Tag: Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals ‘Unbelievable Turnaround’ in Acting after Bodybuilding: ‘My Liabilities Became Assets’
Legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger is easily the most popular competitor in the history of the sport. The seven-time Mr. Olympia made a name for himself in the film industry too after hanging up his posing trunks. In a recent interview with the Academy Museum, Schwarzenegger revealed the ‘unbelievable turnaround’ he experienced in acting as a bodybuilder in the 80s.
Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division with his proportionate muscle mass, size, and symmetry. After placing second in his Mr. Olympia debut, Schwarzenegger returned with a vengeance to secure his maiden Sandow trophy at the 1970 Mr. Olympia. After his final win at the 1980 Mr. Olympia, Arnold walked away from the sport with seven titles.
Besides his contest schedule, Schwarzenegger’s popularity skyrocketed after his starring role in the docudrama Pumping Iron (1977). The movie is credited for shining a spotlight on bodybuilding which featured the charismatic Austrian center stage. Following an amazing career, Schwarzenegger explored his passion for acting. He applied the same work ethic he developed as an athlete and became the first certified superstar to have come out of bodybuilding.
Earlier this year, Schwarzenegger reflected on the evolution of his physique over time. The 75-year-old admitted he did not like his body now that he’s in his later years and shut the door on retiring from training anytime soon.
Additionally, ‘The Austrian Oak’ laid out four effective ways to build a custom routine that fits into any schedule. Then, he revealed the two-compound PED (performance-enhancing drug) protocol he utilized at the height of his powers. He listed Dianabol and testosterone as the substances of choice and issued a cautionary message warning against the risks of overusing steroids.
Arnold Schwarzenegger offered two intense circuit workout routines targeting the upper body weeks ago. He also provided insight into his secrets for staying consistent with training sessions and getting results. He followed up with a grip strength test and another circuit workout focused on enhancing longevity.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Details His Start in Bodybuilding & Turning the Sport’s Image Around in the US
via Instagram
In a recent YouTube video, Arnold Schwarzenegger detailed how he got his start in bodybuilding which ultimately led to his arrival in America.
“I realized very quickly as I got into it that bodybuilding was an American sport so I felt like I could be another Steve Reeves, who did the Hercules movie, and Reg Park,” said Schwarzenegger. “They became kind of my idols. I would read everything about those world champions in bodybuilding and follow everything they did. When I read Reg Park was working out five hours a day, lifting heavy weights, doing 50-60 sets of exercise and lifting 50 tons of weights a day, I’d do the same thing.”
Although he thought bodybuilding was a huge sport in the US, he soon found out it wasn’t.
“When I came to America I thought bodybuilding is very popular in America, it’s an American sport but in fact it was not. What I read in the magazines that it’s huge, guys getting into movies with bodybuilding, become businessman, successful, and making millions of dollars, none of it was really true. There were some that became successful and got into movies but the reality was that when I walked around in America, people always came up to me and said you must be a wrestler, a football player, lifter or something like that. They did not guess bodybuilding. I realized very quickly I had to put my know how about selling and marketing. I started hiring publicists. I was the first bodybuilder ever to hire a publicist.
“I got on all these shows and talked about what bodybuilding’s all about, to explain what it was. Because the press was writing stupid articles, not because they were vicious but they just didn’t know.”
Schwarzenegger Reveals ‘Unbelievable Turnaround’ in Acting after Bodybuilding
Arnold Schwarzenegger credited Pumping Iron as the turning point in his career.
“Without Pumping Iron, I wouldn’t have been able to be successful in this mission because it really kind of showed the personalities of bodybuilders, the camaraderie, psychology behind it, pose off and compete against each other.”
He shared how he was told by industry executives that he would not find success because of his thick German accent and massive build.
“When I started getting tired of bodybuilding competitions and won 13 championships, I wasn’t as excited anymore being on stage and beating all these guys. There must be something else that’s kind of very risky and we have to work hard, something new I could go after, and it was acting. It was going into movies. I remember agents, managers, studio executives always saying to me forget it Arnold. You’re a great bodybuilding champion, we’ll help you start a business or a gym or something but forget about acting. No one has ever made it with a German accent… if you want to be a star, a leading man, that’s impossible. Number two, your body is too big.”
In the end, both points of criticism were proven wrong as they became his biggest assets.
“A few years later, Ed Pressman comes to me and he says I bought the rights for you for Conan the Barbarian. He said finally when I saw Pumping Iron I said to myself that guy could do Conan. He has finally the body that no one has. He has the muscles, he could do Conan. All of a sudden, the director said if we didn’t have Schwarzenegger we would’ve had to build him. A few years ago, I heard it was impossible to get a job with a body like that and now all of a sudden this is the body we need for Conan. This liability was my asset.
“Then comes Jim Cameron for Terminator 1, he said to me you know why this movie’s so successful and why people bought in? It’s because you talk like a machine. Your German accent worked to such an advantage. You talk like a machine, like no one else does. All of a sudden, it’s an asset to have a German accent and talk like me. It’s an asset to have a body like me and all the schmucks in Hollywood were saying you would never get a job, never be a leading man. This was the unbelievable turnaround.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger gave fans a look into his current diet, which is mostly vegan two weeks ago. He revealed he consumes about 80 percent less meat than he used to and detailed his preferred sources for getting protein. He took a trip down memory lane by reminiscing about his famous photo in posing trunks in Munich, Germany a week later.
Schwarzenegger’s story of reaching unparalleled heights in various fields will inspire generations to come given the challenges he faced along the way.
RELATED: Lee Priest Says Remove ‘Useless’ Divisions & Backs Arnold Schwarzenegger Over Chris Bumstead
You can watch the full video below.
Published: 2 July, 2023 | 2:12 PM EDT
Lee Priest Says Remove ‘Useless’ Divisions & Backs Arnold Schwarzegger Over Chris Bumstead
Australia’s Lee Priest has turned into a knowledgeable bodybuilding source since his days of competition. In a recent RxMuscle YouTube video, Priest urged removing ‘useless’ divisions in bodybuilding and picked Arnold Schwarzenegger to defeat Chris Bumstead in a fantasy matchup.
Lee Priest made a name for himself with impressive muscle mass, size, and conditioning in the Men’s Open division in the 90s. He participated in six Mr. Olympia events and went up against the likes of six-time champion Dorian Yates and eight-time winner Ronnie Coleman. Besides his insane arms, Priest was celebrated for his longevity having spent more than 15 years competing in the IFBB Pro League. He took to the sidelines after winning the 2013 NABBA Mr. Universe in his final showing.
Earlier this year, Priest called for removing the Men’s 212 division and redistributing the prize money in the Open category. He argued the worthy 212 competitors would be able to hold their own in the Open, as proven by two-time 212 Olympia winner Shaun Clarida, and former 212 Olympia champions Kamal Elgargni and Derek Lunsford.
Priest maintains a healthy lifestyle and trains daily post-retirement. Following the return of the Masters Olympia after more than a decade, there was speculation about whether Priest would make a comeback at the event. However, he dismissed the possibility due to his chest atrophy.
Lee Priest / Instagram
The 50-year-old provided fans with some of his best tips on how to maximize preacher curls for building bigger biceps and getting a strong pump three months ago. He detailed the different equipment and variations to use along with the ideal rep range.
Lee Priest criticized the eligibility criteria of the 2023 Masters Olympia two months ago. He suggested raising the age limit to 50+ instead of the current 40 and over and also adding the condition of being away from competition for at least two to three years.
Priest called for a friendly showdown with bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler after the 2023 Masters Olympia last month. He suggested hosting a ‘Golden Era’ seminar and going up against the four-time Mr. Olympia in a guest-posing appearance for the fans.
Lee Priest urges removing ‘useless’ divisions
In a recent YouTube video, Lee Priest called for eliminating several bodybuilding divisions. He believes in keeping only the Open and Fitness categories and none of the others.
“As I sit here pondering the sport of bodybuilding and I watch these Pro shows, these people standing on stage like pot plants, don’t know their names,” said Priest. “Back in our day, the old guy’s going back there, you knew everyone’s name. Every Pro show was top quality guys minus Mr. Olympia. Now everyone gets a trophy bulls***. Bodybuilding, this is how it should be. Only Open bodybuilding, open for the women, and fitness. Physique, Bikini, Wellness, go to your model girl pageants at Hawaiian Tropics because you’re f**king useless. But if we don’t have these classes, where do they compete?
“In the amateurs, stay there with your weight classes because you’re not good enough to be a Pro. That’s why you’re not making it anywhere because even as a Pro you suck. Just go back to being an amateur. 212 out the window. If you’re not good enough to be a good bodybuilder, you can’t make it. That’s just life people. That’s reality. Life’s hard. You suck. You shouldn’t be a Pro.”
Priest backed Nick Walker & Chris Bumstead as the most marketable bodybuilders
Lee Priest extended his support for Nick Walker and Chris Bumstead as the most marketable bodybuilders in the sport.
“In bodybuilding, I’d probably have to go around Nick Walker. In the sport, you’d probably go with Chris Bumstead because of the following. He’s marketable both to bodybuilders and the guys who don’t want to get that big because they can’t because they suck.
“What I’m saying is Bumstead is marketable but then if we just went bodybuilding, probably Nick because he’s young, marketable, good-looking, and stuff like that.”
He backed Samson Dauda as his favorite to win the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“Samson. I think he’s got a nice combination of size and shape and he’s getting that freaky look. He has a nice balance overall so I’ll go Samson.”
Reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead ruffled some feathers when he declared he would defeat legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger in a hypothetical matchup three months ago. Former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout pushed back on Bumstead’s claim a week later.
Priest picks Arnold Schwarzenegger over Bumstead
Priest shared his thoughts on a fantasy showdown between Schwarzenegger and Bumstead, picking the seven-time Mr. Olympia to win.
