417 use relatively heavy weights, low to medium reps to failure, low volume all with perfect form and a slow tempo. No throwing or jerking the weight up or down. Lots of rest and good sleep in between workouts and the best nutrition you can afford. You will not grow any meaningful muscle using baby weights , going for the pump , eating crap and doing high volume aerobic workouts unless you are using steroids.
I rarely write reviews, but this time I have to. So I came across this video back in October I think 2023 during that time I didn't go to the gym for about 2 to 3 weeks got tired of my routine full body training for around five times a week and used to take me at least an hour to do, which was fine but overtime just got exhausting as it was consuming a lot of my time and I just got bored. Full body routine always kept me in shape but what I noticed was that over the year weights didn't increase that much or in some cases didn't increase at all. so I have decided to try something new, something a bit more lazy than I thought and something unrealistic that was my opinion. So since I didn't do any workouts for about 2 to 3 weeks during that time, I thought I should start with Mark Mentzer's teachings and give it a try. And I'm not gonna lie in the first two months everything grew exponentially. I started to enjoy gym because it didn't take me too much time, my workout used to take me an hour plus and now it's just 20 to 40 minutes with all the warm-ups. Fast forward a few months I got the best shape of my life and managed to gain over 10 kg in the span of six months. But then everything kind of stopped I think I hit the wall mentally everything became boring again and my body has adapted to the workouts. I started implementing mixes of workouts but that didn't help me much with the progress, but that is just my opinion at this moment. What I'm trying to say is that this workout really works. It will get you in shape. I used to work out every three to four days and I got a lot of free time throughout the week (never skipped more than 4 days between the training during that time). If you have a busy schedule, this is an ideal workout routine just don't forget to get your calories in. These are my notes from the video:
Workout every 4 days
Monday/Friday/Tuesday/Saturday etc.
As you progressively grow with this program, weights also grow - stress intensifies. That means after 3 weeks you need to add a random day off through out the week so that you would not overtrain.
Day 1: Chest
1. Peck Deck 6-10 (reps to failure - don’t stop to reload.
Superset (2 sets, one set of each different exercise where the performance of one is followed immediately by the other).
1. Incline Press (machine preferable) or incline dumbell presses. 1-3 reps (use close handgrip)
Peck deck 1st (6-10 reps (ignore 10 - do reps to failure)) and then straight after Incline Press 1-3 reps.
Back:
1. Close- grip (palms-up) pulldowns 6-10 reps.
2. Regular deadlifts 5-8 reps (as close to failure as you can) - do it correctly.
(If you have problems with your lower back - do shrugs as a substitute - 6-10 reps to failure).
It is not a superset, so do rest but no longer than needed.
After reaching failure, rest for approximately 15 seconds and perform anther rep. Repeat for 2-3 reps.
4 days later…
Day 2: Legs
1. Leg Extensions
superset (each should be performed from 8-15 reps) - after superset, walk around the gym, take a minute.
1. Leg Press (substitute squad)
2. Standing Calf Raises (12-20 reps).
DO NOT ADD ANY OTHER EXERCISES - this program is designed to maximise growth on the main muscle groups, any additional exercise would subtract energy from the growth of those muscle groups.
After reaching failure, rest for approximately 15 seconds and perform anther rep. Repeat for 2-3 reps.
Day 3: Delts:
1. Dumbell Laterals (6-10 reps)
2. Bent-Over Dumbbell Laterals or Reverse Pec Deck
Arms:
1. Barbell Curls - straight bar (6-10 reps)
2. Triceps Pressdowns (6-10 reps) - do not use a rope - either STRAIGHT or V shape
Superset
1. Dips (3-5 reps) - if you can do more than five reps with your body weight, then add more weight (use dumbbells between legs).
After reaching failure, rest for approximately 15 seconds and perform anther rep. Repeat for 2-3 reps.
Day 4: Legs
1. Leg Extensions (use it differently now - add 30 pounds (14 kg) to leg extensions. Do one positive rep - lifting the lower legs until they are in a straight “locked knee” position. You will hold it statically for (10-25 seconds). When reached max time you can hold it. Lower the legs slowly (under strict control all the way to the bottom).
superset (each should be performed from 8-15 reps) - after superset, walk around the gym, take a minute.
1. Weighted Squats (8-15 reps) - staright after the leg extensions
2. After some rest do Standing Calf Raises (12-20)
After reaching failure, rest for approximately 15 seconds and perform anther rep. Repeat for 2-3 reps.
4 days later - you repeat the protocol from day 1
For all you guys worried about waiting so long between workouts, here's a little story. Today I did the shoulders and arm workout. It has been 25 days since the last time I did this workout, and 12 days since the last chest and back workout. I blew away all my previous reps and/or weights. Best HIT workout ever, IMO. I have tried this routine several times in the past as well as the consolidation and always stagnated after a few months. I never thought I'd need even more rest, but last month I started waiting at least 5 days between these 4 workouts, and every WO has been better than the previous one. I was traveling a lot the last month which accounts for the extra-long rest periods, but now I think I will wait 5-6 days between, even more if needed. I am amazed at the improvement with such a long rest. You have to remember that the chest gets worked hard with dips, and the tris and shoulders get worked hard with the incline press and pulldown. Don't be afraid to try it.
UPDATE: 05/05/2024 - In case anyone cares, just did the shoulder/arm WO again after 21 days and again smashed last WO except for the dips after pressdowns, but my triceps were so exhausted I'm not too worried. Went from 6 down to 5. I use JE Fit and it calculates 1-rep max based on weight and reps, and 4 out of 5 went up. Now, I'm 66 and my weights aren't what I could use 40 years ago but I look the best I ever have as far as definition, etc. Wish I had kept this up after I spoke with Mike in '93. I tried his WO for a while but gave up because I wasn't gaining. I wasn't smart enough then to increase my rest periods.
