It’s hard to overstate the contribution Arnold Schwarzenegger made to bodybuilding. Arnold didn’t just compete on stage but also put bodybuilding on the sports map. In Arnold’s words, bodybuilding is an art, and bodybuilders are like sculptors. But unlike sculptors, bodybuilders sculpt their bodies instead of stones. However, the former Mr. Olympia didn’t prefer how the sport changed.

In 2018, Men’s Health celebrated its 30th anniversary. To commemorate the milestone, the seven-time Mr. Olympia sat down for an exclusive interview with Lou Schuler of Men’s Health. During the interview, he shared a blunt take on the changing aesthetics in bodybuilding. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger didn’t have kind words

During the interview, Arnie recounted his long and successful bodybuilding career and a lifelong love for bodybuilding. Schuler said looking at pictures of bodybuilders from the 70s inspired him to work out. However, he also said, “It’s hard to imagine anyone being motivated by today’s top bodybuilding pros. Why do you think the aesthetic changed?”

The Austrian Oak didn’t hold back when he answered. “Sports develop, and the performances evolve, and it gets exaggerated,” said the former Mr. Olympia. “Not everyone wants to see pregnant-looking men onstage,” commented Arnold. Around the time of the interview, many top Olympia contenders, including seven-time winner Phil Heath, faced the infamous “bubble gut” issue.

Over the years, bodybuilders have chased muscle mass. Dorian Yates kicked off the “mass monster” in the 90s, and today Big Ramy competes at nearly 300 lbs on stage. According to Arnold, posing has also deteriorated. “In the old days, we posed every day for half an hour,” He said, flexing each muscle takes a lot of oxygen, but Arnold and his contemporaries taught themselves to smile.

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However, today, bodybuilders run out of breath after four poses and begin shaking, said Arnold. “When you see the faces onstage, it’s horrifying,” said the bodybuilding icon. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s attention to detail

Arnold Schwarzenegger believed in developing every aspect of the body. Instead of focusing on a single element, like muscle mass, the former champion also focused on muscle definition, balance, and posing. In fact, Arnold mastered posing after training with ballet teachers.

Arnold said the ballet teachers taught many things that improved his posing routine. “The hand movement and the way how to look, how to move slowly and how the eyes have to move… how they’ll show confidence.” Arnold once said in an interview.

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Do you agree with Arnold’s take on bodybuilding?