“Arnold wins. Chris is good but Arnold just seemed to flow better. Chris has got great chest, nothing against Arnold’s chest and yeah, he didn’t have the best legs but they worked for him and in 74 he looked great. The arms, the twisting shots, it would be close but I’d give it to Arnold still.”
Lee Priest voiced the idea of taking on Kai Greene in an Olympia-style superhero showdown three weeks ago. He suggested donning superhero attire and performing skits with ‘The Predator’ on stage at a bodybuilding show.
Priest opened up on his diet philosophy while getting ready for competitions weeks ago. He revealed he would start dieting a minimum of 16 weeks before an event and get in top form four weeks out from a contest.
Priest’s latest take on removing some bodybuilding divisions may not be well received by the competitors but some believe it would shine a brighter light on Open talent.
You can watch the full video below.
RELATED: Lee Priest Reveals Changes in Training & Diet from His 20s to 50s
Published: 30 June, 2023 | 12:19 AM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger Looks Back on Famous Munich, Germany Photo in Posing Trunks
Arnold Schwarzenegger always understood the business of promotion involved in building his brand. Having cemented his legacy in bodybuilding with seven Mr. Olympia titles, Schwarzenegger didn’t stop there. He became the governor of California and continues to give back as a philanthropist and successful actor. In his latest undertaking, Schwarzenegger appeared on the Reddit YouTube channel to discuss his charity efforts and the story behind his famous Munich, Germany photo in posing trunks.
The epitome of the American Dream, Schwarzenegger captivated large audiences en route to becoming a star. As a bodybuilder, he presented a thin waist, massive chest, and popping biceps. His completeness and seamless posing transitions saw him win several prestigious contests. However, when he retired from the sport in 1980, no one predicted the fame he would demand in the years to come.
Schwarzenegger dove head-first into the entertainment industry and made bodybuilding a more popular sport. He starred in the hit American docudrama Pumping Iron and later commanded lead roles in the ultra-successful Terminator movie franchise.
While he’s gotten a little older, Schwarzenegger’s love for fitness and exercise has only grown. He hosts the annual Arnold Sports Festival and keeps fans up to date on his health with a newsletter called Arnold’s Pump Club.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Gives Reason for Popular Munich, Germany Photo in Freezing Cold
According to Arnold, he sprinted in posing trunks in Munich to advertise for his local gym in 1967.
“I was always into marketing and publicity and the gym business was very competitive in Munich. I walked around with my posing trunks at the construction site in freezing cold weather and it created such a sensation and people thought I was totally crazy. They called journalists and photographers that came for pictures, all of a sudden we had an influx of members so the whole thing worked very very well.”
After reflecting on the iconic construction running photo, Schwarzenegger looked back on donating 25 small homes to U.S. military veterans in California.
“In November I was asking them to build those homes, they wanted to see how long it would really take. It literally took less than a month and we built 25 homes and how happy those veterans were when we gave them those homes when they said it was impossible and it would take years and years and years. I don’t have much patience for this stuff.”
In another show of philanthropy, Schwarzenegger reflected on acquiring 1,000,000 masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“When we had the Coronavirus and there was the big breakout and everyone looked around and said, ‘Oh my God we have no masks!’ I could find them. It sounded to me so ridiculous not to be prepared for a pandemic. I got in touch with Flexport I said to them, ‘Hey can you help me find masks? Somewhere in the world?’ Then a few celebrities and other wealthy people came together and bought millions and millions of masks, if there is a will there is a way,” Schwarzenegger shared.
Given how far Arnold has come since his humble beginnings, he always gives credit to his roots. In his successful Netflix series Arnold, the bodybuilding legend revealed a ‘personal mecca of weightlifting’ that helped shape him as a young athlete in Austria. He said he quickly became addicted to the process of working out and the results that would follow.
As a 75-year-old legend of the sport, Schwarzenegger has been candid about his physique. He admits he was once the best-built man and struggles to accept his body today. Nevertheless, that hasn’t deterred him from regular training sessions, which he says have helped him stay happy, healthy, and strong.
With longevity a top priority, Schwarzenegger offers many of the techniques and strategies he uses to measure his health. Recently, the seven-time Mr. Olympia revealed a grip test and circuit workout designed to promote longevity.
Schwarzenegger’s photo goes down in history as one of the most unique, alongside fellow legend Lee Haney’s traffic stop picture after he won his first Mr. Olympia title.
RELATED: Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger Charging $150K For Charity Personal Training Sessions
Watch the full video below from the Reddit YouTube channel:
Published: 28 June, 2023 | 9:20 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joseph Baena Flexes His Bulging Biceps and Sculpted Legs at Iconic Gold’s Gym
Legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena is carving his own path in fitness and entertainment. He followed in his father’s footsteps and explored his passion for working out although he doesn’t compete professionally. In a recent post made on Instagram, Baena looked massive while hitting a classic bodybuilding pose, the front double bicep.
Arnold Schwarzenegger pioneered the IFBB Men’s Open division during his days of competing on stage in the 1970s. He displayed a stellar blend of muscle mass, size, and symmetry and racked up seven Mr. Olympia titles against the likes of fellow legends Franco Columbu, Lou Ferrigno, and Sergio Oliva.