Congratulations on having the courage to step outside of convention and tradition. And thank you very much for your post.
@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE I have a doubt During rest period can we do warm-ups??
I just started and i noticed that at least one warm up set before every working set is the sweet spot. I do twenty to thirty reps in the warm up depending on the exercise. @Balusakkuri
Does this mean it is okay to only train chest once every 16-18 days?
Also if you hit a plateau again, start adding more rest days in between each workout until eventually you are training once every 6 days
I’ve trained for 46 years at Walter O’Malleys gym originally and competed in amateur BB. At age 65 the Mike Mentzer training philosophy is the way to go. I’ve noticed for some time that when I train just once a week using compound exercises including bb squat, deadlift, presses and heavy single db rows my strength stays right up there + I’ve slowly increased the weight I use. Even in the face of evidence it’s hard to believe!!! That’s what Mike was up against
Going to try this routine and stick to it. I succumbed to a complete Achilles tendon tear from training too hard too often, I have ultimately learnt that you may feel recovered but you cannot see what is underneath your skin, the microscopic damage etc. I now understand that the body does intact need a lot of time to recover!
@@Bodybuilding. It's a great way to train. You really have to commit to the warmup though, you don't want any muscles cool for the big set.
@@Bodybuilding.gonna do the same brah
Why would we believe a 65 year old? Your muscle mass is gone and you aren’t growing any longer.
@@DMMDwrestler You should probably work out more before you get involved in this conversion young pup. Specifically the area in between the ears.
As far as deadlifts I have made a platform from 2ft square 3/4 plywood and 2 4X4's. This keeps my lower back happy.
I really enjoy the way he speaks, with conviction and well spoken
Because he knew he was right having seen the results with his clients..
I am very tall and skinny and it was always hard to put on muscle. When I was starting to lift weights I trained 6 days a week quite hard. It was so much fun because I haven't had physical activity in a long time. After 2-3 months I got quite defined and strong but I wasn't putting on much muscle. Then I discovered Mentzer and his methods. Now I train 2 days a week, one set per exercise until muscle failure. It's freaky how much faster and effective you gain muscle. Also my body feels much better and powerful. Of course you have to eat enough and the right stuff, otherwise all the training doesn't even matter.
Congratulations on your progress and thank you for your post.
@Luis-se9tm I never understood why you wouldnt just work full body everytime...
@@DookieButter357especially following a method like Mentzers I mean if you’re going to failure and smoking the body the amount of rest time between workouts he recommends you’d be completely recovered by the time you go back he had guys just going 1 day then rest for 6
Really ?!!
how many sets do you do? 1 for each exercise?
Things to Know:
- Always go till faliure unless specified otherwise
- Warm up with a lower weight with the second exercise
- Supersets are sets done immediatly after eachother
- DO NOT change the sequence of the exercises mentioned
Day 1: CHEST
------------
Superset {
1. Pec Deck/Chest Flys (6-10 reps)
2. Incline Press (1-3 reps)
Use Close Grip, Use A Machine
}
Day 1: BACK
-----------
1. Pulldowns (6-10 reps)
(Close-Grip Palms Up)
2. Deadlifts (5-8 reps) OR Shrugs (6-10)
Regular Style
~~~~~~~~~~~96 Hours Later (or 4 days)~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 2: Legs
-----------
Superset {
1. Leg Extensions (8-15 reps)
2. Leg Press (8-15 reps)
}
3. Standing Calf Raises (12-20 reps)
~~~~~~~~~~~96 Hours Later (or 4 days)~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 3: Delts
-------------------
1. Dumbell Laterals (6-10 reps)
Don't rest too long
2. Bent-Over Dumbell Laterals (6-10 reps)
Day 3: Arms
-----------
1. Barbell Curls (6-10 reps)
Straight Bar
Superset {
2. Triceps Pressdown (6-10 reps) OR Lying French Press (6-10 reps)
Either Straight Bar or V-Bar, DO NOT USE ROPE
3. Dips (3-5 reps)
If can't do, just do negatives
}
~~~~~~~~~~~96 Hours Later (or 4 days)~~~~~~~~~~~
Day 4: Legs
-----------
Superset {
1. Leg Extensions (1 rep)
Increase weight by ~14 kg more than last leg day
Do a Static Hold Rep for 10-25 seconds
When limit is reached, lower the weight slowly and in a controlled fashion
Do not reach or get off seat, KEEP YOUR ASS ON THE SEAT
2. Smith Machine Squates OR Free Weight Squats
}
3. Standing Calf Raises (12-20 reps)
~~~~~~~~~~~Repeat for 3 weeks, then insert an extra rest day, so instead of 4 days of rest, 5 days of rest, keep repeating until its once every 6-7 days~~~~~~~~~~~
Are u supposed to do 1 set for each exercise ?
@@java3621yes
@@java3621yes, but till failure
I am confused, could you help me clarify this?:
when he mentions for example" 6 to 10 reps", is he talking about doing only one SET with so much weight that you ensure going to failure around the 10th rep?
Or is he talking about doing 6 to 10 sets, while going to failure with a relatively confortable weight?
Shouldn’t the warm up set be the first set NOT the second set??
