Bodybuilding enthusiasts could take one look at the old-school days and weigh in on the importance that Mike Mentzer carried during that era. The late legend was the torchbearer of the high-intensity training technique and popularized it among the masses. In a recent video on YouTube, the channel Heavy Duty College highlighted one of his articles on how he grew his forearms during training.
Unlike other bodybuilders from his era who would’ve focused on specific training, Mentzer had a unique approach. Forearms were one of his strengths across his whole physique because of how ripped they were. Yet, when it came to training them and increasing their muscle mass, Mentzer didn’t seem to have a specific plan.
His idea was to work on his forearms indirectly, through staple arm exercises that he would perform with dumbbells and bars. In fact, any exercise where he would hold or grasp a piece of equipment would work the desired part. He clarified that while he didn’t mean to discourage the inclusion of direct forearm exercises; he wanted people to stay mindful of including them.
If the indirect exercises were already taking them to the point of fatigue, then the direct ones could take a backseat. According to Mentzer, assigning forearm workouts on upper arm days, following bicep exercises, would be ideal. He went on to explain the exercises in detail and stressed the technique.
However, one must not forget to apply the high-intensity training method to this process. Mike Mentz.
