Frank Zane Explains How to Use Stretching as the ‘Ideal Recovery Tool’

Legendary bodybuilder Frank Zane enjoyed an immensely successful career as an IFBB Men’s Open competitor. He transformed the division’s look with his insane aesthetics. In a recent post made on Instagram, Zane explained the importance of using stretching between sets to improve results.

Frank Zane first gained attention for his stellar blend of muscle mass, detail, symmetry, and proportion. He presented one of the most aesthetic physiques in the history of the division. His narrow waist and clear v-taper helped him stand out from the competition along with his training methods of using light weights. In 1977, Zane finally managed to secure his first Mr. Olympia win and successfully defended the title two times in a row.

Zane stepped away from professional competition due to injuries after a final appearance at the 1983 Mr. Olympia. Besides bodybuilding, he graced the covers of several magazines and went up against the likes of bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, Robby Robinson, and Samir Bannout.

Zane did not lose his passion for fitness and continued to train in his later years. He offered some of his favorite exercises to build strong biceps and optimize tricep extensions in his late 70s in Aug. 2021. He followed up by detailing his technique for properly performing single-arm dumbbell bicep curls for maximum gains.

The 80-year-old collaborated with fitness sensation Mike O’Hearn for a Golden-era-inspired training session in Nov. 2021. He revealed the favorite exercises that he liked to utilize in his prime and took issue with the lack of focus on posing in contemporary bodybuilding. The duo reunited for another workout months later where Zane mentored O’Hearn through unconventional techniques to enhance results in the gym.

Eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney praised Frank Zane for his longevity and maximizing his genetic potential last October. He backed Zane’s training methods as proof that competitors need not focus on lifting heavy weights to build muscle. Zane’s impact on the sport is palpable to this day. Former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout invoked Zane’s example to inspire budding Open competitor Michal Krizo to work on his posing months ago.

‘The Chemist’ voiced his disapproval of modern bodybuilders overdoing steroids and using Synthol to improve their chances on stage in Dec. 2022. He revealed he stays away from using TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) and cautioned against taking too much gear.

Read also Frank Zane Growth Program

Frank Zane explains the importance of stretching

In a recent Instagram post, Frank Zane explained how to use stretching as the ideal recovery tool between sets.

“When training a particular body part, you should do roughly ten different stretches for it during the rest periods between your sets,” wrote Zane. “Each stretch should last 15-20 seconds. After a set, you want to rest and drop your heart rate. This is the ideal recovery tool as you relax into the stretch; it saves a lot of time and keeps you warm.”

Read also: The 9 Best Morning Stretches for Men

While many competitors focus on muscle size alone, Frank Zane believes adding extra weight can destroy the symmetry and proportions of a physique. He encouraged developing muscle in extremities like calves and forearms instead of rushing to enlarge the bigger muscle groups.

Zane opened up on the low-carbohydrate diet and training he utilized during his days of competition last month. He revealed he never went over 200 pounds in the off-season and avoided using diuretics due to the risk of losing too much water.

His latest offering will certainly come in handy for competitive bodybuilders and fitness fans looking to level up their aesthetic quality.

Stay on top of the latest fitness news and updates by adding Fitness Volt to your Google News feed: You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for even more content.