Despite Their Differences, Lou Ferrigno Once Applauded Arnold Schwarzenegger for Changing the Face of Bodybuilding

When talking about the greatest rivalries in Mr. Olympia, the “Lou Ferrigno-Arnold Schwarzenegger” rivalry stands in one of the top spots. Lou Ferrigno spiced up the mid-70s when he closely challenged Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger. Even though Ferrigno never succeeded in defeating Arnold, he is recognized as one of the toughest competitors the Austrian Oak ever faced.

For once, Ferrigno and Arnold both retired from bodybuilding after 1975. However, both made a comeback later. In 2017, Ferrigno opened up about his experience with Bill Bixby and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Ferrigno worked with them in the early days of his acting career. What did he have to say about Arnold? 

Ferrigno about the Arnold effect in the bodybuilding world

Lou Ferrigno and Arnold Schwarzenegger were both big names in bodybuilding. Although Arnold got much more success than Lou in bodybuilding. On the other hand, Ferrigno received an immense fan following after the release of “Pumping Iron” and “The Incredible Hulk.” Despite the rivalry, Ferrigno had some amazing words for the 7x Mr. Olympia, which he revealed in a 2017 interview. 

When talking about the experience with Arnold, Ferrigno said, “As for Arnold, I see him every morning. He was my hero growing up as a bodybuilder. The guy is phenomenal, especially what he has done for the sport. I am very happy I still see him in the gym. I mean, the guy is 70 years old and still working out.” Ferrigno continued, “So the two of us, only one that we made it through the mainstream because at the time we competed no one knew what bodybuilding was, till Pumping Iron came out, and in my opinion the best documentary to ever made.”

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He further added, “Because back then when I worked out, in early 70s you never see a woman working out. It was like unknown or unheard of a woman she is working out at the gym. So it has changed over the years. Now you have men, wives working out. You have young kids, families and all that change, but in my time it was like a male sport. So Pumping Iron laid the ground work to change all that.”   

How Arnold Schwarzenegger influenced people to turn to bodybuilding

Arnold Schwarzenegger is considered one of the greatest and most influential bodybuilders of all time. Before Arnold came and started winning titles, bodybuilding wasn’t a popular sport as it is now, and was considered a bit of a strange and unpopular subculture of social deviants.

Moreover, in 1989, Arnold began his own bodybuilding competition called Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic. However, it concentrated on bodybuilding at first, but now it covers many sports in it and is played worldwide. Arnold has always been an outstanding supporter of sports and art, as he has proved his worth in both areas himself as well.

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Like everyone else, Lou Ferrigno knows what Arnold Schwarzenegger has provided to the bodybuilding world. He completely changed the impression of bodybuilding with his entry as a champion bodybuilder. Through his extremely well-built physique and his inspirational journey, he inspired millions of people and gifted bodybuilding sport the respect it deserves.