In a jaw-dropping revelation, 81-year-old bodybuilding icon Frank Zane recently spilled the beans on a little-known chapter of Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s life. Forget the fierce competition and bulging biceps; this story unfolds in the quiet corridors of academia.

Amidst the intense competition and grueling workouts, Zane found himself tutoring none other than Schwarzenegger in mathematics. Yes, you heard that right. Zane’s victory in Mr. Universe and defeating the Austrian Oak propelled him to pursue the Mr. Olympia competition, leading him to relocate to California for training at Gold’s Gym. Around this time, Arnold Schwarzenegger enrolled in a city college and sought Zane’s assistance in mathematics.

Arnie asked for Frank Zane’s help to tutor him in maths

During his college days at Santa Monica City College, Schwarzenegger found himself struggling with algebra. And who better to turn to for help than Zane, the math whiz disguised as a bodybuilding icon? Despite their fierce rivalry on stage, Zane didn’t hesitate to lend a helping hand to his fellow competitor.

In a recent interview on Steve Reeves Hercules’s YouTube channel, Zane spilled the beans about his unexpected tutoring gig. When asked by a fan named Mark about how it all started, Zane casually revealed, “Yeah, he was going to Santa Monica City College and he needed help with this math, and since I was a math tutor or math teacher, I helped him.” This revelation unveils a lesser-known chapter of their relationship, transcending the fierce competition witnessed on the bodybuilding stage.

Zane, known for his analytical approach to bodybuilding, took a break from his teaching career to focus on training. This decision led him to clinch his first Mr. Olympia title, cementing his place in bodybuilding history. Despite climbing to the top and being friends with the seven-time Mr. Olympia, Zane left the Gold’s gym because of Arnie.

‘It’s not about Pumping Iron; instead, it’s Pumping Arnold’: Frank Zane

During an interview with Sal’s Classic Bodybuilding Archives, Frank Zane reminisced about the late 1970s, a time when he and Arnold Schwarzenegger stood as formidable rivals. Reflecting on the impact of the iconic film “Pumping Iron,” Zane shared his sentiments about the transformation he witnessed at Gold’s Gym, once a haven for bodybuilders.

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