Milk and Milk group products (Milk and cheese) Two servings per day. The Ray Mentzer story is one of success, but also tragedy. One of these protocols included the famous Heavy Duty Training. Mike Matarazzo, pro bodybuilder. He began competing in the most elite shows around America, making a name for himself in the process. Every Saturday evening, Ray would host so-called Saturday night squat parties. In 1999, Ray discovered he had kidney problems. Greenberger introduced Radin to Evans and together they struck a deal to finance The Cotton Club.. However, the doctors first needed to check if Mikes kidney was compatible with Ray. 1978 IFBB USA vs the World 1st (HW) Required fields are marked *. The weight would be so heavy that by the 9th rep, Ray would reach failure. A native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of If you knew these seven things about lifting or bodybuilding beforehand, would you even bother walking into a gym? While steroids, amphetamines, smoking, etc. In her testimony, Greenberger said Evans had nothing to do with Radins death. Thirty years ago, the average non-professional athlete was uninterested in using steroids. Chris Colucci is a T Nation editor and the T Nation forum director. Products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. You should add Ayn Rand as an influence. Sadly, Ray Mentzer would contract Berger's Disease which would lead to kidney problems that contributed to his passing. Little men like him need to knock the others to make themselves feel good cause they cant do it on their own!!! I'd read the literature on amphetamines and had never heard of any long-term physical damage, but I did know that it could possibly result in acute episodes of psychosis. Rays intense training was often followed by 3-4 days of complete rest. In 1983, he flew to Florida in order to be trained by Arthur Jones. The two brothers dying within 48 hours of each other shocked the bodybuilding world. Mike Mentzer died on Sunday, June 10th, 2001. - John Doe Bodybuilding, 1977 IFBB North American Championships 1st (Overall), 1977 IFBB North American Championships 1st (MW), 1978 IFBB World Amateur Championships 1st (HW), 1979 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro Invitational 2nd, Cereal and Grain Foods Four or more servings per day, Fruits and Vegetables Four or more servings per day, The high-protein group (Fish, meat, eggs) Two or more servings each day (Basic serving of meat = 3.5 ounces). Discover today's celebrity birthdays and explore famous people who share your birthday. In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most prominent, inspirational and controversial figures. Ray Mentzer and Mike Mentzer flexing together on a beach. Fame? Ray will stay remembered for his insane strength, and for his never-give-up attitude towards training and life. It made me feel like a productive genius.". By the morning of the contest he had recovered. Please consult with your own physician or health care practitioner regarding any suggestions and recommendations made. Hed break down a typical bodybuilders diet into the following: Mans proper stature is not one of mediocrity, failure, frustration, or defeat, but one of achievement, strength, and nobility. It came to a similar conclusion: Steroid use can be a valid and significant factor in heart-related death. At only 23, he captured both the Junior Mr. America title and the IFBB Mr. America championship. It was time to move on. 1976 IFBB Mr. America 1st (Medium) His progress over the next few years was onward and upward. We hadnt spoken for over five years. Bodybuilding began to separate from physical fitness in the 1950s. Till then hell just be the proverbial asshole you get wherever you go! Mohammed Benaziza: Seven total Grand Prix wins in 1990 and 1992, 1st place at the 1990 Night of Champions (beating Can you boost GH naturally? The condition was so serious that Ray had no other option but to get a new kidney. One of the greatest of all time in my opinion. One year later, he achieved same in the AAU Mr. America show. I Think Mike was someone worth looking up to. WebRay Mentzer Cause of Death Sadly, Ray Mentzer would contract Berger's Disease which would lead to kidney problems that contributed to his passing. It was a crushing blow. To compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. 