“Get Off the Couch…”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Revealed His Dream for the Bodybuilding Sport in 2016

Arnold Schwarzenegger, aka the Terminator, started his journey as a bodybuilder, then stepped into modeling and acting. The seven-time Mr. Olympia winner retired from bodybuilding in 1975.

Arnold Schwarzenegger maintained his physical focus even after he retired, which helped him build a successful Hollywood career. Schwarzenegger has been a fitness icon for two generations and never fails to impress his fans. In an interview in 2016, Arnold Schwarzenegger opened up about leaving a legacy behind him.

What Arnold Schwarzenegger wanted after his bodybuilding career

Arnold Schwarzenegger talked about his multi-sport festival, the Arnold Classic, in an interview with body+soul. Eighteen thousand athletes compete in the Arnold Classic, which was once a bodybuilding contest but has since evolved into a sports festival. Through Arnold Classic, Schwarzenegger aims to leave behind a fitness and health legacy.

Schwarzenegger said, “This was my dream when I finished bodybuilding competitions, to not just lift weights for myself, but to lift the entire sport of bodybuilding and to promote health and fitness throughout the world.”

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Arnold said that working out is more comprehensive than any particular sport. The main aim is to make people exercise and stay fit. He said, “We don’t really care what sport you do. What we’re saying to the people is we’re encouraging them to do something. Get off the couch.”

Schwarzenegger wants no couch potatoes

Arnold urges people to leave their couches and stop sticking to screens all day. He does not want them to spend their time watching TV or movies on the couch. “Except if they’re my movies.”, joked Schwarzenegger in the same interview.

Arnold said that as people get older, their muscles start to deteriorate. Individuals must continue working out and hold on to their muscle strength. Schwarzenegger claims that he still works out to stay fit and strong. Arnold claimed he feels happy if people exercise for one hour each day.

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At 20, Schwarzenegger lifted for around 5 hours because he wanted to win all the bodybuilding contests he participated in. At age 70, Arnold worked out for around 90 minutes, but with a different goal.