Mike Quinn was born and raised in Brockton, Massachusetts, a city renowned for producing legendary athletes, including Rocky Marciano and Marvin Hagler. Growing up, Mike faced significant challenges — he was often picked on and physically bullied due to his smaller stature as a child.
He struggled with ADHD and other nervous conditions, which made school difficult. However, things changed dramatically when he started lifting weights at the age of 13 under the guidance of his father, who had built a small gym in their basement.
Mike found strength and confidence through weight training, and it quickly became a form of therapy for him, helping him channel his energy, control his emotions, and stand up to bullies.
Mike Quinn passed away in May 2023 at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as one of bodybuilding’s most outspoken and memorable figures.
🏆 Mike Quinn Competitive Career Highlights
Mike’s competitive journey began in the early 1980s, and by 1981, he won the Teen Mr. America (Heavyweight & Overall) title — marking the start of an impressive career.
🥇 Mike Quinn Major Achievements:
- 1984 : Won NABBA Mr. Universe (Medium Weight)
- 1987 : Won NPC USA Championships (Heavyweight & Overall) – earned his IFBB Pro Card
- 1988 : Competed in Mr. Olympia – placed 5th
- Competed in multiple IFBB Grand Prix events across Europe
- Competed in elite shows such as IFBB World Pro Championships
Mike continued competing into the 1990s, making appearances at major contests like Night of Champions and even returning briefly in 1999 for the IFBB World Pro Championships, where he placed 17th.
Despite never winning an Olympia title, Mike was widely respected for his symmetrical physique, stage presence, and honest personality — earning him a cult following among fans.
📌 Quick Facts
| ATTRIBUTES | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mike Quinn |
| Mike Quinn Age | Died at the age of 61 in 2023 |
| Mike Quinn Height | 5’8″ (172.5 cm) |
| Mike Quinn Weight | 255–265 lbs (off-season) |
| Mike Quinn Nationality | American |
| Mike Quinn Profession | Former IFBB Professional Bodybuilder |
| Mike Quinn Era Active | 1980s–1990s |
| Mike Quinn Nickname | “The Bad Boy” of bodybuilding |
💉 Mike Quinn Steroid Use (Open & Honest)
Unlike many of his peers, Mike was always open about his use of performance-enhancing drugs. He started taking anabolic steroids at age 18 , prescribed by a local doctor. According to Mike, he used them not to build mass but to preserve muscle while dieting during contest prep.
This openness made him one of the more controversial yet authentic voices in bodybuilding during his time.
🏋️♂️ Mike Quinn Training Philosophy
Mike followed a power-bodybuilding style of training that focused on combining heavy compound lifts with lighter, high-rep accessory work.
🔁 Weekly Training Split:
- 4 Days Heavy Training – Compound movements with long rest periods
- 4 Days Light Training – High reps, short rest, focusing on muscle pump and recovery
Key Principles:
- Intensity over duration
- Strict form to avoid injury
- Avoid overtraining
- Rest strategically – trained two days, rested one day to prevent catabolism
Back & Biceps Workout (Sample):
- Seated Cable Pulley – 4 sets of 10–12 reps
- Dumbbell Row – 3 sets of 8–12 reps
- Dumbbell Pullover – 3 sets of 8–12 reps
- Alternating Dumbbell Curls – 4 sets of 8–12 reps
- Preacher Curls – 3 sets of 8–10 reps
- Concentration Curls – 3 sets of 8–12 reps
Mike also emphasized cardio for fat loss, especially during contest prep. His favorites were:
- Stationary bike
- Stair climbingHe would do 45 minutes of cardio before breakfast or split it into two 45-minute sessions after weight training.
🥗 Mike Quinn Nutrition Plan
Mike believed in a balanced macronutrient approach , contrary to many modern bodybuilders who severely restrict carbs.
🥩 Protein Intake:
- Recommended 1g of protein per pound of body weight
- Sources: Chicken, cheese, eggs, fish
🌾 Carbohydrates:
- Believed carbs are essential for energy and muscle fullness
- Used carb cycling during contest prep
- Would eat 2000 kcal/day for 3 days, then add 800 kcal from carbs and protein on the 4th day to “ignite metabolism”
🧈 Fats:
- Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and oils
Mike Quinn Contest Prep Diet:
- Started 10 weeks out
- Calorie deficit with strategic refeeds
- Carb loading before stage to enhance muscle definition
Mike criticized modern bodybuilders for overdoing protein and under-eating carbs, saying it leads to fatigue, muscle loss, and poor performance.
🎤 Mike Quinn Personality & Legacy
Mike Quinn was known as the “Bad Boy” of bodybuilding for his outspoken nature and willingness to discuss taboo topics like steroid use and mental health struggles.
He wasn’t afraid to challenge the norms of the sport and often gave brutally honest interviews. This authenticity earned him respect from fellow competitors and fans alike.
Though he never reached the very top of the IFBB ranks, Mike left a lasting legacy in the sport as a dedicated, hard-training athlete with a unique story and unfiltered perspective
🧘♂️ Final Thoughts
Mike Quinn’s journey from a bullied kid in Brockton to a respected IFBB pro is a testament to the power of determination, discipline, and self-belief . His blend of powerlifting and bodybuilding techniques , combined with honesty and charisma , makes him one of the most memorable figures of the golden era of bodybuilding.
Mike Quinn passed away in May 2023 at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as one of bodybuilding’s most outspoken and memorable figures.
📷 Iconic Quote
“I grew up getting the shit beaten out of me… later, I beat the fuck out of anyone that ever beat me up.”