Lee Priest has adopted just about every training approach under the sun throughout a bodybuilding career lasting over four decades. In his latest effort, shared on August 23, 2024, Lee Priest opened up on training lighter, revealing that it’s more important to focus on tensing the muscle rather than pushing heavy weight for optimal results.
Lee Priest is one of the most successful IFBB Pros to come out of Australia. He began bodybuilding as a teenager which quickly spiraled into an unforgettable career courtesy of his massive biceps, hard conditioning levels, and desire to be the best. While he never laid claim to the coveted Mr. Olympia title, Priest gave icons of the sport like Ronnie Coleman all they could handle during the 1990s.
Having achieved his highest placing of sixth on the Mr. Olympia stage in 1997, Priest was no stranger to the demands necessary to thrive as an Open class competitor. He has absorbed valuable knowledge from stars of the sport like Tom Platz and Arnold Schwarzenegger, regularly offering technique tips to fans in his spare time. This has led the ‘The Blond Myth’ to break down why lighter training could result in bigger gains rather than testing your strength with heavier weights.
Lee Priest Reveals Why It’s Best to Focus on the Muscle With Light Weight Instead of Lifting as Heavy as You Can
According to Lee Priest, instead of opting for heavier weights, he says to focus on tensing the muscle for the best results.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“I always found just going that little bit lighter, it’s like now when I do legs, I don’t go anywhere near as heavy but my legs will be just as sore now, way more than when I used to go heavy.
Like I said, it’s just more about focusing on the muscle, tensing the muscle, and really using it rather than just pushing heavy weight,” shares Priest.
Before sailing off into retirement, Priest accomplished something that many bodybuilders struggle to achieve, which is leaving the sport on top. He earned gold in his last three outings, including the 2006 NOC New York, the 2006 PDI Night of Champions, and the 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe.
This hasn’t been the first time Lee Priest has recommended lighter weight for better results. He recently explained why pulling lighter weights on back day can help strengthen the mind muscle connection. He also offered specialized tips for mastering the upright row in the safest manner possible.
“If you’re using good form on anything, you shouldn’t have problems. Like if you’re doing upright rows and I see people start doing this [using body English] jerky movements going too heavy, you’re probably going to get problems because you’re not in control.”
When it comes to making extra gains, Lee Priest advises lifters to leave their egos at the door. Instead of mindlessly pushing heavier weight, he says your best bet is to focus on controlling lighter loads.
Watch the full video from the Samsfitnessaust YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
