Arnold Schwarzenegger

Geschatte leestijd: 11 minutenHow do you introduce an article about Arnold Schwarzenegger? You can say that modern bodybuilding owes its current form and popularity mainly to four men and three names. Eugene Sandow was the founder as a modern bodybuilder. The Weider brothers, Joe and Ben, built the largest federation for bodybuilders and published media to promote the sport. Thus, the stage was set for the man who made bodybuilding a global phenomenon and launched himself as a superstar.

He had the talent, the genes, but above all the dedication to dominate the sport of bodybuilding in the 70s. It provided him with the springboard to realize his other dream, that of acting. It made him the action hero of Hollywood and motivated millions of boys and men worldwide to engage in strength training.

The Austrian who became Mr. Olympia, saved humanity from robots from the future, and then became the governor of California.

Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Young Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in Thal, Austria. He was the son of the local police chief with whom he had a difficult relationship (the father, not the police). He enjoyed a strict upbringing in a simple household. His father, who had himself done curling, encouraged him to participate in sports.

As a child, Arnold played soccer, among other things, but he soon didn’t like the team aspect. He wanted to perform and be judged on his own merits. He went swimming, running, boxing, and tried athletics with javelin throwing and shot putting. None of them really appealed to him. Then his soccer coach suggested doing an hour of strength training per week as a support to their conditioning training. That first entry into the gym in Graz would change his life. He saw the weights, the big and strong men who looked like Hercules. He became addicted to the weights, although at first, he only trained his legs (after all, he did it for soccer).

Men in the gym saw how intensively the teenager trained and encouraged him to try bodybuilding. His body responded surprisingly quickly to training. He remembered the first real training years later when he wrote it down for his book “Arnold: The education of a bodybuilder”.

Seeing new changes in my body, feeling them, turned me on. It was the first time I’d ever felt every one of my muscles

Not long after, he knew it: He would become a bodybuilder. The best bodybuilder in the world. Not exactly a popular sport among his old friends who didn’t understand anything about it. However, Arnold did not see the same enormous motivation in them to achieve something. He wanted to be successful, and at that moment, bodybuilding was what he wanted to excel in.

Of great influence were the famous bodybuilders of that time who showed what success in bodybuilding could bring. Men like Larry Scott and Serge Nubret who appeared in magazines like Mr. America (Weider). Accompanied, of course, by stories about the benefits such bodies provide. Examples of men like Reg Park and Steve Reeves who were the heroes in Hollywood films. Especially the brute physique of Reg Park appealed to the young Arnold, and he followed everything from Park to be able to match his success. His posters hung on every wall of the room, and every time Arnold compared his own physique to that of his idol. According to his gym buddies, he would have a similar physique within five years. Arnold thought that was far too long and started training six times a week, to the concern of his parents.

When he started training, he noticed the reactions around him. Especially the positive attention from girls motivated him to get bigger and make an even bigger impression. He also had more encounters with people who didn’t understand the obsession with muscle mass. It was also during this time that Arnold developed the egocentric characteristics that may not have been socially desirable but were necessary in his eyes to achieve his goals. In 2017, nothing has changed in this respect concerning bodybuilding.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: First Competitions

Before participating in bodybuilding competitions, Arnold first gained experience in competitive weightlifting. He had even won the Austrian championships in the heavyweight class before he turned 18. However, he did it mainly to prove that bodybuilders not only look strong but are also strong. Then he decided to focus exclusively on bodybuilding competitions.

Partly to appease his father a bit and partly because it allowed him to keep training, Arnold joined the army at the age of 18 in 1965. Shortly after joining the army, he received an invitation to participate in the junior Mr. Europe in Stuttgart, Germany. Since he was still in basic training, he was not allowed to leave the base. So he decided to sneak off to his first competition. He climbed over the wall, bought a ticket with his last money, and took the train to Germany.

At that first competition, he actually had no idea what the intention was. He had devised a routine, but forgot it as soon as he stepped onto the stage. Yet it was enough for his first victory. A huge stimulus for the young Arnold, of course, who saw himself confirmed in his confidence and abilities. However, it cost him seven days in military prison upon his return. After this, however, the army saw his talent and decided to give him the facilities, time, and nutrition to train full-time. This resulted in about an additional 25 pounds in weight when he left the army.

During that first competition, he was approached by a gym owner from Munich who asked him to manage his gym and guide members. He promised him, among other things, a trip to London the following year to watch the Mr. Universe. Arnold accepted the offer but had no intention of going to watch.

At the age of 19, he participated in the Mr. Europe where he turned out to be the main attraction. He won easily and even got offered his ticket to participate in the Mr. Universe. However, by participating in a competition of another federation (and winning it), this offer was withdrawn. Eventually, he scraped the money together himself, and in 1966 he stepped into an airplane for the first time, heading for London.