Besides his athletic talents, Schwarzenegger became renowned for his acting abilities. He showcased his charismatic personality and witty nature in the 1977 docudrama Pumping Iron and endeared himself to the fans. Following his retirement, Schwarzenegger found success as a certified action star with several blockbuster projects under his belt.
Joseph Baena made headlines for his insane resemblance to Schwarzenegger after he recreated some of his father’s classic bodybuilding poses in Aug. 2022. The Internet was left stunned by the uncanny resemblance between the two as Baena performed the famous back pose. Then, he opened up about the struggles that come along with being Schwarzenegger’s son. While the comparisons were tough in the beginning, Baena learned to focus on crafting his own path.
Baena teamed up with fitness sensation Mike O’Hearn for a brutal arms workout last August. The bodybuilding veteran exchanged some techniques with Baena, including their favorite supersets to build muscle in the arms. The duo reconnected for an ‘old-school’ training session targeting back for enhanced longevity days later.
In Sep. 2022, Baena provided the grueling shoulder workout he utilized to get ready for his debut in the reality dance competition show Dancing With The Stars. He enlisted the help of bodybuilding veteran Robby Robinson and O’Hearn to refine his posing skills weeks later.
Joseph Baena channeled the spirit of his father’s iconic role by recreating the iconic look from Conan the Barbarian (1982) last October. He donned a leather kilt and flexed his muscles through a series of poses. After being on the show for six weeks, Baena revealed he shed 10 pounds in a lean physique update.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joseph Baena Strikes Classic Bodybuilder Pose at Gold’s Gym
In a recent Instagram post, Joseph Baena showed off his impressive physique while performing the front double bicep.
Earlier this year, Joseph Baena opened up on his ambitions to play the role of a superhero. He expressed his desire to lead a hit franchise film like The Terminator and hinted at steering away from Mr. Olympia. He followed up with a fierce pull-day workout to build mass and strength.
Baena offered an intense workout challenge to test endurance in a shredded physique update last month. Based on the latest update, Baena is staying consistent with his workouts and keeping up his fitness game.
Published: 25 June, 2023 | 4:04 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Key to His Mostly Vegan Diet & Preferred Protein Sources
Legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger is arguably the most influential competitor in the history of the sport. The seven-time Mr. Olympia continues to lead a healthy lifestyle and uses his influence to promote the same. In a recent episode of Arnold’s Pump Club podcast, Schwarzenegger revealed the key to staying consistent with his mostly vegan diet and laid out his preferred protein sources.
Arnold Schwarzenegger moved on from professional competition decades ago but has not lost his passion for staying fit. He dominated the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division with his stellar muscle mass, size, and symmetry in the 1970s. He set the record for the most Mr. Olympia victories at seven, which stood in place until fellow legend Lee Haney won eight Sandow trophies in 1991. During his prime, Schwarzenegger went head-to-head against the likes of three-time Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva, Franco Columbu, and Lou Ferrigno.
Following a decorated bodybuilding career, Schwarzenegger explored his passion for acting and found success as the lead man for several cult classic films, such as Conan the Barbarian (1982), The Terminator (1984), and Predator (1987). He also launched the Arnold Sports Festival, regarded as the second most prestigious fitness showcase in the world next to Mr. Olympia.
Schwarzenegger / Instagram
Schwarzenegger regularly educates his fans on how to improve their personal fitness. Earlier this year, he offered a five-minute workout routine to ignite the body. The no-equipment workout consisted of four exercises that could be used as a warm-up or first thing in the morning to start your day. Then, he stressed the importance of getting enough sleep to boost weight loss efforts. He recommended sleeping for more than seven hours and about eight hours ideally.
The 75-year-old reflected on the evolution of physique over the years from when he was the “best built man” on the planet to now that he’s in his 70s last month. He admitted to struggling with the way his physique looks in old age and declared his plans to never retire.
Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed his Olympia-winning PED (performance-enhancing drug) protocol weeks ago. He listed Dianabol and testosterone as his go-to substances of choice that he utilized at the height of his powers. Further, he took issue with the rise of deaths in bodybuilding due to drug overdose and cautioned fitness enthusiasts against following the same.
Schwarzenegger gave fans a look into his secrets for training consistently three weeks ago. He encouraged his followers to focus on doing instead of thinking to avoid derailing progress in the training room and provided two intense circuit workouts.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals the key to his mostly vegan diet & preferred protein sources
In a recent Apple podcast, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed he follows a mostly vegan diet and his protein sources of choice.
“Some people feel forced to eat animal proteins to support muscle and strength. But you actually have more flexibility than you’ve been led to believe. New research suggests that it doesn’t matter if you eat plant protein or animal protein. Both dieting styles can deliver similar body transformation results.”
“Animal proteins have more essential amino acids so if you eat more plants,” added Schwarzenegger. “You usually need to eat a little more protein to compensate.”
