Old School Bodybuilder, Actor, Personal Trainer, Bodybuilding Coach & Writer
Robby Robinson, also called The Black Prince, and the Mr. Lifestyle, is the golden era bodybuilder known for competing in over 300 amateur bodybuilding competitions before getting into professional bodybuilding.
He was popular for being the first ever Master Mr. Olympia, the first pro bodybuilder to be in competitive shape in his 60s and 70s, and the very first black man who got featured in muscle magazines.
Being outspoken about racism within the bodybuilding industry and unfairness, Robby has taken a stand many times for his beliefs. However, being courageous enough to take a stand landed him a lifetime ban from the IFBB, which also led to his retirement.
Nonetheless, he’s retired but is still considered one of the greatest competitors in the bodybuilding sport, and he still trains to date.
Early Life of Robby Robinson
Born in 1946 in Georgia and raised in Tallahassee, Florida, Robby was one of 14 children. Son of an illiterate mother who got abandoned by her bootlegger husband, he had hardships while growing up and had to endure racism and poverty.
Though he didn’t have an easy life, but it didn’t stop him from developing his passion for fitness. And, like any other IFBB Pro, he also started working out early, from the age of 12, by getting inspired by a fitness icon of the time Jack La Lanne.
Nonetheless, he followed La Lanne’s example, and from there on, he fell in love with fitness. And within three years of working out, he pushed himself to become a high school football star and field athlete. And during that time, he discovered his love for bodybuilding and became a bodybuilder.
Robby Robinson’s Workout Routine & Training Philosophy
Robby being an old-school bodybuilder, his training is still the same. He still believes basic exercises are the best and rarely rely on machines. His training splits over 2 weeks, including one week for a heavy session and another for a lighter one. Similarly, he goes for three days on and one day off.
Furthermore, the heavy week is well structured with a proper routine, where he likes to emphasize pausing at the peak of every rep. While for a lighter session, he just looks to stimulate his muscles and increase his overall pump.
Here below is one such Robby Robinson workout routine that includes 3 sessions:
Robby Robinson’s Chest & Back Workout Routine
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Incline BB Bench Press | 3 | 12, 8 – 10, 6 – 8 |
| Flat DB Bench Press | 3 | 12, 8 – 10, 6 – 8 |
| DB Bench Flys | 3 | 12, 8 – 10, 6 – 8 |
| Chin – Ups | 3 | 15, 12, 10 |
| T – Bar Rowing | 3 | 12, 8, 6 |
Robby Robinson’s Shoulders & Arms Workout Routine
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Seated DB Press | 3 | 12, 8 – 10, 6 – 8 |
| Seated DB Side Lateral Raises | 3 | 12, 10, 8 |
| Bent Over DB Lateral Raises | 3 | 12, 10, 8 |
| BB Curls | 3 | 12, 10, 8 |
| DB Concentration Curls | 3 | 12, 8 – 10, 6 – 8 |
| DB Overhead Triceps Extensions | 3 | 12, 8 – 10, 6 – 8 |
| Triceps Push Downs | 3 | 12, 8 – 10, 6 – 8 |
Robby Robinson’s Legs Workout Routine
| Exercise | Sets | Reps |
|---|---|---|
| Leg Press | 3 | 20, 15, 10 |
| BB Back Squats | 3 | 12, 10, 6 |
| Leg Extensions Superset W/ Leg Curls | 3 | 10 |
| Calf Raises (Seated) | 3 | 10 |
Robby Robinson’s Diet Plan – Preferred Food
Protein
Carbohydrates
- Yams
- Yokon Gold Potatoes
- Pasta
- Rice
Fibrous Carbohydrates
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Corn
- Spinach
- Beans
Fats
- EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids)
- Olive Oil
- Avocado
- Almond Butter
Fruits
- Apples
- Bananas
- Oranges
- Watermelon
- Strawberry
Supplements
- BCAAs
- Glutamine
- Whey Protein
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Flax Seed Oil
- Vitamin B Complex
- Vitamin C
- Glutathione
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Calcium
- Testosterone Booster
Wrapping Up – Robby Robinson’s Workout Routine
Robby Robinson is one of the golden era’s greatest bodybuilders. And apart from bodybuilding, we can learn to stand up for our beliefs and not get influenced by traditions. For instance, he has seen how some bodybuilders were treated and raised his voice about it. Nonetheless, here we’ve listed one of Robby Robinson’s workout routines and what his nutrition & supplementation looks like. We hope it helps. Good luck!