Also upon arrival at the Mr. Universe, his fame had preceded him. His dimensions had already made an impression at this level, for a 19-year-old European at least. However, it was then that he saw the American bodybuilders for the first time, who were not only bigger but also made him realize for the first time that being lean is just as important as being big. He also realized that he actually knew nothing about bodybuilding and nutrition. He finished second behind the then Mr. America Chet Yorton. Quite impressive for someone who had no idea how to flex his legs and calves.

His second place earned him a lot of publicity. Enough to attract many clients to the gym in Munich that he had meanwhile taken over. Also enough for an invitation for a tour through England to give demonstrations. This tour was mainly arranged by Wag Bennett, one of the judges of the Mr. Universe who received him during the tour and taught him how to pose to music. Wag Bennett taught Arnold a very important lesson: A good bodybuilder is a good showman. A lesson whose value was proven by the reactions during his demonstrations in England, but also in Belgium and the Netherlands.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Mr. Universe 1967

That year, Arnold worked on all his weak points. Calves and shoulders, for example, in terms of mass, but especially on separation. Those hard lines between the different muscles. After all, he had learned from his first confrontation with Yorton. However, Yorton was not his biggest threat. That year, it came from Dennis Tinnerino, who had won the Mr. America and was seen by some as the new Mr. Universe. That pushed Arnold to work even harder in the last weeks towards the Mr. Universe. He even trained for another 3 hours on the day of the competition itself.

Once at the competition, he tried to send a photographer to Tinnerino to get some photos of him. On stage during the pre-judging, he only saw Dennis for the first time and was not very impressed with his mass. Confidently, he went through his routine with only his best poses.

The next day, the men appeared again for the main event. Arnold had the audience in his hand that chanted his name for the first time.

After they announce the winners it took a few minutes to hand out the trophies. I looked

It motivated Arnold to train in the U.S. and learn everything about training and nutrition there. He agreed with Joe Weider to stay in the U.S. for a year.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Mr. Universe and Mr. Olympia 1969

That year, Arnold realizes thanks to his defeat that he mainly needs to get drier and loses almost 10 kilos. He trains at Gold’s gym where he is motivated by other bodybuilders and appears on the covers of magazines. Joe Weider provides accommodation and transportation and a monthly income. Arnold finally lives the life as a bodybuilder he has dreamed of.

That year, the IFBB Mr. Universe is in New York and Arnold appears harder than ever. He wins the competition easily, but his main opponent was missing. Sergio Oliva participated in the Mr. Olympia that same evening. Arnold asked the organization if he could also participate in the Olympia and this was allowed.

That evening, Arnold recognized his superiority in Sergio although the difference ultimately came down to only one jury member (out of the seven). A week later, Arnold flew to London for the NABBA Mr. Universe which he won again.

Defeating Sergio would become his goal the following year and he told Joe Weider that he would like to stay another year to prepare for the next Olympia. Weider was only too happy about this. He had long seen Arnold as an important figure for the sport of bodybuilding. When Arnold asked him to let his training buddy Franco Columbu fly over, Weider agreed. Together they trained harder than ever. From this period, we also see the basis for one of the iconic images from the later classic ‘Pumping Iron’ which opens with images of Arnold and Franco taking ballet lessons to learn how to pose better.

Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Reg Parker Mr. Universe 1970

In 1970, the NABBA Mr. Universe was held just a week earlier than that of the IFBB. Arnold went to London to see to his great surprise that his great idol Reg Park was making his comeback there. Reg was not the only competition. Many of the big names had come to the competition. Arnold defeated them all, including his idol Reg Park who came in second.

A large part of the participants, including Arnold, immediately went to Columbus, Ohio for the Mr. World which was held only one day later.

Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Sergio Oliva Mr. World 1970

Upon arrival, Arnold is surprised again. Sergio Oliva, whom Arnold thought he would meet at the Mr. Olympia, also turns out to be participating. Although he had not expected to have to compete with Sergio again, Arnold feels good thanks to his victory the day before.

The audience in Columbus, Ohio receives him very enthusiastically. Something that incidentally still happens every year at the Arnold Classic. The competitions that Arnold has been organizing for almost 30 years now.

That evening, Arnold defeats Sergio Oliva, his biggest opponent. This finally makes him the best bodybuilder on earth. At least at that moment. Two weeks later, the gentlemen will compete against each other again at the Mr. Olympia. Given the small difference in outcome of this evening, two weeks can make a big difference.

Arnold Schwarzenegger vs. Sergio Oliva Mr. Olympia 1970

Bodybuilding has produced many legendary battles. The Mr. Olympia of 1970 is a good example of this. It meant the confirmation of Arnold Schwarzenegger as the best bodybuilder in the world.

The Mr. Olympia is still the highest achievable in the sport to this day. Greatness in bodybuilding is often expressed in the number of Olympia victories. Larry Scott won the first Mr. Olympia in 1965 and again in ’66. In the three following years, Sergio Oliva was the best in the world.

That dominance came to an end in 1970 when Arnold defeated him again, this time on the biggest stage.

The Arnold era 1970-1975

The victory was the start of the ‘Arnold era’. Arnold won the Olympia again in 1971. Although winning was not really the case. Current competitive bodybuilders may have read the above story with some confusion. Participation in competitions in different federations is nowadays usually seen as undesirable. Whereas for Arnold it meant earlier that his ticket to his first Universe was not paid for, it now meant disqualification for three of the four participants (including Sergio Oliva and Franco Columbu). Arnold won automatically.

At the 1972 Mr. Olympia in Essen, Germany, Arnold and Sergio faced each other again. It became an exciting battle again which Arnold won with 4 to 3 (votes from jury members).

The following year, 1973 in Brooklyn New York, Franco Columbu (2nd) and Serge Nubret (3rd) were the competition. Sergio Oliva was once again disqualified for participating in an ‘uncertified event’. Although we are now in what many will call ‘the golden years of bodybuilding’, appreciation at that time may have been disappointing. It was the first time that the prize money was lower than the year before, namely $750 instead of $1000. Current Mr. Olympia Phil Heath won $400,000 with his last victories.

In 1974, again in New York, there were different weight classes for the first time, above and below 200 pounds. Arnold won in the heavy class of Lou Ferrigno (who would later become known as the Hulk). In the class under 200 pounds, Franco Columbu beat Frank Zane. Arnold won the overall title.

1975 is the year of the most famous Mr. Olympia ever. The taller and bigger Lou Ferrigno may try again to beat Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, this time the road to the competition is recorded in the legendary documentary Pumping Iron. The importance of that documentary is great, for both the popularity of bodybuilding and the launch of Arnold Schwarzenegger as an actor. Arnold never let go of those dreams. With 6 Mr. Olympia victories under his belt, Arnold says goodbye to competitive bodybuilding.

Pumping Iron, although released in 1977, provides him with the necessary name recognition for his new aspirations.

1980 “The comeback”

In the following years, Arnold focuses entirely on his acting dreams. He is about to make his first big breakthrough when he is offered the lead role in the movie “Conan the Barbarian”. In his training for this role, his shape is so good that he was asked if he was preparing for that year’s Mr. Olympia. This prompted him to indeed participate, with only two months to go. However, he kept it to himself and only at the event itself did it become clear to others that he was in Australia to participate.

It would become one of the most controversial outcomes ever. Arnold wins his seventh Mr. Olympia, but according to many unjustly. Several participants decide to boycott the Olympia the following year.

Arnold the superstar

You can see that result in 1980 as a political decision. Arnold was the biggest name in bodybuilding and after the release of Pumping Iron three years earlier, there were now many new fans in the audience who could see him in action for the first time.

Weider was not for nothing charmed by Schwarzenegger’s charisma, who knew what it meant to see a showman. Those qualities that determined his value for the sport not only contributed to the victory in 1980. They were the same qualities that would bring him success as an actor.

In 1982, Conan the Barbarian is released. It is his first major role as an action hero. The success leads to a sequel in 1984 with Conan the Destroyer. However, in 1984 another film is released that will launch Schwarzenegger as a superstar, “The Terminator”.

Countless blockbusters follow such as The Predator, Commando, The Running Man, Total Recall, Last Action Hero, and various sequels to The Terminator.

Arnold vs. current bodybuilders

Although it is almost 40 years ago that Arnold Schwarzenegger participated in a bodybuilding competition, his physique at the time is still considered by many to be the ideal of a beautiful physique.

Bodybuilding, like any sport, has evolved further. Bodybuilders have found ways to become even bigger, even more muscular. According to many, this has come at the expense of the aesthetics of bodybuilders. Many young Arnold fans were born long after he won his last Mr. Olympia title. Nevertheless, many say they find his former body more beautiful than that of the current participants in the Mr. Olympia.

Arnold himself does not hide his criticism for this development in the sport. Not even, or especially not, for bodybuilders participating in the competitions he organizes (but of course does not judge). The discussions about this are of course subjective, just as the goal of bodybuilding itself is. Bodybuilding in Arnold’s time had already shifted considerably from the image of Eugene Sandow who saw the sculptures of the ancient Greeks as an example. Thus, the assessment of a ‘good physique’ will differ from time to time. However, the distance from the ideal of the average man or woman to that of the current pro bodybuilders seems to be increasing.

The Arnold Classic

Arnold still plays a major role as the organizer of the annual Arnold Classic, which is still a big part of competitive bodybuilding. In 2018, the 30th edition of the event takes place, which by now also visits almost every continent in international versions.

After the Mr. Olympia, winning the Arnold Classic is the highest achievement for bodybuilders within the IFBB. If only to receive the trophy personally from Arnold.

Training and Eating like Arnold Schwarzenegger

Finally, we can provide examples of how Arnold Schwarzenegger ate and trained. However, the story above shows that he evolved in this regard, so it is a question of which period you want to follow his example from.

Moreover, since then, science and knowledge regarding nutrition and training have also developed. If you aspire to have a lean and muscular body yourself, you are probably wiser to be guided by current insights.

The best lessons you can learn from Arnold, in my opinion, are about dedication, drive, motivation, self-confidence, focus, a winner’s mentality, and the drive for greatness.