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The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer: The Art, Science and Philosophy of a Bodybuilding Legend
The last word on how to build a better body--from the late, great Mike Mentzer
With his revolutionary "Heavy Duty" system, Mike Mentzer changed the way bodybuilders train, showing them that "less is more" when it comes to making great gains. In The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer, you will discover Mike's most advanced training techniques and philosophies--previously known only to his inner circle and personal clients.
Drawing upon never-before-released materials, his longtime colleague John Little reveals Mentzer's most powerful lessons and workout plans, including:
The importance of working to failure Techniques for pushing past mental and physical plateaus How overtraining impedes progress A complete advanced "Heavy Duty" training systemThe workout that worked "like magic" for Mr. Universe himself More than an instruction manual, this thorough compendium brings together a lifetime of insights, training truths, and personal philosophies from one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
308 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2005
98 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 29, 2011
When I was a teenager, Mike Mentzer was a hero of mine. Like most heroes, I later found him to be a very flawed individual. Nevertheless, Mentzer greatly influenced my life. Mentzer was viewed by many as "the thinking man's bodybuilder." He was as comfortable discussing the philosophies of Ayn Rand, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Friedrich Nietzsche as he was discussing weightlifting and nutrition. Because of Mentzer, I started reading Nietzsche when I was 15. I eventually earned a B.A. in Philosophy, specializing in Existentialist philosophers (Kierkegaard to Camus). I consider myself an expert on Nietzsche's writings. As a committed Objectivist, Mentzer had little use for faith. Reason and science were his guide. I personally have nothing against reason and science, but I do believe there is more to reality. I'll spare you the epistemological reasons for my assessment.
Mentzer was a strong advocate of High Intensity Training (HIT). Training to failure, pre-exhaustion, negative resistance, and static contractions are all HIT methods. Generally, I believe Mentzer was correct to advocate HIT. However, Mentzer tended to sometimes run wild with a good idea. In this book, the author says that Mentzer normally advocated 1 set to failure after completing 1 to 2 warm-up sets. That I agree with. However, I know in Heavy Duty II, Mentzer advocated 1 set to failure with no warm-up sets. For me, that is just asking for joint and tendon trouble. Best to get the blood flowing before doing an all out set to failure. Mentzer was always experimenting with exercise and nutrition routines. Each individual is different and should, after learning the basics, experiment with what works best for him.
In the mid-80's, Mentzer's life spun out of control. A failed business venture, his father's death, the loss of a long time girlfriend, and an amphetamine addiction pushed Mentzer over the edge. Strange stories began to surface. He was supposedly seen running naked through the streets, directing traffic, prophesying the end of the word, drinking his own urine, etc. He was reportedly arrested numerous times and institutionalized. With the support of the author (John Little) and a former girlfriend, Mentzer eventually kicked the amphetamine habit and went back to writing and training. After a productive decade, Mentzer died of an unexpected heart attack in 2001. He was 49.
Mentzer was a strong advocate of High Intensity Training (HIT). Training to failure, pre-exhaustion, negative resistance, and static contractions are all HIT methods. Generally, I believe Mentzer was correct to advocate HIT. However, Mentzer tended to sometimes run wild with a good idea. In this book, the author says that Mentzer normally advocated 1 set to failure after completing 1 to 2 warm-up sets. That I agree with. However, I know in Heavy Duty II, Mentzer advocated 1 set to failure with no warm-up sets. For me, that is just asking for joint and tendon trouble. Best to get the blood flowing before doing an all out set to failure. Mentzer was always experimenting with exercise and nutrition routines. Each individual is different and should, after learning the basics, experiment with what works best for him.
In the mid-80's, Mentzer's life spun out of control. A failed business venture, his father's death, the loss of a long time girlfriend, and an amphetamine addiction pushed Mentzer over the edge. Strange stories began to surface. He was supposedly seen running naked through the streets, directing traffic, prophesying the end of the word, drinking his own urine, etc. He was reportedly arrested numerous times and institutionalized. With the support of the author (John Little) and a former girlfriend, Mentzer eventually kicked the amphetamine habit and went back to writing and training. After a productive decade, Mentzer died of an unexpected heart attack in 2001. He was 49.
