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Mike Mentzer's High Intensity Training Program
Paperback
First published December 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
August 10, 2024
Mike has been an inspiration for me ever since I was suggested one of his interviews on Youtube a while back. His logical approach to bodybuilding is a much needed respite from the modern state of the field where everyone is trying to sell you some miracle supplement or one size fits all training program. Although I'm skeptical that intense exercise for extremely short periods, such as 20 minutes, can yield the results needed for competing in Mr Olympia, I think his training program has merit and is worthy of further investigation. I do, however, believe Mentzer is correct about intensity being the key for muscle development.
In this set of interviews, Mentzer makes a number of thought-provoking points on how to train optimally. I highly recommend anyone with an interest in fitness and bodybuilding check out these interviews.
In this set of interviews, Mentzer makes a number of thought-provoking points on how to train optimally. I highly recommend anyone with an interest in fitness and bodybuilding check out these interviews.
February 25, 2026
"Remember, the purpose of theoretical knowledge is to serve as a guide for successful human action."
"Gaining a thorough, first-hand understanding of higher concepts requires extensive mental effort of the sort that these individuals [concrete-bound mentalities] have spent most of their lives actively evading."
For those that know me personally - it comes as no surprise that I really enjoy exercising. In fact, it does make a strong part of my personality reflected in my daily life. As I am approaching my 4th year of working out, having undertaken multiple rigorous exercise disciplines (high volume, low reps, endurance etc.), I believe I am somewhat qualified to comment on this piece of work.
Mentzer was considered a strange individual for his time - when the rigorous routine of exercising consisted of steroid usage with high-volume exercise (as steroids supported recovery), he took the step back to your average joe and synthesised academic, scientific and most importantly, personal experience into a new "Heavy Duty" programme. Although I do not fully agree with the extent of his minimalist approach (one which later his student and 6x Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates has gained distance from), I can confidently state that his philosophical aspect, as well as general concepts of high intensity exercise (to failure) have been fundamental to establishing a new exercise order within the gym culture.
Having implemented my own amended version of the Heavy Duty programme, more akin to that of Dorian Yates, I can confirm the philosophy in practice. I saw a bit of myself in Mike, as he has articulated many difficulties I have faced throughout exercise, as I am sure many others have too. His approach, the need to garner knowledge and to not feel burdened to exercise - instead using it as a supplement of becoming a greater self, is one that reflect with me a lot.
I highly recommend the read - it is quite humorous as well. It is a nice feeling to find solace in a new workout scheme.
In the words of Tom Platz, "Now, the only place to go from failure is to win."
"Gaining a thorough, first-hand understanding of higher concepts requires extensive mental effort of the sort that these individuals [concrete-bound mentalities] have spent most of their lives actively evading."
For those that know me personally - it comes as no surprise that I really enjoy exercising. In fact, it does make a strong part of my personality reflected in my daily life. As I am approaching my 4th year of working out, having undertaken multiple rigorous exercise disciplines (high volume, low reps, endurance etc.), I believe I am somewhat qualified to comment on this piece of work.
Mentzer was considered a strange individual for his time - when the rigorous routine of exercising consisted of steroid usage with high-volume exercise (as steroids supported recovery), he took the step back to your average joe and synthesised academic, scientific and most importantly, personal experience into a new "Heavy Duty" programme. Although I do not fully agree with the extent of his minimalist approach (one which later his student and 6x Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates has gained distance from), I can confidently state that his philosophical aspect, as well as general concepts of high intensity exercise (to failure) have been fundamental to establishing a new exercise order within the gym culture.
Having implemented my own amended version of the Heavy Duty programme, more akin to that of Dorian Yates, I can confirm the philosophy in practice. I saw a bit of myself in Mike, as he has articulated many difficulties I have faced throughout exercise, as I am sure many others have too. His approach, the need to garner knowledge and to not feel burdened to exercise - instead using it as a supplement of becoming a greater self, is one that reflect with me a lot.
I highly recommend the read - it is quite humorous as well. It is a nice feeling to find solace in a new workout scheme.
In the words of Tom Platz, "Now, the only place to go from failure is to win."
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews