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Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder
Book by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Douglas Kent Hall
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1977
259 people are currently reading
3061 people want to read
About the author
Arnold Schwarzenegger
77 books1,047 followersArnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor, businessman and politician, and served as the 38th Governor of the state of California.
Arnold gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. Schwarzenegger was nicknamed "The Austrian Oak" and "The Styrian Oak" in his bodybuilding days, "Arnold Strong" and "Arnie" during his acting career, and more recently "The Governator" (A portmanteau word of Governor and Terminator, one of his film roles).
As a Republican, he was first elected on October 7, 2003, in a special recall election to replace then-Governor Gray Davis. Schwarzenegger was sworn in on November 17, 2003, to serve the remainder of Davis's term. Schwarzenegger was then re-elected on November 7, 2006, in California's 2006 gubernatorial election, to serve a full term as governor, defeating Democrat Phil Angelides, who was California State Treasurer at the time. Schwarzenegger was sworn in for a second term on January 5, 2007. In May 2004 and 2007, he was named as one of the Time 100 people who help shape the world.
Schwarzenegger was married to Maria Shriver and has four children.
Schwarzenegger's autobiography, Total Recall, was released in October 2012. He devotes one chapter called "The Secret" to his extramarital affair. The majority of his book is about his successes in the three major chapters in his life: bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California.
Arnold gained worldwide fame as a Hollywood action film icon. Schwarzenegger was nicknamed "The Austrian Oak" and "The Styrian Oak" in his bodybuilding days, "Arnold Strong" and "Arnie" during his acting career, and more recently "The Governator" (A portmanteau word of Governor and Terminator, one of his film roles).
As a Republican, he was first elected on October 7, 2003, in a special recall election to replace then-Governor Gray Davis. Schwarzenegger was sworn in on November 17, 2003, to serve the remainder of Davis's term. Schwarzenegger was then re-elected on November 7, 2006, in California's 2006 gubernatorial election, to serve a full term as governor, defeating Democrat Phil Angelides, who was California State Treasurer at the time. Schwarzenegger was sworn in for a second term on January 5, 2007. In May 2004 and 2007, he was named as one of the Time 100 people who help shape the world.
Schwarzenegger was married to Maria Shriver and has four children.
Schwarzenegger's autobiography, Total Recall, was released in October 2012. He devotes one chapter called "The Secret" to his extramarital affair. The majority of his book is about his successes in the three major chapters in his life: bodybuilder, actor, and Governor of California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
March 22, 2011
Re-reading this one (1981 edition), just for kicks. Always enjoyed the stories of Arnold's rise to fame. I don't subscribe to a lot of the training methods laid out here, but reading this as a kid was hugely inspirational.
It strikes me that people who are wholly consumed with becoming the best suffer a trade-off, just as we lesser known characters do. The single-minded drive that nearly always accompanies people who reach a level of success similar to Arnold's gives them opportunities and experiences we can only imagine, but also sends them off alone into the night, unable to really connect in some way.
It was great fun to read this book again, probably for the third or fourth time (the pictures and exercise segment have been perused hundreds of times, of course). In the edition I read, at least, it was refreshing to hear the unvarnished, rough-around-the-edges versions of some of Arnold's early striving. It is hard not to admire the guy. He decided what he would do, and it seemed impossible, but he did it anyway. There's a lot to be said for that.
I think that, for more purposes and most people, a training program that requires fewer hours in the gym and uses less volume would probably work better, but you can't argue with the body that Arnie built with these methods. He has a lot of advice about freehand exercises and general fitness that are still fairly sound today, and could be used to good effect. One thing I like is that he recommends that beginners use freehand exercises for an interval before jumping into weight training. It's a damn good idea, if people would do it, but they're too impatient in most cases. If you're into lifting weights, this is pretty much a must-read.
It strikes me that people who are wholly consumed with becoming the best suffer a trade-off, just as we lesser known characters do. The single-minded drive that nearly always accompanies people who reach a level of success similar to Arnold's gives them opportunities and experiences we can only imagine, but also sends them off alone into the night, unable to really connect in some way.
It was great fun to read this book again, probably for the third or fourth time (the pictures and exercise segment have been perused hundreds of times, of course). In the edition I read, at least, it was refreshing to hear the unvarnished, rough-around-the-edges versions of some of Arnold's early striving. It is hard not to admire the guy. He decided what he would do, and it seemed impossible, but he did it anyway. There's a lot to be said for that.
