Lou Ferrigno, fitness as a way of life

World-class bodybuilder, star of the classic TV series The Incredible Hulk and the movie Hercules, personal trainer of Chuck Norris and the late Michael Jackson: Lou Ferrigno's results are really "Herculean". In this article he reveals us the keys to ageless strength, from the Mediterranean diet to his supplement regimen.

It's been almost thirty years since the final episode of the TV series The Incredible Hulk aired, but the show's star, 58-year-old Lou Ferrigno, still has the presence of the iconic comic book hero - minus the green paint and wig, of course. In person, however, Ferrigno remembers more closely another character he played on screen: Hercules. For the bodybuilder who became a movie star, both roles marked what could be called "dream moments come true", since as a child he idolized Hulk's comics and attributed to the original portrait of Hercules that actor Steve Reeves played as one of the main reasons he entered. bodybuilding.

But after spending almost forty years at the top of the fitness world, it's questionable whether even Hercules himself could have maintained his Herculean physique for as long as Ferrigno did. Not to mention the fact that after almost half a lifetime playing action stars and superheroes, he reinvented himself in the world of comedy with his recent co-starring role in the successful 2009 comedy I Love You, Man.

What is the core of Ferrigno's success? The answer is simple: a commitment to a healthy life. Standing at 6'5 "and still weighing 250 pounds, Ferrigno is a walking testimony to a life spent dedicated to nutrition and fitness.

"I have a tremendous passion for fitness," says Ferrigno. "And now that I'm getting older, I want to keep what I have. I like to be lean and light. "

Definition and healthy diet

For someone who competed against Arnold Schwarzenegger in the Mr.Olympia bodybuilding competition in 1974 with the incredible 285 pounds, being light is a relatively unique concept. However, like most people, Ferrigno has had to make various adjustments as he gets older, one of which is learning to control his appetite.

"The hard thing for me now that I'm getting older is to eat enough to satisfy my hunger without eating too much," says Ferrigno. "I eat three times a day and maybe a snack in the evening."

This is very different from the 8,000 to 10,000 calories a day he consumed when competing for bodybuilding titles. However, just as important as eating less is eating smartly, and Ferrigno's personal diet is based on his version of the much-publicized Mediterranean diet.
"Back to the days of the Romans and the Greeks," says Ferrigno. "They only had fruit and vegetables. They didn't have fried foods or heavy condiments. I eat the way they ate, focusing on fruit, vegetables, fish and meat. I also avoid butter, salt and foods high in fat and sodium. Everyone wants the easy way out, but you have to have discipline. I probably eat half as much as I used to. "

Ferrigno, who has been a personal trainer for some of the biggest stars in entertainment, including Chuck Norris, Mickey Rourke and the late Michael Jackson, preaches discipline and balance when it comes to eating well to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

"You really need to eat balanced," says Ferrigno. "Too many people skip breakfast, have a quick lunch and then eat a big dinner. That's not the way to do it. You have to be consistent with your eating.

Consistency is the key

Consistency is a word you hear a lot when you talk to Ferrigno: consistent nutrition, constant exercise, consistent life. So it's no wonder that even though he may not be as strong as he was ten or twenty years ago, his commitment to a healthy life has kept him in such extraordinary condition that he can still do almost repeat after repeat in the weight room when he lifts with his son, Lou Jr., just two years after his role as a linebacker on the University of Southern California football team.

In fact, when he approaches the age of 60, almost everyone Ferrigno trains with at Gold's Gym in Venice Beach, California, aka the Mecca of bodybuilding, is younger than him, but that doesn't stop him from throwing weights usually reserved for men half his age.

"Exercising as you get older becomes more and more important to get into shape," says Ferrigno. "I don't have injuries to my upper body because I've always focused on perfect form. As I get older, I feel more comfortable and more efficient. I feel better than ever. "

Ferrigno also focuses even more on cardio now because he recognizes that when aged, it takes a little more time to recover. "I make sure I also get a full stretch," he says. "And I don't lift a lot of series. You just need to do body parts two or three days a week to see the benefits of an exercise program. Personally, I like to test myself, so I'll create several short-term goals to try and achieve. It keeps me focused. "

Lou Ferrigno's favourite supplements

• Multivitamin
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Football
• Magnesium

In addition to modifying his workouts to adapt them to his goals, Ferrigno has also strengthened his supplement regime to reflect his current health strategy.

I have always focused on perfect form. As I get older, I feel more comfortable and more efficient. I feel better than ever.
"My workouts have adapted to the change in my body and the change in my goals," says Ferrigno, "but the supplements I take haven't changed much over the years. I still take a multivitamin every day and take vitamin E, calcium and magnesium. One of the things I've added is vitamin D to help prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen my immune system. The supplements are good for my heart, skin and help prevent future health problems.

Whether he's winning Mr. America and Mr. Universe titles, playing for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League, competing in the World's Strongest Man contest, becoming a deputy in the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, or embarking on successful careers in television, film, and theater, Ferrigno has always managed to exceed expectations while maintaining his fundamental commitment to a healthy life, which is why he's not only the Incredible Hulk, he's also apparently the Ageless Hulk.