MIKE MENTZER: MR. NORTH AMERICA 1977

[@anthonyklemens1315]

I first met Mike at the 1977 Mr Pennsylvania contest (teen division) I was 17 and believe him to be about 27 years old at that time (he had already won the IFBB Mr America). It was my first show and as good as I thought I looked; others looked better. During a picture taking opportunity, he told me I had good genetic potential and to continue to train hard and he discussed his training methodology for about 20 minutes. I was thrilled that he took the time to speak with me a kid in awe of his presence. I still have the photo with me shaking his hand as well as a couple of he and Danny Padilla (he was at the event). I successfully competed in amateur shows (natural) until I was 40 years of age and at 64 continue to train 3 days a week for about 30 mins a session not including a 10 min warmup which has always been the foundation to safe training.

[@giakhanhthehinhcoban]

Thank you Mr Little, without you we would never have the chance to watch these footages.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You are most welcome!

[@drakeh8162]

And a big thank you from me as well.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

@@drakeh8162 You're most welcome!

[@juanvaldes1837]

Yes thanks so much

[@davidmaerz2756]

@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE Thank you sir!

[@johnrodriguez5133]

Boy if anybody thought bodybuilders were airheads back then, Mike surely broke that mold 👍🏼💪🏼

[@stevemann1299]

He was both an intellectual genius and an amazing bodybuilder. As flawed as he was. He remains an enigma and an inspiration to many.

[@davidmaerz2756]

@@stevemann1299 How was he flawed btw?

[@smurtosmith7538]

@@davidmaerz2756 Mike experimented with methamphetamine and other drugs to enhance his physique. Also was obsessively envious to the point that after his 5th place result in the 1980 Mr. Olympia he retired.

[@hitten03]

@@smurtosmith7538 Envious or maybe just don't want to participate in the bullshit that was called Mr. Olympia. 1981 was worst. LOL

[@GlossaME]

@@smurtosmith7538 Because he got robbed, not because of envy...

[@leevancleef358]

Mentzer at his best was flat out AWESOME.

[@chestnutsev7]

Was fortunate to meet Mike at a London seminar 2 months after the 80 Olympia. Still got my signed photo of him safely tucked away.

[@josephabrams4002]

LOL, I met him at the 80 Olympia as well, but with a twist... it was the 80 Miss Olympia in Philadelphia. The first one ever. 😁

[@chestnutsev7]

@@josephabrams4002 lol but what a great twist you met Mike and saw Rachel mclish win the first ms O 😉

[@yes-ft9ze]

It's sad that he's gone he was a cool guy

[@mrswolls]

He was so well spoken just like I had imagined he would be at this time. Thanks for this upload.

[@CaneFu]

Thanks for the upload. Mike Mentzer is definitely my favorite bodybuilder of all-time but not just for his physique as his training principles are what I have lived by for many years. It's notable that even though Mike had the most massive development of all his competitors in this contest he still could do a decent vacuum pose; something that I haven't seen modern bodybuilders do in a very long time.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You're absolutely right.

[@vojtamaximus5291]

Ramy 2021 good enough?

[@camonlococamon]

Lol did you even watched Hadi at this Olympia?

[@stephensuddick274]

Because they can't.

[@Lousy-Looter]

I believe Mike had the greatest vacuum pose I've ever seen, even better than Frank Zanes. totally awesome

[@DanielSanchez0]

Having read John’s, Doug’s, and Mike’s books, and learned about Mike, I see he lived a full life. A life of great triumphs, gut-wrenching moments, great efforts to learn and understand, friendship, and more. Definitely someone I continue to learn from.

[@guanjun1178]

Sadly missed, never forgotten. RIP Mike.

[@mdd1963]

To go from a new Mr America in '77, to Mr. Universe in 78, and win heavyweight in Olympia '79 (2nd overall) is some damn quick progress...!!

[@Bodyknowledge77]

I was born in 1977. I became a major fan of Dorian Yates which lead me to Mike Mentzer. Mike was some kind of bright light for a time.

[@Coachtroybrown]

Fantastic footage thank you John for sharing all this wonderful footage. I started reading Mike's work back 2004. 2 years later I won my pro card beating flex Lewis in the overall. I'm now 45, retired and coming back to Mike's work and principles. The principles work! I'm living proof.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi Troy. Thanks for your post. That’s awesome news!

