Mike Mentzer Anniversary Tribute

It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the loss of the Mentzer brothers. I recall learning of the double tragedy with astounding clarity. Oddly enough, I was performing a set of Heavy Duty arm curls when a friend called out across the gym that a reliable source had informed him that Mike Mentzer was dead. For me personally (as it likely was for many who were fortunate to truly know Mike), it was devastating news.

It may sound peculiar, but for quite a while following Mike's death, my personal quest for fitness suffered. My workouts were devoid of the typical vigor, zeal, and intensity. Can anyone relate? In hindsight, I had developed an association between training and Mike's passing. It was difficult to focus both mind and body, because the gym environment and the process of exercise elicited thoughts of Mike-our first conversation, our last conversation, stimulating conversations that would never be… My clouded mind would wander: what destiny would Mike have ultimately created for himself if he were to live on?

More recently, I have rationalized that Mike would have advised me that it was normal for me to feel and acknowledge such emotions. Furthermore, I realized that each practitioner of Mike's teachings-likely including you-is a living tribute to Mike and the training ideology that he spent decades practicing, refining, debating, and espousing. May we use our own physique transformations as testimony to the efficacy of Mike's training approach! Indeed, Mike left behind a living legacy of likeminded training enthusiasts, with who rests the venerable responsibility of sharing Mike's teachings.

In death, as in life, Mike Mentzer will continue to be a voice of reason so long as his students assume a Heavy Duty responsibility.

Respectfully,

Greg Bradley-Popovich, DPT, MSEP, MS, CSCS
NW Spine Management, Rehabilitation & Sports Conditioning
Portland, OR