“To be clear, I’m not fully vegan. I just about eat 80% less meat than I used to. For protein, my staples are eggs, salmon, and chicken. But I have more and more veggie burgers with lentils and beans. My soups have chickpeas. I also use pea-powered protein.”
Schwarzenegger shared the key to his diet and laid out his daily eating regimen.
“The key to my diet is being pretty boring. In the morning, after my workout, I usually have oatmeal or greek yogurt with granola. For lunch, I always have a salad, sometimes with a plant-based burger or maybe salmon or chicken. Other times, it’s with a scramble or omelette. For dinner, I always have soup. I like to eat light for my last meal.
“Every so often I go crazy and have a schnitzel or a steak or a delicious hamburger. My friends can tell you that I grill a fantastic New York strip but my real key is being very routine so that when I eat a big meal it doesn’t set me back since I’m automatically eating well most of the time.”
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The US-based management team under Arnold Schwarzenegger has taken the reigns of the Arnold Classic UK and announced a relaunch of the competition for next March earlier this month.
Schwarzenegger took a trip down memory lane in his recent Netflix documentary, Arnold. He opened up about the beginning of his journey in Austria and reflected on his personal ‘Mecca of weightlifting’ where it all started for him.
His latest offering will help add clarity to the protein sources one needs to consume and might encourage others to follow in his footsteps.
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Published: 18 June, 2023 | 10:19 AM EDT
Chris Hemsworth Fulfills Dream of Training with Arnold Schwarzenegger: ‘Look At How Pumped You Are!’
Australian actor Chris Hemsworth boasts one of the best builds of any in the industry and never fails to get a workout in no matter how busy his schedule is. The Marvel superstar took to the sidelines for a brief hiatus but did not stop training. In a recent post made on Instagram, Hemsworth got to check an item off his bucket list after getting to train with legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger while in Brazil for a Netflix fan event.
Chris Hemsworth first gained attention for his work in the Australian television series Home and Away in 2004. After leaving the show in 2007, he made his way to Hollywood. He got the opportunity to feature in Star Trek (2009), which was a box-office hit.
In 2011, Hemsworth got tapped to play the role of the superhero Thor in a self-titled film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although he presented an athletic build, he worked hard in the gym to pack on the pounds for the role. He received major praise for his portrayal of the burly superhero and went on to reprise the role in other projects, including The Avengers. His depiction of the ‘God of Thunder’ skyrocketed his star power and established his status as a global superstar.
Hemsworth amped up his training regimen to depict a Black Ops mercenary in the 2020 film Extraction. He took advantage of bodyweight workouts to get ripped for the role and level up his functional performance. In Jul. 2022, Hemsworth left the fans stunned with a behind-the-scenes photo from the sets of Thor: Love and Thunder, the fourth and latest installment of the Thor franchise. He showed off his gigantic arm muscle development and impressive bicep detail.
The 39-year-old issued a series of no-equipment workouts to promote the launch of his fitness lifestyle app called Centrfit last year. He offered a brutal 50-rep full-body training routine made up of five exercises last August. Then, he gave fans a look into his staple core workout that he used to keep his abs ripped. He followed up with an insane 200-rep workout challenge consisting of five full-body exercises that could be performed anywhere.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is widely considered to be one of the best Men’s Open competitors of all time. He dominated the bodybuilding stages in the 1970s, racking up seven Mr. Olympia titles against the likes of three-time champ Sergio Oliva, Frank Zane, and Franco Columbu. His starring role in the docudrama Pumping Iron (1977) elevated his star power and took the sport to new heights.
After moving on from competition, Schwarzenegger used the same work ethic to find success in acting. He quickly amassed a massive following based on his lead roles in cult classic films like The Terminator (1984), Commando (1985), and Total Recall (1990). Along with his work on the silver screen, he also launched a fitness showcase named the Arnold Classic in 1989. His impact transcended bodybuilding and made him a household name.
Chris Hemsworth fulfills the dream of training with Arnold Schwarzenegger
In a recent Instagram post, Chris Hemsworth shared that he got the chance to fulfill a lifelong dream by working out together with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
“Ya never know who you’ll bump into at the gym! What a dream to train with the one and only @schwarzenegger,” wrote Hemsworth.
Schwarzenegger praised Hemsworth’s pump, triceps, and shoulder muscle development as fans chimed in with their reactions.
“Look at how pumped you are. The delts. The triceps,” wrote Schwarzenegger.
“Well played flex, right arm. Well played,” wrote one.
“The two “T”’s: Terminator and Thor! It’s a powerful duo!” Commented a user.
“I grew up watching the man on the right and my son is growing up watching,” wrote a user.
“The Austrian Oak still looks massive against the Australian Cherry,” commented another.
“That chest is just unbelievable!” Weighed in one.
Earlier this year, Chris Hemsworth was in the wild of Kenya when he devised a quick improvised training session to ensure he stays active. Next, he showed off his lean build while crushing a brutal circuit workout routine targeting core last month.
Hemsworth proved his dedication by performing a challenging full-body workout to combat jet lag after a 12-hour flight two weeks ago.
