Ron Teufel, one of the greatest teenage bodybuilders of the 1970s, was a force to be reckoned with in bodybuilding. His remarkable achievements and dedication to sports set him apart from his older competitors.
Ron’s passion for athletics began during high school, where he excelled in football and wrestling, becoming an active wrestling team member.
In his prime, Ron Teufel’s physique was awe-inspiring, characterized by his rock-hard, chiseled abs that seemed as if they were sculpted from granite.
Beyond his physical prowess, Ron was known for his caring nature, endearing him to his family and close friends. Thus, his untimely demise at 45 shocked and deeply saddened the bodybuilding community.
During high school, Ron Teufel actively participated in wrestling, swimming, and football, amassing nine years in the latter sport.
Many colleges recognized his extraordinary potential and offered him scholarships to pursue various sports, setting the stage for a promising sports career.
Ron reflected on his high school accomplishments: “By the time I graduated in June of 1974, my body weight was up to 150. I wrestled in the 132-pound class and won 1st place in district, regional, and statewide competitions. I was also active in football and swimming.”
Wrestling was his forte, and he competed in the state championships for three consecutive years, establishing himself as a gifted wrestler, even though he was leaner and smaller during those early years.
Ron Teufel’s journey into bodybuilding began as a means to enhance his strength and surpass his sporting rivals. Weightlifting became another passion alongside wrestling, football, and swimming.
Over time, he realized his true potential in bodybuilding and devoted all his energy to this pursuit. Through bodybuilding, Ron showcased his strength and promoted a healthy lifestyle.
Within months, Ron Teufel experienced significant size gains, dominating high school sports while fueling his passion for bodybuilding.
He actively assisted coaches and engaged in other sports, always helping those striving for fitness and strength. Sports consumed Ron’s life, and he was determined to establish himself as one of the greatest bodybuilders of his time.
Contrary to expectations, Ron Teufel decided not to attend college, as his love for bodybuilding had surpassed the expectations of his family and friends.
Dissatisfied with the gym equipment offered by colleges at the time, Ron sought a more conducive environment for his bodybuilding endeavors. He set his sights on becoming a renowned bodybuilder.
After graduating, Ron Teufel secured a job driving the high school bus, allowing him to devote ample time to training.
He cherished the opportunity to remain connected with the school, supporting various sports teams and occasionally coaching the wrestling squad.
Having dedicated himself to bodybuilding, Ron’s bulging muscles and impressive abdominal definition garnered attention. He recognized the perfect timing to compete and establish himself as a formidable teenage bodybuilding competitor.
At 18, he participated in his first competition, winning first place in the 1975 Teen America AAU. At 19, Ron Teufel continued his journey by competing in the 1976 AAU Mr. America, achieving second place in his class. The judges were captivated by his dense muscles and well-defined abs.
These accomplishments fueled Ron’s hunger for success, confirming that weightlifting, bodybuilding, and sports were deeply ingrained in his DNA.
By age 20, Ron ascended to the top of the short-class division in America’s most prominent amateur bodybuilding contest. Despite competing against older individuals with years of training, Ron effortlessly outperformed them.
Following his victory in the 1977 AAU Mr. America, he relocated to southern California, where he trained at the renowned Gold’s Gym. Ron recognized the thriving bodybuilding culture in that region and eagerly embraced it.
In 1978, Ron Teufel continued winning, securing six medals in various competitions. He emerged victorious in the Mr. America AAU, Mr. California AAU, and Mr. USA AAU overall and in the Short class division.
Additionally, he claimed first place in the middleweight division of the USA vs. the World competition organized by the IFBB.
While Ron Teufel was known for his determination, he also had a wild side. He enjoyed various activities outside of sports, such as attending wrestling matches, football games, and concerts.
Ron cherished time spent with his family, friends, and girlfriend. His lively personality and commitment to those around him made him a beloved figure.
Unfortunately, on December 22, 2002, Ron passed away at 45 due to liver failure. The exact cause remains undisclosed, whether related to steroid use or an underlying condition. However, what remains unquestionable is Ron’s passion for sports, bodybuilding, and competition.
He centered his life around striving for excellence and greatness, akin to iconic figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger while valuing relationships with those who mattered most to him.
Ron Teufel’s close family and friends remember him as kind, supportive, and helpful. His absence is deeply felt within the bodybuilding and sports communities, leaving a void that cannot be filled.
Ron Teufel Diet and Nutrtion Plan
Ron Teufel maintained a substantial appetite, reveling in the comfort of home-cooked meals lovingly prepared by his mother following his rigorous training sessions. His nutrition plan focused on providing him with the necessary sustenance to fuel his bodybuilding pursuits.
Ron would enjoy a hearty plate of beef for his post-workout meals, complemented by flavorful gravy and mashed potatoes. Fresh vegetables and green salad were incorporated to ensure a well-rounded nutritional balance.
Ron often savored a hot drink of unsweetened tea to complete his meal, further hydrating himself and enjoying a comforting beverage.
