Why I Made Arnold Schwarzenegger Mad During a Workout

In a first-person column published by USA Today, author Anthony Robledo details a training session with Arnold Schwarzenegger at Gold’s Gym in Venice, California, examining the 79-year-old actor’s enduring fitness philosophy. Schwarzenegger emphasizes mental focus, full range of motion, and utilizing past emotion to fuel workout intensity during his six-day-a-week gym visits.

Training at Golds Gym with Arnold Schwarzenegger

The workout took place on a late October morning at the historic gym where Schwarzenegger built his bodybuilding career before winning seven Mr. Olympia titles and serving as governor, as reported by USA Today. Before the session began, Schwarzenegger introduced his 29-year-old son, Joseph Baena, who won gold at the NPC Natural Colorado State competition and trains without performance-enhancing drugs.

During the exercises, Schwarzenegger ignored initial questions about workout splits to demonstrate mental immersion. He instructed the author to picture himself as the exact muscle being worked and scolded him when repetitions lacked a full range of motion. “That is important in your entire life. Whatever you do, you have to do full motion. Meaning don’t start something and not finish it,” Schwarzenegger told the author.

Arnold Schwarzenegger visits Gold's Gym to maintain human connection

To power through difficult sets on the pec deck machine, Schwarzenegger advised using emotional intensity. He explained that he draws on memories of his past, his upbringing, his father, past failures, or everyday frustrations like traffic encounters to manufacture drive. Despite owning a home gym, Schwarzenegger continues visiting Gold’s Gym six days a week when his schedule permits. “I need contact with human beings, with people.”

The facility remains a community hub where Schwarzenegger is frequently recognized by name. During the visit, he introduced the author to 85-year-old Heide Sutter, noted as the first woman allowed inside the bodybuilding gym. Schwarzenegger noted that he can easily distinguish between casual visitors seeking a quick pump and individuals driven by genuine ambition and entrepreneurial spirit.

Arnold Schwarzenegger offers joint health advice and upcoming projects

Addressing October’s Bone and Joint Health Awareness Month, Schwarzenegger offered guidance for aging gymgoers dealing with joint pain. Serving as chief movement officer at orthopedic medical technology company Zimmer Biomet, he stated that many people needlessly endure pain or abandon exercise because they are unaware that most body joints can be surgically replaced. He recommended consulting a health care provider for individual guidance on these procedures.

Following the gym session, the two ate breakfast in Santa Monica, where Schwarzenegger discussed his upcoming professional schedule. He stars as a ripped Santa Claus in Amazon MGM Studios’ film “The Man with the Bag,” scheduled for release on December 2. He also prepares to release his next book, “Better Every Day: An Action Plan for a Full Life,” on January 12, and is engaged in discussions regarding potential returns to the “Predator” and “Commando” movie franchises.

Arnold Schwarzenegger discusses book release and movie franchises

What role does Arnold Schwarzenegger hold at Zimmer Biomet?

Schwarzenegger serves as the chief movement officer for the orthopedic medical technology company, utilizing the position to advocate for bone and joint health awareness.

When does Schwarzenegger’s next book release?

His upcoming book, titled “Better Every Day: An Action Plan for a Full Life,” is scheduled for release on January 12.

Which movie franchises is Schwarzenegger discussing returning to?

According to USA Today, he is having conversations about returning to both the “Predator” and “Commando” film franchises.

What is the release date for The Man with the Bag?

The Amazon MGM Studios film, in which Schwarzenegger plays a ripped Santa Claus, is set to release on December 2.