Arnold the Education of a Bodybuilder (Book Review)

             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.