Despite Being Almost Similar to Others, Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals Why He Became the Most Celebrated Bodybuilder Ever: “Just Because I Said a Normal Sentence”

Arnold Schwarzenegger has set unparalleled milestones in bodybuilding, cinema, and politics but fascinates his audience at 76 with a simple demeanor. The Twins icon credits his success to people underestimating him in the latest episode of The Issue Is podcast. Though Arnie initially “hated” being undervalued by people, he eventually learned that it hugely benefitted him, so much so that he shared it in his new self-help book, Be Useful: Seven Tools of Life, to help his folks. 

The bodybuilding legend’s book became the Instant Number One Bestseller, and Arnie never misses an opportunity to promote it. In a conversation with Elex Michaelson at the Gold’s Gym, The Terminator icon revealed how he cashed people’s underestimation about him.

The incident that became a lesson to Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnie was an average student at school, but the 76-year-old is a master of life lessons. Since childhood, Arnie wanted to prove himself the best in everything he did and loathed the idea of being underestimated. To prove his bravery to his parents, Arnie used to accompany his elder brother to walk back from middle school through a forest in the dark. However, an incident changed his perception of being undervalued.

Schwarzenegger, known for his bodybuilding success and movies, would appear on the evening entertainment shows. When asked about the genesis of his bodybuilding journey in such shows, Arnie would explain his story in simple language. But the 76-year-old was surprised when applauded for his ability to articulate. “This guy is a bodybuilder. He is a big guy, but he can talk,” the host confessed, and Schwarzenegger was about to learn a great lesson. 

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“So just because I said a normal sentence, he thought they were spectacular. So, I said to myself after the show was over, I said, I think, I learned something. I think this is actually good, and they underestimate you then anything you do, they think is great,” Schwarzenegger detailed. Arnie credits this underestimation of him by the masses that helped him to become a legend despite doing ordinary things. In life, often underrated things turn out to be of great value. Arnie once underestimated a training exercise that turned out to be an asset.

Iron Guru’s Mickey Mouse Exercise  

Schwarzenegger’s bodybuilding aura took to new heights in America. The 76-year-old was an active learner at the Gold’s Gym but once played down Vince Gironda’s triceps routine. Arnie exclaimed, “This looks like some kind of a Mickey Mouse exercise. Jesus Christ!” after witnessing Gironda’s outside triceps movement with dumbbells. 

But Gironda wants to teach Arnie a crucial lesson of not underestimating something, going by looks. So, the gym owner wanted Arnie to perform some reps, and the latter complied. “The next day, this muscle here (pointing at his triceps) was just jumping all over the place,” Schwarzenegger recounted how the exercise was effective.

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While no one wants to be underestimated, Schwarzenegger’s story reflects how one can use it as a weapon to achieve success. Isn’t Arnie’s life lessons simple and interesting to implement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.