The phrase “taking it too far” has little to no meaning with the most driven bodybuilders on the planet. It’s not that it’s not a good point, or anything like that, but bodybuilders don’t want to hear it. All they care about it getting their macros, training at the best gyms, and running the strongest, purest cycles. For natties, you can take that last part out, but even they want the best supplements money can buy. Whether you’re enhanced or natural – you want to look your best.
For guys like Rich, it was bigger than a pro card or a title. His stage was social media and expos around the world. His judges didn’t sit at a table in front of a stage, rather, they came from all walks of life. His judges were the fans and Rich didn’t know how to let them down – at least not with his physique. He made some mistakes, but half-assing his training, eating, or supplementation was never an option. But did he take it too far? Big Frank and Gregg weighed in.
In this past episode of NO HOLDS BARRED, Big Frank and Gregg talked about the great Rich Piana, but they also mourned the passing of The Man of Steel, Bill Grant. Bill passed away at 80 years of age, but left a tremendous body of work behind. Rich Piana did, too, but imagine what Rich could have achieved had he lived to 80. Imagine what he could have achieved had he just lived to see 50. What would he have done?
When it comes to being proactive and driven, Rich and Bill were birds of the same feather. They lived in totally different times, but they were both committed to bodybuilding. Both men grew the sport in their own, special way.
What Rich Piana did in the span of five years will never be duplicated in the fitness industry again. He helped put Mutant on the map and then moved onto Love It! Kill It! He then started 5% Percent, and off he went. His socials were unstoppable, as was his reach.
At the Arnold Classic, Piana drew lines that were 4, 5, even 6 blocks long year after year. Name me ANYONE with that level of popularity and that staying power!!
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The fans waited patiently because there wasn’t anywhere else they wanted to be. There was community in that line. Rich was the driving force that brought them there. I know because I was a regular at his booth and I’d see people leave after meeting Rich and get back in line to talk to him again. If he had told them all to follow him out, whether to a gym or a Waffle House, the faithful would have followed without so much as blinking an eye. They were there FOR HIM and he was there FOR THEM. Now try telling someone that driven and that successful, not to “take it too far.” Good luck with that one.
Bill Grant didn’t abuse drugs, he didn’t do expos, and he certainly wasn’t big on social media. When The Man Of Steel was winning the biggest titles in physique-based sports, cable wasn’t even a thing yet. No one knew what computers were. And if you wanted to make a call from anywhere but your home, you’d better have dimes in your pocket to use the payphone. Even the magazines were nothing like what we saw in the 90’s and 2000’s. Everything was different, but it was still super-competitive. It may have been even more competitive than the 90’s or 2000’s. No one had bubble guts, there were no site enhancing oils, and guys didn’t drop dead in their 20’s from bodybuilding. Bill even predated The Golden Era of the sport. He was competing before Venice Beach was even a thing. Bill Grant did a lot with his life.
There’s a reason every single bodybuilding website, podcast, and pundit took a pause when they heard of the passing of the 80yr old legend. The Man Of Steel accomplished helped put bodybuilding on the map. Look at the picture above. Joe didn’t stand like that next to just anyone. He was proud to know Bill and he was in his corner. Bill Grant’s legacy, like Joe’s, will live on forever.
When it comes to being proactive and driven, Rich and Bill were birds of the same feather. They lived in totally different times, but they were both committed to bodybuilding. Both men grew the sport in their own, special way.
What Rich Piana did in the span of five years will never be duplicated in the fitness industry again. He helped put Mutant on the map and then moved onto Love It! Kill It! He then started 5% Percent, and off he went. His socials were unstoppable, as was his reach.
At the Arnold Classic, Piana drew lines that were 4, 5, even 6 blocks long year after year. Name me ANYONE with that level of popularity and that staying power!!
The fans waited patiently because there wasn’t anywhere else they wanted to be. There was community in that line. Rich was the driving force that brought them there. I know because I was a regular at his booth and I’d see people leave after meeting Rich and get back in line to talk to him again. If he had told them all to follow him out, whether to a gym or a Waffle House, the faithful would have followed without so much as blinking an eye. They were there FOR HIM and he was there FOR THEM. Now try telling someone that driven and that successful, not to “take it too far.” Good luck with that one.