I have stuck to this program for four months now. Day one my failure set of leg press was 415 for 13 reps. Last day I went up it was 600 for 13 reps. Failure set on incline press has gone up 50 pounds. Unreal strength progress
Do you rest 4 days in between workouts?
Day 1 Chest&Back
Chest 1.Flat Dumbel Flys 6-10 Reps 1 Set
Superset
2.Incline Press 1-3 Reps (Use Close Grip)
Back
1.Close Grip (Palms-Up) Pulldowns 6-10 Reps 1 Set
2.Shrugs 6-10 Reps 1 Set (Smith Machine)
4-7 Day Rest
Day 2 Legs
1.Leg Extentions 8-15 Reps 1 Set
Superset
2.Leg Presss 8-15 Reps 1 Set (Natilus)
3.Calf Raises 12-20 Reps 1 Set
4-7 Day Rest
Day 3 Delts&Arms
Delts 1.Dumbel Laterals 6-10 Reps 1 Set
2.Bent Over Dumbel Laterals 6-10 Reps 1 Set
Arms
1.Barbel Curls 6-10 Reps 1 Set
2.Triceps Pressdowns 6-10 Reps 1 Set
Superset
3.Dips 3-5 Reps 1 Set
Is it one set only?
@@ShareefBalak101Taka yeah buddy
I've been training in the gym almost 3 years now.
And if im honest is difficult to believe this will actually work.
But the reason why i came to this video is a have seen so many shorts talking about how good was this man and that this actually works.
Maybe one day I try it.
Little trick for the supersets when at the gym. Warm up at the 2nd exercise, then leave your towel on the machine. Run to the 1st exercise, complete it, then right to your second exercise that no one will have taken since your towel is there
This has been working for my increase in strength. I do a full body workout every 5 days. At 59 the extra days of recovery are needed for sure.
Sounds like a great routine.
Just a reminder: Train in a way that benefits you and makes you want to keep lifting. This is a life long pursuit, stay safe and consistent.
Using Mike's high intensity training principles, in a single week I raised my flat bench dumbbell presses from 3 reps at 110 pounds each to 9 reps at 110 pounds each followed by 3 reps at 120 pounds each. In one week. This is WAY beyond any previous gains or expectations or even beyond my wildest hopes of what I could gain in a single week. Yes these were to total failure at the last reps. I trained chest once a week, on Mondays. I'm absolutely sold on the principles Mike was teaching. It works better than anything else.
So after training your chest once you managed to gain the strength to triple your reps? That's just not true
@@userunknown6428 I spoke absolute truth as to what happened to me. I went up 10 pounds (same rep range) in a week which was in my PR range for that exercise. That does NOT mean I tripled my strength, I just added a noticeable amount. Don't care if you believe it or not, but what benefit would there be for me or anybody else if I was lying? I can't think of any. Maybe you should try a few weeks of high intensity.
@@Turboy65sounds a bit like a placebo to me, but good job either way
Started doing his workout and I feel and see the difference. The man was right.
@@userunknown6428it’s probably more to do with adequate rest than an increase in strength.
DAY 1
CHEST
1. Pec Deck 6-10 (failure)
SUPER SET
2. INCLINE 1-3 REPS ( close hand grip, Flare your elbows back away from ears) Hands should be slightly closer than shoulder width
BACK
1. Close grip palms up PULLDOWNS
2. DEAD LIFTS 5-8 reps or close to failure
3. SHRUGS (OPTIONAL)
Day 2: Legs
1. Leg extensions: 8-15
SUPERSET
2. leg press 8-15
3.Standing calf raises 12-20 reps
Day 3:
DELTS and ARMS
Dumbbell Lateral SIDE raises 6-10 reps
Reverse pec DECK 6-10 reps
Barbell curls 6-10 reps STRAIGHT BAR
Triceps press downs (BAR) 6-10 reps
SUPER SET
dips 3-5 reps WEIGHTED
Day 4: Legs
1.Leg extensions ( Not a normal set, add 30 pounds more than the last time and do 1 rep and hold for 25 seconds and let down slowly)
superset
2.squats 8-15 reps
3. Standing calf raises 12-20
How many sets for every workout that’s what I’m confused on is it 1 or 2 ?
@@yeaaahdfh32451
@@yeaaahdfh3245one
Guys im a beginner at gym but i am training according to his routine, is this ok should i continue? Thanks for your responses
@@rekhunter9934 as long as you have the form to do the exercises there should be no problem
Man, this is literally gold.
No not literally
Day 1: Chest
1. Peck Deck: 6-10 reps / Dumbbell Flyes / Cable Crossovers
[superset]
2. Incline Press: 1-3 reps / Incline Barbell / Incline Dumbbell (use close grip)
Day1: Back
1. Close-grip (palms-up) Pulldowns: 6-10 reps
2. Deadlifts: 5-8 reps (regular style)
Day 2: Legs
1. Leg Extensions 8-15 reps
[superset]
2. Leg Press: 8-15 reps / Squats (smith machine)
3. Standing Calf Raises: 12-20 reps
Day 3: Delts
1. Dumbbell Laterals: 6-10 reps
2. Bent-Over Dumbbell Laterals: 6-10 reps / Reverse Pec Deck
Day 3: Arms
1. Barbell Curls 6-10 reps
2. Triceps Press downs: 6-10 reps (no rope, straight or v bar) / Lying French Presses
[superset]
3. Dips: 3-5 reps (after achieving 10 negative dips, regular)
Day 4: Legs
1. Leg Extensions (30 pounds more than Day 2; 1 rep of positive static hold)
[superset]
2. Smith Machine Squat: 8-15 reps / Free Weight Squats
3. Standing Calf Raises: 12-20 reps
(3 days of rest)
(in supersets, start your warmup on the second exercise first)
I started this program in 2000 I’m just finishing my 2nd cycle and the results are amazing!!