June 19, 2024
Extraordinary combination of the training regiment and aesthetic philosophy of Mike Mentzer. One of the titans of modern bodybuilding in the seventies.
He combines growth of the body with intellectual growth and describes a personal vitalistic philosophy based on the objectivist philosophy of Ayn Rand. He does not condone the 'machiavellian' outlook of his contemporary bodybuilders, trying to bring others down psychologically for their own goals. He prefered cooperation and mutual respect, and taught others during his career.
Some interesting ideas on aesthetics and ethics are explored, as well as his signature workout routines with high intensity combined with a rather low amount of sets (at the end he recommended just one set to exhaustion for most exercises, unlike the common volume used by bodybuilders in this era.)
Being such an unorthodox athlete and writer this text is highly useful and motivational. Mentzer is not portrayed as a guru, yet as a guide for self-exploration and personal improvement.
He combines growth of the body with intellectual growth and describes a personal vitalistic philosophy based on the objectivist philosophy of Ayn Rand. He does not condone the 'machiavellian' outlook of his contemporary bodybuilders, trying to bring others down psychologically for their own goals. He prefered cooperation and mutual respect, and taught others during his career.
Some interesting ideas on aesthetics and ethics are explored, as well as his signature workout routines with high intensity combined with a rather low amount of sets (at the end he recommended just one set to exhaustion for most exercises, unlike the common volume used by bodybuilders in this era.)
Being such an unorthodox athlete and writer this text is highly useful and motivational. Mentzer is not portrayed as a guru, yet as a guide for self-exploration and personal improvement.
June 23, 2021
Não é um livro bem escrito e chega a ser hagiográfico, mas as ideias de Mentzer são fascinantes e o autor fez bem em citá-lo com abundância.
September 6, 2022
A surprising amount of this was about Ayn Rand.
August 1, 2016
After reading Schwarzenegger and many other articles from Muscle and fitness and after a lots of exercising at the gym, I came across this book. What is written inside, I feel is true. Arnold is great, but if you follow his advice on training volume (9 times per week) and you are not on steroids, it will kill you. Mentzer says that the reason why most folks are short of progress is overtraining. So, get yourself a book, find a training partner who comprehends your training and hit the iron!
February 5, 2025
I was excited for this book after reading Arnold’s Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding.
Didn’t know much about Mentzer, but I was intrigued by his HIT method and his status as an “intellectual bodybuilder.”
While I think the HIT method has some great bodybuilding wisdom, it’s not an ideal protocol for most people. Some principles can and should be taken from it, but I think there’s more to the equation.
More importantly, I came to find Mentzer kind of annoying. I didn’t feel much of his “wisdom” was all that useful or original. Sounds like he read a couple books on philosophy and wanted to portray himself as an intellectual, something new to the world of bodybuilding. To me he’s more like pseudo-intellectual.
I’m not saying don’t read this book, but if you’re looking for a better resource check out Arnold’s encyclopedia. (He hates Arnold by the way)
Didn’t know much about Mentzer, but I was intrigued by his HIT method and his status as an “intellectual bodybuilder.”
While I think the HIT method has some great bodybuilding wisdom, it’s not an ideal protocol for most people. Some principles can and should be taken from it, but I think there’s more to the equation.
More importantly, I came to find Mentzer kind of annoying. I didn’t feel much of his “wisdom” was all that useful or original. Sounds like he read a couple books on philosophy and wanted to portray himself as an intellectual, something new to the world of bodybuilding. To me he’s more like pseudo-intellectual.
I’m not saying don’t read this book, but if you’re looking for a better resource check out Arnold’s encyclopedia. (He hates Arnold by the way)
July 22, 2025
What an absolutely amazing book!
The insides you get from it about Mike Mentzer, the person, are amazing. It really showcases the type of man he was.
The knowledge about bodybuilding and training in general here is phenomenal. So much reason and sense behind every statement.
This book single handedly motivated me to adopt the Heavy Duty training and I have never looked back after that.
100% will recommend!
The insides you get from it about Mike Mentzer, the person, are amazing. It really showcases the type of man he was.
The knowledge about bodybuilding and training in general here is phenomenal. So much reason and sense behind every statement.
