Leading many lives in one, Arnold Schwarzenegger has been an enigma in every facet of his journey through stardom. Starting as a teen fresh off the boat and straight into fitness, the now 76-year-old has often reflected on how far he’s come. After seven Mr. Olympia titles and numerous accolades to his name, the father of five now takes the backseat as he unfolds the secrets to his herculean body.
In his daily newsletter, Schwarzenegger often talks about life, hardships, his hurdles, and his bodybuilding journey. While fans hound him with questions, the ‘Terminator’ star always seems to come up with something profound disguised as fitness advice. In the latest edition, he revealed his thoughts on bulking strategies, cutting weight, and his favorite post-workout meal.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks Post-Workout Meal Plan
Bodybuilders are notorious for their strict diets and often popularize various meal fads that adhere favorably to their routine. But Schwarzenegger is old school. Always reminiscing about his time in Austria, the star has spoken about how he never focused on micros and macros growing up.
His newsletter often features healthy and nutritious meals such as soups and snacks that are guilt-free pleasures. In a recent Q&A section, he listed some of his favorite post-workout meals, though added that he never exercises right before a training session.
I never eat before my workout. My favorites after are:
Yogurt with berries and granola
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Oatmeal with soft-boiled eggs
And if I want to splurge, I LOVE a breakfast burrito
With 2023 Mr. Olympia just weeks away, many bodybuilders will attempt to cut weight to ensure a shredded physique on stage. However, the 76-year-old celebrity navigated the challenge using a different approach. Replying to a fan who was curious about Schwarzenegger’s cardio routine before bodybuilding shows, he revealed an unlikely answer:
“It is important to say though: I wasn’t cutting like the guys today. The three months before the contest, I was building up and adding weight while trying to stay lean. I was lighter in the off-season than in season, the opposite of modern bodybuilders. I don’t think walking around like monsters 9 months of the year is safe. “
So what did Arnold do to cut down?
Unlike modern bodybuilders who would sweat it out for hours in the gym, Schwarzenegger’s cardio was simple. A two-mile run in the sand was enough to get the young “Austrian Oak” going. Considering how the star has always championed simplicity and consistency over complex machines, it’s only natural for him to swear by a morning run along the shore to get his blood pumping.
‘The Austrian Oak’ Shares His Bulking Method: “I Call It Turning The Dial”
Aside from cutting weight, Schwarzenegger also disclosed the strategy he used to bulk throughout his decorated tenure:
“I call it turning the dial. I add just a little or cut out just a little, maybe cutting bread or adding bread (just one food). see how it goes, and then turn the dial more if I need.
It is funny, Monday, Daniel and I were going to Kimmel in the evening and he was starving as always and said ‘I just had a protein shake after my workout this morning today, that’s 200 calories all day, what did you have?’ I told him I had yogurt with granola after my workout and he said ‘that’s probably 500 calories max’ and I just told him I had no clue. I really have never known anything and just turned the dial.”
Schwarzenegger also mentioned something noteworthy in the end that reflected his opinions on current-day bodybuilders. He quipped how it was borderline dangerous to be walking like “monsters” for the majority of the year.
And he’s not the only bodybuilding legend to suggest as much. Recently, former eight-time Lee Haney, who held the big O crown for eight straight years, also believes Open contenders today are significantly overweight.
In this era of mass monsters and bulky, jacked bodies, it is interesting to see the observations of a veteran who once carried the torch. While opinions may differ, there is no denying that Arnold Schwarzenegger holds no punches when it comes to spreading workout knowledge to the masses.
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