Days after debunking the myth surrounding post-workout carb intake for people who exercise less than 2-3 hours, Arnold Schwarzenegger has shared an interesting fact about pre-workout meals. In a recent revelation, he dropped a pre-workout secret that might revolutionize your fitness routine. His advice? Incorporate cherries into your meals to boost your gains and recovery like never before.

The bodybuilding icon shared a groundbreaking discovery about the power of cherries in his newsletter. He stated, “A recent review found that cherries could help you bounce back faster from your hardest workouts.” This revelation is backed by scientific research, which examined 14 studies demonstrating the incredible benefits of cherry consumption.

It turns out that cherry juice can aid in muscle strength recovery, alleviate muscle soreness, and reduce muscle damage and inflammation. But the perks don’t end there. Emerging evidence suggests that cherries could also combat mental fatigue, exhaustion, and even lower blood pressure. While most studies focus on tart cherries, the magic lies in a compound called anthocyanins, found in all types of cherries.

Anthocyanins are potent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties, making cherries a powerhouse of recovery nutrients. Now, you might be wondering how many cherries you need to munch on to reap these benefits. “Research suggests that to get the nutrients your muscles need, you need to eat approximately 100 cherries.” However, here’s the catch: if you want to maximize the recovery benefits, you can’t just enjoy cherries pre-workout.

Studies indicate that cherries need to be incorporated into your daily diet to reach a “critical mass.” Arnie emphasized that it may be more effective when consumed before hitting the gym. So, whether you prefer snacking on cherries or sipping on cherry juice, incorporating this delicious fruit into your pre-workout routine could be the secret weapon you’ve been searching for to optimize your recovery process. If you cannot consume it as recommended, don’t worry!

Arnie also shared a protein shake recipe where you can add cherries, and it will provide the same benefit.

Arnold Schwarzenegger protein shake recipe

In an earlier edition of his newsletter, Schwarzenegger shared his secret protein shake recipe, listing the ingredients. “1-2 scoops of plant-protein powder, 5g of Creatine, 2 oz of Cherry juice, 8 oz of Almond milk, 1 Banana, 1 whole egg,” Arnie wrote. But he also had a disclaimer to add. While this recipe works for him, Arnie cautioned that it might not be safe for everyone.

He mentioned the risk of food-borne illness from raw eggs. Arnie suggested that instead of blindly following the recipe one should consult a doctor before trying it, “We’re not doctors, so consult with yours if you want to include this in your drink because we need to warn you about the risk of foodborne illness. But when you go, make sure you tell them Arnold sent you.”

As Schwarzenegger’s advice shows, sometimes, the simplest foods can yield the most remarkable results in our fitness journey. But before delving into any recipe or recommendation ensure that it works for you.