Arnold Schwarzenegger is staring past the row of weight machines, past the chain-link fence that outlines Gold's Gym in Venice, California. IIe's been taking me through his five-round morning shoulder circuit, and we're supposed to be starting the fourth round, moving from exercise to exercise with no rest.
No matter. Two women beyond the fence just snapped iPhone pictures of himand Arnold noticed. Hello! How are you doing? he says. They ask if they can take pictures. Of course, he says. You're in a public place. It's a sidewalk. You can do whatever you want.
Schwarzenegger pauses. Did you take the picture? How did I look? The reply: Awesome. You just made my day, he says. The women smile. Arnold wedges himself into a shoulder-press machine and pounds out 11 reps.
Immediately after that, he beckons actor friend Douglas Farrell to flex for the cameras. When Farrell tightens his biceps, Arnold shakes his head. Now flex. Farrell flexes his chest instead. Arnold nods. And when a powerlifter from Ohio, Cory Gregory (better known as @corygfitness on Instagram, with 197,000 followers), stops him, they shake hands. Minutes later, during his finishing arm circuit, Arnold stops doing dips so he can stand behind me during my preacher curls, hands on my biceps. Think biceps, he says loudly. Then he leans in closer. Make this, he whispers, your best set ever.
I crush 12 reps, and here Arnold says, Perfect. I freeze for a moment. Did he say that about me?
This story is from the July - August 2023 edition of Men's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July - August 2023 edition of Men's Health US.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE NEW CHANGE MUSCLE MAKERS
WITH SYSTEMIC ISSUES both inside and outside the health-and-wellness industry, fitness professionals from marginalized backgrounds have long been held back.
ROCK BERMUDA
Cliff-jumping! Lunker-landing! Wreck-diving! I've lived on and off the Isle of Devils for 30 years. These are my five favorite adventures.
AWESOME-IFY YOUR SALMON
Chef CHARLIE MITCHELL says the key to balanced food and fitness is a little bit of everything.
BEET THIS!
Supplement makers say beet powders and juices help your heart and your workouts. We got to the root of those promises.
THE THROAT
Soreness, dryness, coughing-throat stuff can be the worst. Here's how to tell when something's up in there and feel better fast.
ARE YOUNG PEOPLE AGING FASTER?
And is that why cancer is striking earlier and earlier?
THE BAD DOCTOR
When patients kept nearly dying at asurgical center in Dallas, nobody thought it might be an inside job. Here’s howateam of medical investigators uncovered the disturbing truth— and how you can protect yourself from quacks, hacks, and downright dangerous docs.
HOW TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH HIM
Well, not literally. But in the \"gnawing rat\" theory of productivity, making peace with your metaphorical pests might be the quickest way to stop procrastinating and finally ditch dread.
PUT YOUR SAVINGS TO WORK
... with big returns, no hassle, and way less financial stress.
THE STRESS LESS GUIDE ΤΟ MANAGING MONEY
Don't worry: Creating a budget has nothing to do with it.
