Who is Reg Park?
One of the finest bodybuilders in the sport’s history is Reg Park. He developed the “Golden Six” exercise regimen, which is a go-to for newcomers at the gym.
Short Career of Reg Park
Reg Park became Arnold Schwarzenegger’s hero and mentor after inspiring the athletes of the golden age with his charm and charisma.
He was among the first bodybuilders to break into the movie industry.
Body Measurements of Reg Park
| Full Name: | Reg Park |
| DATE OF BIRTH: | June 7, 1928 |
| ERA: | 1940, 1950, 1960, 1970 |
| PROFESSION: | Professional Bodybuilder, Actor, Entrepreneur |
| NATIONALITY: | Leeds, England |
| DATE OF DEATH: | November 22, 2007 |
| HEIGHT: | 6’1″ (185.5cm) |
| WEIGHT: | 225-235lbs (102.1 – 106.6kg) |
| ALIAS: | Reg the Leg |
Accomplishments
- 1949 Mr. Britain 1st
- 1950 NABBA Mr. Universe Amateur, 2nd
- 1950 NABBA Mr. Europe, 1st
- 1950 IFBB “America’s Best Developed Athlete”
- 1951 NABBA Mr. Universe, Tall, 1st and Overall winner
- 1958 Mr. Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 1st and Overall
- 1965 Mr. Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 1st and Overall
- 1970 Mr. Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 2nd
- 1971 Mr. Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 3rd
- 1973 Mr. Universe – Pro – NABBA, Tall, 2nd
Biography
Young Years
Reg always had a love for physical fitness, even as a young child. In his adolescent years, he played reserve soccer for Leeds United and was an avid soccer player.
Reg had no desire to become a bodybuilder at this point, though.
Injury
Reg was unable to play soccer because of a knee injury that ended his career in the early 1940s. The youngster was dealt a fatal blow by this.
Reg, though, came across a bodybuilding magazine while utilizing weights during his recovery. He was amazed at the physiques of the athletes.
He now focused on developing a physique akin to that of his new role models.
Bodybuilding
At the age of 16, Reg met local bodybuilder David Cohen in Leeds. He was encouraged to work out with David because of his enormous body, which interested him.
Reg learned correct weightlifting technique and body sculpting techniques throughout the following three months. He quickly started working out with weights, barbells, and a pull-up bar.
The future icon had started his ascent to the pinnacle of his profession.
Inaugural Competition
He had a remarkable body by 1949, the year he competed for the first time.
He put in five years of rigorous training and dieting, and it paid off.
His first taste of success came when he won the trophy and the Mr. Britain title. But this was only the start.
Depart for America
Reg decided to move to America at the age of 21 not long after his victory. Joe Weider soon took notice of him after he put in six months of diligent work to build up his physique.
Reg’s exposure in publications and Joe’s admiration for his physique were crucial to his success in the United States.
Mr.Universe
Reg entered the stage of the NABBA Mr. Universe Amateur tournament in 1950 at the age of 22. He didn’t increase his lead, but the great Steve Reeves beat him to the finish line.
Reg felt he had to step up his game even though he had won the Mr. Europe competition that was held in conjunction with the Mr. Universe. He started training for three hours every day to win the competition.
Reg made a remarkable comeback to win the 1951 NABBA Mr. Universe contest a year later, at the age of 23. Reg had ended the tradition of Americans winning the competition by winning it.
A break from competing and Magazine
After winning the 1951 NABBA Mr. Universe contest, Reg decided to step away from the spotlight for seven years.
He launched several bodybuilding periodicals during this time while still managing his enterprises.
Through his publication, he offered a range of goods for sale, from vitamins to barbells. Reg, however, missed performing and started preparing for a comeback.
Get Back on Stage
At the age of 30, Reg returned to the world of professional bodybuilding in 1958. That year, he participated in the Mr. Universe competition, cementing his legend with a resounding triumph.
Movie Star
Reg set out to become an actor after receiving recognition for winning the Mr. Universe competitions. He achieved his goal by appearing in “Hercules and the Captive Women” in 1961.
Reg was one of the few bodybuilders at the time creating a name for themselves as a movie star after appearing in an additional 4 movies.
Maintaining his Legacy
Reg made another 4 appearances throughout the ensuing 15 years. At the Mr. Universe competition in 1965, he added to his collection of victories, but he was unable to add to his collection after that.
Reg, though, was already a sports legend by this stage. He started mentoring up-and-coming stars in the business, most notably Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Training
Reg trained six days a week at his prime, but he frequently adjusted his regimen to see what his body responded to best.
He spent about an hour working out each muscle group, pausing between sets to practice coastal breathing.
Exercise Routine
Reg’s favorite workout routine looked like this:
Deltoids and Upper Back
– Press Behind Neck 4-10 Sets, 5 Reps.
– Heavy Bent arm Lateral Raises 5-10 Sets, 10 Reps
Chest
– Bench Press 5-10 Sets, 2 Reps (That’s Right 2 Reps!)
Thighs
– Squat 5 Sets, 5 Reps (of all exercises, this one was my favorite.)
– Hack Lift 5 Sets, 5 Reps
Biceps
– Barbell Curl 5 Sets, 5-8 Reps
– Incline Dumbbell Curls 5 Sets, 5-8 Reps
Triceps
– French Press – I did these standing and lying on the bench.
Calves
– Calf Machine 25 Reps, Many Sets.
– Donkey Calf Raises 25 Reps, Many Sets
Back
– High Pullups 5-8 Sets, 3 Reps.
– Power Clean 5-8 Sets, 3 Reps.
– Chins Behind Neck 5-8 Sets, 5-8 Reps (weights tied to the waist.)
Waist and Trunk Area
– Leg Raises and Side Bends 100 or more Reps.
Nutrition
Reg was well renowned for consuming large quantities of food to power his body.
He frequently ate steak twice a day, along with a dozen eggs and eight gallons of milk. The steak was his favorite food.
He frequently ate steak twice a day, along with a dozen eggs and eight gallons of milk. The steak was his favorite food.
Diet Plan Reg’s diet would have entailed the following:
- Meal 1 – Eggs with 2 pints of Milk
- Meal 2 – Steak with vegetable soup, baked potatoes, and salad 1 pint of Milk
- Meal 3 – Chicken with baked potatoes and salad, 1 pint of Milk
- Meal 4 – Steak with vegetable soup, baked potatoes, and salad, 1 pint of Milk
- Meal 5 – Chicken with baked potatoes and salad, 1 pint of Milk
- Meal 6 – Vegetable soup and salad and 2 pints of Milk
Influences and Idols
Reg was initially motivated by Dave Cohen, a bodybuilder in his hometown. He lists Steeve Reeves and John Grimek as his career idols, though.
He lists Steeve Reeves and John Grimek as his career idols, though.
What Reg Park Can Teach Us?
Reg has taught us to never give up on our aspirations. After reading a magazine, he decided to try bodybuilding and ended up becoming a legend in the industry.
He constantly tried to improve, even landing roles in several successful movies. One of the finest bodybuilders in the sport’s history, Reg is regarded as such.