What? 23 years for 2 cycles?
@@abhijitha4071he's joking
@@abhijitha4071 😂😂😂🤡
@@abhijitha4071 LOL thats what I was thinking.
The emphasis against over training is real. I had to modify the program some when I was at another gym in another state and then didn’t correct it to reflect the equipment in my current gym. I’ve been overtraining in my legs and chest. If you’ve plateaued, or if you’re even LOSING strength, you’re overtraining. I took another look at my program and saw I was doing an extra set in my leg extensions, leg press, and squat. That’s 300% more than I was supposed to be doing. No wonder my squat kept sucking. Brought that extra 300% down and I’m back to seeing explosive results. Keep at it. This program works. TRACK YOUR NUMBERS. It makes everything more involved and exciting.
Having trained this way since the early 80s without any deviation, I am maintaining strength, size, & definition on Mike’s "Heavy-Duty" training program, in which the same exercise is not repeated for 20 days!
You read that right! I am only training the same exercise twice in over 40 days, and I have never looked better, at age 63!
Thanks Mike, you were decades ahead of your time ! You are missed dearly! 🏆💯🥇
And special thanks to you John, in keeping "The Heavy-Duty Legend" alive, by way of your extraordinarily valuable UA-cam Channel "Labor Of Love"!
Thanks very much for your post, Dubble D.
Where is the whole plan or is this it ?
I'm 68 and have been training many years old school, I'm going to try this program because I believe that rest (at my or our ages) is the ultimate fountain of youth.
@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE which of Mike's books would you recommend for someone not so much just starting to lift but who has been at it for awhile and looking for something different. Thanks
@@davida428 based on your criteria, I would suggest “High-Intensity Training The Mike Mentzer Way.”
after listening to Mike, I think back on how many hrs a week I used to lift and so many different exercises I did and would hit a plateau. Something would come up that would keep me from going to the gym for a few days in which I thought I was loosing out on progress, I'd come back to the gym and be so much stronger and was really surprised. I'm actually starting this Heavy Duty training schedule today. I'll post later how it goes.
I just started mine today so I did back and chest. Ngl it is daunting knowing you must push yourself until you cannot do another set, but it's a good type of feeling, like excitement. I was driving to the gym and was nervous but once I got there and did a 1-2 warmup sets, I felt better. So I warmed up with 90lbs on the incline press machine then stupidly decided to do 180lbs after my warmup set (I put the plate on then went to the Pec Deck). I did the peck deck then went straight to the incline press and could only do 3 partial reps. So next time Ill do around 140-150lbs so I can actually get a full rep or two in.
Then I did the closegrip palms up lat pull down, pretty easy and self explanatory. Then I did deadlifting for the first time. I didn't really know what to do so I watched a YT short on it and slowly went from warming up with the bar to 25s on each side, then 1 plate, then 1 plate plus 35s for 3 reps, then decided to say fuck it and went with 2 plates and hit 3 reps. And now my back is a bit sore but Im stretching it.
After my workout I was sweating like I just did a hardcore legday, which I seldomly do. High intensity is where it's at. Im looking forward to Friday when I do legs.
update us within a couple months I want to see how it went!
Just did my first leg day of the program. Brutal. The leg press was surprisingly easier than I thought, but the leg extensions were a bitch. I haven’t felt hyped to do a leg day in forever, but I woke up this morning looking forward to it. After hitting those leg presses I was shaking getting up and walking down the gym stairs I was holding onto the rail. I just did a few reps of 140lbs on the leg press to warm up and then dove into the superset. 240lbs on the leg press for 20 reps and 145lbs for 10 reps on the leg extensions. 50lbs for 20 reps on the standing calf raises. Just one set (other than the 3-5 reps to warm up on the leg press) and I was in and out of the gym in 25 minutes (I stretched for 5 minutes afterwards).
@@DV15TooStronk nice, keep updating!
@@GutsEnjoyer Thanks man. I’ll do another 2 updates (because there’s 4 rotations of the program). Then I’ll do an update in a few months.
My Brother had menioned me this channel when i was just about to start gym 1 month ago. I am So much blessed to find out about The Legendary Bodybuilder Mike Mentzer and currently i am following this workout plan, i can feel the growth each day after i take rest each day i wake up. I Love Mike Mentzer and I wish that God Bless his soul and his family. Love You From Heart Mike Mentzer, The Legend.
Back in school i used to lift weights in gym class, probably over trained, but after school vacation which was 1 or 2 weeks always came back hitting prs after not training. I always thought it was strange but this seems to make sense after learning about mike mentzer
This was fantastic. I have been overtraining with out a doubt. I will try this routine. Thank you for posting this.
I used to train 5-6 days per week, 2-3 hrs in the gym, while doing a full day time job. After couple of months, the damage of over training & lack of proper rest started to really kick in. I was always fatigue, whole body was aching, joint pains, back pains became part of life, libido went to zero & concentrating became really difficult. My whole life got impacted. Plus there was no gains from my work out as well. Because of ego, I didn't take any measures & continued to push myself further which resulted a bad knee & a bad lower back. Finally I had to put a full stop to my exercising & take a big break from whole gym thing. It took more than a year for me to recover fully. Over training & lack of rest are the real killers for many people's progress. Most of us are not training to be Mr. Olympia. The objective of many people who are going to gym is to look good, be fit & healthy. Take things easy, train smartly, eat well & most importantly take proper rest.
