Interview with Frank Zane - SA's Classic Bodybuilding Archives

Introduction

• Interview with: Frank Zane, 3-time Mr. Olympia winner
• Host: [Name not mentioned]
• Topics: Zane's move to California, Gold’s Gym, teaching, bodybuilding memories

Early Life and Move to California

• Moved from Florida to California in 1969
• Started teaching in LA city schools to support himself

Gold’s Gym

• Gym Description: Simple, well-equipped, not fancy
• Training: Regular basis at Gold’s
• Popularity Post-Pumping Iron: Gym got crowded with wannabes
• Training Strategy: Went early to avoid crowd

Involvement in ‘Pumping Iron’ Film

• Participation: Brief appearances, wasn't a major part of the film
• Shift to Vince’s Gym: Due to crowd and cameras at Gold's
• Preferred Training Grounds: World Gym

World Gym’s Popularity

• Chose World Gym after the original Gold’s closed
• Equipment: Unique pieces made by Joe Gold
• Atmosphere: Original bodybuilding community

Acting and Commercials

• Participated in commercials and movies
• Didn’t actively pursue acting roles
• Followed by agent’s opportunities

Discussions on Muscle Rock

• Location: Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu
• Used for tanning and bodybuilding photoshoots

Notable Associates and Bodybuilders

• Bill Grant: Impressive upper body, migrated from East Coast
• Bill McArdle: Trained at Vince’s Gym
• Roger Collard: Friend, occasional training partner
• Dave Draper: Early riser, strong, made rustic furniture
• Don Howorth: Competed against Zane, admired his deltoid and arm development
• Ed Corney: Great poser from Northern California

Training Regimen and Philosophies

• Frequency: Twice a day sessions; combination of muscle building and calorie burning
• Cardio: Minimal jogging, consistent weight control through diet
• Common Mistakes: Following overly complicated programs
• **Exercise Tips: **Simplify workouts, use proper form, focus on muscle engagement
• Exercises Discussed:
  • Safe/Unsafe: Behind-the-neck presses, lat pulldowns, parallel bar dips
  • Adaptations: Using machines, avoiding heavy spinal loading
• **Training Split: **Three-way split involving back, legs, and chest+shoulders+triceps

Bodybuilding Machines and Equipment

• Inside Studio: Leg Blaster, horizontal leg press, pull-down machine, pec deck, etc.
• Training Gear: Dumbbells, Beauty Bell set, pullover machine

Zane Experience

• Client Training: Selective training sessions at La Mesa, California

Diet and Weight Management

• Diet: High protein, low carbohydrate approach
• Metabolism Issues: Adjusting diet and maintaining discipline as one ages

Viewer Questions

• Hanging Lat Rows: Performed with gravity boots
• Mantras for Success: “I have already won”
• Training Recommendations: Simplify workouts, change exercises regularly, follow a three-way split

Competitor Insights

• Mike Mentzer: Competed against him; Zane’s superior presentation

Personal Interests

• Music: Plays harmonica (chromatic & diatonic), rhythm guitar
• Music Preference: Blues genre, artists like Blues Traveler and John Mayall

Resources

• Books: Zane Bodybuilding Manual, 91 Day Wonder Body, 91 Day Wonder Abs, 31 Day Wonder Posing
• Website: frankzane.com
• Training Materials: Autographed CDs, digital resources available on Barnes & Noble