This book single handedly motivated me to adopt the Heavy Duty training and I have never looked back after that.
100% will recommend!
April 15, 2024
Don’t worry, I’m not trying to become a bodybuilder. Just interested in thoughts surrounding the topic.
His thoughts on the science behind proper rest and training techniques were quite interesting and helpful.
Mike’s thoughts can be summarized as:
In order to maximize progress, training must be intense, brief, and infrequent.
His thoughts on the science behind proper rest and training techniques were quite interesting and helpful.
Mike’s thoughts can be summarized as:
In order to maximize progress, training must be intense, brief, and infrequent.
May 11, 2025
Good epiloque
Good summary of Mike Mentzer’s principles, and especially enjoyed the additional perspective re: Q&A at the end.
Only criticism is that several stories of Mentzer’s training log are at odds with the minimal volume and 96+ hr rest periods he passionately argued for later on. It was a bit confusing and perhaps this wasn’t the best place for some of that info.
Good summary of Mike Mentzer’s principles, and especially enjoyed the additional perspective re: Q&A at the end.
Only criticism is that several stories of Mentzer’s training log are at odds with the minimal volume and 96+ hr rest periods he passionately argued for later on. It was a bit confusing and perhaps this wasn’t the best place for some of that info.
December 10, 2019
Tremendous
An extremely accurate review of a legend...
I think the strength and passion with which the Heavy Duty system and Mikes thoughts grow in popularity is testament to its awesomeness!!!
An extremely accurate review of a legend...
I think the strength and passion with which the Heavy Duty system and Mikes thoughts grow in popularity is testament to its awesomeness!!!
April 22, 2024
Mentzer seems like a smart guy, yet I can't help but feel like it's part of his image, a deliberate one. He says his ideas are based firmly in science, but they don't hold up. I don't know of any professional athlete that takes this 'less is more' approach to any sport, let alone lifting.
September 25, 2018
Great follow-up to ‘High-Intensity Training the Mike Mentzer Way’.
November 21, 2022
Amazing legendary bodybuilder with a legendary book full of valuable information and facts.
April 8, 2023
One of the best books out there on optimizing your efforts in the gym . Can't wait to apply them in practice.
December 17, 2025
Just amazing, I could relate and learn soo much
Mike was Very knowledgeable, everyone who works out should read this book, many solutions to problems I’ve faced while lifting weights and training
Mike was Very knowledgeable, everyone who works out should read this book, many solutions to problems I’ve faced while lifting weights and training
June 20, 2018
It seems Mentzer wrote a grand total of 60 pages, plus his seminar talks, and while he was right about a lot of stuff (about HIT and rest, for example), his devotees have managed to squeeze a good deal more verbiage out of it. Some interesting biographical and philosophical bits here, plus useful training advice, but it's akin to those Chris Tolkien notebooks. There are even quotes from a Mentzer short story in here that was apparently about...being a bodybuilder. Who'da thunk it?
January 3, 2024
Mind and Muscle: Timeless Mentzer's Wisdom.
The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer provides a solid foundation for High-Intensity Training (HIT), showcasing Mentzer's dedication and insights. However, it's crucial to note that the research supporting HIT within the book is dated, spanning decades. In the contemporary fitness landscape, numerous newer studies have emerged, offering additional perspectives and advancements in training methodologies. While Mentzer's principles remain relevant, supplementing them with more recent research can enhance one's understanding and optimize workout routines.
The philosophy section in The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer adds an engaging and enjoyable dimension to the book. Mentzer's insightful perspective on the mental aspects of training offers a refreshing break from the technicalities. His ability to blend practical advice with philosophical musings adds a unique charm, making it a captivating read for those seeking a holistic approach to fitness.
Conclusion: It showcase Mentzer's unique blend of practical advice and philosophical musings.
The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer provides a solid foundation for High-Intensity Training (HIT), showcasing Mentzer's dedication and insights. However, it's crucial to note that the research supporting HIT within the book is dated, spanning decades. In the contemporary fitness landscape, numerous newer studies have emerged, offering additional perspectives and advancements in training methodologies. While Mentzer's principles remain relevant, supplementing them with more recent research can enhance one's understanding and optimize workout routines.
