How did Frank Zane train his abs?
For the upper abdominals, Zane emulated Zabo by performing crunches and/or Roman-chair situps ad nauseam. These were interspersed with leg raises or hanging knee-ups and seated twists for his obliques.
Introduction to Frank Zane
Frank Zane is an iconic bodybuilder and a three-time Mr. Olympia winner, who is widely considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Zane is credited for inventing the iconic “Zane Pose” and for his unique physique which is characterized by his wide shoulders and a small waist. He revolutionized bodybuilding with his unique approach to training, posing and nutrition. In this article, we will take a closer look at Frank Zane’s life, training, nutrition, and legacy.
Early Life
Frank Zane was born on June 28, 1942 in Kingston, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a strict Catholic family and was always a very athletic boy. As a teen, he attended the University of Scranton where he studied English, chemistry and mathematics. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree, he went on to get his Master’s Degree in Experimental Psychology from California State University.
The Beginnings of Bodybuilding
Frank Zane’s interest in bodybuilding began when he was a teenager. He was inspired by the then-popular bodybuilders such as Steve Reeves and Reg Park. He started training in his basement with whatever he could find and soon developed a passion for bodybuilding. In 1966, he entered his first bodybuilding competition and won the Mr. Universe title. This victory was followed by numerous other titles, such as the Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles.
Training Regimen
Frank Zane had a very unique training regimen that was characterized by his focus on form, isolation of muscles and multiple sets, rather than using heavy weights and low reps. His goal was to build a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing physique and to this end he focused on perfecting his poses and refining his form. He also focused on light weights and high reps to build muscle and he was one of the first bodybuilders to use machines to supplement his workouts.
Nutrition
Frank Zane was very meticulous about his nutrition. He believed in eating small, frequent meals throughout the day to keep his metabolism running and his muscles fuelled. His diet consisted of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. He also followed a strict supplementation regimen and was one of the first bodybuilders to use protein powder and other supplements to help him reach his goals.
Competition Results
Frank Zane’s competitive career spanned from 1966 to 1978, with his most successful year being 1977 when he won the Mr. Olympia title for the third time. During his competitive career, he earned numerous titles, such as the Mr. America, Mr. Universe, Mr. World, and Mr. Olympia. He was also the first bodybuilder to win the Mr. Olympia title three times.
The Zane Pose
Frank Zane is credited for inventing the iconic “Zane Pose” which is characterized by a side-by-side double biceps pose. He is also known for his unique physique which is characterized by wide shoulders and a small waist. He believed in focusing on form and symmetry in his workouts and his posing was always immaculate. This is one of the reasons why he became one of the most iconic bodybuilders of all time.
Legacy
Frank Zane’s legacy is one of innovation and excellence. He revolutionized bodybuilding with his unique approach to training, posing, and nutrition. He is also credited for inventing the iconic “Zane Pose” and for his unique physique which is characterized by wide shoulders and a small waist. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time and his legacy will continue to inspire bodybuilders for generations to come.
Conclusion
Frank Zane is an iconic bodybuilder and a three-time Mr. Olympia winner. He revolutionized bodybuilding with his unique approach to training, posing, and nutrition. He is credited for inventing the iconic “Zane Pose” and for his unique physique which is characterized by wide shoulders and a small waist. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time and his legacy will continue to inspire bodybuilders for generations to come.