His latest update of training together with Schwarzenegger will be a treat for the fans who follow both entertainers.
Published: 18 June, 2023 | 1:26 AM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Personal ‘Mecca of Weightlifting’ in Austria During Netflix Series
Arnold Schwarzenegger certainly came from humble beginnings as represented in his latest Netflix documentary, Arnold. During an episode, the bodybuilding legend looked back on a gym he called the ‘mecca of weightlifting’ while building his physique in Austria.
In the 1970s, Schwarzenegger proved he was ahead of his time with a massive chest, huge arms, broad shoulders, and a narrow waist. While competing actively, he shared the stage with several icons such as three-time Mr. Olympias Sergio Oliva and Frank Zane. Before his time was up in bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger had already amassed seven Mr. Olympia titles.
In addition to his bodybuilding journey, Schwarzenegger established himself as a famous actor. With lead roles in The Terminator franchise, it didn’t take long for the Austrian native’s popularity to skyrocket. Even though he also governed the state of California, the 75-year-old’s focus as of late has remained on acting and staying fit.
Schwarzenegger routinely offers training advice and wellness tips in his Daily Pump Newsletter. Late last month, he opened up about how grip strength is one of the best indicators of long-lasting health. He offered a number of tests and a circuit longevity-inspired training routine.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Discusses Austria Gym He Used Before Moving to North America
Schwarzenegger acknowledged that Gold’s Gym was one of his favorites, but he named the Athletik Union Graz in Austria as his first mecca of weightlifting.
“This weightlifting club became for me, the mecca. I became addicted to it and so I went there everyday.”
“When I walked into this gym [In Austria], there was this wall made of wood, I took a piece of chalk, and I would write down, biceps, triceps, brust, rucken, so I would do a set of biceps curls. And I will write down next to this one line, then another line, then another line, then another line, next one, flyes on the bench, and I know when I did my 20 sets of a specific exercise. After three hours of training, this whole thing would be full of sets that I’ve done to get to that goal that I want to go,” Arnold Schwarzenegger shared.
Schwarzenegger has been honest about his physique since his days of competing in a pair of posing trunks. In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Schwarzenegger said he hopes to live forever and has found it difficult to accept his body in retirement given his former status as the world’s best-built man.
As for PEDs, it’s not common to hear Schwarzenegger discuss the subject, however, he gave fans an idea of what his Mr. Olympia-winning cycle was a few weeks ago. According to Arnie, he used a combination of testosterone and Dianabol en route to securing his name in the bodybuilding history books.
RELATED: Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Routine
Despite his busy schedule, Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t appear to be slowing down considering his latest offerings to Netflix. Schwarzenegger has honed his physique in various gyms around the world. Yet none of them can compare to the humble home gym in Austria, where his passion for fitness was ignited and nurtured.
Published: 14 June, 2023 | 1:22 PM EDT
Arnold Classic UK Set for Relaunch Under US-Based Management of Arnold Schwarzenegger
The Arnold Classic UK was founded by the organizers of the Arnold Sports Festival in 2021 after the Columbus, Ohio event got pushed back due to COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions. In a recent post made on Instagram, the organizers of ASF announced the relaunch of Arnold Classic UK with the management of the US-based team under the ownership of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger dominated the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division with his insane muscle mass, size, and symmetry in the 1970s. He triumphed at the Mr. Olympia contest in 1970 to secure his first Sandow trophy and went on to become a seven-time champion. He reached new heights in the sport and was the first competitor to break into the mainstream with his leading role in the bodybuilding docudrama Pumping Iron (1977) alongside fellow icon Franco Columbu.
Following a decorated career at the highest level, Schwarzenegger turned into a revered figure in the community. He teamed up with the late Jim Lorimer to found the Arnold Sports Festival, widely regarded as the second most prestigious fitness showcase in the world next to only the Mr. Olympia competition. Since the show’s inception in 1989, it has provided a platform for budding talent across bodybuilding, strongman, powerlifting, and more.
Bodybuilding veteran Rich Gaspari created history by winning the inaugural edition. The show often features athletes who go on to contend for the Mr. Olympia title. Legendary bodybuilder Jay Cutler and Dexter Jackson made a name for themselves with wins at the Arnold Classic before finding glory at Mr. Olympia.
Arnold Classic UK was held for the first time after the original event got delayed in the US in Oct. 2021. Men’s Open standout Nathan De Asha emerged as the first champion of the event and punched his ticket to the Mr. Olympia contest ahead of Samson Dauda.
For the second edition of the show, the organizers disclosed that Arnold Schwarzenegger would not be in attendance to crown the champion due to financial challenges related to prize money and his attendance fee in Sep. 2022. Without the man himself, the event was rebranded to Experience With Sports Festival UK.
ASF’s Brian Powers vocalized Schwarzenegger’s disappointment in the change of plans and pinned the blame on promoters failing to meet their financial commitments. Eventually, the IFBB Pro League and organization president Jim Manion stepped in to guarantee the prize money for the winners. Andrew Jacked came out on top of the 2022 Arnold Classic UK with Patrick Johnson taking silver and James Hollingshead rounding up the top three.