More than a year to recover? That doesn’t sound realistic
I am just starting this program and will come back and update with the progress. I got a lot of years ahead of me, so might as well use them for science and test out this method of training. Best of luck to the other HIT brothers out here. Mike Mentzer is truly one of my heroes!
Waiting for your updates 💪
Updates please I'm begging
@@ABC-48483 its only been 8 days bro chill come back and ask after 3 months
?
Its been 6 weeks for me, definitely kicking the old routines ass, my buddy and i did 18 weeks of 5days a week full body 2hrs sessions and doing this exact routine in the video is yielding more gains. Definitely a mental battle more than anything, i just need to stop eating like im working out every single day. .-.
I wish this dude was my grandpa. Just the words and sound of his voice would help me feel reassured throughout the whole workout
started lifting again spring 2023. I made allot of progress first like 6 months. Then I couldnt make it past plateus, took more breaks. When I would come back Id feel strong and wish I can feel this way every time I go to the gym. Was doing 3 day long workout multi set split in the beginning had nice noob gains then tailed off had tennis elbow in my right elbow. Then switched to breaking it into upper body twice a week same volume but split into a 5 day split. Shorter workouts but again, burned out after like 4 weeks needed to take a week and half off. Decided to switch to Mike's program not long ago. Felt weird with extra days off like I wasnt doing enough. But my leg extension went up 10lbs when I got to the second leg day. Close grip pulldown I didnt know I was capable of going heavier than what I was doing because Id always try to save myself to fill the sets. I went heavy 1 set it was intense but I felt good. Mike's advice on the superset stuff to warm up the 2nd exercise 1st, how did I not think of that in the past!? I'm going to stick with this program because I notice getting I am stronger and can track it.
Trained 5 days a week for 2 to 4 hours a day for 10 months then stopped workingout for 3 months started taking mike mentzer's an ray mentzer's advice an have noticed impressive gains this is the real deal an the best way to build muscle
Muscle memory can play a apart and way too much training man
so i just did a week of this.....ive been lifting for 15 years. This was amazing and a total change of pace! excited to see what it brings!
Im on day 4 bro, 12 years lifter im excited too!
A week as in 2 days of training and 5 rest or 7 days of training?
@@JotaShank 3 total workouts so far
I have to do only 1 set or 3 sets of these named exercises?
@shivangshahi8260 one set yes. But you have to hit that one set HARD
I believe there is a lot of truth to this. When I was in college 20 years ago I came across static contraction lifting. My dad was bodybuilder then a powerlifter. And encouraged me to try it. I had been a distance runner and my college career ended because of a broken ankle. Did static contraction…worked out 1 time per week (literally 15 mins max no joke). After 3 months and 12 workouts I went home for Thanksgiving. Everyone was shocked. I was substantially bigger and and a hell of lot stronger
I’m literally begging you
Hello, what did you do in just 15mins? What exercises?
Sorry…I just this. Friday morning: Workout A: Shoulder press, cable row, weighted crunch, bench press, barbell shrug. Workout B: Lat Pull-down, Close Grip bench press, Cable curl, leg press, toe press. That was it. All heavy lifts rotating each week (week 1 workout A, Week 2 Workout B, Week 3 Workout A etc…) Basic rule was to start with how much you could lift and add 30 percent (Bench press was 100lbs than put 130 on the bar). Hold for 5-15 seconds. If you could hold it than the next lift you do (2 weeks later) add another 30 percent t. If you couldn’t hold it than repeat the lift two weeks later with the same weight. For example…my bench press to start was 265 lbs. So I loaded the bench press bar with 345 lbs. lower the bar down 4-6 inches and hold. You will see that the weights get absolutely insane. At some point you have to make the determination on the percentage increases. Going from 50lbs to 100lbs isn’t much weight but percentage wise is huge. Going from 265 to 345 is a lot of weight but percentage wise not nearly as much. Hope this helps
Currently, I'm training 1 day on, 3 days off. I seem to be getting good results. I'm not as fatigued with 3x week program. Thanks, John! 👍
You’re welcome 👍
Also on this. Intensity is high but I look forward to my days in the gym.
@@iaaguirretv 2x a week, the intensity is so high, l have to train by myself. My rest time between sets is timed with my digital watch. No cellphones while training. Gym goers think I'm crazy!
I'm similar but basically twice a week with the whole body covered over two weeks. So far making progress.
@@FrankZen sounds good! Are you taking any supplements?
I'm a big advocate of periodozed volume training and I'm constantly commenting push back on some of your videos, but I love what you do on this channel and I hope more people come out with content like yours on more iconic bodybuilders like Mike.
Thanks, Bambam McCoy.
Timeless and priceless 👍👍👍 !!!
RIP dear Mike and Ray ❤.
this is an AI voice
@@Steven-gs8oh no, this is actually real, he just sounds like a ai voice
@@lovelesslunatic7948 Nope it’s AI
@@Steven-gs8oh Proof?
@@MikeJohnMentzer the burden of proof is on the creator of the vid. There is no way to prove this is him. The voice is too consistent and strange.
I made the switch. This is my experience in the first 6 weeks
189cm tall 26yo male vegetarian
Goal: Reach 100kg
Update: 7 weeks later been doing once every three days, sadly with long arms I find them the hardest area to grow.
