When it comes to mastering the work behind the scenes as a bodybuilder, no one could do it quite like Frank Zane. In a recent Instagram post shared on September 19, 2024, the bodybuilding legend explained that he would increase carbohydrate intake and take a few days off from exercise if he was burnt out from overtraining.
Frank Zane is a three-time Mr. Olympia winner, who was heralded for his once-in-a-generation aesthetics. Boasting a tight waist, deeply separated abs, and near-perfect proportions, he tested himself against superpowers of the sport, such as seven-time Mr. Olympia champion Arnold Schwarzenegger, proving that size wasn’t the end-all-be-all in bodybuilding.
Frank Zane Explains How to Handle Overtraining With Time Off and Carbohydrate Intake
Zane approached the sport like a skilled artist, regularly using his palette and brushes to present masterpieces on stage. From breathing exercises and positive affirmations to utilizing sunbathing as a natural diuretic, his intellect, wit, and perseverance helped him reach incredible heights as a thriving Men’s Open Pro.
Overtraining can affect the best of us, which is why Frank Zane has unveiled his timeless solution to combating fatigue and burnout. Below, he details how to avoid this problem and why taking a step back and ingesting more carbs might be the most optimal solution.
“The secret of making gains in bodybuilding is to do just enough training to get results and no more. Doing more training than necessary can result in excessive soreness and overtraining.
If you ever get overtrained, your energy level will drop, you’ll feel very tired, your muscularity won’t be as sharp, and you may lose a few pounds. When I’m feeling overtrained, I take a few days off from training and increase my carbohydrate intake slightly” Frank Zane said.
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And overtraining isn’t the only challenge he’s attacked since laying down his posing trunks many moons ago. As of late, Zane broke down how tension and movement are key to mastering bodybuilding poses.
“To me bodybuilding is very much like sculpture because I use weight-training apparatus and nutritional principles to create my body as I wish.”
Years since stepping away from the limelight, Frank Zane still offers his fans clutch information on fitness and bodybuilding. At 82 years old, he continues to defy Father Time with his work ethic and physique. If you believe you’re overtrained, try giving his solution a try and see if it works for you!
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