At 72 years old, Lou Ferrigno remains an iconic figure in bodybuilding and pop culture. Known as one of the sport’s pioneers, Lou Ferrigno’s massive physique and towering presence dominated the bodybuilding world in the 1970s and 80s.
Lou Ferrigno’s influence endures even in retirement, as he recently discussed in a sit-down interview on September 1, 2024, with Dennis James.
During the conversation, Lou Ferrigno spoke about his secret to longevity, his rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and his picks for the two strongest bodybuilders to ever compete.
Longevity at 72: Lou Ferrigno’s Secrets to Staying Youthful
For many, reaching the age of 72 while maintaining physical and mental vitality can seem daunting.
However, Lou Ferrigno has found ways to keep himself fit, healthy, and youthful in retirement. His approach is simple but effective: avoid stress, maintain a positive attitude, and live a balanced lifestyle.
“I don’t carry hate. I don’t stress myself out. I enjoy life. I don’t over-indulge and I like to do things. Like for example, I don’t do anything to hurt myself. I just have a good attitude. I like being positive. I like to enjoy every day because well, what I had to overcome in my life,” Ferrigno explained.
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By focusing on positivity and keeping his stress levels in check, Lou Ferrigno has managed to preserve his well-being well into his seventies.
While he no longer competes on stage, he continues to promote health and fitness, demonstrating that longevity is not just about muscle but also about mindset.
Related: The Incredible Journey of Lou Ferrigno: From Hearing Loss to Bodybuilding Legend
Arnold Schwarzenegger Rivalry: A Battle of Legends
No discussion about Lou Ferrigno would be complete without mentioning his famous rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Both men are legends in the bodybuilding world, and their onstage battles captivated fans during the 1970s.
Ferrigno shared a story from 1974 when Schwarzenegger acknowledged the potential of Ferrigno’s physique.
“In 1974, after the contest, Arnold said to me if I had your body, nobody could beat me for 10 years,” Ferrigno recounted.
At the time, Lou Ferrigno had just won the Mr. Universe title, while Schwarzenegger had dominated the Mr. Olympia stage. Despite being rivals, there was a mutual respect between the two giants of the sport.
Lou Ferrigno also revealed that he trained for only three months in preparation for the 1973 competition, whereas Schwarzenegger trained for a full year.
“I only trained three months for the competition, when I competed in ’73 when I won the Mr. Universe. Arnold trained a whole year. My cast told me to beat me,” Ferrigno recalled.
Their rivalry, immortalized in the 1977 documentary Pumping Iron, showcased the intensity and competition between the two bodybuilders.
Though Schwarzenegger often came out on top, Lou Ferrigno’s size and presence made him a fan favorite and solidified his legacy in the sport.
Related: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Serge Nubret: A Glimpse into the 1975 Mr. Olympia Showdown
Ferrigno’s Picks: The Strongest Bodybuilders in History
During the interview, Lou Ferrigno also named the two strongest bodybuilders he believes ever competed.
His first pick was Franco Columbu, known for his incredible strength despite his relatively small size. Columbu, who was Arnold Schwarzenegger’s training partner, amazed fans with his impressive feats of strength.
“I would say pound-for-pound Franco. Franco benched 505 at a body weight of 185,” Ferrigno shared.
Columbu’s strength was legendary, and his performances in bodybuilding and powerlifting were a testament to his immense power.
Lou Ferrigno’s second pick was none other than eight-time Mr. Olympia champion Ronnie Coleman. Known for his freakish size and strength, Coleman pushed the boundaries of what was possible in bodybuilding.
“My opinion of overall, Ronnie Coleman. That man did bent-over rows for 500 pounds. A 200-pound dumbbell, I never seen a human like that,” Ferrigno said.
Ferrigno went on to express how Coleman’s sheer presence was awe-inspiring. “When I saw him for the first time backstage, I got scared looking at him. I’ve never seen a human being look like that. You talk about the most powerful man? I think Ronnie hands down.”
Coleman’s combination of size and strength set him apart from other competitors, making him one of the most dominant figures in bodybuilding history.
Related: Franco Columbu’s Controversial 1981 Mr. Olympia Comeback
Training Michael Jackson: A Surprising Twist
In a surprising twist, Lou Ferrigno revealed that he once trained pop legend Michael Jackson.
The two formed a unique bond over the course of 20 years, with Lou Ferrigno helping Jackson maintain his fitness during his career.
Lou Ferrigno mentioned that Jackson kept his training sessions private but was passionate about staying in shape.
“On and off for 20 years. He wanted to keep it private, yeah,” Ferrigno said. “I did go to his house. I spent time with his kids. I trained him.”
Ferrigno also shared a heartbreaking moment when he learned of Jackson’s passing. “Someone called me and said listen, Michael died. I thought it was a joke. The guy apparently, I was shocked but for years he would come to my facility in Santa Monica. He loved my passion for fitness and I loved his passion for music.”
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The revelation about Ferrigno training one of the world’s biggest music stars added another layer to his already fascinating career.
Conclusion: A Life of Strength and Legacy
Lou Ferrigno’s journey from bodybuilding legend to television star and fitness icon is nothing short of extraordinary.
His rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger is still remembered as one of the most iconic in the sport’s history, while his continued passion for health and fitness at 72 serves as an inspiration to people around the world.
Whether it’s sharing stories about training Michael Jackson or offering his insights into the strongest bodybuilders ever, Lou Ferrigno’s legacy remains as powerful as ever.
As bodybuilding continues to evolve, Lou Ferrigno’s contributions to the sport and his ability to maintain his health and vitality serve as a shining example of longevity, strength, and determination.