Mike Mentzer

[Burton]

My good friend and strength coach Mike Mentzer passed away this weekend from a heart attack. Mike was world renowned as a bodybuilder, and more recently as being on the cutting edge of strength training. I know many fighters and martial artists who use his methods with great results. I just spoke with him last Friday, as he wanted to get the articles I had written about him for his website. He was to shoot a video on his training program over the weekend, but it was not to be. As a sidenote, his brother Ray was ill, and Mike was going to donate a kidney to him. Ray passed away last night.
Mike was full of life and enthusiasm on Friday, and we had many plans to work together in the future. For those who knew his work, it lives on. For those who don't, check it out. Enjoy each day!

[WTG]

NO!

Oh Burton...

Man I am in a state of shock!

I first got interested in body building when I was ten years old and Mike became my Idol as a kid! I remember I got heavy duty (the book) when it first came out.

AND, how strange is this, I was looking through an old muscle & Fittness and was re- reading an article by mike less than two hours ago!

I am really sad about this and very sorry you lost a friend...

And his Brother passed away too? This is a tragedy, very sad...

How old was Mike and Ray?

I will dedicate the rest of this Day to Mike and Ray, and every action I take today I vow to do to the best of my ability holding nothing in reserve.


-Rick

[Burton]

Mike was 49, and I believe that Ray was 47. I am so glad that I knew Mike, sorry that he left so soon, and determined to make the most of each day. Enjoy!

[taba]

just read that a recent study by american sport science determined that a single set of ten reps at close to one's max is more effective than multiple sets to failure.

seems was indeed at cutting edge of strength training.

sorry to have just learned of him by this thread. did order his latest book, look forward to its arrival.

thanks for the suggestion to check it out.

[LatinoHeat]

Mike Mentzers Article regarding his sad death Link

http://www.detnews.com/2001/moresports/0106/16/sports-235914.htm

[LatinoHeat]

Mike Mentzer & Ray Mentzer Workout Routines Link

http://www.trulyhuge.com/heavyduty.htm

[Burton]

Thanks for posting those. I hear Mike's voice encouraging me every time I lift. Aloha!

[John1974]

Hi Burt,

How often do you work out in the gym lifting weights? (on a weekly basis)
What das your training consists of? (do you work on strenght, mass, Muscular stamina???)
Could you share your Training routine with us?

I'm asking this because im thinking about switching to mr Mentzers methode, I work as a personal trainer in a gym in Germany and I only find the the time to lift weights twice aweek. The rest of the time is taken up by work and JKD, Kali und Muay Thai Training!

Thanx for sharing!

John

[Burton]

I lift three times per week, chest, back, traps on Tuesday, shoulders, biceps, triceps on Thursday, and legs on Saturday. I do one hard set to failure for each body part. I also do lower back work and ab work on each day. The total workout takes about 20 minutes if I take my time. The great thing is that it stimulates my muscles to grow, while not draining me of energy that I need for my other training. Aloha!

[Danny Flucke]

Just joined the board -

I met Mr. Mentzer during a lunch meeting at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina Del Rey. (He was at the next table with one of the Shamrock's from the Lions Den...)

After waiting for both of our business to end - I simply asked him for a minute of his time.

He was very gracious and listened to my problems with "Heavy Duty".

We ended up spending about a half hour with him offering his opinions on how I could tweak my training to solve them.

I even had my assistant bring my books down to the resturant so he could sign them.

The improvements I made following his advice were huge. I was still gaining strength and size - With ZERO pain in my shoulders.

I was very sorry to hear of his passing -

My belated condolences to you Burton for your loss...

Thanks, Danny

[georgie]

wow

i grew up with hopes and dreams of becoming a pro bodybuilder...thumbing through loads of muscle and fitness mags and staring in astonishment at mike and ray's physique and reading about his unique and proven system....for me its shocking to see these brothers who inspired me to chase that dream and eventually compete respectfully die an untimely death days apart......a truly sad loss ....we are indeed getting older for sure .... life becomes more valuable when such tragedies happen.....be thankful for your health, life and family today and live like its your last day with them.....we only go around once....thanks Mike and Ray.