[@Naturalhit]

Thanks John. Seeing these guys, especially Mike, was the reason why I took up weight training.

[@goyallucky5203]

Same here Edgar, I Ordered Mikes Heavy Duty Training System back in 79 or so and what an inspiration he was for me. those photos of him also in JOE WEIDERS MUSCLE BUILDER MAGAZINE from the late 70,s also where great

[@SalsBodybuildingArchives]

Great footage from back in the day! What man wouldn't want a fine physique like any of these bodybuilders competing in this show. Beautiful lines, well balanced and HEALTHY! Thank you John for posting, Very inspiring. The Mentzer brothers...we miss them, Peace, Sal.

[@outlaw565]

Sorry to tell you but all those top guys back in the day took steroids. They all admit it, it wasn’t a secret in the gym. The magazines we all read just didn’t tell us all about it so we all would buy there products and stuff and make us think we would get big like them. They worked out hard sure but they were far from natural.

[@charlesbukowski9836]

My hero... didn't play ball and went against the grain... and he paid for it..

[@JorgeGarcia-jc9ld]

Sorry to here but lets keep going forward ,and learn my our mistakes ,i have jg🎼🖐🤟

[@timothyvonvictory7105]

Don't they all brother. It's ok, the renegades are gaining ground

[@coryleeboxing3047]

Awesome videos I train alot and I began to really listen to Mike awesome videos 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@davidwirth2716]

Crazy how we go from BB to a freak show now with all the new drugs available. Mike Mentzer was no doubt the winner here. RIP

[@arshadsoamber5810]

Thank you sir for gifting us this. GOD bless you.

[@stevenworld3364]

This video is a Gem. Hard to find anything with Darcy , Dave, and early Mentzer. Bodybuilding was still being covered by the ABC at the time, a great time for the sport. Wish I could have seen Mike compete, the way he slapped the stage to close out his routine

[@martinmichael4217]

Dear John, thank you from the bottom of my heart for these amazing videos 🙏🏼. Mike revolutionized weight training and was a true artist of Bodybuilding - he keeps inspiring me today.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi Martin, you are very welcome. Glad to hear.

[@keendeesjarlais3636]

I was at that show with my brother- so many years ago... sitting just out of camera shot when they panned to the audience. franco columbu guest posed. and deadlifted one end of a Datsun car while some girl tried to change the tire-- fricken hilarious mentzer blew everyone away with his freaky (for the day) development awesome experience

[@MikeJohnMentzer]

Mike seems really fun and chill guy Never saw him laugh like that after 80' Mr Olympia

[@patrickjames468]

The only 70s bodybuilder to not skip leg and back day. GOAT

[@Arnold_Thelegend]

only?

[@tiinan375]

Danny Padilla?

[@Sprunk05]

@@tiinan375he was jacked, but sad part no one rlly remembers him

[@tonystipstricks8299]

Excellent footage! Both Mentzer brothers were HIGHLY underrated...

[@DanielSanchez0]

Thanks, again. Great to see this. What’s amazing, too, though, was how strong Mike was, not just show.

[@nelsoncruz184]

Very true Daniel, also Casey and Mikes brother Ray .

[@michaeladalacse2463]

Mike back is amazing

[@gillettrandy]

I saw Mike Mentzer guest pose in California in late ‘77 or early ‘78. He was in full off-season bulk mode and his width and thickness were unbelievable.

[@AngelOliva302]

Thank you very much John Little for sharing this rare Video!! Wow! Mentzer looked Incredible here!!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Yeah, he did. Interestingly, there was very little written about this contest at the time.

[@District.24]

Had Mike won Mr. Olympia in 1980, our understanding of bodybuilding at the time would have changed overnight. Mike was suppressed like the Electric car, but as that car finally broke through into mainstream, so has Mike's bodybuilding ideology. It's up to us all to make sure it's here to stay.

[@carnivorous_vegan]

nah electric vehicles are still trash today with no range and wacky infrastructure

[@scottleckie3148]

I know and trained with most of these guys :) Thanks for the memories, John.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

That's pretty cool, Scott. Glad you liked the video!

