Apart from equipment, almost every gym in the world has one thing in common – a poster of Arnold Schwarzenegger on a wall somewhere for motivation. The bodybuilder from Austria became a global sensation with his bulky yet chiseled physique. Seven time Mr. Olympia winner, Schwarzenegger redefined the sport of bodybuilding forever. He inspired generations of bodybuilders during his career and continues to do so even today.

Schwarzenegger ‘s 22-inch biceps were a feat of bodybuilding marvel and one that every pro bodybuilder aimed to achieve. But how much was he lifting, and what does it translate to in terms of everyday goods?

Arnold Schwarzenegger and his lifting compared with real world items

A prime Arnold Schwarzenegger was an absolute tank. He boasted off a 57″ chest alongside 28.5″ thighs.. Schwarzenegger’s calf measured in at 20″. Showing off such a physique was one thing he absolutely loved, but how much did he lift to attain such gains?

Snatch – At his best, Schwarzenegger could pick up 243 pounds in one motion. That is equal to six cases of Umbrian red wine, the 2009 Arnaldo Caprai-Montefalco.

Clean and Press – Arnold’s arms were so strong that they could pick up 264 pounds to his chest and lift it in the air without using his legs. A classic Vespa, loaded with another crate of the Umbrian red wine, would equal that weight.

Clean and Jerk – Add his legs to the mix from the previous lift, and Arnold could lift an additional 34 pounds. This means he could lift a full-size Ikea Ektorp sofa while his ‘twin’ Danny DeVito sat on it.

Squats – Put a 545-pound bathtub on Arnold’s shoulders and ask him to squat. The ‘Governator’ would have no problems in getting back up!

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Deadlift – Schwarzenegger’s deadlift PB of 710 pounds would come in handy if you needed someone to lift five full beer kegs at the same time.

Record feats by other strongmen

Schwarzenegger’s weightlifting capabilities were a marvel. But, they come nowhere close to some of the weightlifting records set by strongmen, such as Hafthor Bjornsson.

Deadlift – While Arnold’s PB came in at 710 pounds, strongman Hafthor Bjornsson had a ‘strong’ reply to it. The Game of Thrones actor set the world record by deadlifting 1104 pounds in May 2020.

Clean Jerk – Think Arnold’s ‘sofa with a man on it’ lift was impressive? Wait till you read Lasha Talakhadze’s record. The Georgian weightlifter broke the world record by lifting 582 pounds.

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Squat – American power lifter Blaine Sumner broke the world record by squatting 1135 pounds. The weight is nearly double Arnold’s PB.

Despite all of that, Schwarzenegger continues to be a bodybuilding and fitness icon worldwide, inspiring millions in his wake.