Inspiration: Steve Reeves
Steve Reeves (1926-2000) was an American Bodybuilder and Actor. Famous for his amazing physique and good looks Steve rose to stardom after winning the 1947 AAU Mr. America and Mr. Universe in 1950. Steve decided to pursue an Acting career and was cast in a couple small film roles and TV shows before being cast in Hercules in 1957. Hercules was a massive success and from then on Steve Reeves became the No.1 Box Office draw as he starred in numerous action epics. Amazingly, Steve turned down the role of James Bond in 1962 because of the low salary offer from the producers.
Steve was an advocate for drug-free bodybuilding, although there are a few differing accounts highlighting whether or not that Steve himself was drug-free. Considering the minimal knowledge of Training and Nutrition Steve and others might have had use of in the 1940's it seems plausible that bodybuilders of that Era did have chemical help - although this is complete speculation. After all, Steve himself has been quoted implying that he was drug-free;
"I don’t believe in bodybuilders using steroids. If a man doesn’t have enough male hormones in his system to create a nice hard, muscular body, he should take up ping pong." - Steve Reeves
Steroid user or not Steve was always remembered as a class act. Many believe his physique to be the best all round and the most aesthetically pleasing of all time - and it would be hard to blame them. Steve, like most of the bodybuilders of the classical era performed a full body workout 3x per week, instead of just training one body part per session. This amounted to a huge amount of volume per workout that would take quite a while to complete. Not many people could keep this up without good nutrition and rest, and in some cases it can be argued that it cannot be maintained without the use of steroids. One thing is for certain, if Steve Reeves was truly natural then he was one of a select few to consistently complete this routine and gain recurring success from it. See below for the routine.
It is up to you if you wish to try out this routine, although it is aimed at the advanced lifter. Take note of the following protocols that go along with this exercise list;
Schedule:
Perform only 3 times per week. Rest 2 days between workouts when necessary.
Rest:
45 seconds rest between sets. 2-3 mins rest maximum between exercises.
Form:
All Reps must be performed with perfect form, absolutely no exceptions. Perform the required amount of reps or until no more reps can be performed with perfect form.
Tempo:
Each rep on all exercises should involve a 2 second concentric phase (Raising of the weight) and a 3 second eccentric phase (Lowering of the weight).
Progression:
Increase weight only once a few more reps than the stated amount can be performed perfectly.
Exercise Order:
As stated. Keep smaller muscle groups nearer the beginning of the workout if the order must be altered.
Steve served as Inspiration to even the beloved classic bodybuilders we all love, like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Serge Nubret and many many more - to be the idol of the idols is really something! Check out the differences between the Old School and New School Diet here.
WE RECOMMEND:
Steve Reeves' widely acclaimed book on Building The Classic Physique, The Natural Way is available to purchase in both paper back and hard back copies for just $39.
The book is a 5 Star reviewed product and depicts in great detail the protocols, nutrition and techniques needed to build a classic looking physique. If you're also interested in learning much more about Steve himself than this article then look no further! There is also plenty of anecdotal info on the man himself from childhood all the way through to his later years - with over 170 rare photographs of Steve as well.
There are many lifestyle tips for staying physically fit and healthy everyday which have inspired a generation to get fit and healthy!
Learning from others is a fast track to discovering what works best for your lifestyle and your body. If you love Steve Reeves and enjoy working out then you absolutely must have this book! Shop Here Now or Click on the Image.
Happy Lifting!
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