A look into the mind of possibly the
greatest bodybuilder that ever lived. Arnold Schwarzenegger. This man chose
what it is he wanted to do, and seized it without looking back. In his autobiography
Schwarzenegger gives his readers a taste for what it took to attain the heights
of bodybuilding and also how to develop a herculean physique.
Schwarzenegger had very humble beginnings,
originating in Austria. His journey through bodybuilding began one summer when
he was fifteen years old, “a magical season for me because that year I
discovered exactly what I wanted to do with my life.” (pg.13) He was introduced
to the sport by experienced bodybuilders. They took him under their wing and he
grew. Schwarzenegger learned from them to lift weights properly, and to
understand that growth meant pain. Starting slower, he began three days a week
at the gym lifting weights. Progressing to a full time schedule, going every
day. The sport of bodybuilding was just on the rise at his beginning.
Schwarzenegger though was considered crazy for starting in a sport that was so
small. His parents could not understand his infatuation with the sport. For
Schwarzenegger, it was an enthralling sport. He kept his eyes one the goal of
becoming the best bodybuilder of the entire world. Which he did achieve in the
years forward. One can gather from reading Arnold Schwarzenegger’s
autobiography, what it takes to attain something you want in life. Through
Schwarzenegger, he lived and breathed his passion –-bodybuilding—. He sets an
example for the world, that one can choose something and become the greatest at
it.
The second part of Schwarzenegger’s
book is comprised of workouts and exercises. In this portion he lays down the principles
for building a great physique. He first recommends if, the reader is new to the
sport to work solely on body-weight exercises to build a foundation. From there
he gives the reader direction in the weight room. He stresses exercise from
over quantity provides the reader with a solid well-reasoned explanation for
each of the different aspects of bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger also goes in the
diet and routines that can be used to attain a herculean body. Some things that
this book provides that I have implemented in my personal workout routine are
focus on form in the gym, weak points in physique, extra exercises that develop
muscles overlooked, reasons to do certain exercises and working the calves, forearms
and abdominals every day.
From this book one can gain the
knowledge of what it takes to become a bodybuilder and what it takes to become
a master at something. If simply you would like to gain the knowledge to build
a healthier lifestyle or become better at sports, Schwarzenegger provides a
pathway for the readers. This book appeals to those who want more from life.
