Seven-times Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger has inspired countless individuals through his successful career in the realm of bodybuilding and showbiz. Apart from this, he also made millions by being involved in real estate and business. But the most important person behind Arnold’s success was his role model Reg Park. Walking on the same road as him, Schwarzenegger had a perfect plan laid out in his mind which would lead him to success one day. 

Growing up, Schwarzenegger always had a huge admiration for movies and cinema. One person who acted as an inspiration throughout his childhood years was Reg Park. The star led an almost perfect life, according to Schwarzenegger, being a bodybuilding icon, and then transitioning to Hollywood. Hercules, the iconic character that Reg Park played, still remains close to countless hearts. But who was Reg Park? Let’s take a look.

Who was Reg Park? 

Born in 1928, in Leeds, England, Reg Park was a bodybuilding legend who won the Mr. Britain title in 1949. He then continued to win Mr. Universe titles three times. With his astounding physique, Park influenced a lot of people to take up fitness. Reg Park later transitioned to showbiz and became a Hollywood star. Even though he had a very short career in Hollywood, his role in the Hercules franchise inspired Arnold Schwarzenegger to take up fitness as well as to become an actor. 

Park started lifting at the tender age of just 16 years old. He was known for his muscular frame, symmetrical physique, as well as well-proportioned muscle mass, which attracted even professional bodybuilders back in the day. Apart from his success in the fitness and bodybuilding world, he was also a smart and shrewd businessman. He owned multiple gyms and had partnerships in many fitness centers and companies that manufactured fitness-related goods and equipment.

Reg Park once helped Schwarzenegger overcome his fears

Having a role model in your life can hugely impact and improve your personality. While many of us haven’t met our idols in real life, Arnold was fortunate enough to live his dreams as he met Park and even traveled with him for bodybuilding shows and tours. While Schwarzenegger is one of the best public speakers now, thanks to his Hollywood and political career, back in the day, Schwarzenegger had no confidence when it came to public speaking. 

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During one such event that Schwarzenegger and Park were attending in the United Kingdom, he admits that he was nervous about stepping on the stage and taking the mic. While he froze on the stage, Park came to his rescue and narrated his lines. As he imitated his role model, Schwarzenegger received cheers and applause from the fans. “And as I was out there and he was feeding me lines, I started feeling more confident, and all of a sudden I realized that there was no one out there trying to kill me because I’m speaking,” Schwarzenegger said, reminiscing this episode.

Reg Park taught Arnold another important lesson

Even though the advent of the internet has led to shorter sleep schedules for most of us, it is essential to understand the importance of sleeping well and waking up early in the morning. Despite being 76 years old, Schwarzenegger wakes up early in the morning and trains every day. This is a habit that he acquired from Reg Park himself. Back in 1968, Schwarzenegger was invited by Reg to South Africa. During his time there, Schwarzenegger received a shock treatment. “I have to admit it was a little bit of a shock treatment when he woke me up at 5 in the morning,” the Terminator icon said. 

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Talking about Park’s influence on him, he once stated, “he grew up in a little working-class town, like me, trained his ass off, became Mr. Universe, and eventually got into Hercules movies.” Following what he learned from Reg Park, Schwarzenegger climbed the ladder of success. “That was my blueprint,” the Austrian Oak added. 

Reg Park’s achievements extend way beyond the titles that he won. His journey in the realm of bodybuilding as well as movies has motivated millions of people around the globe. What are your views on this? Let us know in the comments.