Seven-time Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has been in the realm of fitness and bodybuilding for decades now. After creating a legacy for himself in the sport, as well as in Hollywood, he decided to use his knowledge and experience to help others by creating a fitness community that he named ‘Arnold’s Pump Club.’ Now, his latest advice – a shortcut hack – seems quite contradictory to his usual prescription of sheer hard work and discipline.

In the most recent edition of a daily newsletter, Schwarzenegger revealed some surprising new research about the benefits of an age-old, oft-touted practice that many people still overlook while training. Despite admitting in the past that he does not rely on that specific practice as part of his regimen, the legendary bodybuilder explained how it can be helpful in some instances.

Arnold Schwarzenegger sheds light on the pros of basic training practice

Bodybuilding veteran Arnold Schwarzenegger has proved his mettle in various events over the years. Having tried countless things over the years to optimize muscle hypertrophy, there was one thing he had overlooked all these years. Schwarzenegger never knew earlier that stretching could also build muscle.

Talking about the same in the recent edition of his daily newsletter, Schwarzenegger however added, “The amount of stretching you need to do to build muscle is significantly more than the amount of time you need to lift weights.” Revealing the research results, Schwarzenegger wrote, “The stretching group had to perform intense stretching for 1 hour per day compared to just 15 minutes of lifting weights a few times per week. In other words, 7 hours of stretching produces the same results as 45 minutes of lifting weights.”

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But if stretching has such benefits, why does Schwarzenegger not indulge in stretching before his workouts? Thanks to an interview a while back, we know why he chooses to forgo what so many trainers and scientific studies throw their weight behind.

Schwarzenegger explains the reason behind not stretching before training

Despite having multiple heart surgeries, Schwarzenegger continues to train daily and maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, even at the age of 76 years old. However, he accepts that stretching takes a load on his body so he prefers to do light warmups sets instead of stretching.

Schwarzenegger said, “I don’t stretch before I train. I prefer light warmup sets. After I train, I normally stretch but just basic things. I touch my toes, I put my foot on a machine for more hamstring stretch”.

While Schwarzenegger prefers not to add stretches to his routine, it is always wise to stretch properly before starting your workout. And now, after the revelation of this new benefit of stretching, it becomes all the more important to use it. What are your views on this? Let us know in the comments.

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