Bodybuilding legend Lou Ferrigno is still thriving at 72, having recently appeared on one of the sport’s most popular podcasts. In a recent sit-down interview on September 1, 2024, Ferrigno joined Dennis James to discuss his longevity, his rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger, training Michael Jackson, and also named his strongest two bodybuilders to ever compete.
Sporting unparalleled mass in the 1970s and 80s, Lou Ferrigno was a domineering force in the Men’s Open division. He carefully put together a monstrous physique with hardcore training principles and strict dieting. His efforts paid off too. He claimed the IFBB Mr. America title and won two consecutive Mr. Universe titles, solidifying his name among the best.
It wasn’t just the bodybuilding stage Ferrigno fell in love with, he also attacked his acting career with a cutthroat mindset. He starred as Hulk in the CBS hit TV series The Incredible Hulk, which ran from 1978-1982. From comedy sitcoms to his iconic role in the legendary Pumping Iron film, Lou Ferrigno remains one of the most beloved and influential bodybuilders of our generation.
Lou Ferrigno Talks Keys to Longevity at 72, Arnold Schwarzenegger Rivalry, and Names Strongest 2 Bodybuilders to Step on Stage
Ferrigno discussed his early rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He shared that after winning the 1974 Mr. Universe title, ‘The Austrian Oak’ told him that if he had his physique, no one would beat him for 10 years.
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“I only trained three months for the competition, when I competed in ’73 when I won the Mr. Universe, Arnold trained a whole year my cast told me to beat me. So I decided to go back to Ohio to film now I didn’t have the luxury of living in California to train with my peers.”
“In 1974, after the contest, Arnold said to me if I had your body nobody could beat me for 10 years,” adds Ferrigno.
Ferrigno, known for his incredible mass, reached a staggering 325 pounds in 1993.
“In 1992, I was 300, in 1993, I was 325, and the Master Olympia, I was about 295,” he explains.
To cultivate herculean size, Ferrigno explained that his diet mainly consisted of meat, fish, eggs, and water, adding that back then, ‘you had to sacrifice size to get ripped.’
“Back then, I was tough on myself. It was a meat, fish, eggs, water, maybe one piece of food a day. Because back then, you had to sacrifice size to get ripped and to get cut. The difference today, you and I know you can do more cardio and you can eat more, like four or five times a day and you can train heavy for the competition. Me back then, we trained down for the competition.”
“It’s all hard work, that’s what it takes. You have to go beyond that pain barrier. It takes two more reps and the squats you got to do it. That’s what separates the men from the boys.”
While it might come as a shock, Lou Ferrigno at one point was responsible for training hip-hop legend and singer Michael Jackson. He said he trained the music star for 20 years ‘on and off.’
“On and off for 20 years. He wanted to keep it private, yeah,” shares Ferrigno. “I did go to his house. I spent time with his kids. I trained him. I had to go on a book tour and I said to Michael, I said I’ll be back in a couple of weeks. He was 50, and he wanted to go on a tour and make a bigger comeback.”
“He was in debt $430 million, he was in debt,” says Ferrigno. “Someone called me and said listen, Michael died. I thought it was a joke. The guy apparently, I was shocked but for years he would come to my facility in Santa Monica. He loved my passion for fitness and I loved his passion for music.”
As for the strongest bodybuilders to ever compete, Lou Ferrigno gave the honors to Franco Columbu and former eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
“I would say pound-for-pound Franco. Franco benched 505 at a body weight of 185,” he shared. “My opinion of overall, Ronnie Coleman. That man did bent-over rows for 500 pounds. A 200-pound dumbbell, I never seen a human like that.
When I saw him for the first time backstage, I got scared looking at him. I’ve never seen a human being look like that. You talk about the most powerful man? I think Ronnie hands down.”
When it comes to preserving longevity, Ferrigno takes a simplified approach. He doesn’t carry hate, over-indulge, or stress himself out. Prioritizing positivity is one of the best ways he’s kept himself young since retirement.
“I don’t carry hate. I don’t stress myself out. I enjoy life. I don’t over-indulge and I like to do things. Like for example, I don’t do anything to hurt myself. I just have a good attitude. I like being positive. I like to enjoy every day because well, what I had to overcome in my life.”
As an OG mass monster in bodybuilding, Lou Ferrigno proved himself against the best athletes in the world for decades. While he’s stepped away from the bright lights, fans of today can learn from his physique, story of triumph, and longevity at 72 years old.
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