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BODYBUILDING legend Rich Gaspari recently revealed a controversial technique he used to get his ripped looks.

Training regiments can be harsh while on the path to bodybuilding fame, but Rich revealed his took things to a different level.

Rich gained fame in the 1980s for his ripped physique
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Rich gained fame in the 1980s for his ripped physiqueCredit: Getty
Rick took risks to gain fame for his toned body
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Rick took risks to gain fame for his toned bodyCredit: Instagram
Milo Sarcev has criticised the dangerous technique
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Milo Sarcev has criticised the dangerous techniqueCredit: Instagram/@milossarcev

Rich, who was a three-time runner up in the Mr Olympia competition, was praised for his dry physique in competitions.

"Dry physique" is a term used by bodybuilders to describe the massive muscles built without gaining fat.

"Wet muscles" are bulkier muscles filled with glycogen and water, while dry ones are "actual lean mass muscles".

Unlike some bodybuilders, Rich's muscles weren't a result of harsh diuretics.

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Instead, Rich cut down his water intake - dehydrating himself to get his ripped physique.

Fellow bodybuilder Milos Sarcev doesn't agree with the dangerous technique: "Risking dehydration, dangerous dehydration right, then it comes with now, okay, who is responsible here?

"For me, the dryness that Samson displayed, even on Friday, should be sufficient."

Bodybuilder Samson Dauda recently competed, showing off his incredible "dry" muscles, which Milos referenced.

Water is the most important nutrient in the human body, accounting for up to 70 percent of body composition.

Many bodybuilders have used the dehydration technique before competitions to help show off their "dryness".

In some instances, bodybuilders drink about a gallon per day leading up to competition, then cut the amount dramatically.

This dehydration results in the iconic veiny, hard muscles spectators and judges are used to seeing at competitions.

But Rich's technique isn't without drawbacks.

Dehydration can lead to a multitude of short-term and long-term health issues.

Headache, fatigue, constipation and high heart rate are a few of the ailments reported.

Severe dehydration can lead to urinary tract infections, kidney problems, seizures and possible coma.

Rich formerly revealed how he went from an unknown gym manger to one of the biggest names in bodybuilding.

A photoshoot in his gym got him noticed by legend Joe Weider, and he began competing.

Rich went on to win multiple national titles, second place at Mr Olympia three times in a row, and the Arnold Classic in 1989.

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But the secret to his success lies in a mantra he uses, inspired by his father's advice.

Richard told Bodybuilding.com: "My dad always told me, 'Whatever you do, do your best at what you are doing.'

He's a former Mr. America and Mr. Universe
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He's a former Mr. America and Mr. UniverseCredit: Getty
The heartthrob often shares stories about his bodybuilding days
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The heartthrob often shares stories about his bodybuilding daysCredit: Getty
He's been pumping iron since the late 1970s
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He's been pumping iron since the late 1970sCredit: Instagram
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