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 8,500+ 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 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Beyond Obesity
Ozempic! AirSculpt! Body positivity! The revolution in how we gain and lose weight and how we think about gaining and losing weight is just beginning.
Are Weight-Loss Drugs Right for You?
If you're thinking about taking anti-obesity drugs, peep this expert-backed* chart to see if you qualify, then make an appointment with your doctor.
6 A.M. With...The CEO of Robinhood
Regular sweat sessions help Vlad Tenev feel confident and in control even when the stock market is all over the place.
"I'm Big and I'm Strong"
These guys have dealt with fatphobia, body shaming, and the pressure to lose weight their entire lives. Here's how they developed a mentally healthy approach to the number on the scale.
JOHN BRZENK IS STILL GOING STRONG
At nearly 60 years old, BRZENK is holding his own at arm wrestling tables the world over. What the hell?
THE BODY BIBLE
THE QUEST TO BUILD THE BODY YOU WANT FEELS NEVER-ENDING. BUT IT'S POSSIBLE, AS LONG AS YOU UNDERSTAND THE EVER-EVOLVING SCIENCE OF TRAINING. OVER THE NEXT 22 PAGES, WE'RE GIVING YOU CUTTING-EDGE TIPS TO TRAIN EVERY MAJOR PART (LEGS, GLUTES, BACK, ABS, CHEST, AND ARMS)-ALL FROM THE FINEST ATHLETES AND TRAINERS ON THE PLANET.
THE NEW (AND OLD!) WEIGHT-LOSS METHODS
There are many ways to lose weight these days. We spoke to four guys about the method they chose, and how it affected their lives.
WHERE HAS YOUR ATTENTION GONE?
If you're feeling distractedstay with me-there are fixes.
WHAT THERAPY TAUGHT ME
How talking to a psychotherapist helped the author and multi-hyphenate superstar understand his past and better navigate the future.
STREEEETCH YOURSELF IN 2024
Stressed about the state of the world and/or your sanity? We've got four tools to help you adapt and succeed over the coming year.