Lee Haney has had an incredible career of repeat Mr Olympia success along with the greats – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Dorian Yates – the difference is that he's won the bodybuilding competition eight times! It's a record that's only matched by fellow physical hero, Ronnie Coleman.

Today, a mentor, author, motivational speaker and devout Christian, Lee uses his experience and understanding to better the lives of others in every way possible, whether that's helping people stay fit at any age, keep injury free, or get a foot up in life after an unfortunate start.

Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/p3wPtgxjs7A

Lee Haney first entered a bodybuilding competition aged 16 years old – Mr South Carolina. He didn't know what posing trunks were at the time, so he bought a pair of standard underpants from Kmart. While Lee didn't win the competition, it was a humble beginning that gave him the bug for competing.

Years of inspiration followed, pushed harder by the incredible physiques of muscle icons such as Robbie Robertson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Dorian Yates and more. Whether he was appreciating their symmetry, or studying their nutrition, Lee Haney has admired others putting the hard work in both before and after him.

It's not just about the physical for Lee, either, as he references the effect of Muhammad Ali and the power of words, backing up what your dreams are and putting your potential into action.

Lee Haney's bodybuilding dominance in Mr Olympia spanned between 1984 and 1991. Although, his success is not just about bodybuilding… As a boxing trainer, he managed to get Evander Holyfield from cruiserweight to heavyweight through workout and nutrition advice – 192 to 214lbs in five weeks!

Since competing, Lee has started International Association of Fitness Science – a certification programme that teaches correct training, how to match workouts to body parts, nutrition and blending it all together.

Then there's Lee's selflessness that's spanned his life, helping others to be their best. Haney's Harvest House started as a retreat centre. It has developed over time and even been forced to move location due to expansion of a nearby airport, but today the charity organization is all about giving vulnerable kids directions and life skills. As well as raising money through the Lee Haney Games event each year, you can also donate at haneyharvesthouse.com

For more information visit leehaney.com

Episode Highlights -

• Hear about how one of the greatest bodybuilders in history started out – his inspiration, encouragement, advice and who he looked up to.
• Realising your aha moment when it hits and you discover that you've got something special to offer the world.
• How to take the people around you to great places by imparting wisdom and sharing your journey or experience with them for mutual benefit.
• Learn the importance of positivity and how important it is to encourage your children from an early age.
• How understanding the science of fitness can lead to ways of stimulating muscle growth that doesn't require lifting heavy and damaging your joints.
• Why Lee Haney believes negative reps will damage your body, despite the popularity rise of slow movement on the negative.

Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Lee Haney…