Here’s a workout from Mr. Universe 1959 champion, Bruce Randall.
Randall primarily liked to work his upper body with squats or deadlifts as the sole lower body exercise. He changed his routines frequently and went through different stages as a weightlifter, Olympic lifter, and bodybuilder.
In fact, Randall went from 415 pounds (as a weightlifter and Olympic lifter) to 223 pounds as a bodybuilder.
Bruce finished second in the 1958 Mr. Universe and was bound and determined to come back stronger next year. Of course he did and the rest is history.
Some of Randall’s best lifts were 770 pounds in the deadlift, 680 in the squat, 375 in the shoulder press, and 482 in the bench press.
Below is a typical workout that Randall followed on his way to the 1959 Mr. Universe crown.
Mr. Universe Training
Overhead press 3 x 4-6
Bench press 3 x 4-6
Incline Bench Press 3 x 4-6
Curls 3 x 4-6
Chins 3 x 4-6
Leg raises 1 x 20-50
Squats or deadlift 3 x 6-8
Notes: Randall trained 3-4 days a week and alternated squats and deadlifts. He ate three meals a day with one or two homemade protein drinks. As always, train hard and with maximum effort. If 3-4 days is too long, lower it to 2 days. Hard and heavy train.
Understand that to be successful in any weight training program, hard work is a must! Half effort does nothing for you. If you’re new to weight training or seriously out of shape, see a doctor first. End of disclaimer.