Sunday, June 29, 2025

Secrets of the Champions: Park, Arnold, Wynter, Sell, Scott - Ivan Dunbar (1967)

 

                                                                   Saul Hallop, early 1920s Estonian Olympic lifter. 




It is a remarkable fact that many bodybuilders, some of them advanced trainers, still believe there is a mysterious secret that the champion bodybuilders employ to obtain their development. [Any obvious anabolic compound comments are not required owing to us all already knowing that. If you choose to avoid all manner of testosterone (etc.) compounds for the entirety of your life, there may be something here to take away nonetheless]. 

Often, particularly after a Universe trip, I have been confronted by bodybuilders who tell me there MUST be such a secret; otherwise the Universe winners could never reach such a standard. Nothing, it seems, will convince them that such development is obtained from the same exercises they practice themselves. Yet it is a fact. 

What many bodybuilders fail to appreciate is that they are looking at the finished product, perhaps the result of 10 to 15 years hard work; something for which there is no substitute. It's true that many of the 'champs' started with more than the average bodybuilder, but they all have one quality in common: 

the ability to work hard over a long period. 

Perhaps some of you may be interested, and surprised, to hear what some of these top men have to say about the "big secret." 


REG PARK





First ever three-time Mr. Universe winner. "If there is a secret, I wish someone had told me about it. No, this is nonsense. I know some of the lads feel there is some mysterious method, some magical course or exercises that will work miracles, but if there is, then I've been putting in a lot of unnecessary work for a very long time. 

"My advice to any bodybuilder, however disheartened, is to stay with it and NEVER give up. Stick to basic principles by employing a sensible overall program. If you need to specialize from time to time then do so, but never neglect the overall body parts. 

"I have always found these principles essential, particularly in my early days, and I still use them Nowadays I train every morning for one hour, more if the occasion warrants."


ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER


Last year's Universe sensation. Raising his shoulders in amazement. "What is this secret? Please tell me, I would like to know. I train seven days each week, no rest. Three to four hours each day. When I start I weigh 160 pounds, after one year 200 pounds. All I know is train, train, train. Eat plenty food, protein and wheat germ. Please tell me, what is this secret?" 


PAUL WYNTER



Twice Universe winner. "No secret, that I know about. I suppose it depends a great deal on what you start with, but the will to stick to training, regardless of setbacks, seems to be the most important asset of all. I think many fellows would improve more if they want for a better balanced physique, instead of 'plugging' their good parts.

"My training has mostly consisted of three to four sessions per week, using a basic exercise program. Before the Universe shows I did five or six per week. I think I trained harder than ever for the 1965 Universe, the one Reg won. I'm sure regular training over a period of time is more important than burning it up and then taking a long layoff." 


LEN SELL



Double Universe winner, now successfully doing 'full time' in his Walthamstow studio, and ever ready to a bit of 'crack'. "Nobody ever tells me anything. What is this secret? You mean to tell me I've been flogging myself all these years when some guy has a 'secret' on how to get a powerful physique. Seriously, though, I just don't think it can be done. 

"In spite of recent reports on help from certain drugs, I'm sure there is only one way to build a physique: HARD WORK, and sacrifice. Sacrifice of leisure time, holiday time and, when you come to think of it, considerable financial outlay.

"Training-wise, I'm sure the majority will benefit best from a planned overall program. Normally I would recommend three sessions per week, except before a contest, when extra work is essential. When I trained for the Universe it was eat, sleep and train. Being a working lad at the time I had little option. 

"Any advice? Yes, stay with it and keep plugging away. Time and perseverance can work wonders."  


LARRY SCOTT



Famous American champion and owner of the best arms I have ever seen. "All I know is I've been knocking myself out for years. At times it seemed pointless and often I got little reward for my efforts, and then suddenly I would improve a little and it all seemed worthwhile. 

"My advice to any bodybuilder -- keep at it, in the end it will prove worthwhile. If you really are determined you can move mountains." 


Enjoy Your Lifting! 




                                                                                     https://www.greysteel.org/   

If you haven't yet read "The Barbell Prescription" by Jonathon M. Sullivan and Andy Baker I'd recommend it highly. Once you get signed on to the GreySteel mailing list there's access to a great archive of newsletters aimed at over-50 lifters who train for strength. https://startingstrength.com/resources/forum/ also has some wonderfully applicable stuff for us old farts with big hearts in its forums. I signed on this weekend and man, there's sooooo much stuff there now.  



John Regier Claassen is an elder lifter who made my workout much more 
this afternoon. 

I thank you, Sir, and wish you the best.  

There's some great videos of this gentleman out there. What caught my eye was the one with this intro statement: 

"What's it like to train for your first powerlifting meet at 92?"

YEAH BUDDY! 










2012. 270 pages. 

If we're lucky, we can buy the ingredients and cook food from cultures around the planet. 

Crazy how we take that for granted at times, ain't it. 








1995. 24 minutes. 
The Ultimate Warrior Official Workout Video.
Strange, very strange
fun to watch! 
Need I say
"Schmoke it if ya got it."
I thought not. 



 














2 comments:

  1. About ten years ago when visiting my family in Detroit I trained with Sully at Greysteel. He was a great guy and a competent coach.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice experience! They look to me to be a sweet bunch of people. And they all lift!

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