Arnold Classic UK set for a relaunch under US-based management of Arnold Schwarzenegger
In a recent Instagram post, the organizers of the Arnold Sports Festival announced the Arnold Classic UK is set to relaunch next year under the US-based management team of Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The 2024 Arnold Sports Festival UK is scheduled for Mar. 15-17 in Birmingham, England.
“The US-based management team is happy to announce the relaunch of the 2024 Arnold Sports Festival UK,” wrote the organizers. “Join us in Birmingham, England, March 15-17, 2024 as next years Arnold will boast the biggest names, brands and prize money in Europe — EVER.
“Having now said ‘hasta la vista’ to the event’s former ownership, brands can now expect reliable and responsible leadership from the US management team under the ownership of the man himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Act swiftly to secure your spot now. It’s a chance to elevate your brand to new heights and leave an indelible impression on the fitness world.”
The 2023 Arnold Classic wrapped up with Samson Dauda taking home the top prize in Columbus three months ago.
With the Arnold Classic UK set to head in a new direction under the original team, regional fans will be excited to witness some of their favorite bodybuilders battle it out on stage in hopes of securing qualification for the Mr. Olympia show. Meanwhile, competitors might be better placed and not have to worry about the issues that plagued the previous edition.
Catch full coverage of the 2023 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analysis, and final and full results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic
Published: 11 June, 2023 | 12:15 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reacts to Linda Hamilton’s Insane Arms: ‘Son of a B***h is More Cut than Me’
Bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger is a man of many talents. After moving on from professional competition, he made a name for himself in the world of entertainment and even found success in politics. In the freshly released Netflix TV mini-series Arnold, Schwarzenegger revealed he was left stunned by Linda Hamilton’s insane arms when the two worked together on Terminator 2.
Arnold Schwarzenegger first rose to prominence for his massive build as an IFBB Pro League Men’s Open competitor in the 1970s. Hailing from Austria, Schwarzenegger found his passion for bodybuilding at a young age and traveled to the US to fulfill his potential in the sport. After falling short of three-time Mr. Olympia Sergio Oliva, Schwarzenegger came back stronger than ever to secure his maiden Sandow trophy in 1970. He was a dominant champion who defended the title five times in a row and returned after a five-year hiatus to win his seventh Mr. Olympia title in 1980.
Following a historic career, Schwarzenegger chose to test out the waters of Hollywood. He applied the strong work ethic he developed as a bodybuilder and quickly found success in his new venture. His starring role in the fantasy Conan the Barbarian (1982) skyrocketed his celebrity. He proved to be a certified megastar with several box-office hits under his belt. He established his status in pop culture with a lead role in the sci-fi action film franchise The Terminator (1984), which amassed a cult following.
Schwarzenegger likes to motivate fans with workout updates and tips on how to lead a healthy lifestyle. He offered a quick five-minute workout that could be performed anywhere to start your day without the use of any equipment. He suggested performing the workout as a warm-up or first thing in the morning for better blood flow. Then, he detailed an intense workout of the week using cluster sets designed to boost strength gains and get the pump going.
‘The Austrian Oak’ laid out the negative effects of not sleeping enough when trying to lose weight a few weeks ago. He recommended his fans get at least seven hours of sleep every night and ideally aim for about eight hours to aid their weight loss goals based on research by Harvard scientists.
The 75-year-old reflected on the changes in his physique over the years last month. He admitted he didn’t like his physique in old age considering he ‘used to be the best-built man’ on the planet. He declared his plans to stay active forever and indicated no plans to retire anytime soon.
Arnold Schwarzenegger detailed four highly-effective ways to build a custom routine that fits into any schedule three weeks ago. He believes in forming habits one can follow consistently without overcomplicating things.
Last month, Schwarzenegger revealed Dianabol and testosterone as his two favorite PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) of choice that he utilized during his days of competing on stage. Given the rise in bodybuilders dying from steroid abuse, Schwarzenegger cautioned fitness enthusiasts against taking gear due to the health risks.
Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals first response to Linda Hamilton’s jacked arms
In the Netflix series Arnold, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed his reaction to co-star Linda Hamilton’s insanely cut arms when the pair worked together for Terminator 2 (1991).
He was left stunned after noticing how ripped Hamilton’s arms were and likened it to a bodybuilder.
“A few days before we start shooting, Jim Cameron says to me, let’s all get together and have a nice dinner,” said Schwarzenegger. “Linda comes in and then she takes her sweater off and I’m looking at her arms. Veins on the biceps and then the triceps.
“Everything was like a bodybuilder except miniature. I said, ‘I cant believe that son of a b***h is f***ing more cut than me,” Arnold told Daily Mail.
Arnold Schwarzenegger provided two brutal circuit workouts targeting the upper body last month. He also stressed the need to avoid thinking before workouts to improve consistency. He followed up with a grip strength test and another circuit training routine for longevity.