2023 Greatest Physiques. Prior to his career at The Times, Dunn worked at the South China Morning Post in Hong Kong, the Danbury News-Times in Connecticut and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. You just cant beat that feeling of knowing that your physique is one youve worked hard for. Arnold Schwarzenegger - He's been named the Austrian Oak, The Terminator,John Matrix, Mr. In the 1960s, Iron Man publisher Peary Rader wrote an editorial to address the issue of steroids in bodybuilding and to warn readers not to get involved with the drugs. Lipscomb said that because a death occurred during the kidnaping, Greenberger and Lowe will be in prison for the rest of their lives. Instead of focusing only on proteins, he ate a well-balanced diet that consisted of several food groups such as; grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, and good fat sources. Ray Menzter, age 47, was reportedly very shaken up by the death of his brother. It was the last time Radin was seen alive. In 1983, Ray continued training extremely hard, using various routines. Mike was 49 and Ray was 47. He later competed in Mr. America, Mr. World, Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia contests. We know that PEDs are widespread in professional sports like baseball, football soccer, and MMA. Mentzer, Marti and Lowe were bodyguards for Flynt at the time they met Greenberger. Along with Mentzer, accused of carrying out the murder. Eventually, as the fatigue set in, Mike finally decided to call it a day and turn to bed. Matarazzo had triple-bypass open heart surgery at 38, a heart attack at 41, and died at age 47 while waiting for a heart transplant. WebMentzer died on June 10, 2001 in Rolling Hills, California. Mikesfirst set of weights wasbought for him by his father. Mentzer was also dealing with the fallout caused by the ending of his near decade relationship with Cathy Gelfo. Originally, Mike's body was sent to a funeral home in nearby Torrance. Although he was no longer under the spotlight of the bodybuilding stage, Ray kept training hard behind the curtains. Ray suffered from kidney failure caused by Berger's Disease. He died from kidney failure, a complication resulting from Berger's disease in Rolling Hills, California. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. And indeed there were warning signs about his health. ", The warning signs were there. As Bill Pettis put it; Ray is one of the strongest bodybuilders I have ever seen in my life.. On the morning of Tuesday, June 12, Joanne Sharkey (General Manager of Mikes business but who was in essence like an older protective sister to the brothers) received a call from Rays dialysis unit that he hadnt turned up for his appointment. Nevertheless, Mike moved in with Ray so that he could look after his brother better. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 48 years old? Carrier said Michael John Mentzer, 49, a champion bodybuilder whose competitive career ended when he lost the Mr. Olympia title to Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1980, died Sunday morning. When he began his 4 year service to theUnited States air force,Mikewas spending 6 days a week in the gym, normally for up to 3 hours at a time. At one time, training for just six weeks, he squatted 902 pounds for 2 repetitions. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2021-2022. As the courtroom clerk began reading the verdicts at 9:40 a.m., each of the defendants sat impassively, sometimes leaning to talk with their attorneys or sullenly gazing around the courtroom. In 1971, Mikewon his first competition, the Mr. Lancaster at the age of 18. Entering his first Olympia in his rookie year of 1979 the heavily fancied Mike lost out to a Frank Zane whom he outweighed by some 30 pounds. So more accurate reporting would be to identify them as "former bodybuilders. For five years Mike did crazy things and was regularly hospitalized. Complex, B-12, B-2. He was subsequently known for creating the "Heavy Duty" training system, derived from the ideas of Nautilus creator Arthur Jones, for whom Mike worked at one time. The results suggest that heavy steroid users are more likely to have irregular heart function and a higher mortality rate compared to natural lifters. At a bodyweight of a then unthinkable 250 plus pounds, he added even more muscle within a month. 1979 IFBB Canada Pro Cup 2nd At 48 years old, Ray Mentzer height not available right now. And would these competitors have lived much longer without using them? He started lifting weights at age 11 and competed a year later in his first contest. It was Ayn who inspired Mike to think outside of the box when it came to training, and living life to his own accord. Mike offered to be a donor to his sibling who had won the 1979 Mr. America, before it was discovered that he had serious heart problems, which precluded him from being a candidate. The jury also found that Mentzer and Marti killed Radin for financial gain during a kidnaping--special circumstances that open the possibility of death in the gas chamber for both men. He was known for lifting over 900lbs in squats, and for weighing 275lbs of rock-solid muscle at one point. A quick browse online will show you tons of recreational lifters discussing plans for their first, second, third, or fourth steroid cycle. