Arnold Schwarzenegger is on a mission to educate his followers about their health and fitness with science-backed research. In an Arnold’s Pump Club newsletter, Schwarzenegger discussed studies suggesting that collagen doesn’t help with muscle recovery like previously believed. Instead, he advocates for whey or plant-based proteins as an alternative to help with training, recovery, and muscle gains.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has reached international fame, dominating not only the world of bodybuilding but also leaving his mark in acting and politics. Having claimed seven Olympia titles during his heyday, Schwarzenegger knows what it takes to maintain a fit and healthy body. The 76-year-old admits to still being addicted to the gym today, believing that sweat is the secret to vitality.
Schwarzenegger sticks to a diet that is 70% plant-based, aside from the occasional steak, which he can’t resist. He has adapted his training and diet routine over the years and now, Schwarzenegger has taken what he has learned to provide fans with valuable health insights.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Discusses Collagen and Its Effects on Muscle Recovery
Through his newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, Schwarzenegger challenges the misconceptions in the health and fitness industry. Recently, Schwarzenegger discussed collagen and revealed a scientific study that suggests it isn’t optimal for muscle recovery like many previously believed.
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“Unoptimized Recovery”
“Does your post-workout routine include collagen? It might be time for a protein upgrade.”
“New research suggests collagen does not support muscle recovery despite potential training benefits.”
Schwarzenegger pointed to a study where participants for 12 weeks performed resistance training and cardio while supplementing with collagen.
“Collagen is a popular supplement for hair, skin, and nails, but also for joint recovery. So, researchers tested whether it helps you recover from intense exercise. For 12 weeks, participants performed resistance training and cardio and supplemented with 15 grams of collagen peptides (7.5 grams before and after the workout) or a placebo”
While there were some improvements in workout performance, ‘The Austrian Oak’ emphasized that the muscle recovery benefits weren’t present.
“While the study found some improvements in performance, such as maximal force and countermovement jump height, the benefits you expect were non-existent.”
“Those taking collagen did not see any improvements in soreness, fatigue, or recovery. And the collagen didn’t improve body composition (fat loss) either.”
As an alternative to taking collagen, Schwarzenegger encouraged his fans to try a whey or plant-based protein.
“If you want to improve training performance, taking whey or plant-based protein might be more helpful. Whey or plant proteins are a much cheaper alternative to collagen and have been shown to improve training, recovery, muscle gain, and body composition.”
This isn’t the first time that Arnold Schwarzenegger has fired shots at supplements. Previously, Schwarzenegger called out supplement companies for not listing toxic ingredients in their products. He has also called attention to fish oil for ‘under-dosing’ the necessary ingredients to provide optimal health benefits.
While getting healthy and staying fit can be challenging at times, Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to share his knowledge in an easy-to-understand way. With years of experience training, Schwarzenegger’s advice continues to be coveted in the fitness industry.
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