Frank Zane explains how to use stretching for ideal recovery

Last October, eight-time Olympia champion Lee Haney praised Frank Zane for his longevity and maximizing his genetic potential. He supported Zane's training methods as proof that athletes don't need to focus on lifting heavy weights to build muscle. Zane's influence on the sport is still palpable today.

While many athletes focus only on muscle size, Frank Zane believes that adding extra weight can destroy symmetry and body proportions. He recommends developing muscles in the limbs, such as the calves and forearms, instead of chasing the larger muscle groups. The main goal should be to not gain weight too quickly and build muscle mass in the forearms and calves.

Don't try to gain weight too quickly or you will ruin your symmetry and proportions. Weight gained quickly goes mainly to the large muscle groups such as thighs, butt, pectoral muscles which are centrally located. A more aesthetic look is helped by building mass into the limbs such as calves and forearms.

In a recent Instagram post, Frank Zane explained how to use stretching as an ideal tool for recovery between sets.

"When you train a certain body part, you should do about ten different stretching exercises for it during the rest between sets," Zane wrote. "Each stretch should last 15-20 seconds. You want to rest and lower your heart rate after the set is over. It's an ideal recovery tool because you'll relax while you stretch; it saves you a lot of time and keeps you warm."

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