Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s gym expertise stems from his extensive background in bodybuilding, where he clinched the prestigious Mr. Olympia title seven times. Schwarzenegger recently shared in his newsletter Arnold’d Pump Club how to build the best home gym for $1,000.
“This time, we’re spending a little more to help you achieve your goals and fill your home with everything you need for a fantastic pump.”
Bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s experience in the gym can be described as a relentless journey marked by unwavering dedication, intense discipline, and an insatiable drive for physical excellence. His approach to training is a combination of strategic planning, progressive resistance, and a deep understanding of the mind-muscle connection.
The 76-year-old hasn’t let up on his physical fitness journey even though he has retired. His relentless work ethic and desire to preserve his youth has continued to drive Schwarzenegger in the gym. The Austrian native has been open about his addiction to the gym, citing that a good sweat helps slow the aging process and increase skin elasticity.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Breaks Down How To Build The Perfect Home Gym For $1,000
After consulting with Cooper Mitchel, the creator of Garage Gym Reviews, he outlined how to build the best home gym for $1,000 or less. Below are Schwarzenegger’s top four pieces of gym equipment needed to achieve the best pump possible.
- Barbell
- Weight Plates
- Squat Rack
- Weight Bench
Barbell:
First and foremost, Arnold Schwarzenegger starts off with the barbell for its versatility and affordability which sticks to the budget.
“You can easily argue that no tool has made people stronger and fitter than the almighty barbell. It’s considered the king of strength training tools because it can be incrementally loaded to more weight than you’ll need to lift, is incredibly versatile, nearly indestructible, and quite affordable.
If you’re looking for a barbell on the lower end, go with something like this. If you want something that you can pass down to your grandkids, get this one” Schwarzenegger said.
Weight Plates:
Next up are weight plates to go along with the barbell you’ve just acquired. Arnold Schwarzenegger acknowledges that it can easily get pricey depending on the weight and amount of plates purchased but suggested ‘inexpensive’ loadable dumbbells.
“You’ve got your bar but need some weight to put on the end.
This can get expensive quickly depending on the type of plates and how heavy you get, but these basic, old-school iron plates can work and then just build up over time. Another benefit is you can throw these on inexpensive, loadable dumbbells for things like rows, shoulder raises, or an Arnold favorite, concentration curls.”
Squat Rack:
While the next piece of equipment isn’t considered a necessity, Schwarzenegger explains how the squat rack can help with specific exercises and provides an added level of safety while working out.
“A squat rack is certainly not required to lift, but it’s helpful to do so safely and optimally. Although I love the squat racks with every attachment possible, they’re unnecessary. This $250 squat rack survived me dropping 700+lb on it (see video here) and is still used to this day. It also includes a pull-up bar to help you build a barn door back.”
Weight Bench:
Last but not least, Arnold Schwarzenegger states that the weight bench is the icing on top of any training session.
“With the above three items, you could easily become the strongest person on your block, but big pecs cash big checks, so a weight bench should be in order. This $100 bench isn’t my top all-time pick, but for the price, it meets all the specs of higher-end benches in a lighter-weight design.”
Simply having the perfect home gym setup isn’t the answer to everything. Arnold Schwarzenegger has previously shared his top three tips for ensuring gym success which include getting a good stretch in, maintaining proper form, and using a full range of motion. More importantly, though, Schwarzenegger emphasized that the biggest mistake he sees is overthinking the process rather than getting up and just doing it.
With the guidance of one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, anyone can achieve their fitness goals. Arnold Schwarzenegger strives to provide fans with his vast knowledge of fitness and nutrition with the hopes of inspiring individuals to transform their overall health and wellness.
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