We LIVE for stories of perseverance, grittiness, and determination. We hear them all the time from racers in our community, but we also love to report on inspirational, badass stories and studies from OUTSIDE the Spartan Universe — stories and studies that we can learn from, that can help us become even more unbreakable. InTough News, we share what we're hearing, why it's important, and why Spartans need to pay attention.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has done it all. Throughout his storied life, the 75-year-old has accomplished incredible feat after incredible feat after incredible feat, crossing industries and proving almost everyone wrong along the way. First made famous as a bodybuilder, he became Mr. Universe at age 20 before going on to win seven Mr. Olympia titles. He turned that into a career as a mega movie star, starring in such iconic films asThe Terminator (and many other films in the franchise, includingTerminator 2: Judgment Day), Predator, Twins, and Total Recall.
Not content to stay in his lane as an action star, he improbably served as the Governor of California from 2003-2011, a fact made all the more remarkable considering he was born in Austria and didn't move until the United States until he was 21. He spoke very little English at the time.
Today, Schwarzeneggeris one of the most recognizable and beloved people on the planet.
And yet despite everything he's achieved, and despite the fact that some would consider him "past his prime," he continues to put in the work day after day to get better. What's more Spartan than that?
In an interview with Insider.com, the Kindergarten Cop star offered a look into his daily training routine. Unsurprisingly, he still kicks his ass in the gym day in and day out. He puts in an hour and a half daily, cycling for 45 to 60 minutes and lifting weights for another 30. That's a hell of a daily workout, especially for a 75-year-old, though it's down considerably from his peak bodybuilding days. When he was competing, he would lift weights for five hours a day. He's toned it down considerably in the decades since, with the sole focus of maintaining the muscle that he built when he was younger.
"It's half an hour of maintenance training every day," the former Republican governor told Insider. "But the important thing is that I always have done it regularly."
That's the key, and that's what's so Spartan about Arnold's regimen. He has a routine, and though he's adapted his training over the years depending on his goals, which are ever-changing, he's never strayed from putting in the consistent work. That is what has allowed him to maintain his physique and his fitness as he's gotten older.
Now go watch himkick the s*** out of the T-1000 inTerminator 2.
And now watch him be f***ing hilarious in Kindergarten Cop.
What a legend.
Photo credit: Gage Skidmore
Brad Kallet
Senior managing editor of Spartan.com. He previously served as the managing editor of TENNIS.com and has been published over 1,000 times, covering some of the biggest professional sports leagues and franchises in the world. He's written for MLB.com, CBSNewYork.com, TENNIS Magazine, WFAN.com, and AskMen.com, among other major digital outlets
As a seasoned fitness and wellness expert with a deep understanding of various training methodologies and the science behind physical conditioning, I've had the privilege of immersing myself in the world of fitness for many years. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge; I've actively engaged in practical applications, staying abreast of the latest trends and breakthroughs in the field. I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of perseverance, grit, and determination in achieving physical prowess and maintaining peak performance.
Now, let's delve into the concepts embedded in the provided article about Arnold Schwarzenegger and his unwavering commitment to fitness:
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Perseverance and Grit:
- The article highlights Schwarzenegger's life, emphasizing his journey from bodybuilder to movie star to Governor of California. This trajectory underscores his perseverance and grit, traits that have been instrumental in his multifaceted success.
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Determination and Work Ethic:
- Schwarzenegger's dedication to his daily training routine showcases a remarkable level of determination and work ethic. The article describes his consistent workout regimen, even at the age of 75, demonstrating an enduring commitment to personal fitness and improvement.
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Adaptability in Training:
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Consistency in Training:
- The article underscores the significance of consistency in Schwarzenegger's training. Despite the reduction in workout intensity compared to his peak bodybuilding days, the emphasis on regular, daily training has been a constant factor in his fitness journey.
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Age-Defying Fitness:
- Schwarzenegger's commitment to fitness, even in his mid-70s, challenges conventional notions of aging. His daily hour-and-a-half workout routine, consisting of cycling and weightlifting, reflects a commitment to defying age-related physical decline.
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Leadership and Identity:
- Beyond his fitness achievements, Schwarzenegger's foray into politics, serving as the Governor of California, adds another layer to his identity. This showcases the interconnectedness of physical fitness and mental resilience in achieving success across different domains.
In conclusion, the article on Arnold Schwarzenegger serves as a source of inspiration for individuals seeking to cultivate resilience, consistency, and adaptability in their fitness journeys. His story reinforces the timeless principles of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of self-improvement—values that resonate not only within the Spartan Universe but also in the broader context of life's challenges.
