The biography, life, and accomplishments of Steve Reeves
Steve Reeves is still to this day an inspirational and accomplished bodybuilder known for his size on the global stage. With a successful career as a bodybuilder and an actor, Reeves held the title of Mr. America, Mr. World, and Mr. Universe before switching gears and going into acting.
Below is a complete breakdown of his profile, stats, biography, training and diet regimens.
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Full Name: Stephen L. Reeves |
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| Weight | Height | Date Of Birth |
| 215-225 lbs. | 6’1″ | 01/21/1926 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Bodybuilder, Actor, Writer, Trainer | 1940, 1950, 1960 | American |
Biography
Steve Reeves was born in Montana and became interested in bodybuilding in high school. He was enlisted into the U.S. Army upon graduation and served in the Philippines before returning to the United States and going to college in California to be a chiropractor. However, Reeves had begun training again and would soon enter into his first competition, one that would launch him into a dominating and successful bodybuilding career.
He won his first competition, Mr. Pacific Coast, and continued to compete having fallen in love with the sport. In a pre-Mr. Olympia era, Reeves would go onto win Mr. America, Mr. World, and Mr. Universe. After being contacted by an acting agent, he would soon become more than just a world class bodybuilder.
Reeves made the decision to move to New York City where he began to study acting. As fate would have it, the roles began to come in and Reeves would star in 18 movies from 1954 to 1969. Such movies included Athena, Hercules, Goliath and the Barbarians, The Trojan Horse, and A Long Ride From Hell.
After a lucrative career, injuries, stress, and a market that no longer looked for his type of movies, Reeves made the choice to retire and spent the last decades of his life in California. He enjoyed writing, breeding horses, and promoting drug-free bodybuilding, going back to his roots of what got him to where he is.
Reeves died in May of 2000.
Training
When it came to Reeves’ training, he would work all muscle groups around 3-4 times a week. On off days, he would stay active with a walk or a swim but do his best to give his body the rest it needed.
Day 1 – Chest
- Incline Dumbbell Press: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Flat Bench Press: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Dumbbell Fly: 3 sets, 12 reps
- Push-Ups: 3 sets, 15 reps
- Decline Push-Ups: 3 sets. 10 reps
Day 2 – Shoulders
- Barbell Snatch: 3 sets, 8 reps
- Overhead Press: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Front Raise: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Side Raise: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Rear Dumbbell Fly: 3 sets, 12 reps
Day 3 – Legs
- Barbell Squat: 3 sets, 8 reps
- Leg Press: 3 sets 10 reps
- Walking Lunges: 3 sets, 15 reps
- Front Squat: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Calf Raises: 3 sets, 12 reps
Day 4 – Arms
- Dumbbell Curls: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Dumbbell French Press: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Incline Dumbbell Curls: 3 sets, 8 reps
- Triceps Extension: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Standing Curl with Bar: 3 sets, 12 reps
Day 5 – Back
- Bent Over Bar Row: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Low Bar Row: 3 sets, 8 reps
- Dumbbell Row: 3 sets, 12 reps
- Dumbbell Shrug: 3 sets, 10 reps
- Barbell Shrug: 3 sets, 15 reps
- Deadlift: 3 sets, 8 reps
Nutrition
When it came to nutrition, Reeves made sure to really pack a punch and get all those vital nutrients into his body as efficiently as possible. With high amounts of protein and plenty of leafy greens, this helped fuel his workouts and recovery so he could see that amazing growth.
Meal #1
Custom Power Drink
- 1 banana
- 14 ounces freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tbsp. Knox gelatin
- 1 tbsp. honey
- 2-4 raw eggs
- 2 tbsp. protein powder
Meal #2
This would typically involve some sort of lean protein (grilled chicken or lean steak) with a small amount of carbs, mixed vegetables, and fresh fruit to cover all of his bases.
Meal #3
Typically, this meal was a large salad with oil and vinegar as the dressing. It would have a source of lean protein like turkey, fish, or chicken, and typically a serving of carbs like whole grain bread, potatoes, beans, or rice.
Supplementation
While Reeves used his own form of supplementation, most notably a protein powder in his power drink, it is important to know some other supplements around today that can really boost your gains to new heights. For all of your pre-workout needs, looking to a high-quality pre-workout supplement can provide for muscle pumps and energy to keep you going strong. A BCAA intra-workout product can reduce fatigue and allow for better recovery continuing to hydrate your muscles. And of course, for those looking to shed that unwanted fat and have a stellar physique like Reeves, a fat burner can do the trick and really give you the edge when it comes to sculpting and shedding that stubborn belly fat.
Competition History
- 1946, Mr. Pacific Coast
- 1947, Mr. Pacific Coast
- 1947, Mr. America
- 1948, Mr. USA
- 1948, Mr. World
- 1948, Mr. Universe
- 1949, Mr. USA
- 1950, Mr. Universe