22.09.23
Legs 55cm
Arms 32cm
Chest/ back 112cm
Naval 93cm
Weight 86kg
4.11.23
Legs 57cm
Arms 33cm
Chest back 113cm
Naval 95cm
Weight 89kg
16.12.23
Legs 60cm
Arms 33.5cm
Chest back 116cm
Naval 99cm
Weight 93.6kg
I personally have been enjoying the 2days per week it has given time back to do other things. I may see if 3days suits my program a bit more but I won’t stress if I miss it. I still actively get around ie.ride to work/ walk places. I was previously training 5-6days a week for an hour.
I am now the heaviest I have ever been, and my strength gains have been going up consistently.
Full convert. The harder you train the less time you can train for.
Train with intensity and recover optimally.
Thanks for your post and congratulations on your progress!
This sounds like a sensible routine to follow and gives plenty of time for the body to fully recover.
Mike Mentzer Ideal routine
Day 1: chest and back
Chest:
1. Pec deck (6-10 reps til failure)
(Machine flys, cable flys, dumbbell flys)
Superset
2. Incline press (1-3 reps)
(Preferably Machine [smith…] barbell and dumbbell use close grip flared elbows)
Back:
1. close-grip (palms-up) Pulldowns (6-10 reps)
2. Deadlifts (regular style) (5-8 reps)
For form watch 5:30-7:03
4 days later
Day 2: Legs
1. Leg extensions
Super set (8-15 reps)
2. Leg press
3. Standing calf raises (12-20 reps)
4 days later
Day 3: Deltoids & arms
Deltoids:
1. Cable Lateral (6-10 reps)
2. Rear deltoid fly (6-10 reps)
Arms:
1. Barbell/Machine Curls (6-10 reps)
2. Tricep press downs (6-10 reps)
Superset
3. Dips (3-5 reps)
(If you can do more reps add weight if not focus on eccentric)
4 days later
Day 4: Legs
1. Leg extensions (static hold rep 10-25 seconds control negative)
Superset
2. Smith/free weight squats (never hack squat) 8-15 reps
3. Standing calf raises (12-20 reps)
4 days later repeat from day 1
For each superset exercise perform the warm up for the second exercise first so that you can start the exercise at the working weight after finishing the first exercise.
Perform 2 warm up sets for each exercise, The first set to warm up the primary and secondary muscles at a relatively low weight. After a moderate rest period perform another warm up this time for only a few reps at a higher weight. Neither of the warm up sets should be in any way fatiguing as to maximise the output for the actual working set.
For the working set of each exercise do not use any momentum for the positive/concentric part of the exercise but control the weight on the way up, holding it at the contracted position for a few seconds followed by controlling the negative/eccentric portion for a few seconds. Each working set for every exercise should be performed until the muscles have reached absolute muscular failure regardless of how many reps are performed as the numbers are only an estimate of how many should be ideally performed. If you can only do 2 or 3 reps do not lower the weight as the next time you should be able to do more. If you can do more than the estimated amount of repetitions keep going and change the weight the next time you do the exercise making sure that you hit failure no matter how many reps are completed. Each rep should only be counted if it has been performed in a completely controlled manner as stated before.
Rest days are just if not more important than the days on which the exercises are performed, when any exercise is completed the body goes through a complex process of breaking down, compensating and over compensating muscle tissue. Simplified this means that when an exercise is performed the muscle trained is torn at a microbial level, meaning going to the gym breaks down muscle tissue. When the muscle grows is when the body compensates for the break down of the muscle to the baseline levels through proper nutrition and rest, and then after further rest and nutrition which leads to overcompensation which is when the building of the muscle takes place. This results in visual increases of the skeletal muscle on the body and physical strength increases seen by future exercises.
This routine was made specifically as the most efficient and effective method for muscle growth, if you goal is to grow large muscles in the most efficient and effective manner this routine would be the best course of action for you.
I wrote this all myself taking notes and inspiration from Mike Mentzer’s seminars.
I adjusted a few exercises which have worked better for me, they are the same exercises which Mentzer stated but a modern version, primarily it is the deltoids for which the exercises I changed
thanks friend
So is it one set of hit with 2 warm-up sets prior?
@@ChayambaLero yes
I just found Mike Mentzer recently and am applying his advice.
Okay, I know I'm being a jerk, but I can't resist. How can so many people watch this video and still post "he didn't mention how many sets" or HOW MANY SETS?" or "I must have missed it but how many sets" etc, etc.. MULTIPLE TIMES Mentzer said ONE SET! MULTIPLE TIMES! It seems almost impossible to misunderstand ONE SET!
It's rough for people to grasp especially since nearly everyone else calls for high volume to trigger growth, but his system can actually yield some good results! I used it in the Army years ago and to hit the intensity needed - it's almost needed to have a spotter you trust; then you eel out a few more reps, partials, or a few heavy negatives. Good job calling out the comments about "sets"! Lol
Even doing 1 more rep then is required by nature to stimulate growth is a negative any extra reps only serves to dig a deeper hole and use up the bodies limited recoverability. 😅
One set to failure
1 set till failure
😅😅😅😅😅😅
I know
Seriously
Congratulations John Little, on hitting the BIG 1M with this video. And thank you for keeping Mike's training principles relevant and up to date. I was very, very pleased to see this. It is akin, to a ray of sunshine seeping through some clouds! Great Job!!
Thank you 😊
Mike was way ahead of his time🥶, he was a true genius of bodybuilding
Tried this. In first cycle I was surprised how we can feel stress on secondary muscles while performing any of the excercises especially on arms day, I felt my lats and Abs a bit sore the next day to my surprise. My body was indicating that rest is indeed the key to return back to normal and more powerful.
Thanks 🤟🏿
And 4 day break between each day?
