Ken Waller Workout Routine and Diet (Old School)

Written by James C., M.S.(C), PT

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Ken Waller is a former professional bodybuilder and actor who has left an indelible mark on the world of bodybuilding. He is particularly well-known for his roles in the films “Stay Hungry” and “Pumping Iron,” which starred some of the most well-known bodybuilding figures of all time, including Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. In addition to his acting career, Waller is also famous for his workout routine and diet plan, which helped him achieve his impressive physique.

Ken waller workout routine and diet

Ken Waller’s workout routine and diet plan are a testament to his dedication to the sport of bodybuilding. He was known for his intense training regimen, which included a variety of exercises designed to build muscle and increase strength. His diet plan was equally rigorous, consisting of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that helped him maintain his impressive physique. Waller’s dedication to his workout routine and diet plan is a testament to his commitment to the sport of bodybuilding and his desire to achieve the best possible results.

Key Takeaways

  • Ken Waller is a former professional bodybuilder and actor who is famous for his workout routine and diet plan.
  • Waller’s workout routine was known for its intensity and included a variety of exercises designed to build muscle and increase strength.
  • Waller’s diet plan was equally rigorous and consisted of a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet that helped him maintain his impressive physique.

Early Life and Career of Ken Waller

Ken Waller was born on September 5, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Western Kentucky University for a year before joining the United States Marine Corps. After serving his country, he returned to college and earned a degree in physical education.

Waller’s interest in bodybuilding began when he was in college. He started to train seriously and competed in his first bodybuilding competition in 1963. He placed third in the Mr. Kentucky contest. From there, he continued to compete and improve his physique.

In 1968, Waller competed in the AAU Mr. Olympia contest and placed fourth. This was the beginning of his professional career in bodybuilding. He went on to compete in numerous competitions and won several titles, including the Mr. Universe contest in 1975.

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Waller’s success in bodybuilding led him to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. He appeared in several movies, including “Stay Hungry” and “Pumping Iron,” which also featured Arnold Schwarzenegger and other well-known bodybuilders.

Despite retiring from professional bodybuilding in the 1980s, Waller continues to inspire and motivate others to lead a healthy lifestyle. He currently resides in California and works as a personal trainer.

Ken Waller’s Bodybuilding Achievements

Kenny “Ken” Waller is a former professional bodybuilder from the United States. He is particularly well-known for his roles in the films Stay Hungry and Pumping Iron, which starred some of the most well-known bodybuilding figures of all time, including Franco Columbu, Frank Zane, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Waller’s bodybuilding career was marked by numerous accomplishments and victories. He won the 1969 AAU Mr. USA, the 1975 IFBB Universe, and the major one, the 200+ Mr. Olympia of 1976. He also placed fourth in the 1968 AAU Mr. Olympia and the 1968 AAU Mr. USA.

Waller’s success was not limited to these competitions. He was a dominant force in the bodybuilding world throughout the 1970s and continued to compete into the 1980s. He won numerous other competitions, including the NABBA Mr. Universe and the AAU Mr. America.

Waller’s dedication to the sport of bodybuilding is evident in his long list of accomplishments and victories. He remains a respected figure in the bodybuilding community and an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.

Ken Waller’s Workout Routine

Ken Waller, a former bodybuilding champion, is known for his impressive physique and rigorous workout routine. His routine is designed to build quality mass and strength. Ken Waller’s workout routine is a four-day a week program that hits each muscle group twice a week, except for calves, which are worked each session. This routine allows for three full days of rest each week, which is crucial for muscle recovery and growth.

Upper Body Workout

Ken Waller’s upper body workout consists of a warm-up of two sets of 10-15 reps of chins and dips, superset style. The workout includes the following exercises:

  • Barbell Bench Press: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
  • Dumbbell Incline Press: 5 sets of 8 reps
  • Lat Pulldown: 5 sets of 8 reps
  • Bentover Row: 5 sets of 8 reps
  • Chins: 1 set of as many reps as possible

Lower Body Workout

Ken Waller’s lower body workout focuses on building strong legs and includes the following exercises:

  • Barbell Squat: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
  • Leg Curls: 5 sets of 12 reps
  • Donkey Calf Raises: 5 sets of 12 reps

Arm Workout

Ken Waller’s arm workout focuses on building strong biceps and triceps and includes the following exercises:

  • Barbell Curl: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
  • Triceps Extension: 5 sets of 12 reps
  • Close Grip Pushups: 5 sets of as many reps as possible

Abdominal Workout

Ken Waller’s abdominal workout includes the following exercises:

  • Sit-ups: 3 sets of 20 reps
  • Stick Twists: 3 sets of 20 reps
  • Roman Chair Leg Raises: 3 sets of 20 reps

Shoulder Workout

Ken Waller’s shoulder workout focuses on building strong shoulders and includes the following exercises:

  • Military Press: 5 sets of 12, 10, 8, 6, 6 reps
  • Behind the Neck Press: 5 sets of 8 reps
  • Chin-ups: 1 set of as many reps as possible

Overall, Ken Waller’s workout routine is a challenging and intense program designed to build quality mass and strength. By following this routine and incorporating proper nutrition and rest, individuals can achieve impressive results.

Ken Waller’s Diet Plan

ken waller workout and diet

Ken Waller was a bodybuilder who was known for his impressive physique and strength. His diet plan was an essential part of his training regimen. Waller believed in eating a balanced diet that included plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Waller’s diet plan was focused on providing his body with the nutrients it needed to build muscle and recover after workouts. He consumed a lot of meat, including beef, chicken, and fish, which are all excellent sources of protein. He also ate eggs, which are a great source of protein and healthy fats.

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In addition to meat and eggs, Waller’s diet included plenty of carbohydrates. He believed that carbohydrates were essential for providing energy during workouts and aiding in muscle recovery. He consumed carbohydrates from sources such as rice, potatoes, and fruits.

Waller also made sure to include plenty of vegetables in his diet. Vegetables are a great source of vitamins and minerals that are essential for overall health. He often ate vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and carrots.

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Overall, Ken Waller’s diet plan was focused on providing his body with the nutrition it needed to build muscle and recover after workouts. He ate a balanced diet that included plenty of protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vegetables.

Ken Waller and the Golden Era of Bodybuilding

Ken Waller is a name synonymous with the golden era of bodybuilding. He was part of a group of bodybuilders who trained in California during the 1970s, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Franco Columbu, and Frank Zane. This era is often referred to as the golden era of bodybuilding because it was a time when bodybuilding was gaining popularity and the sport was becoming more mainstream.

During this time, Ken Waller was a successful amateur bodybuilder, winning competitions such as the Mr. Universe title in 1975. He was also featured in the documentary film “Pumping Iron” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu, which helped to bring bodybuilding to a wider audience.

Ken Waller’s success in bodybuilding was due in part to his dedication to his workout routine and diet. He followed a strict training regimen that included exercises such as leg curls, barbell bench press, dumbbell incline press, lat pulldowns, and chins. He also followed a specific diet plan and supplementation stack to help him build muscle and stay in top shape.

Despite his success in bodybuilding, Ken Waller remained humble and dedicated to his craft. He continued to work out and stay in shape well into his 80s, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and pursue their own fitness goals.

Overall, Ken Waller’s contributions to the golden era of bodybuilding helped to shape the sport and inspire a new generation of athletes. His dedication to his workout routine and diet serves as a reminder of the importance of hard work and discipline in achieving success in any endeavor.

Ken Waller’s Unique Bodybuilding Style

Ken Waller was a successful bodybuilder of his time and stood beside some of the greatest bodybuilders like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, and Mike Katz. He had a unique bodybuilding style that set him apart from others.

Ken Waller was known for his impressive physique and his posing style. He had a muscular and well-proportioned body with a height of 5’10”. His measurements were chest: 52″, arms: 18″, waist: 32″, and thighs: 26″. He had red curly hair and freckles that added to his unique look.

Ken Waller’s workout routine focused on various muscle groups, including chest, back, legs, arms, shoulders, and abs. He believed in warming up properly before starting the workout. His warmup routine included chins and dips superset style.

Ken Waller’s training routine included exercises like barbell bench press, dumbbell incline press, lat pulldowns, bent-over rows, chins, and seated press. He also included leg curls and roman chair situps in his routine.

Ken Waller’s unique bodybuilding style focused on growth and bulk. He believed in lifting heavy weights to promote muscle growth. He used barbells and dumbbells in his routine and often overdid his training to achieve his goals.

Ken Waller’s posing style was also unique. He had an impressive physique that he showed off in competitions. He had well-defined muscles in his arms, chest, and legs, and he knew how to pose to show them off.

Overall, Ken Waller had a unique bodybuilding style that set him apart from others. He believed in lifting heavy weights, overdoing his training, and focusing on growth and bulk. His posing style was also impressive and showed off his well-defined muscles.

Ken Waller’s Influence and Legacy

Ken Waller’s impact on the world of bodybuilding and strength training is undeniable. As a professional bodybuilder, he achieved incredible success, winning the Mr. Universe title in 1971 and the Mr. Olympia Over 200Lbs in 1976. He also placed highly in numerous other competitions throughout his career.

Waller’s influence extended beyond just his own accomplishments. He was a key figure in the golden era of bodybuilding, training alongside legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Franco Columbu. He was known for his incredible strength and dedication to his craft, which inspired many others to pursue bodybuilding and strength training.

Waller’s legacy also includes his work in sports and entertainment. He appeared in the 1977 film “Pumping Iron” alongside Schwarzenegger and Lou Ferrigno, and he also worked as a stunt double for Ferrigno in the TV series “The Incredible Hulk.” His impressive physique and strength made him a natural fit for these roles.

Overall, Ken Waller’s influence and legacy are a testament to his incredible dedication and hard work. He inspired countless others to pursue strength training and bodybuilding, and his impact on the sport will be felt for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Ken Waller’s go-to exercises for building muscle?

Ken Waller’s workout routine consisted of a combination of compound and isolation exercises. Some of his go-to exercises for building muscle included squats, bench press, deadlifts, pull-ups, chin-ups, and rows. He also incorporated isolation exercises such as bicep curls, tricep extensions, and calf raises to target specific muscle groups.

How did Ken Waller structure his diet to support his training?

Ken Waller believed in eating muscle-building foods such as meat, fish, fowl, eggs, and vegetables. He followed a diet that consisted of three meals a day and a snack or two in between. He also emphasized the importance of protein intake and reducing carbohydrate intake. Since supplements were not widely available during his time, he focused on getting his nutrients from whole food sources.

What were Ken Waller’s thoughts on rest and recovery?

Ken Waller believed that rest and recovery were just as important as training itself. He emphasized the importance of getting enough sleep and taking rest days to allow the body to recover. He also believed in listening to the body and adjusting training intensity and volume accordingly.

What advice did Ken Waller have for beginners looking to build muscle?

Ken Waller’s advice for beginners looking to build muscle was to focus on the basics and not get too caught up in fancy exercises or advanced training techniques. He believed in starting with compound exercises and gradually increasing weight and intensity over time. He also emphasized the importance of consistency and patience.

What were some of Ken Waller’s favorite pre- and post-workout meals?

Ken Waller’s pre-workout meals typically consisted of a combination of protein and carbohydrates, such as chicken and rice or a protein shake with fruit. For post-workout meals, he would often have a protein shake or a meal consisting of protein and vegetables.

How did Ken Waller stay motivated to train consistently throughout his career?

Ken Waller was motivated by his passion for bodybuilding and the desire to constantly improve himself. He also believed in setting achievable goals and tracking progress to stay motivated. Additionally, he found inspiration in training with other bodybuilders and learning from their experiences.

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