“Bench Press 500 Pounds”: When 71-Year-Old Arnold Schwarzenegger Yelled “Old Age S**ks” Despite Mind-Numbing Strength

Arnold Schwarzenegger is among the most influential bodybuilders ever. The Austrian won the Mr. Universe title five times and Mr. Olympia title seven times. Arnold also promoted bodybuilding to a mainstream audience and became Hollywood’s biggest action hero. However, Arnold’s muscles weren’t just for show, the Austrian was also quite strong.

Now 75, Arnold once told the Hollywood Reporter how difficult it was for him to deal with old age.

Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed why dealing with old age is difficult

Reporter Noel de Souza sat down with Arnold for an interview in 2019. During the interview, Noel asked the former governor of California about his thoughts on aging. The Hollywood icon said getting old wasn’t easy for him. “Old age s**ks.”, said Arnold. He also said, “Maybe I feel like that more than anyone else because I was Mr. Universe, Mr. Olympia.”

Schwarzenegger also talked about his mind-numbing strength. ”At any given time could bench-press 500 pounds or do squats with 500 pounds and lift 700,” said the seven-time Mr. Olympia. However, he also said, “all of a sudden you see your body no longer in shape.”

READ MORE: Before Surpassing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 7x Mr. Olympia Titles, This Bodybuilding Beast Outshined His Deadlift Record in 1992

The “Terminator” actor never stopped working out. However, two major heart surgeries have pushed Arnold to prioritize his cardio. Despite such hardships, the former bodybuilder never stopped, “Pumping Iron”. However, Arnold also said he had trouble looking in the mirror because he could never regain his prime, “even though you may be in better shape than anyone else at 71.”

The former bodybuilder is still going strong. His current workout regime includes more cardio than weight lifting. While he lifts weights for about 30 mins, he does cardio for around 45. The seven-time Mr. Olympia also likes to take bike rides rather than spend time on stationary indoor bikes.

How strong was the seven-time Mr. Olympia?

Arnold Schwarzenegger was among the strongest bodybuilders of his time. While he didn’t train for powerlifting, Arnold participated in the 1968 German Powerlifting Championships. At just 20, Arnold set a national record by deadlifting 683 lbs. He also bench-pressed 441 lbs while Arnold’s weakest lift was a 474 lbs squat. However, Arnold got stronger with time.

Muscle builder magazine covered the Austrian and Dave Draper’s workout in 1970. During that workout, Arnold squatted 465 lbs for over six reps.

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Arnold has had a difficult time adjusting to how his body has changed with age. However, the former champion has adjusted well, as he is fit and still works out rigorously in his mid-seventies. Arnie has also made changes to his diet.

Do you consider Arnold as the greatest bodybuilder of all time? Let us know in the comments.