I think that, for more purposes and most people, a training program that requires fewer hours in the gym and uses less volume would probably work better, but you can't argue with the body that Arnie built with these methods. He has a lot of advice about freehand exercises and general fitness that are still fairly sound today, and could be used to good effect. One thing I like is that he recommends that beginners use freehand exercises for an interval before jumping into weight training. It's a damn good idea, if people would do it, but they're too impatient in most cases. If you're into lifting weights, this is pretty much a must-read.
January 9, 2015
Published in 1977, during the peak of his bodybuilding career, this book reminds us why Arnold is THE MAN. The book is in two main sections: the story of his rise to prominence, and a bodybuilding guide. He came from a small village in Austria, and against the urgings of his entire family and friends, turned into a champion bodybuilder from sheer willpower. Yes, you may claim that he took steroids, etc, but if you applied the effort to anything in life that he put into building his body, you'd be the best in the world too. Arnold trained 6 days a week, usually 4-6 hours per day. He worked his butt off, day in and day out. His mantra is "stay hungry". He was never satisfied with the life he had, and always sought more. The bodybuilding section of the book is also very well done and worth reading. It doesn't waste time coddling you, like a lot of modern fitness texts. He preaches 5 sets of 10-15 on most exercises, 30-60 second rest periods, and a lot of work. You could skip most of the current fitness stuff and just read this, because after all, who doesn't want to look like Arnold.
September 22, 2019
I was born in the 1990 and didn't know much about Arnold Schwarzenegger other than he was huge, he starred in the movies and became the Governor. I never asked myself HOW he build that body and the book explains exactly that.
To me the most valuable aspect of the book was Arnold's hunger for victory. The man knew he was going to win and went all for it. This spirit comes through the book as a red thread and it is contagious. Setting goals and following through is something we all either heard or done but his goals were more ambitious than most peoples' and his persistence in reaching them deserves respect.
I'm not sure I like him as a person and I appreciated his honesty about himself in the book. Arnold seemed too emotionally distant and too calculating to be considered a nice guy but it is probably irrelevant as his mental attitude is something every person would be good to pick up. Set a goal - break it down - adjust the plan if needed - persist – that's all you need to get the juices of life but how many of us will actually try until we get it? The man did it with bodybuilding, with movies and politics and it is admirable.
After finishing the book I went to the gym and my workout was totally different because I never paid attention to the mental side of it, to talking to the bar, feeling your muscles, imagining your results. His coverage of mental aspects of bodybuilding is as invaluable (maybe more given the time since the publication) as training plans.
It is written in an easy conversational language that makes you feel like he is talking to you. That book was a very pleasant surprise and I was so hooked that want to read his Total Recall to see how he got into the movies and politics.
To me the most valuable aspect of the book was Arnold's hunger for victory. The man knew he was going to win and went all for it. This spirit comes through the book as a red thread and it is contagious. Setting goals and following through is something we all either heard or done but his goals were more ambitious than most peoples' and his persistence in reaching them deserves respect.
I'm not sure I like him as a person and I appreciated his honesty about himself in the book. Arnold seemed too emotionally distant and too calculating to be considered a nice guy but it is probably irrelevant as his mental attitude is something every person would be good to pick up. Set a goal - break it down - adjust the plan if needed - persist – that's all you need to get the juices of life but how many of us will actually try until we get it? The man did it with bodybuilding, with movies and politics and it is admirable.
After finishing the book I went to the gym and my workout was totally different because I never paid attention to the mental side of it, to talking to the bar, feeling your muscles, imagining your results. His coverage of mental aspects of bodybuilding is as invaluable (maybe more given the time since the publication) as training plans.
It is written in an easy conversational language that makes you feel like he is talking to you. That book was a very pleasant surprise and I was so hooked that want to read his Total Recall to see how he got into the movies and politics.
February 27, 2025
i’m gonna go workout now
August 25, 2016
The first half of this book is a little mind-boggling. Imagine having the raw physical talent to be the biggest, baddest bodybuilder mofo in the world. Now that would be satisfying! Read it for the pictures on the inset ;)
May 31, 2017
Tek kelimeyle fenomen, hayat hikayesi için okumanızı tavsiye ederim.
April 22, 2021
First half of the book Arnold writes an autobiography of his entry into bodybuilding and achieving the success he’s had in it. Very interesting read and very fascinating look into the mindset required to become a champion in the field. It was also interest to note too how Arnold would be the first to agree with you if you say he’s single minded, has a bit of an ego or something along those lines, because to him having that ultimate control of his mind that he would always succeed helped him control his body to get the output he needed to win.
