Why Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Stop Bodybuilding?

At 14, an ambitious teenager in Austria began lifting weights and eventually became the torchbearer of the sport of bodybuilding. In 2020, after nearly 60 years, the 7 x Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, hung up his hat. Amidst several assumptions concerning the reason, the Austrian Oak settled the dust with his signature style- a humorous and logical answer.      

Two years prior to this significant change in his workout regime, the bodybuilding legend announced that he was done with heavy leg exercises. While Schwarzenegger has reasons for putting his heavy training days behind him, it brings back several memories of the glorious golden era. However, he has not distanced himself from his fitness pursuits, continuing to popularize the science and art of bodybuilding. 

Changing times call for a renewed approach to fitness

In an interview with Extra TV, the Terminator actor revealed why he gave up heavy weights. He explained, “There is no reason to work out as if I am going for the Mr. Olympia or Mr. Universe competition”. “I ride my bike every day. I do cardiovascular every day. It’s -important to me,” the Pumping Iron star said. 

In 2018, the bodybuilding icon revealed that he couldn’t do heavy leg exercises any longer. “My knees are shot. I have to protect my knees because I want to go skiing,” Schwarzenegger explained to Men’s Health. That said, he found his love for cycling. Don’t be surprised if you find the legend riding a bike next to you. “I want to bicycle all over the world.”, is Schwarzenegger’s new motto.

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Moreover, he highlighted the win-win side of cycling. Besides being good exercise for the legs, riding a bicycle gives a chance to “see the town in a totally different way.” 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and bodybuilding are inseparable

 The legend discovered ways to address his exercise requirements and enjoy the run despite limitations. Of course, who else other than the author of the highly proclaimed book, “The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding” would know better about fitness and healthy well-being? Undisputedly, his knowledge results from decades of work and mastering the science of bodybuilding.

Schwarzenegger began his journey as a teenager doing chin-ups in a park. The former bodybuilding champion went on to dominate the international stage of the sport. Despite giving up on weights and heavy exercises, he continues to acquaint himself with the sport as seen by his current endeavor to encourage healthy living, with the daily email ‘Pump Daily.’

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