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. Its been so many years and of course, you lose hope. Then, in a shocking development, Ray Mentzer was found dead this morning, June 12. In 1983, he continued to train and ended growing to 250lbs on his very small frame. What could possibly be better than a well-balanced diet, which covers all of your nutritional needs.. However, things didn't progress the way Mike had hoped, and after six months, he and Jones severed their business relationship. He soon took part in the Junior Mr. America and IFBB Mr. America, winning both contests. Check out our top rated fat burners to find out what actually works. In January 1990 a hospitalized Mike experienced a Eureka moment. Data was collected from 1985 to 2011 and demonstrated that wrestlers were three to four times more likely than the general population to die between 30 and 50 years old. Great article, but the accomplished must be revisited. With steroids, there's use, there's misuse, and there's abuse, and they're very different things. Ray, his brother, who is also suffering from illnesses, found him. He described this feeling as being at deaths door. Personal Trainer, Researcher, Author, Inventor Gym Owner, Doctor, Physical Therapist, Strength & Conditioning Specialist. Along with more protein than 22%. If you're a vegetarian who's serious about strength training, you need to know how to optimize your diet to get the best results. However, these werent the only methods Ray used to increase his training intensity. When a bodybuilder dies at an early age from organ-related failure, this is the kneejerk response you'll hear from bodybuilding fans: "He had a preexisting condition and would've had that same problem whether he was a bodybuilder or a school teacher!". Ray and co. would lift extremely heavy weights, taking long breaks between sets. A meeting was called, withmany reports claiminginsults wereexchanged between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger and that a fight nearly broke out. At the time of his passing, it was reported that he died after choking on food, but his autopsy report pointed elsewhere. I knew I had to wake up to that fact or my life would be over. I saw no problem for me because I was convinced I was focused enough and that my use was channeled in a positive direction. [Mike had taken a three year course, commencing in 1974, at the University of Mayland, with the eventual goal of being a psychiatrist , but he dropped out in 1977 disillusioned with the subject. Coming from a well-educated home, Mikesfather would regularly test and encouragehis academic knowledge using various rewards, including cash to ensure he excelled. Bad for metabolism, circad. Greatest Physiques is the number 1 destination for the best looking bodies on the planet. I always admired Mike Mentzer and knew from my own experience that his training philosophy had great validity. "Bodybuilders' Deaths Lead to Investigation", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ray_Mentzer&oldid=1121569006, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 13 November 2022, at 00:22. State prison correction officers brutally pummeled an inmate serving a life sentence for the murder of a Suffolk County mom, driving him to suicide, a disturbing new lawsuit charged Monday. The verdicts were sealed until Monday. Centerburg, Knox County, Ohio 43011 . No date was set for the trials penalty phase, in which jurors will decide whether to sentence Mentzer and Marti to death or life in prison without parole. I need to know the steroid cycle. Many have felt that steroids had contributed to the deaths of both brothers but this truly is speculation. Compiled by Times researcher Michael Meyers. As he waited for the kidney transplant, Ray discovered that his brother Mike had serious heart issues which led to Mikes death on June 10th, 2001. Ray and Mike Mentzer were probably the most legendary bodybuilding brothers of all time. However, Mentzer was just getting warmed up. All rights reserved. The defense attorneys expressed dissatisfaction with some of Superior Court Judge Curtis Rappes bench rulings, and indicated that appeals are likely. In 1983, he flew to Florida in order to be trained by Arthur Jones. And yet, there were still occasions when the demons visited. Eventually, investigators presented a tale of cocaine, sex and greed that they say involved the making of The Cotton Club, named after the famed Prohibition-era jazz club. And the more that look was rewarded, the more competitors pursued it. We have estimated WebTo compound the loss of Mike, on June 11th, at approximately 9:00 PM, Ray died in his sleep. On Tuesday, June 12th, Ray was found dead in the same house in which his brother died. If you have any questions about Ray Mentzer's training, diet, etc. 1979 IFBB Mr. Olympia 1st (HW) On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. ", Even though he felt he was at his best and had no knowledge of the controversy to come, Mike told me in 1993 that he had made up his mind that the 1980 Mr. Olympia would be his last contest: Trying to be the best built man in the world demands total seriousness, but in essence the seriousness and the ambition involved is a little