ActiveWorkoutsArnold Schwarzenneger shares three important fitness lessons every gym-goer needs to hearWhen it’s advice from Arnie, we’re all earsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveWorkoutsArnold Schwarzenneger shares three important fitness lessons every gym-goer needs to hearWhen it’s advice from Arnie, we’re all earsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When it’s advice from Arnie, we’re all ears
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Hulton Archive / Stringer)
(Image credit: Hulton Archive / Stringer)
When Arnold Schwarzenegger shares any sort of fitness advice, we all listen. After all, the Austrian Oak is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, not just because he won seven Mr. Olympia titles undefeated, but because he helped revolutionise the sport of bodybuilding to what it is today.
After retiring from competing, Arnold went on to create his own bodybuilding show – the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – which, since, has become one of the most renowned bodybuilding competitions (and not to forget he gave usPumping Iron).
Believe it or not, Arnie turned 77 the other day (although we’re still struggling to wrap our heads around that too). To celebrate his birthday, the Terminator shared ‘77 Life Lessons’ in hisPump Clubnewsletter, with advice for all walks of life and, of course, that wouldn’t have been complete without some advice around training. Here’s what he had to say about fitness…
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
“Don’t do half reps”
“It hurts me every time I see someone in the gym doing a lat pulldown or a curl or a bench press halfway,” says Arnold. A ‘half rep’ is a rep that’s not performed through its full range of motion, so it only goes halfway. There are occasions where you may do half reps, for example, if you’re trying to strengthen the portion of a lift that’s particularly weak, andstudieshave shown that half reps can be effective for hypertrophy when performed in the lengthened muscle position. However, generally, they’re frowned upon, and Arnold clearly isn’t a fan. “When you cheat an exercise, you only cheat yourself,” he says. “Whatever you do, go all out.”
“You don’t grow in comfort”
Really, this could apply to anything in life, not just when it comes to building muscle. “In the gym, your muscles and strength don’t grow from the first 10 easy, fast reps. They grow from the last 2-3 hard and slow reps,” says Arnold. Facts. To build muscle you need to progressively overload them so that you create tiny micro tears in the muscle fibres, which will help them to grow back bigger and stronger. “Being uncomfortable means you are growing,” says Arnold. Obviously he doesn’t mean make yourself uncomfortable to the point of a potential injury but, if it doesn’t challenge you it won’t change you.
“Don’t worry about your motivation”
You’ve probably heard some people say ‘what’s you why?’ when it comes to training. Some people have big inspiration stories, while some of us don’t. Does that make our reasons for training any less? Arnold says definitely not. “When I talk to people in the gym, I hear all kinds of motivations,” he says. “Some people get motivated to prove their naysayers wrong. Some people get motivated to look good for potential partners. Nothing that keeps you moving forward is too silly.” Amen to that.
Feeling inspired to train? Why not try Arnold’s15-minute full-body workout, you’ll just need apair of dumbbellsand it’s packed with compound exercises, so you get plenty of bang for your buck. If you want an idea of what Arnold’s training was like in his prime, here’s hisGolden Era chest and back workout.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
Build bigger arms in just 30 minutes with this 5-move dumbbell-only workoutIt’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
It’ll leave the biceps and triceps popping!
OMEGA puts the moon on your wrist with its new Speedmaster Moonphase MeteoriteOMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
OMEGA adds two new Moonphase Meteorite watches to its Speedmaster line-up
R.A.D unveils the next generation of its iconic workout shoe with a redesigned upper and more cushioningThe first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks
The first look at the R.A.D One V2 is officially here with a fresh new look and various tweaks
Normatec Premier review: wireless compression for hassle-free recoveryThe Normatec Premier compression boots use integrated air pumps and eliminate external hoses to make recovery easier than ever
The Normatec Premier compression boots use integrated air pumps and eliminate external hoses to make recovery easier than ever
Pilates vs weight training: what are they and what’s best for you?Beginners will benefit massively from both approaches to strength training, but each has its merits and downfalls
Beginners will benefit massively from both approaches to strength training, but each has its merits and downfalls
Full-body workouts versus push-pull-legs: which is best for maximal muscle gain?Discover which of these two popular training programmes is best for you and your end goals
Discover which of these two popular training programmes is best for you and your end goals
Callisthenics versus weight training: Do you need fancy equipment to build a great body?Bodyweight is a powerful tool in building muscle. We run down the key differences between these two training styles
Bodyweight is a powerful tool in building muscle. We run down the key differences between these two training styles
Push-pull-legs vs. upper/lower body workouts: which split is best?Maximise exercise volume to pack on serious muscle with these time-saving workout options
Maximise exercise volume to pack on serious muscle with these time-saving workout options
Strength training vs. bodybuilding: What’s the difference and what’s best for you?Here’s everything you need to know about building muscle and improving strength
Here’s everything you need to know about building muscle and improving strength
Get Fit 2025: T3’s ultimate fitness, diet and exercise tips to help you get in shape this yearKickstart your fitness journey in 2025 with our guide to workouts, diet tips, and sustainable strategies that will help you get stronger, feel healthier, and stay motivated all year long
Kickstart your fitness journey in 2025 with our guide to workouts, diet tips, and sustainable strategies that will help you get stronger, feel healthier, and stay motivated all year long