While Ron adhered to a disciplined diet, he did have a weakness for ice cream. During the off-season, when his training goals centered around building additional muscle mass, he allowed himself a treat by including a generous bowl of ice cream with his dinner.
This indulgence gave him extra calories to support his intense workouts and facilitate muscle growth. Ron’s diet exemplified a blend of wholesome, home-cooked meals rich in protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients.
The inclusion of ample portions and nourishing ingredients aimed to sustain his body’s energy demands and aid in muscle recovery.
He understood the importance of balancing disciplined eating and occasional indulgences, such as enjoying ice cream during specific phases of his training regimen. Ron Teufel followed a specific diet plan when preparing for competitions.
Here’s an outline of his diet as described by him:
Ron Teufel Breakfast
- Five fried eggs
- Two slices of toast (during non-competition periods)
- Two cups of hot tea
Ron Teufel Lunch
- Meat or poultry
- Salad with French dressing
- Iced tea
Ron Teufel Dinner
- Choice of steak, fish, or chicken
- Salad
- Tea
Ron Teufel Snack
- Bowl of ice cream
During the off-season, Ron occasionally indulged in a bowl of ice cream as a nighttime snack. However, he would opt for a broiled hamburger when training for competitions.
Ron Teufel Supplements
Ron Teufel incorporated a range of supplements into his routine to support his bodybuilding endeavors.
Here are the supplements he reportedly took:
Multivitamins
Ron would take two multivitamin tablets daily. These supplements are formulated to provide a broad spectrum of essential vitamins and minerals, ensuring adequate nutrient intake.
B-Complex Tablets
Ron included two B-complex tablets in his supplement regimen. B-complex vitamins encompass a group of water-soluble vitamins, including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9, and B12.
These vitamins are crucial in energy metabolism, nervous system function, and overall well-being.
Vitamin A, C, and E Tablets
Ron supplemented with tablets containing vitamins A, C, and E. Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and cell growth.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that aids in immune health and collagen synthesis. Vitamin E is another antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative damage.
Lecithin Capsules
Ron consumed four lecithin capsules daily. Lecithin is a fatty substance derived from sources such as soybeans. It is rich in choline and other phospholipids essential for brain function, liver health, and fat metabolism.
Desiccated Liver Tablets
Ron included ten desiccated liver tablets in his supplement routine. Desiccated liver supplements are derived from dehydrated liver tissue and are a concentrated source of nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and protein.
Ron Teufel Workout Routine
Ron Teufel followed a rigorous, intense workout routine, showcasing his strength and power. His training sessions were grueling, and he consistently pushed himself to excel in the gym.
His routine incorporated classic bodybuilding exercises and focused on heavy weights. As competitions approached, he intensified his training by increasing frequency and intensity to enhance muscle mass, density, and vascularity.
Here is a breakdown of Ron’s weekly workout routine, which he used for the Teenage America and USA contests:
Monday: Chest Workout
| Bench Press | 5 Sets, 6-8 Reps |
| Incline Bench Press | 5 Sets, 8-10 Reps |
| Incline Dumbbell Press | 4 Sets, 10 Reps |
| Dips | 4 Sets, 10-12 Reps |
Tuesday: Shoulders Workout
| Seated Press | 5 Sets, 6-8 Reps |
| Behind-Neck Press | 5 Sets, 12 Reps |
| Dumbbell Shrug | 4 Sets, 12-15 Reps |
| Upright Rows | 4 Sets, 12-15 Reps |
| Lateral Raises | 4 Sets, 12 Reps |
Wednesday: Legs Workout
| Squats | 6 Sets, 15 Reps |
| Hack Squats | 5 Sets, 15-20 Reps |
| Leg Press | 4 Sets, 20 Reps |
| Leg Extensions | 6 Sets, 15-20 Reps |
| Leg Curls | 4 Sets, 15 Reps |
Thursday: Back Workout
| Wide-grip rows | 4 Sets, 8-10 Reps |
| Close-grip rows | 4 Sets, 8-10 Reps |
| Seated rows | 4 Sets, 12-15 Reps |
| Dumbbell rows | 4 Sets, 8 Reps |
| Chins | 6 Sets, 10-12 Reps |
| Lat-machine | 6 Sets, 12-15 Reps |
Friday: Arms Workout
| The Preacher Curls | 5 Sets, 8 Reps |
| Curls | 5 Sets, 8-10 Reps |
| Dumbbell Curls | 5 Sets, 12 Reps |
| Triceps Pushdowns | 4 Sets, 15 Reps |
| Triceps Extensions | 4 Sets, 10 Reps |
| Dumbbell Triceps Extensions | 4 Sets, 12 Reps |
Saturday: Calves Workout
| Toe Raises | 5 Sets, 20 Reps |
| Toe Presses | 5 Sets, 20 Reps |
Sundays: Cardio
- Ron would engage in a cardio workout, typically a four or 5-mile run in the morning.
After each training session, Ron Teufel would practice posing in his swimming shorts, showering before heading home to enjoy a large meal with his family.