Bodybuilding GOAT Arnold Schwarzenegger Answers if “Hormonal Contraceptives” Diminish Gains for Women in the Gym: “Doesn’t Mean Something Is Wrong With You”

76-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger started his newsletter in January 2023 to help everyone level-up their fitness. The seven-time Mr. Olympia wanted people, regardless of age or gender, to follow his advice and become healthier. However, in his latest newsletter, the bodybuilding legend expressed happiness at research focusing on issues women face while pursuing fitness.

Arnold Schwarzenegger said that research focusing on women has been scarce for decades. “We’re finally seeing more traction and focus on issues specific to women,” wrote Arnie as he wrote about a specific study on women. The 76-year-old highlighted a meta-analysis focusing on whether “hormonal contraceptives” harm the gains women make in the gym.

Arnold Schwarzenegger highlights a rarely talked about topic

The bodybuilding icon highlighted a meta-analysis that looked at several studies to “determine whether oral contraceptives limit your hard work in the gym.” Fortunately, the meta-analysis found that hormonal contraceptives “do not appear to diminish” performance in the gym.

Whether it’s muscle gain, or strength, women on contraceptives showed no apparent decline in any metric. Hence, women using such contraceptives don’t have to worry about diminished gains. However, the 76-year-old fitness icon explained that not everyone is built the same. Every individual is unique, and the study found that individual responses to exercise and contraceptives might vary.

“If something feels off with your body or results, it doesn’t mean something is wrong with you,” he wrote in Arnold’s Pump Club. Instead, the bodybuilding legend instructed anyone facing issues to consult a healthcare professional. Arnie wrote that a physician would be able to gauge the unique factors of an individual that a study on many subjects might miss. However, often, Arnold Schwarzenegger provides universal advice through his newsletter.

Watch this story | “My Advice to Bodybuilders is really Simple”: Bodybuilding Legend Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares Valuable Advice with Beginners

Arnie’s approach to fitness advice

The 76-year-old has been working out for decades. The first man to win seven Mr. Olympia titles knows what’s right for a beginner or an advanced lifter. Hence, the former governor provides no-nonsense advice in his newsletter. The bodybuilder is aware of the busy lives of working adults and hence provides easily digestible fitness advice. 

The bodybuilder provides short but effective workout routines that anyone can attempt. He also advises on diet, mental health, and lifestyle habits that boost fitness and productivity. Arnie also posts challenging variations of weekly workouts for the more advanced lifters who subscribe to his newsletter.

Schwarzenegger wants his fitness advice to reach as many people as possible. Hence, the 76-year-old is happy that studies are looking at women’s issues, as it’s a side of fitness that often gets less traction in the fitness community.

Read More | Despite Not Spending a Dime on His Newsletter’s Marketing, Arnold Schwarzenegger Offers to Pay $1000 to His Village Members for a Special Reason