Phil Heath Highlights How Arnold Schwarzenegger Remains Competitive Despite Being 76

Seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath sat with broadcaster Piers Morgan for an enlightening conversation about fitness. During the interview, Morgan asked Heath what he learned from the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger. So the former Olympia winner told Morgan about witnessing Arnie’s competitive spirit firsthand at the Arnold Classic UK.

Heath mentioned that the 76-year-old’s team contacted The Gift in the UK. “Arnold wants to workout,” the Austrian Oak’s team told Phil Heath. Arnie’s team also mentioned training at the Arnold Expo at 8:30 AM. “I got there at 8:30. Guess what time he was there? 7:50 AM,” Haeth told Piers Morgan. So Heath decided to beat Arnold Schwarzenegger the following day.

“Now he’s (there) at 7:30 AM… He’s such a competitive person,” said Phil Heath. The two seven-time Olympia winners have known one another for years. However, the 76-year-old still has the ability to inspire Heath with his competitive spirit. Yet, this isn’t the first time Arnold Schwarzenegger has stunned someone with his competitive zeal.

The late Carl Weathers once narrated a similar story about Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 80s. While speaking about starring beside the Austrian Oak in Predator (1987), Weathers spoke about trying to compete with the bodybuilding legend. The late actor said he needed to get in shape while meeting with the other cast members before filming began.

Thankfully, the five-time Mr. Universe had set up a gym at the hotel where he stayed. Weathers also noticed that Arnie would hit the gym at 4:30 AM. The following day, the Rocky actor trained at 4:00 AM. Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t require another hint. The following day, Arnie went to the gym at 3:30 AA. So, the former NFL linebacker played to his strengths.

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Weathers went out for a run instead of going to the gym the next day. However, the bodybuilding icon baffled the actor with his next move. “The next day Arnold is out running the hill,” said Weathers. So even the former footballer called it quits. Decades later, Arnie still has that spirit. However, this isn’t the only thing Heath has learned from Schwarzenegger.

Arnold Schwarzenegger always has something to teach

Phil Heath met Arnold Schwarzenegger at Gold’s Gym, California, in 2023. While his most recent training session with the former champion was a public session they had time for themselves at Gold’s Gym. The Gift praised the 76-year-old in an Instagram post for his focus on health and wellbeing. He also cherished the advice Arnie gave him between sets.

“To receive instruction from this man is something I am forever grateful for,” said the Arnold Classic Europe winner. “Will definitely use those nuggets of wisdom,” Phil Heath added. However, the bodybuilding icon didn’t disclose what advice Arnold Schwarzenegger gave him.

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While Arnold Schwarzenegger may have left behind competitive bodybuilding decades ago, he never left behind his competitive spirit. Even at 76, the Austrian Oak is just as hungry as before winning the Mr. Olympia.