Bodybuilding legend Dorian Yates is setting the record straight on his high-intensity training style. On April 3, 2025, he explained that it’s not about throwing heavy weight around but rather focusing on correct form with control for the best results.
Yates’ training style was eclectic. He utilized principles learned from Mike Mentzer and Nautilus machine founder Arthur Jones. Instead of obsessing over a fixed number of reps or sets, they prioritized going to failure with the utmost intensity, all while keeping safety in mind.
This training strategy not only helped Yates take home six consecutive Mr. Olympia titles (1992-97) but also lends itself to longevity. At 62 years old, the Englishman is in exceptional shape, and aside from a hip replacement surgery stemming from issues decades ago, his health has remained intact while enjoying retirement.
Dorian Yates Talks Misconception With His Training Style, Says It’s About Going to ‘Failure in a Controlled and Safe Manner’
In a recent Instagram post, Yates spoke on a misconception about his high-intensity training approach. He emphasized that it’s not just about throwing heavy weights around, highlighting that the objective should be applying maximum stress on the working muscles safely.
“One of the misconceptions I think about my training and my HIT training in general, is that it’s just about lifting heavy weights or throwing heavy weights around. Not at all, it’s about putting maximum stress on the working muscle safely.”
Above all else, Yates said to implement correct form with control and not to bring momentum into the equation.
“So, you need to lift the weights with the correct form with control, controlling the negative, no momentum, no bringing in outside forces, and swinging the weight. So always very controlled, but to failure in a controlled and safe manner,” Yates shared.
Yates’ perspectives on training still influence bodybuilders in the modern era. Before his last victory at the 2024 New York Pro, Nick ‘The Mutant’ Walker revealed that he implemented a Dorian Yates-style workout split, which paid off with gold against runner-up Martin Fitzwater.
As one of the most dominant and successful Olympia champions to emerge from the IFBB Pro League, Yates is confident his way of training has plenty of merit. For anyone interested in trying his high-intensity approach, he stressed not to concern yourself with heavy weight; instead, focus on controlling the negative and using proper form for safe lifting.
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