Reg Park, ‘How I Trained for 1958 Mr. Universe,’ Health & Strength

Reg Park was one of the mid-twentieth-century’s most impressive bodybuilders. He was large, strong and possessed a symmetry that few of his contemporaries could rival. What is even more impressive was his longevity. As an avid reader of old Health and Strength magazines, I have seen countless photographs and articles on Reg Park from his early years as a Yorkshire teen to his champion bodybuilding days.

Here is Reg’s routine from his 1958 Mr. Universe days. Note how different it is from the 5×5 routine you often find linked to him. If nothing else, the man knew when to specialize!

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

  1. Heel Raises on Calf Machine, 5 x 30
  2. Heel Raises Donkey Style w/Partner, 5 x 30
  3. Prone Hyperextensions, 4 x 10
  4. Front Squats w/Heels Elevated 3.5 Inches, 5 x 5
  5. Deadlifts, 5 x 2
  6. Barbell Bent Over Rowing, 4 x 8
  7. 45 Degree Pulls to Chest w/Lat Machines, 4 x 10
  8. Chinning the Bar, 3 x 10
  9. Bench Press, 5 x 2
  10. Press Behind the Neck, 4 x 6
  11. One Arm DB Press, 3 x 8
  12. Upright Crucifix, 3 x 10

Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

  1. Barbell Curls, 4 x 10
  2. Incline DB Curls, 4 x 10
  3. Seated DB Curls, 4 x 10
  4. Standing BB Tricep Curls, 4 x 10
  5. Lying Barbell Triceps Curls, 4 x 10
  6. Parallel Bar Dips on Extensions on Lat Machine, 4 x 10

If you want more information on Park’s bodybuilding philosophy, check out our previous post on his diet.

As always … Happy Lifting!

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