The most simplistic workout routine ever that will give you gainzzzzz for ever. All these social media influencers coming up with extra stuff, although not necessarily bad but its excessive. Mentzer is the kind of workout routines.
I really liked his way of teching and training style. That was pure gold!
THANK YOU for keeping Mr. Mentzer's spirit alive! His program WORKS!
**Day 1: Chest & Back**
**Chest:**
- Pec Deck or Dumbbell Flyes or Cable Flyes (6-10 reps) [superset]
- Incline Press (1-3 reps) [superset]
**Back:**
- Close Grip Pulldowns (Chin-up Grip) (6-10 reps)
- Deadlifts (5-8 reps)
- Shrugs (6-10 reps) [Alternative for Deadlift, Lower Back Pain Patient]
---
**Day 2: Legs & Calves**
**Legs:**
- Leg Extensions (8-15 reps) [superset]
- Leg Press or Squats (8-15 reps) [superset]
**Calves:**
- Standing Calf Raises (12-20 reps)
---
**Day 3: Shoulders, Biceps & Triceps**
**Shoulders:**
- Dumbbell Lateral Raises (6-10 reps)
- Bent Over Dumbbell Lateral Raises (6-10 reps)
**Biceps:**
- Barbell Curls (6-10 reps)
**Triceps:**
- Triceps Pressdowns (6-10 reps) [superset]
- Dips (3-5 reps) [superset]
---
**Day 4: Legs & Calves**
**Legs:**
- Leg Extensions (8-15 reps) [superset]
- Leg Press or Squats (8-15 reps) [superset]
**Calves:**
- Standing Calf Raises (12-20 reps)
---
**Rest:**
- 4 or 5 days rest between every workout day.
**Notes:**
- Perform 1 set of each exercise till failure with 60% - 70% of your maximum weight.
---
Feel free to comment, need any changes above if I'm wrong.
I’ve done a lot of research and tried many routines with little to no success. Killing myself in the gym everyday and seeing no changes. This is the first time I’ve come across Mr. Mentzer’s training. I think I will follow this style now, thank you for this post!💪🏾
goodluck to you, do leave an update after a few months
update?
Update
@@rohandagar7761still working on it! I got hurt and had to take a break 😔
@@JechtNH still working on it! I got hurt and had to take a break 😔
This is such great workout advice God bless his soul, he was so dedicated to perfecting the art of Heavy Duty training. I have followed this as well for years with amazing results! Eating big is the other half of the training. Along with supplementation and like Mike says get out of the gym and rest and grow!
i've been aplying this method 2 weeks ago and i can feel the stress on my body so strong that i can't remember the last time i felt this and this is a great sign because i used to lift from 10 - 15 reps even 18 thinking that endurance was necessary and for my fitness goal is not needed.
I think many people don't understand the only 1 set as Mike claims. Before you get to that set you do as many warm ups as you think it's necessary to perform to total failure in between that rep range.
It's only 1 set but after that you shouldn't be able to do anymore reps.
Started today, day 1 done, reply If you want updates. I'm just thinking what about front delts, maybe Mike thinks incline chest is enough, I doubt that.
How is ur progress G?
@@mrgoat_54 I have been slacking and not going to the gym even after 4 days have passed, I still have to do the day 4 for legs again
I'm addicted to these videos
Month 1 check in: i dont feel any differnces in my body visually but my strength is going up every workout so hopefully it starts to brung in those visual changes in the coming months
Truly fascinating, I hope Mike's philosophy and training blow up!
2:22 We love Mike this much. ❤ That’s brotherly love.
Thanks for sharing this amazing training method based on science and knowledge. I started HIT training since January the 1rst now. My body changed, Mike knew the body needed time to recover after a set pushing the muscle to absolute failure. My perf at squat rocqueted to 30kg more, Deadlift to 10kg more, Bicep curl to 10 kg more, my back to 15 kg more. Im able to do dips now which has been a long time since i couldn't. The training itself is safe as it is not a single rep PR style, but really hard pushing mental wise.
Thanks a lot
I can’t believe how accurate is what mike Said, I only workout out twice a week for 30mins I got so strong
The thing to remember, and Mike stated this often is that we all have different tolerances for working out and how much rest you need. The goal is to find the the sweet spot for EACH PERSON. The genetically gifted can work out everyday and recover very quickly. Some of us need 5 days. This is a STARTING PLACE.
The basic premise is simple. To build muscle you must tear the fibers so they can rebuild faster. Why do 5 heavy sets to accomplish this when you can do it with one heavy set? Then find YOUR recovery time, and do it again with progressively heavier weights.
Would you say it's okay to workout two days in a row with this? I mean I know Mentzer said no, but will it halt the progress?
I can't thank Mike and John enough
It's been a few months and there's not a single workout without by reps or weights going up
Usually it's 2 reps but at least there's 1 rep increase
Aug 1st 2023 - Peck Fly : 230LB/ Incline 230LBS/240 Pull Downs/ Deadlift 335LB.
-FINAL Update
FEB 1 - Incline : 300LB , Deadlift 555LB , Squat 365
just started this routine Monday June 10th. I'm 5'8, 210LBS, I managed to cap out at Peck Fly: 200 LBS / Incline 200LBS / Pull Downs 220LB /Deadlift 320LB .
