Shaquille O’Neal is popular for his successful career in the NBA, in which he won four NBA championships. Shaq found the most success during his stint with Los Angeles Lakers, where he won a three-peat. However, he is also famous for his insane physique, which made him arguably the most dominant player of his time. And it was likely all thanks to his crazy workout routine. However, Shaq’s highest bench press record is just 50 pounds less than that of bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Shaquille O’Neal is often credited with revolutionizing the role of a center in the NBA. His physique helped him dominate his position during his 19-year-old career. That came with him spending a lot of time working out. In fact, even as a 50-year-old, Shaq has a body that many athletes would possibly be envious of.

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Despite being a professional athlete for over 19 years, Shaq’s highest bench press record was way less than Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s. The Austrian Oak was a professional bodybuilder, but Shaq dwarfs him when it comes to height.

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In an interview, Shaq was asked about the highest he could bench press in his life. To this Shaq replied: “My max was 475.”

It is to be noted that ‘The Terminator’s career max bench press record was 525. That makes Shaq’s bench press record just 50 pounds less than that of Schwarzenegger’s.

Shaq continued: “I’m up to 415 now. I’ve got a bad shoulder, but I’m trying to get back to that. In my prime, I did it twice.”

However, that is still a huge number to boast for Shaq. The Big Aristotle is a fitness freak nowadays, and age has certainly not been a barrier for him. He has recently been flexing his muscles on his social media, which has led to fans calling him to make a comeback in the NBA.

Shaq reveals the greatest strength feat of his life

Shaq has been known for his strength and power in his professional career. There have been several moments where Shaq has used his strength to bully his opponents. However, in his opinion, his biggest strength feat came as a 14-year-old. During an interview, Shaq was also asked about the “greatest strength feat of his life”.

To this Shaq replied: “When I was about 14 years old, one of my friends got hit by a car. He was under it a little bit.”

“It was a small car—like a Volkswagen Bug—but I lifted it up just enough for him to get his leg out.”

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While Volkswagen Bug may be a small car compared to others, but being able to lift it, even slightly, as a 14-year-old goes to show the physical strength the Big Diesel possessed.