Lou Ferrigno revealed the longevity secrets keeping him shredded at age 74. The former bodybuilding icon told Men’s Health he prioritizes lift efficiency over ego-driven heavy weights. His approach focuses on injury prevention and a strict whole-food diet to maintain his famous physique.

At an age when most people are retired and are spending their days on their front porch, former bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno is in the gym, putting all the youngsters to shame. So, how does a 74-year-old manage to achieve that? Apparently, there are some workout rules he follows that keep him fit even at this age.

According to Ferrigno, "You can’t reach 75, 80, or 85 and say, 'I should have.'” The time to maximize what you have is every single day. Are you using yours?"

In an interview with Men's Health magazine, Ferrigno revealed the rules that keep him healthy in his 70s.

Enjoy the training process

For Ferrigno, training is therapeutic and a way to maximise his strength and feel better. It gives him the discipline needed to do anything he sets his sights on.

Don't be egoistic

Instead of fueling your ego with heavy loads, perform your reps to the fullest, especially if you are at an advanced age. According to him, the focus should be on control and lift efficiency, and reducing the risk of injury.

Also, his advice to everyone is to never compare with other people. Instead, focus on becoming the best version of yourself.

Eat healthy

Ferrigno is very simple when it comes to food; he only eats whole foods, like meat, fish, fruit, and vegetables, and avoids fried, high-fat, processed foods.

Age is just a number

Ferrigno says if you set your goal towards something, your age shouldn't decide whether you can achieve it. Every day, one should strive to improve oneself, set a target, and take risks to achieve it. 

And if you are wondering who this guy is, spreading these golden words of wisdom, then here is your answer.

Who was Lou Ferrigno?

Best known as one of the most successful bodybuilders with a successful Hollywood career after Schwarzenegger, Ferrigno rose to fame starring in the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron. In the documentary, he was Arnold Schwarzenegger's challenger.

He later played the titular character in the 1978 Marvel TV series The Incredible Hulk. His massive build and towering 6'5 height made him a perfect choice for the role.

Talking about his preparation for the role, Ferrigno said,

“I had to work damn hard on my diet and exercise for the Hulk. I wasn’t going to let anyone down, especially myself. The Hulk was my hero as a kid as well.“

Besides ruling the bodybuilding stage and the silver screen, Farrigno had a chance to train celebrities like Michael Jackson and Chuck Norris. And what made him a prolific bodybuilder of his time was an intense training routine and a disciplined diet program outlined below.

Workout:

• Warm-up
• Machine chest press (3 sets of 12 reps)
• Machine preacher curl (3 sets of 12 reps)
• Alternating dumbbell curl (3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per arm)
• Triceps kickback (3 sets of 8 to 10 reps per arm)

Diet:

• Whole eggs
• Meat
• Oatmeal
• Cottage Cheese
• Supplements

For more such content, follow Bodybuiling Bros.

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil