We are Iron Legacy, we believe that HIT training is the best type of training and is one of the reasons we started this brand.
Iron legacy started as an idea and a small one at that, it started on a stool in the gym after a heavy chest session. I was speaking to my gym owner about clothing brands and what they mean and what they represent as I felt that there was no proper gym brands which represented my philosophy of training and many others such as Mike "Mr Heavy Duty" Mentzer or Dorian "The Shadow" Yates, Both infamous for there training philosophies which were way ahead of there time. The nickname for high intensity training is heavy duty training. I felt that our training style had nothing to really represent it. So out of a simple thought was born IRON LEGACY. The idea being to replace these skin tight compression shirts with oversized t shirts and to drop the ego and pick up the pump cover.
About me
I am Ben Linton, the founder of IRON LEGACY, and this is my story. At the age of 15, I entered the gym weighing 110 kilos, grappling with depression, anxiety, and struggling with binge eating. My entire life had been marred by bullying due to my weight. I vividly recall a moment in year 9, desperately trying to fit into my trousers, having to inhale deeply to squeeze into them. Staring at my stomach, I pondered on how to shed the excess weight and wondered how to eliminate this burden. Truth be told, I was lost and bewildered, at an all-time low in my life. However, the gym became my savior, providing me with a sense of purpose.
I won't sugarcoat it; I grappled for a considerable time with eating properly, training effectively, and infusing my workouts with intensity and passion. Over the span of six months, I managed to shed 25 kilos. Despite this transformation, I still lacked a clear direction. That changed rapidly as I began training with increased intensity, witnessing substantial changes in my body as the weights escalated. Fast forward two years, and I find myself growing content with my body, giving birth to Iron Legacy. This is not a mere side project; it's my mission, my passion, and, above all, my life. Bodybuilding and training are not just pursuits; they embody my very essence of life.
Every time I step through that gym door, it becomes a mental battleground. I channel all my anxieties, pain, grief, and anger onto the bar. Success, for me, is etched through the crucible of suffering. Every triumph I've ever known, every instance of growth, initially required enduring suffering—be it mental or physical, sometimes both. Yet, each time I persevered, putting in the work even when I didn't feel like it, I discovered that my sessions surpassed my expectations. Every ounce of suffering I willingly subjected myself to yielded rewarding outcomes.
Our mission
Iron Legacy is an embodiment of a profound commitment to resurrecting the golden era of bodybuilding culture, with a primary focus on the revival of High-Intensity Training (HIT). Our mission revolves around rekindling the flame of classic bodybuilding principles, particularly championed by iconic figures such as Mike Mentzer and Dorian Yates. We stand on the shoulders of these legends, drawing inspiration from their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of physical excellence.
At the core of our philosophy lies the belief that true strength and aesthetic prowess can be achieved through a return to the fundamentals of HIT. This method, characterized by brief, intense workouts, aligns perfectly with our commitment to efficient and effective training. HIT emphasizes maximizing effort in a condensed timeframe, promoting optimal muscle stimulation and growth. This approach stands in stark contrast to the prevailing trend of prolonged, exhaustive workouts, championing quality over quantity.
The influence of Mike Mentzer, often regarded as the intellectual force behind HIT, is deeply ingrained in the Iron Legacy ethos. His groundbreaking approach to training, outlined in the Heavy Duty system, advocates for minimalistic yet intense workouts, promoting both physical and mental resilience. Mentzer's impact is a guiding force, urging us to prioritize quality repetitions and targeted muscle engagement over mindless volume.
Dorian Yates, the legendary six-time Mr. Olympia, further solidifies our commitment to HIT. Yates' philosophy of "Blood and Guts" training mirrors our dedication to pushing the limits of intensity. His disciplined approach to workouts, characterized by brief yet brutally intense sessions, serves as a blueprint for achieving extraordinary results.
The benefits of High-Intensity Training extend beyond the gym, permeating into every aspect of life. Time efficiency is a significant advantage, enabling individuals with busy schedules to carve out dedicated moments for transformative workouts. Additionally, HIT fosters mental fortitude, as each session demands unwavering focus and determination.
As a testament to our commitment, here is a glimpse into a sample HIT training split recommended by Iron Legacy:
Day 1: Full Body Workout
- Squats: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
- Bench Press: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
- Bent-over Rows: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
- Overhead Press: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
- Deadlifts: 2 sets x 6-8 reps
Day 2: Rest or Active Recovery
Day 3: Upper Body Workout
- Pull-ups: 3 sets x failure
- Dips: 3 sets x failure
- Barbell Curls: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
- Tricep Extensions: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
Day 4: Rest or Active Recovery
Day 5: Lower Body Workout
- Front Squats: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
- Romanian Deadlifts: 3 sets x 6-8 reps
- Lunges: 3 sets x 6-8 reps per leg
Day 6: Rest or Active Recovery
Day 7: Active Rest or Cardio
Iron Legacy is more than a fitness movement; it's a homage to the pioneers of bodybuilding, a return to the roots of strength, and a commitment to sculpting both body and mind through the principles of High-Intensity Training. Join us on this journey, and together, let's revive the essence of true physical and mental transformation.