[@scottleckie3148]

@@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE keep 'em coming, big bro!

[@swedd2]

Mr. John Little, you've done it again! Thank you! Now if we can just get our hands on the footage of Mike being a guest on the Merv Griffin Show. Cheers

[@mikedarrow3809]

Or the ABC Superstars Competition he was in.

[@johnrodriguez5133]

Wow loving all these new videos of Mike my inspiration when I was just a young pup 👍🏼👍🏼

[@chuckcummins9149]

You weren't alone on that one either ...inspired many of us!

[@charlieking3115]

Mike Mentzer one of the best bodybuilders in the 70' 80' 90' he got Rob for the Mr OLYMPIA 👏 R.I.P.

[@josephabrams4002]

Awesome rare footage. Thanks so much for posting!!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You’re welcome, Joseph. Glad you liked it.

[@nishantpradhan5432]

This is incredible.Thank you for this special video. John you're the man..

[@braddavis4276]

My Very First Bodybuilding Show Was In 1978 In MIAMI , FL . It Was The “ NGHT OF THE CHAMPIONS “ !!!! A Good Friend Had Been Telling Me All About MIKE MENTZER . And That He Was THE BEST 🏋️‍♀️🏋️🏋️‍♀️🏋🏻‍♂️ WELL HE WASN’T KIDDING !!!! All I can Say Is WOOOOW 😱😱😱😱 💪💪💪 O.K. So It’s My First Show I A REAL CHAMP When I See One !! Yes He Had It All . I Got To Meet Him In SAN FRANCISCO , HIS YOUNGER BROTHER RAY ( Mr. USA ) Was Guest Poser . I Got His Book HEVEY DUTY , And A Picture OF US !!!!

[@leegorman3329]

This is when bodybuilders looked good, way over the top now

[@scottlapointe9682]

Incredible!! Man he looked so thick and dense , also great shape !!

[@shack7631]

Many thanks for uploading. I would rather have these guys than today's freak show. These guys look healthy and don't gasp and gulp for air when they are posing, unlike some of today's competitors.

[@platogenova9573]

Thank you for this interview. Super rare.

[@leandroaraujopersonaltrain9811]

great footage! thankyou so much john ! we still loving mike and heavy duty.

[@cfs.vinnycruz]

Wow! thank you so much, so good to see the old timers. And they were still able to do vacuums.

[@nickgreek6449]

One of the best bodybuilders ever..

[@samuelclemons508]

This is Gold !!!

[@mattlambert6080]

Awesome , so great to see footage of Mike an absolute trailblazer. Thanks for putting this up for us all to see .

[@daanwiersma5786]

Wow John, I say it every video now but thank you so much for sharing these jewels🙏🏼

[@vladimirantoniu2754]

What a great time to be alive and young...the 80s...

[@warmachinebodybuilding]

Thanks for video. Excellent. My mith Mike Mentezer. Big like by Warmachine bodybuilding of garage Gym italy

[@carfran53]

It is always great to see iron Mike performing.

[@drbonesshow1]

Mike was a friend of mine. I met him (in the early part of 1979) as a tall, skinny 16-year-old high school kid at Syracuse Bodybuilding (Liverpool, NY) where he conducted a seminar using Nautilus equipment.

[@tsicby]

Surely he trained more than 3 hours per week...? I just can't believe that.

[@aliendroneservices6621]

Mike Mentzer was only 5'8" at his tallest.

[@drbonesshow1]

@@aliendroneservices6621 I towered over him at 6' 2'' and two years later I was 6' 4''. I bumped his arm by accident while he was standing next to a Nautilus machine - he was like a rock. Although I wanted to be a bodybuilder, I played pro baseball which was my gift - not Mr. Universe muscles.

[@ThinkBIGBodybuilding]

This is SO GREAT!! Thank you for sharing it 💪💪💪❤️👊

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You're welcome, thanks for posting.

[@evil_musclemuscled3814]

I follow Mike Mentzers work to this day of weight lifting. It makes more sense than any other way of lifting that I've done

[@captainh3831]

Mike's physique always had that very dense, thick look. Some bodybuilders lack that look. He looked strong and was strong. That came from from lifting heavy weights. I don't know he did it all working out 3 hours a week, but it worked for him.

