“Milk Is for Babies”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Only Consumed Beer While Working Out During His Early Bodybuilding Days

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a bodybuilding icon. The Austrian came to America in 1968 and immediately established himself as a top bodybuilder. By 1970, Arnold had captured the coveted Mr. Olympia title. He would win it six times in a row until 1975. However, Arnold also returned in 1981 to win the title for the seventh time. In 1975, Arnold became the subject of the docu-drama ‘Pumping Iron’.

Upon its 1977 release, Pumping Iron became an instant classic. Decades later, the film continues to inspire generations of aspiring bodybuilders. The film captured Arnold’s work ethic and champion mindset. However, one dialogue from the movie regarding beer has become iconic. In a 2019 interview with GQ, Arnold explained the context behind it.

Arnold Schwarzenegger decoded his famous statement:

In 2019, the seven-time Mr. Olympia had a conversation with GQ. During the interview, Arnold broke down his most iconic characters and revealed details no one knew. One of the first things Arnie decoded was his iconic statement, “Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer.” In the film, Arnie made the statement when his co-star questioned him, “You drink skim milk, don’t you?”

“The saying, ‘milk is for babies, and I drink beer,’ that is because of my Munich days.” the seven-time Mr. Olympia explained. The Austrian Oak said he moved from his hometown to Munich, Germany when he was 19. Arnie trained there until turning 21. Arnie said most gyms would have milk bottles lined across the windows, and bodybuilders would drink them while working out.

However, the Hollywood icon’s gym had a restaurant downstairs. “We always got huge steins of beer. So we had just beer all around the windows,” said Arnold. “I refused to drink any milk because I hated milk, and so beer was really for me to drink to have while I was working out.” said the bodybuilding icon. 

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When Arnold was 20, he won his first Mr. Universe (amateur) title. In 1968, at 21, the Austrian Oak won his first professional Mr. Universe title.

Becoming Mr. Olympia

In 1968 Arnold immigrated to America. Before he became Mr. Olympia, Arnold trained and competed in the Mr. Universe (Pro) contest. Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Universe title two more times in 1969 and 1970.

Besides winning his third Mr. Universe (Pro) title, in 1970, Arnold defeated Sergio Oliva and captured his first Mr. Olympia title.

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While many bodybuilders might avoid drinking beer, Arnold drank it while working out. However, it didn’t hold Arnold back from winning bodybuilding contests.