IFBB icon, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s grand success is a point of wonder to many. However, it might be interesting to know what really encouraged his iron-willed mindset. In the recent edition of his newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, the star athlete revealed that at 15, he idolized English bodybuilder, Reg Park, who later gravitated towards acting and was featured as Hercules. 

He set Park’s life as his blueprint that pushed him towards a bodybuilding club which in turn, was an even greater boon for him. Schwarzenegger met his earliest mentor there, whose words stuck with him throughout his life. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger discloses the greatest motivation he got from his mentor

According to the source, the 75-year-old legend grew up watching the late veteran athlete in his teenage years. He saw him acting as the Hercules in local theaters back home. Once while reading a magazine article about him, the athlete was enlightened about his journey from a small town to making it big. “he grew up in a little working-class town, like me, trained his ass off, became Mr. Universe, and eventually got into Hercules movies” the source stated. 

Therefore, the bodybuilding ace was determined to do the same. He added, “That was my blueprint.” This encouragement landed him at the Graz Weightlifting Club where he found competent coaches that trained and mentored him. However, the real growth occurred when he met his best mentor, Fredi Gerstl. He was also a local businessman, a politician, and the father of his co-trainee.

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Apart from pushing them to train until their core best, Gerstl also shared wise advice about training the mind. “told us that we also had to train our minds as much as our bodies,” the 6’2” pro wrote. The mentor once enlightened young Schwarzenegger with a thoughtful fact. It read, “He told us that an injury could end our athletic careers, but no one could ever take our minds, so we better be curious and hungry to always learn.” Since then, the athlete has abided by it. Moreover, in a recent update on Twitter, the icon reiterated his mentor’s sayings to the world. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger remembers his mentor for his priceless advice

Last week, the seven-time Mr. Olympia took to his Twitter handle to acknowledge a fan’s appreciation for one of his statements in his newsletter. “I think that social media gives everyone a megaphone when what many people really need is a mirror,” the quote read. Thus, the fan chimed in saying, “This is one of many things that I love about @Schwarzenegger’s newsletter.” 

They admired him for his guidance on bettering the overall health of a person, the heart and mind, and not just focusing on physical competence. Therefore, Schwarzenegger stumbled upon the post and shared his own thoughts on the matter. He once again, credited his “earliest” mentor, Gerstl, for his advice. Even after 7 years of his passing away, the legend cherishes him and his depth of knowledge. Moreover, he wishes to share it with the world. 

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While training the body and keeping fit is absolutely necessary, the meaning of wellness and health extends beyond the margins of physical fitness. And it is amazing that this aspect was taught to the fitness guru early in his life.