silly., To find out what went down at the 1980 Mr. Olympia including the near fist fight between Mentzer and Schwarzenegger click on http://www.musculardevelopment.com/team-md-blogs/the-mcgough-report/11982-mentzer-vs-arnie.html#.U47ZXCh93oD, In the wake of his fifth place finish at 1980 Mr. Olympia contest, Mike Mentzer's career began to fragment. Stutter reps increased the duration of each set by over 20 seconds. Outperform yourself, make gains, and enjoy the process. Known for his feats at the 1978 IFBB Mr. USA and 1979s, Ray was a sight to be seen during his prime. Everything I did was marshaled into the spirit of improvement. He is from United States. I hoped and expected for acquittal, said Edward Shohat, Greenbergers attorney. The mortician said that Raymond Mentzer, who suffered from kidney problems and had been undergoing dialysis treatments, appeared very shaken by his brothers death. This was in no small part due to his new training routine, Heavy Duty Training, which was created by his 21-months older brother Mike Mentzer. On June 9th, 2001, Ray and Mike were working on their new training DVD calledHIT. Died from multiple organ failure in 1996, age 32. "Heavy Duty" involves doing very few, extended sets (using techniques like negative repetitions, forced reps, partial reps and done primarily on machines rather than using free weights). He just scratched the surface with that physique. Ray was troubled by this because he knew his brother had heart problems, and didnt want him to overtax his body. Mike had a heart attack during his sleep. This is an opinion carried by many bodybuilders today. This biographical article relating to bodybuilding in the United States is a stub. The next morning he discovered Mike dead in bed, apparently of a heart attack. Expert Insights To Get Stronger, Gain Muscle Faster, And Take Your Lifting To The Next Level. The jury also found that Mentzer and Marti killed Radin for financial gain during a kidnaping--special circumstances that open the possibility of death in the gas chamber for both men. Later that day, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was believed to be retired, announced his intentions to compete at the event. Your email address will not be published. That same year his father - whom he idolized - died. In the 1970s, Michael Mentzer created shock waves in the bodybuilding industry by preaching the notion that seven-day-a-week training was unnecessary. Kaiserman said he will file an appeal after Lowes sentencing Aug. 16, basing the appeal in part on Rappes decision to allow prosecutors to use secretly taped conversations among several defendants as evidence. As for his protein sources, they included chicken, beef, and high-quality dairy. In 1999, Ray started kidney According to the prosecution, the deal began to come apart when Greenberger felt she was being cut out of the profits. Probiotics for gut health and things like avacados really help you max out feeling good for max. From there, it wasonward and upwards. It wasnt until the morning of the competition that he felt he had recovered. With this realization,Mikeswore to himself to back on track. United States. In fact, he achieved his biggest physique during this period. By the age of 23, Ray was a full-time competitor. Some top pros almost reach 50, but even less get to 55 without a major health scare. At the center of the real-life drama was Radin, a 275-pound, cocaine-sniffing high school dropout from Long Island, N.Y., who had come to California in the early 1980s with dreams of breaking into the movie business. He never wrote me off.. * Ex-girlfriend of movie producer Robert Evans. Mike would often keep his training week down to 3 working days with 4 for rest. A 2014 study looked into a connection between anabolic steroids and cardiovascular function. A handful never even saw 35. A native of Germantown, Pennsylvania, he died of heart failure in Rolling Hills, California at the age of Ray was 9 years old and Mike was 11 years old. He was a proponent of heavy duty training along with Mike and although retiring from competition in 1982, carried on training to the heavy duty high intensity principles. In 2014, the Public Library of Science published a report investigating the mortality rate among active pro wrestlers. Ray went to bed. I saw him in person in 1979 in Baton Rouge, at a book signing,The Mentzer Method to Fitness. Ray Menzer was born in August 1953, in Pennsylvania, USA. Death date: 0 June, 1986, Sunday. Mentzer though, built on this model, opted for a Heavy Duty variation. These manmade and naturally occurring compounds can make you less of a man. Mentzers body was discovered by his younger brother Ray Mentzer Sunday in the apartment they shared in Redondo Beach, California. He dies on June 12, 2001 Within a few days of leaving thehospital, he approachedGolds Gym, Venice, and convinced them to let him start up as a personal trainer. This is why his workouts were called HIT (High-Intensity Training). June 12, 2001, Died Place. Iwrote in my book Heavy Duty II: Mind and Body that the idea is not more is better or less is better but precise is best; and as I learned from training close to 2,000 people plus myself that the precise amount of exercise required to induce optimal growth stimulation isnt nearly as much as youve been led to believe or would like to believe.. When Ray and his brother were little, theyd send letters to Bill and tell him how they admired his physique hoping that they too could one day sculpt strong and ripped muscles like Bill. As Mike wrestled with his demons, the bodybuilding community, to its discredit, took a detached stance toward his circumstances. I was a productive genius, but I had lost sight of the fact that the body and the mind have limitations. Id answer them back. Mike did not get his ideas from Jones. "I'd exhausted all avenues of thought on my predicament, and realized I was wrong. This routine was based on doing 6-9 reps per set at the maximum weight he could lift. This was met with anger from many contestants, including Mentzer. Both brothers had a history of health problems, including heart problems. In fact, carbohydrates made up the bulk of Rays diet. This is where things started going downhill. In a career that spanned over three decades, he was one of bodybuildings most prominent, inspirational and controversial figures. Thats all correct now! The doctors put him on a kidney dialysis treatment soon after, along with putting him on a kidney transplant waiting list. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 2 August. 7 Things No One Tells You Before You Start Lifting, Tip: Avoid Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens, Tip: Surround Yourself With These 5 People. In 1979, he had started taking amphetamines: "Not for the purpose of getting high - that was the furthest thing from my mind. Ray retired from active competition in 1982 and started training other champions. These guys aren't trying to earn a paycheck with their muscle, nor are they trying to win any contests. Ray "If they want more definition, I'll give 'em more definition," he vowed. Cardiovascular disease and drug overdose were found to cause an overwhelming majority of the deaths, with wrestlers being 15 times more likely to experience a cardiovascular-related death and a shocking 122 times more likely to die from drugs compared to non-athletes. Health became an afterthought. Digesting that loss, Mike planned to leave no stone unturned in his onslaught for the 1980 Olympia crown. Three months after his death, it was found that Mike Mentzer was born in Pennsylvania. Couldnt do Tom Bradys huh?!! The initial reports of Ray's death circulating through the bodybuilding community were that he had committed suicide, but this has yet to be confirmed. Deputy Dist. 1976 IFBB Mr. Universe 2nd (MW) "If they want more definition, I'll give 'em more definition," he vowed. 2023 Greatest Physiques. He has a daughter who was born in 1986. His physique was a blockbuster and he later won the contest. In my opinion Mr. Mentzer may have went a bit beyond then rested too long, especially up to 7 days. WebA: Mike Mentzer's cause of death was heart complications. Prosecution claimed she was mastermind behind Radins murder but could not prove it. Los Angeles County sheriffs investigators had all but ended their investigation of Radins murder, but a break came in 1987 when they met William Rider, the brother-in-law and onetime security chief for Larry Flynt, publisher of Hustler magazine. Sally Lipscomb said she was satisfied with the verdicts even though Greenberger and Lowe had escaped a possible death sentence. Would you accept this deal? Twice during his prep Mike awoke to find himself, "at death's door." It was that morning that Mike was to be found dead by his sibling. Freeze,The Governator,and to many of his fans justArnie. The younger Mentzer was devastated as he went about making funeral arrangements. As soon as that realization hit, I was appalled at how much time I had wasted. 06/28/01 - New information on this tragedy can be found. * June 10, 1983: New York theatrical producer Roy Radins decomposed body is found near Hungry Valley Road in northeast Los Angeles County nearly a month after he was last seen getting into a limousine with Karen Greenberger on May 13. [en] Vital records: Ray Mentzer at +Archives Friday. The call was answered by a sheriffs deputy, who told Rice that Raymond Mentzers body had been found a short time earlier. They're just average lifters wanting to look better. Once he reached that point, Ray would have his training partner help him do another 2-3 forced reps, controlling the weight with slow and perfect form. The jury, which had been deliberating since July 10, reached their decisions Friday. The weightsmoved in a perfectly controlled and slow manner. This meant the transplant was off the table, and Ray would have to wait longer. Atty. June 21, 1995 . "It lasted 18 months, and every day of that period I had the same commitment and ambition I'd had in preparing for the 1980 Mr. Olympia. It just didn't feel like a normal contest; no one was being their usual self. He later was named to run science coverage. After a long and exhausting day of work, Ray went to sleep, while Mike stayed working late. * Former bodyguard for Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt. He was called as a witness during the preliminary hearing but refused to testify, claiming 5th Amendment protection against self-incrimination. "Most guys think nothing bad will ever happen to them. