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Frank Zane is a bodybuilding icon. When everyone was chasing size, Zane went against the grain and focused on highlighting strengths. Fans admired Zane’s proportions, aesthetics, and posing. Notably, he went on to become a 3-time Mr. Olympia. During his bodybuilding days, Zane worked out according to his physiology and avoided long-term injuries.

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In an interview with Men’s Health in 2021, the legendary bodybuilder answered questions about the necessity of finding the motivation to train rigorously. However, he warned against taking selfies in the gym. While Frank took pictures of himself during his bodybuilding days, the three-time Mr. Olympia advised against selfies for one apparent reason.

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Frank Zane explains the downside of gym selfies

During the interview with Oliver Lee Bateman, Zane highlighted a glaring downside of taking selfies to document one’s progress in the gym. Frank admitted he benefited greatly by looking at photos photographers took. “When I say pictures, I don’t mean photos in the mirror or ‘selfies’ on the phone,” said Frank. He also explained what downsides selfies had.

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“When you’re looking at a selfie, that’s a camera angle you can manipulate to look the way you want.” said the legendary bodybuilder. Zane said one needs objective evidence to track their progress, and selfies cannot serve that purpose. Zaid said the best practice would be to hire a photographer.

Zane said one could work with a photographer to get the pictures they want. “My wife Christine—a good photographer in her own right—was the most helpful because she could take photos as needed,” said the three-time Mr. Olympia winner. However, while working with a photographer, one can’t manipulate the lighting or angle of each pose to make it look better in the picture.

READ MORE: “Today They All Want Sponsorships”: 3X Mr. Olympia Frank Zane Once Highlighted Bodybuilders Now Aren’t Hardworking Unlike His Time

The bodybuilding legend said to maintain motivation, one needs objective evidence. However, accepting selfies as objective evidence would give someone a false sense of progress.

The Bodybuilding icon also spoke about other mistakes

Besides advising against gym selfies, Zane also spoke about common mistakes people make. While Zane said one shouldn’t go to the gym for social reasons, he pointed out another smartphone-related issue. People shouldn’t use “cellphones while occupying equipment,” said Zane. He said it a nothing more than a waste of time, preventing a person from focusing on the exercise.

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The former Mr. Olympia also said having a workout partner or using earbuds can help one focus. Do you agree with Frank Zane’s take taking selfies in the gym? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Sagnik Bagchi

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Sagnik Bagchi is a Senior Writer at EssentiallySports, covering collegiate and Olympic sports through opinion‑driven storytelling. His volleyball reporting often spotlights program shifts and leadership changes, including Harper Murray’s evolving role and John Cook’s candid retirement reflections at Nebraska. With nearly four years in sports media, Sagnik has contributed across key beats, from the Paris 2024 Newsbreak team to behind‑the‑scenes coverage of the NHL Playoffs. An English Literature postgraduate, Sagnik’s versatility spans bodybuilding, US sports, and Olympic disciplines. As a former Senior Bodybuilding Writer, his work earned recognition from IFBB Pro Greg Doucette. His adaptability and consistency have resulted in a place in EssentiallySports’ Journalistic Excellence Program, where selected writers work with industry mentors to refine their reporting and analytical skills.

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Abhishek Kumar

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