The philosophy section in The Wisdom of Mike Mentzer adds an engaging and enjoyable dimension to the book. Mentzer's insightful perspective on the mental aspects of training offers a refreshing break from the technicalities. His ability to blend practical advice with philosophical musings adds a unique charm, making it a captivating read for those seeking a holistic approach to fitness.
Conclusion: It showcase Mentzer's unique blend of practical advice and philosophical musings.
July 23, 2023
A great book to read if you are into bodybuilding, especially if you are a Mike Mentzer fan. This gives us an in-depth understanding of Mike's thought processes as he gave advice radically different from what we usually hear.
Things I like about the book:
1. It has a lot of pictures of Mike that I have never seen anywhere else.
2. Mike (and John) made me appreciate bodybuilding as an art and even a philosophical practice. Bodybuilding may be accepted as an art by many, but it is rarely discussed as such.
3. The book is detailed and even gives us some training routines I bookmarked. The routine he prescribed for Dorian Yates is a PPL routine!
4. Mike Mentzer took on a more scientific approach to bodybuilding than the other bodybuilders during his time, making this valuable reading. Ever since I started listening to some of Mike's audio tapes and interviews, I have found myself hesitant to take bodybuilding advice from anyone else.
5. I love his advice especially when it comes to having a good character. He never let go of this even in competitive situations. This makes me trust him and his advice as honest.
Things that could have been better:
1. There are some anecdotal reports of people making huge gains by following Mike's way of training, but performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) and their role in these gains are never discussed.
2. There are some claims that are really just hard to believe, like some people can work out so intensely that it would take their bodies months, even years, to recover.
3. Doing one set is overstated. You probably never will have to do just one set per body part, because that would be appropriate to super-advanced lifters only. Most of the time Mike meant doing one set per EXERCISE, not muscle group.
Even Dorian Yates and Mike Mentzer himself would do multiple exercises per body part (1-2 sets per exercise). I understand that Mike had to make a shocking statement to catch the attention of people who are into the sport, but I wish he clarified more often that training with very low volume is for the advanced lifters, and not for beginners who are just starting out.
4. New research would disprove a few of the things that were accepted to be true back then. One example of this is when Mike Mentzer claimed that the lat pulldown (narrow, underhand grip) is a great exercise for the lats, biceps, rear delts, and also the PECS.
Things I like about the book:
1. It has a lot of pictures of Mike that I have never seen anywhere else.
2. Mike (and John) made me appreciate bodybuilding as an art and even a philosophical practice. Bodybuilding may be accepted as an art by many, but it is rarely discussed as such.
3. The book is detailed and even gives us some training routines I bookmarked. The routine he prescribed for Dorian Yates is a PPL routine!
4. Mike Mentzer took on a more scientific approach to bodybuilding than the other bodybuilders during his time, making this valuable reading. Ever since I started listening to some of Mike's audio tapes and interviews, I have found myself hesitant to take bodybuilding advice from anyone else.
5. I love his advice especially when it comes to having a good character. He never let go of this even in competitive situations. This makes me trust him and his advice as honest.
Things that could have been better:
1. There are some anecdotal reports of people making huge gains by following Mike's way of training, but performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) and their role in these gains are never discussed.
2. There are some claims that are really just hard to believe, like some people can work out so intensely that it would take their bodies months, even years, to recover.
3. Doing one set is overstated. You probably never will have to do just one set per body part, because that would be appropriate to super-advanced lifters only. Most of the time Mike meant doing one set per EXERCISE, not muscle group.
Even Dorian Yates and Mike Mentzer himself would do multiple exercises per body part (1-2 sets per exercise). I understand that Mike had to make a shocking statement to catch the attention of people who are into the sport, but I wish he clarified more often that training with very low volume is for the advanced lifters, and not for beginners who are just starting out.
4. New research would disprove a few of the things that were accepted to be true back then. One example of this is when Mike Mentzer claimed that the lat pulldown (narrow, underhand grip) is a great exercise for the lats, biceps, rear delts, and also the PECS.
November 30, 2020
Extremely over priced without any real value
June 28, 2016
A good book to get you geeked up before training.
June 12, 2013
Scientific training for best results in complete conditioning.
June 3, 2014
Yes! Yes! Yes!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews