Training Log | Anvil of Crom | Inspiration: Sergio Oliva

Today’s Colin Timberlake training inspiration is one of the founding fathers of professional bodybuilding, the man who sat atop the throne of the sport before the ascent of Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Today, we follow in the footsteps of Sergio Oliva.

“The Myth,” as he was known, was the second ever winner of the Mr. Olympia title, and became the first black bodybuilder to collect the quadruple crown of Mr. America, Mr. World, Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia championships.

He also holds the distinction of being the only man to ever defeat Schwarzenegger at Mr. Olympia, the premier competition in the field. Following his loss to Oliva, Arnold never brought home anything but a victory again.

Oliva made his mark with three consecutive Olympia titles from 1967-69, and in doing so served as a role model, inspiration and target to a coming generation of bodybuilding legends that would include Franco Columbu, Frank Zane and Lou Ferrigno. Oliva remains one of only five men ever to achieve bodybuilding’s greatest glory on three occasions.

After several years of retirement in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Oliva stepped back into competitive bodybuilding in his 40s. He again competed at Mr. Olympia in 1984 and 1985, securing 8th place finishes on both occasions, despite facing a field far younger than himself.

HAMMERING THE ANVIL…

This is what the Anvil of Crom is all about. Rebuilding the legs. This time, from the knees down…

TODAY: CALVES (5-5-5)

SEATED CALF RAISE (5 sets)
135 x 10
180 x 10
225 x 10
225 x 9
270 x 7

STRAIGHT-LEG CALF PRESS (LEG PRESS MACHINE) (5 sets)
200 x 8
200 x 8
200 x 7
250 x 6
250 x 5

STANDING TIBIALIS ANTERIOR CURL (per leg) (5 sets)
- Fast Tempo / Short Rest
40 x 20
45 x 15
45 x 15
45 x 10
45 x 10

TRAINING NOTES

Total Sets (Calves): 10
Total Sets (Other): 5

On the whole, I have to say that I am very pleased with the results I have gotten in rebuilding the calves under this program. There is already a very visible and marked recovery toward ideal proportions.

*Colin Timberlake is a Sports Jabber contributing author. You can view more health and fitness articles at Colintimberlake.com.

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