RELATED: Bodybuilding Icon Arnold Schwarzenegger Set to Release Action Netflix Series FUBAR in May
Schwarzenegger’s latest revelation goes to show how seriously they took the Terminator series back when the film was under production.
Published: 9 June, 2023 | 6:47 PM EDT
Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares ‘Get a Grip’ Strength Test & Circuit Workout for Improved Longevity
At 75 years old, longevity has become vitally important for bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. In a recent Daily Pump Newsletter entry, Schwarzenegger discussed the importance of grip strength with age and revealed a circuit workout he designed to increase the likelihood of living longer.
Navigating a wildly successful bodybuilding career, Arnold Schwarzenegger proved himself throughout the 1970s and 80s with exceptional balance and muscle proportions. En route to earning a total of seven Mr. Olympias, Schwarzenegger faced off against mainstays such as Frank Zane, Franco Columbo, and Sergio Oliva.
In retirement, Schwarzenegger still has a vested interest in the sport’s evolution. He co-founded the Arnold Sports Festival with the late Jim Lorimer, which serves as the second biggest show in bodybuilding behind Mr. Olympia. In March, Samson Dauda laid claim to the event’s 35th title.
In addition to hosting bodybuilding competitions, Schwarzenegger remains busy with acting obligations and workout demonstrations. Given his status as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, athletes and fans take notice when Arnold is training. He recently tackled a circuit workout and stressed a lesson to his followers: “Don’t think, just do.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Grip Strength Test for Living Longer
In his latest offering, Schwarzenegger underlined a two-step grip strength test created for boosting longevity.
Get A Grip
There are many ways to test how well you’re aging. But one test, in particular, is worth taking because it provides a clear path for improvement.
Research suggests that grip strength is one of the best predictors of longevity.
One study even claims that grip strength is better at predicting premature death than blood pressure. The reason could be that a lack of strength indicates accelerated DNA aging, which is linked to disease and disability.
Is your grip strong enough? According to Dr. Andy Galpin, there are two ways to test your grip.
Test #1: The hand-grip dynamometer
You want a minimum grip strength of 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds). But, ideally, you’ll be able to hit 60 kilograms (152 pounds). You’ll also want to make sure your hands are similarly strong. Dr. Galpin suggests no more than a 10 percent difference between your hands.
Test #2: The dead hang
Grab a pullup bar by wrapping both of your hands completely around the bar and gripping tightly. Your goal is a minimum of a 30-second hang. Ideally, you’ll be able to hold yourself for 60 seconds.
Considering that grip strength is associated with longevity, Schwarzenegger offered a workout that capitalizes on that fact.
Workout of the Week: The Longevity Workout
Schwarzenegger said the first circuit is a combination of farmer’s walks and pushups. For the second demonstration, the bodybuilding icon practiced farmer’s walks and squats.
“You just found out that grip strength is associated with longevity. Previously, we shared that pushups are also associated with fighting off premature death. This workout includes the exercises you need to become stronger and increase the likelihood that you can live longer.
The workout consists of 2 circuits, each consisting of 2 exercises. The first circuit is a combination of farmer’s walks and pushups. And the second circuit is more farmer’s walks and squats. If you’re keeping score at home, the farmer’s walks will help improve your grip.
Pick up the weights, and walk 20 to 30 steps with a weight that’s heavy. Set the weight down, and then do your pushups.
If you don’t have weights, you can fill two backpacks or totes with books, hold one in each hand, and perform the carries. All you need to do is make sure the bags are heavy and hard to grip.
Circuit 1: 3-4 rounds
Complete the first exercise and immediately do the second exercise. Then rest for 2 to 3 minutes and repeat.
1A. Farmer’s Walk: 20 to 30 steps
1B. Pushups: 10 to 30 reps (your strength will determine how many reps you perform
After you complete all the rounds of the first circuit, then move to the next circuit.
Circuit 2: 3-4 rounds
Follow the same approach as the last circuit. Complete the first exercise and immediately do the second exercise. Then rest for 2 to 3 minutes and repeat.
2A. Farmer’s walk: 20 to 30 steps
2B: Bodyweight squats: 10 to 30 reps (You can also add weight if you want; your strength will determine how many reps you perform)”
During Schwarzenegger’s Mr. Olympia tenure, fans have long wondered about his potential steroid cycles. Those burning questions were finally answered recently when the bodybuilder took to a Men’s Health interview. According to ‘The Austrian Oak,’ he used a two-compound protocol of Dianabol and testosterone to sustain himself when he was at the height of his career.
Whether the topic is sleep, alcohol consumption, or weight loss, Schwarzenegger has the answer. Similar to Joey Swoll, Schwarzenegger says he’s on a mission to make fitness a priority worldwide for everyone regardless of body type.
RELATED: Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares 4 Ways to Strengthen Your Routine
Health and longevity are paramount for Schwarzenegger, who has made it clear that anti-aging is one of his top priorities. Given his health and vibrancy at 75, perhaps bodybuilding is the closest outlet athletes have to the fountain of youth.
Published: 29 May, 2023 | 3:10 PM EDT