[@lipeperewoskin4487]

it worked for him and his brother so good that they both died from roids then....2 liars and heavy roiders,nothing more

[@regidon6816]

@@lipeperewoskin4487 y u always hating

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

People always talk hours yet neglect the years. Mentzer was training seriously before he was a teenager, getting up to 250 by the time he was 17. That foundation was built over a very long time, which isn't what everyone wants to hear.

[@davidcallos4590]

Michael's more than one of my idols growing up bodybuilding Mike mentzer was like one of my idols he's in his own bracket he's in his own freaking League in this contest especially

[@noblewolf9364]

I liked the interview the best. So he was HIT training back then too. 3 hours a week and he looked great.

[@geoguitar1950]

Mike was way above the rest in so many ways.

[@cirosantarpia9231]

Thanks for this preciuos movie 🙏

[@kosanstanojevic]

Thank you, I never saw this footage of Mike:) He should have been the next big thing

[@orlovphil]

Very interesting. Thanks

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You're very welcome, sir. Thanks for your post.

[@SASlair]

It still blows my mind that he trained only three hours a week. Incredible physique.

[@futureskipper4616]

Might have been even a bit less than that, but there is absolutely no need to train (intensely) for more than 3 hours a week to build at least a solid physique. Dorian Yates didn't train more than 3/3.5 hours a week either.

[@fellowbrotherinwar]

It’s important to understand he trained insane also powerlifting for many years and built a very solid physique. After that he found a way to build even more muscle with his routine. Then he had to switch it up again and attempted rest pauses

[@deschallenor2613]

Mine to.!!

[@charlotteh8174]

@@futureskipper4616 ..pure cap! Both posters are delusional.

[@futureskipper4616]

@@charlotteh8174 What are you trying to say darling?

[@larryjohnson2306]

Great video, all new to me. Mentzer went beyond the norm and the stereotypes.

[@lipeperewoskin4487]

only by use giant amounts of roids wich already back then kill him and his brother,in fact he was even a bigger liar than arnold.

[@larryjohnson2306]

@@lipeperewoskin4487 Mentzer had mental health problems and for that reason he was at times delusional and said things that were not true. Nevertheless his insights on training were important to the sport.

[@saulmartinez4554]

I REALLY LOVE THIS CHANNEL

[@schteboroberts299]

Mentzer was fantastic in this show!!!

[@elraes1387]

Thanks John for this jewl!! Historic Video!!!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You’re welcome, el raes.

[@SMewett]

This was a wonderful watch 👍🏽

[@lad1477]

Great clip! Thanks for uploading

[@faithlove5130]

This is gold, John. Thank you for sharing, I'm sure many people are grateful for your contributions about Mike M. ,Bruce L. and sports in general. May they RIP.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

You’re very welcome.

[@drc97086]

So cool to be able to see this. Thank you.

[@Bench400at57]

That was awesome. I was 10 and lived in bc my whole life. Never knew that happened. Knew about Roy callendars win in ‘79. Thanks for this vid.

[@martynbeaumont1100]

Great footage. Thank you!

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@septemberquest6393]

Powerful display by one of the best in the sport..💪💪💪

[@Coneman3]

This is great. I know who you are John, as I have several of your books (which are great). I actually have about 200 books on this and related subjects, and am in the process of writing a book about bodybuilding. It's a major undertaking with has been derailed a few times for various reasons, but central to the book is the volume vs intensity debate. My aim is to bury forever the idea that intensity isn't more important than volume. The script is over 80,000 words so far and has taken 100s (no 1000s) hours to get that far. Key to me was getting the structure of the book right and I think I have already achieved this. I get a bit overwhelmed at times, as I have lots of books yet to read, I am a perfectionist. Everything I have read about Mike makes me think he was a great guy to know and a man of great character. I want to enrich his legacy and bodybuilding in general by my book, and also yours to some extent, as someone who supported him and took his theories further. Mike's story is one that many have sadly suffered. I see this story as transcending bodybuilding, it's about truth, character and dissemination of information and meaning etc etc. I never set out to write a book about bodybuilding, the need to write my book came out of a feeling of necessity. Best wishes and I hope you get to read my book one day.

[@t.murrayhanowski3678]

Thank you John! He sure is missed.

