Mike Mentzer

Michael John Mentzer (November 15, 1951 – June 10, 2001) was an American IFBB professional bodybuilder, Objectivist philosopher, businessman, and author. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mentzer started bodybuilding when he was eleven years old. He won several amateur bodybuilding competitions before turning professional in 1979, including the 1976 Mr. America title and the heavyweight division of the 1978 IFBB Mr. Universe.

In late 1979, he won the heavyweight class of the Mr. Olympia. In the 1980 Mr. Olympia, he placed fourth in a tie with Boyer Coe behind Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chris Dickerson and Frank Zane, though this placement was deemed controversial.

Influenced by the concepts developed by Arthur Jones, Mentzer devised and successfully implemented his own theory of bodybuilding. One of the most prolific bodybuilders of all time, his Heavy Duty Training program advocates high intensity and low volume. In 2002, he was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame.