The bodybuilding legend explains how he keeps in shape at age 71, and he is still going strong after emergency heart surgery in early 2018.
Age takes a toll on even the most invincible of human beings… one person who comes to mind is the seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The legendary former bodybuilder who was once the “Terminator” has made some recent life changes. We know that at the age of 71, he cannot train as heavy and intense, so it’s natural to find safer alternatives.
His goals have changed ever since he was competing and starring in action movies. When asked how his fitness goals have changed in an interview with Men’s Health, Schwarzenegger responded saying…
“Squatting and all those kind of like heavy leg exercises, I can’t do anymore. My knees are shot”.
Arnold Schwarzenegger chooses to use machines more so nowadays. He said in the interview…
“The machines that you have today, I wish that I could have used them in addition to what I did, because they’re really amazing”.
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Schwarzenegger explains how he can use machines to do the same thing as free weights while avoiding pain altogether. He knows how to train smart and can work with his body effectively to keep healthy at his age.
Anyone who trains like an animal (He did) will most likely start to break down at some point and although Schwarzenegger is still at it, he cannot afford to keep up with the same style of training he used to do for many years.
Earlier in the year, he had emergency heart surgery due to complications from a heart valve replacement procedure. He was thankful to just be alive and as a result as he “Tweeted” the following statement…
It’s true: I’m back! I went to sleep expecting to wake up with a small incision and woke up with a big one – but guess what? I woke up, and that’s something to be thankful for. Thank you to the doctors & nurses. And I’m truly filled with gratitude for all of the kind messages.
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) April 2, 2018
Apparently, nothing has been able to stop Schwarzenegger from pursuing opportunities and enjoying life on his terms.
This is evident with his love for bicycling everywhere he goes as he posted on Instagram…
“I do mostly bicycling, so that’s why I want to bicycle all over the world,” he said. “When I travel, I get around in the bicycle. When I go shopping or something, I go on the bicycle, because then you can exercise in the legs and you see the town in a totally different way.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a lot more in the tank in regards to his career, so it’s no surprise he is more conservative with how he works out these days. Moreover, his sons, business endeavors and going skiing are likely more important to him anyway, so staying injury free is crucial to his current happiness and longevity.