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a3ca1a8fdbeffdd8bb7f5786098d8b9d" );document.getElementById("de63bbf7bd").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); If you're a vegetarian who's serious about strength training, you need to know how to optimize your diet to get the best results. But in the years prior to his drastic physical decline, Matarazzo was one of the few pros who talked openly about what he felt was the underlying cause the level of anabolic steroids and related drugs necessary to become a top-ranked pro. A case of riseand fall. By the 45th minute mark, he was completely exhausted and his muscles were ready for recovery. You can do a lot with the correct carb loads and B-Vitamin mix i.e. He worked as deputy national editor from 2007 to 2011 and played a central role in the coverage of some of the biggest national stories of recent years, including the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and the 2008 election of President Obama. After a day of shooting, Ray turned Later that night at the brothers apartment, despite Ray telling him he should turn in, Mike continued to work on the DVDs script. Part of the reason for his success was he prescribed to his brother's concept of heavy duty training which involved very high intensity 45 minute workout sessions. He was known for being a Bodybuilder. The jury also found that Mentzer and Marti killed Radin for financial gain during a kidnaping--special circumstances that open the possibility of death in the gas The two moved in together in an apartment, which saw them grow closer over the following months. The coroners office is investigating the deaths of two bodybuilding brothers in their 40s who died within two days of each other in their home in the exclusive neighborhood of Rolling Hills Estates. Mike bodybuilding idol from a young age was Bill Pearl. Personal Trainer, Researcher, Author, Inventor Gym Owner, Doctor, Physical Therapist, Strength & Conditioning Specialist. He was a proponent of heavy duty training along with Mike and although retiring from competition in 1982, carried on training to the heavy duty high intensity principles. At a bodyweight of a then unthinkable 250 plus pounds, he added even more muscle within a month, to 260 but leaner. This approach has always been considered controversial and is contradicted by a great deal of exercise physiology reasearch. In 2001, Mentzer lived in an apartment in Los Angeles, where his brother Ray found his lifeless body. It was a crushing blow. He passed away less than 48 hours after Mike had died, leaving the bodybuilding world shrouded in black. We cover professional athletes, models and even social media stars to bring you the very best, up to date information in our profiles. Check out our top rated fat burners to find out what actually works. As Workout Magazine ceased, Mike soon afterlost his beloved father, and, as if there wasnt enough for the bodybuilder to handle, his 10-year relationship with fiancee Cathy Gelfocame to an end. After making funeral arrangements for his brother, Ray He previously served as assistant managing editor in charge of California news. We will update Ray Mentzer's Height, weight, Body Measurements, Eye Color, Hair Color, Shoe & Dress size soon as possible. Later that night at the brothers apartment, despite Ray telling him he should turn in, Mike continued to work on the DVDs script. Heres what Bill said about Ray and Mike; Mike and Ray Mentzer used to write to me when they were young kids back in Pennsylvania. Lowe claimed that Greenberger and Evans paid for a contract hit against Radin. I just have to comment that Burt should get a life and realize that if he was half the man Mike was hed be something! He also did stutter reps and slow negatives. Two days before the 1980 Olympia tookplace, Mike was revisited by thedeaths door feeling. I was taking them as ergogenic aids, to facilitate my hectic lifestyle. View popular celebrities life details, birth signs and real ages. Of all the subject matter we ever discussed fannies were never even bottom of the list butt I put it behind me. I wanted the magazine to be the absolute best I could make it, and I worked harder than I'd worked in my entire life. It was early May of 2001, when out of the blue I received a phone call in FLEXs LA office from Mike Mentzer.