Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Really Incorporate Cardio into His Fitness Routine?

The 1980s was an action-packed and testosterone-filled decade for Hollywood. The most successful action stars were Arnold the Austrian Oak Schwarzenegger and Sylvester “Sly” Stallone. These gun-toting, violent, and explosive characters these men played tugged at the hearts of young men aspiring to be as filled with raw masculinity as the iconic Arnold and Sly.

However, Arnold Schwarzenegger was bigger. He wasn't the Terminator for no reason. Bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts look up to him as a role model because it’s apparent that his workout regime works wonders. To build such a muscular and iconic body, did Arnold incorporate cardio into his routine? Let’s delve into the details and uncover the facts!

Did Arnold Do Cardio - Arnold Himself Says “YES!”

After all, your heart is the strongest muscle of all. In 1984, Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote in an article for Muscle and Fitness that his cardiovascular workouts were essential for trimming his waistline and losing weight before a competition. However, Arnold didn’t really focus on cardiovascular exercises for overall health.

During his youth, cardiovascular exercises were a foreign concept to Arnold. Now, thinking back, he regrets not doing more cardio. Not just for waistline trimming but also for the health of his heart. When his acting career took off, Arnold dedicated more time to cardiovascular exercises. He needed a faster method to burn calories compared to weightlifting alone.

Arnold's cardio routine included activities such as riding an exercise bike or elliptical machine before hitting the weights. He also did cardio from time to time by hiking or riding a bicycle. At the end of his article, Arnold emphasizes the importance of fitting in some cardio workouts daily. He concludes that if you want to be lean, live long, and stay healthy, cardio is a vital component to include in your workout regime.

Health and Fitness Tips from Arnold

Though most of Arnold's health and fitness tips revolve around weightlifting and bodybuilding, he also has valuable insights on other forms of exercise, including cardio. Here are some of his fitness advice that can be applied to any workout routine, including cardio exercises:

Warm-up First: Always start with a warm-up to prepare your body for the workout. Progression is Key: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your cardio sessions over time. Consistency is King: Cardio workouts should be a consistent part of your fitness routine. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how your body feels during and after each cardio session. Mix It Up: Vary your cardio activities to avoid boredom and maintain a balanced fitness routine.

References

Arnold Schwarzenegger. (1984). “My Cardio Workout.” Muscle and Fitness. Retrieved from

Arnold Schwarzenegger. (1990). Total Muscle. New York: McGraw-Hill. Retrieved from _Muscle

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Arnold do cardio? Yes, Arnold Schwarzenegger incorporated cardio into his fitness routine, especially during his competitive bodybuilding days. He used it to trim his waistline and lose extra weight before a contest. Why did Arnold do cardio? Arnold did cardio for waistline trimming and fat loss, not primarily for overall health. He later regretted not doing more cardio for his heart health. What types of cardio did Arnold do? Arnold did various cardio exercises, including riding a bike, using an elliptical machine, hiking, and riding a bicycle.