[@johnhumble4240]

Great video John Thank you very much

[@ronaldmccutcheon1329]

"How much do you lift?" It's 2021 and some things never change. Mike told Don what he wanted to hear. "1200 pounds." I love it.

[@luigirnotyourbusiness8127]

He did it, probably either deadlift or squat

[@daveconleyportfolio5192]

@@luigirnotyourbusiness8127 Leg press

[@yoholmes273]

I cant believe you have found and posted this. As my Iron Heart melts...

[@toddleslien1]

Mike Mentzer is my idol

[@dbozexpat894]

Mike is such a inspiration! HIT training works! Another great upload John! 💪

[@tektoniks_architects]

Thinking man's bodybuilder. Brilliant man. Challenged accepted bodybuilding norms with knowledge and vision. Great contributions to the bodybuilding world.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Hi Tektoniks Architects. Absolutely true.

[@Zman885]

Mike`s Vacuum to ab shot is one of the greatest poses in the History of Bodybuilding. I had Mike do a seminar at my Gym in the early 80`s . He was a brilliant guy, patient and kind , in spite of a lot of negative ignorance always aimed at him . He proved his theories onstage beyond all doubt. He was the Only bodybuilder ever to record a perfect score . Enough said! Terrible and Tragic early deaths for him and Ray . RIP HEAVY DUTY.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks for your post.

[@darvinlobaton4825]

This is awesome besides from the 1981 olympia footage now I can see Mike at his best

[@cuchulainn1967]

1981?!?

[@nerk234]

.. loving this times..❤️😞

[@ivancandido1973]

Really amazing

[@jagsl123]

Thanks, great upload 🙌

[@tonylee-UK]

Thanks for the upload. Superb video.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@talibe801]

This was the year i started training i was 15...Mike and Arnold were my favorites.

[@Moniemon7]

Incredible to see this!

[@thespartanphysique]

Great Video. Thanks John. Your books on Mike are also awesome!!.

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

Thanks!

[@dougnorz7707]

Due to incredibly advanced medicine, nowadays bodybuilders are significantly more developed than before. Old bodybuilders and new bodybuilders can not be compared, But Mike was incredible for his time.

[@zdenekburian1366]

It seems to me that the light class athletes are natural

[@SB-jn8cw]

The lack of a tan was very noticable here

[@nerdyali4154]

They can't be compared, modern bodybuilders are aesthetically repulsive, skin often stretched thin and spotty, gut distended and once over a certain size any proportion goes out the window.

[@zdenekburian1366]

@@nerdyali4154 fantastic description, i'm asking what is exactly the medicine that makes this so big difference between the 90s smooth and beautiful look and the graininess appearance today , i think that judges were shocked originally by this evolution and rewarded it, but now they should award a backward revolution, instead rhoden was showing this road and someone immediately said "stop him"

[@MegaBadseed]

@@zdenekburian1366 You into conspiracies?

[@moritztabor1678]

Unforgotten

[@romachess4385]

In those days - new level of Lats and Triceps!!! Good job! Undisputed champ!

[@jondavid1284]

That was cool. Thanks John!

[@gforceeatingcorrect]

Mike Such a beautiful soul !!!

[@banditobandolero]

Simply the best gentlemen:Mike Mentzer

[@danielwhyte9172]

Great footage John, thanks for uploading

[@HEAVYDUTYCOLLEGE]

No worries, Daniel. Thanks for your post.

[@dra911]

If it was Arnold that introduced me to Bodybuilding, it was Mike and AJ's writing that kept me going and made it a permanent fixture of my life (30+ years of training under my belt.) I can't believe it's 20 years since he passed away. Anyway, look at that Physique! Another thing missing in today's line-up of open Bodybuilding mass monsters is the good-looking "Herculean" physique that Mentzer exemplified. I wonder if the Classic Physique category can accommodate these types as well one day? Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSolarium18]

Yes but today there are a lot guys in classic division with better physiques than menzer

[@NICOLA-md2hv]

Grazie,ottimo lavoro ❤️

[@JimmyDaBone]

Great music to pose to, Mike👍

[@maxdream2178]

The vacuum @9:02 is incredible awesome footage

[@jasondmoal]

Que grande mike !! gracias john