My old routine was a split Upper Body/ Lower Body with Cardio, it would go M-Upper/T-Lower/W-Cardio/TR-Upper/F-Lower,
7/15/2023 - Leg day went smoothly, ended up wtih 160 Leg Extension and 500 Leg press (could of done more but gym doesn't have spare weights)
7/20/2023 By far the hardest workout for me, managed to do 30lb DB Lateral Raises, Reverse Peck Deck 155 LBS, Barbell Curl 120LB (the highest they had in the gym) Tricep Down (85Lbs) though I limited myself to that, should of done 100Lbs,
7/26/2023 -Took a random day off, Day 4: Completed the routine, managed to increase my leg extension from 160 to 260, (had a typo on the earlier edit )
The static hold was killer, also my squat ended up at 315, was surprised by this, was genuinely not expecting that level, i was thinking somewhere around 225-260, due to me not being able to work out legs as much, due to the nature of my job.
Can't believe it but i must admit, this routine works. The only downside i gotta say is that in order to fully achieve this method it feels like you need a a partner, i been doing this solo on/off and its been rather difficult trying to complete some workouts to a full failure, and sometimes i cant do a real "superset" due to gym goers at my gym hogging the workstations and just texting or watching videos lol .
So i've been doing a modified version of this routine, but still trying to follow its principles. I'm achieving progress like this and i'm positive other people can also do the same.
I'll reply on Day 5: a repeat of day 1 to solidify this.
What steroids you taking? Sustanon? Dbol?
Man yt is not your journal
@@AH-mj1rd Taking none, just Creatine, and Whey Protein
@@Set_Your_Handlle I know, i just saw others doing this and figured i would join them. I thought that by seeing people try the routine it will give them reassurance to try it themselves. Thanks
I started adding more rest days out of necessity from leg day, needing more than 48hrs between training sessions. I asked myself “why aren’t I this sore after my push or pull days?” I upped the intensity on my upper body work and now I need more than 48-72 hours rest for those as well. I’ve been training around 3 days a week instead of 6. Important to try to get 10k steps a day on days off from training though.
Whats your training split or routine look like? Also was the progress good?
This guy is gold. RIP Mentzer
More great wisdom to keep me focused on my training goals. Great refresher for I
Inspired by another commenter, im going to post this as a time capsule for myself. Im 23, 5’10, 168 pounds and I started the program August 1st. My current physique is skinny fat, and I never committed to a full workout routine until now. Im going to dial in on my diet and try not to miss a day and Ill report back my progress six months from now.
Commenting so I can come back and see
i'm just like you but three years younger and 156 pounds currently
Lets go bru
I will be here
You go bud
Ok I saw another Mike Mentzer video that said every THREE days. Not four. Three has worked well for me.
If I work out on Monday, my next workout is on Thursday.
Monday: Leg extensions, Squats, Leg curls, calf raises.
Thursday: Dumbell press, incline bench, Palms down close grip pull downs, Dumbells rows, Shrugs.
Sunday: Dumb bell laterals, Machine delts, reverse pec deck, straight bar curl, Tricep pressdown, Dip.
This worked well. I felt SO much more rested, therefore stronger between workouts. I would go back to the gym HUNGRY to lift again.
However, I've been tweaking my workouts. Kind of straying from the formula, but still every 3 days.
Lately I will choose what I feel is my weakest muscle group. Lets say chest, and go all out for 3 workouts in a row focusing on chest, while doing the other exercises with less intensity just to keep them at par. This has worked well. I can see my chest has grown. It has to be balls out though always with more weight. Thing is I got up to dumbbell chest presses with 75 pound dumbells, but could not do 80's. So I had to go back to 70's and get up to about 10-12 reps. This took 2 whole workouts. However yesterday I did 7 reps with 80's! That felt pretty good.
Anyone know of any down side to doing this?
Hello John! I am a natural bodybuilder, 25 years old and I have been training since 2013. For the first 3-5 years I trained with volume instinctively(1.5-2h), after a period of time I discovered Dorian Yates Hit training but I misunderstood his training principles completely and continued to use too much volume in my workouts. My CNS was overwhelmed and didn't understood why I was feeling tired all the time and didn't make any significant progress, silly me. I thought it was my diet, but realising now it wasn't. I was just overtraining... Tomorrow will be a full cycle of the Mike Mentzers ideal routine completed for me and I really enjoy it. For the last month all I have watched on UA-cam are your videos. John I just want to thank you for your work here, I personally do appreciate it very much! Best channel out there, no doubts!
Thanks, Romeo. Much appreciated.
@romeolupoian4337 Are you still doing this routine, how are you finding it?
@romeolupoian4337 also interested to see how youre travelling
Yo any results my guy im 26
Mike had a very dry sense of humor that I absolutely love
I'll give it a try. Starting this next Monday
John, thank you for all this footage and knowledge you have gifted us with
You’re very welcome. Happy to share the wisdom of Mike.
Holy cow John, I literally just started this routine tonight with the chest and back workout (I don’t even think I did it fully correctly) (trouble gaging weight, didn’t go to complete failure on deadlifts) and I actually ended up throwing up after. Not to mention my muscle were shaking!
Yep that’s totally fine to not know your exact weights that take you to failure the first time the next time you’ll know
It's natural. Don't push it yet. First get used to it steady for your immune system to get stronger, even if you don't go to failure, get used to it slowly and you'll see in time and fairly quickly too if you're consistent in your training, diet and sleep that your immune system will get stronger. You'll enjoy it more, your immune system will be stronger, and you'll go for failure and not vomit.
Same on the deadlifts, I'm reluctant to push them to failure bc I don't know the difference between actual back pain and back failure yet 😬
Still learning correct form
i'm gonna use mike program next week. wish me luck and thanks for the video sir
Wow so happy to have found this gem.
I have a deep respect for Mike Mentzer.
Thank you for sharing this quality information 💪🙂
I'm starting it today as I've just started training again.