The second half includes a lot of helpful exercises and routines to build yourself up. Like taking notes from the master, it’s definitely going to be the part you come back to the most as you develop your personal training. Interesting seeing the focus he puts on form, diet, rest, stretching and notes on muscle biology rather than just a “lift as heavy as you can” approach. Shows the care he went into developing his program and helping you to succeed if you stay focused and don’t try to jump to the big superset program first which he actively discourages.
Great resource for first time gym goers, at home fitness enthusiasts or already developed body builders who want a few tips from the master.
The second half includes a lot of helpful exercises and routines to build yourself up. Like taking notes from the master, it’s definitely going to be the part you come back to the most as you develop your personal training. Interesting seeing the focus he puts on form, diet, rest, stretching and notes on muscle biology rather than just a “lift as heavy as you can” approach. Shows the care he went into developing his program and helping you to succeed if you stay focused and don’t try to jump to the big superset program first which he actively discourages.
Great resource for first time gym goers, at home fitness enthusiasts or already developed body builders who want a few tips from the master.
March 7, 2018
The first part of the book is Arnold explaining his rise in the profession, how he started, what difficulties he went through. Negative feedback from his parents, friends, no body believed in him but he kept going. In the book you can see a lot of old Arnold pictures through the story, when he works out, or win any competition, or any other important to Arnold memories. I found this book really motivating and interesting because Arnold gives out allot of his athlete hints and information that I find useful. I think that people should read this book just so they can see why people should never give up. I did enjoy reading this book a lot and I would suggest to everyone to read this book because it will help down the road in life with about everything.
April 11, 2024
Half of the book is a gem, full of blunt advice much needed by people that are afraid of taking certain steps necessary in the accomplishment of their own objectives. It serves to clear your mind of clutter and develop laser focus for your life's work. Also lots of tips for reframing pain which made me enjoy the gym and hard processes much more.
March 26, 2018
The Education Of a Bodybuilder. The book was great very inspirational. The book shows awesome images of Arnold and his journey to becoming Mr.olympia. He teaches you about the sport and how muscle movements can effect that specific area when lifting. This book gave me motivation when i was tired, down and felt like giving up. Arnold telling me his struggles and success stories motivated me because they made me realize and think "If Arnold can do it i can too". I highly recommend this book to everyone who needs a little motivation in life and for anyone trying to understand fitness and bodybuilding.
September 2, 2013
This Summer was the first time I ever made a promise to myself to stay in shape- to start working out. My father, overjoyed at this prospect, bought me this book at the recommendation of one of his friends at his gym. His friend said that reading this book when he was younger was what got him into his healthier lifestyle. Intrigued, I started reading it one night, and when I did, I couldn't put it down.
You might not know it, looking at him, but Ahnold is a very, very good writer. His memoirs were very interesting; I was kept constantly wondering what made him choose to do that which he did. But the main reason I liked this book so much is the advice Schwarzenegger had for aspiring worker-outers. From food to eat to daily routines, this book has improved the quality of my life. Thanks, Arnold!
You might not know it, looking at him, but Ahnold is a very, very good writer. His memoirs were very interesting; I was kept constantly wondering what made him choose to do that which he did. But the main reason I liked this book so much is the advice Schwarzenegger had for aspiring worker-outers. From food to eat to daily routines, this book has improved the quality of my life. Thanks, Arnold!
July 29, 2016
The book is much shorter than his recent autobiography, but it's about the best parts of being Arnold. The difference between both biographies is that in this one- quotes like
will be found and be immortalized. He talks about girls- how he saw them as objects until meeting that one girl, also how he (very) partly lifted for teh girls..it was an extra incentive for him.
He also talks a lot about the role of the mind in lifting. There were sets of pictures I've never seen before, and his home gym construction/ workout with chairs was a surprise to see.
Anyone looking to read about Arnold in his prime should read this book.
For me life is continuously being hungry. The meaning of life is not simply to exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.
will be found and be immortalized. He talks about girls- how he saw them as objects until meeting that one girl, also how he (very) partly lifted for teh girls..it was an extra incentive for him.
He also talks a lot about the role of the mind in lifting. There were sets of pictures I've never seen before, and his home gym construction/ workout with chairs was a surprise to see.
Anyone looking to read about Arnold in his prime should read this book.
March 21, 2013
The first half of the book is about Arnold's life and how he left his home in Austria to pursue a career in bodybuilding. The second half of the book is all about training methods and techniques so definitely a good read for anyone into bodybuilding.
February 21, 2013
This book has changed me. I've gained so much more motivation, realised so many new things and had my knowledge confirmed.
This book is now my bible.
This book is now my bible.
October 6, 2024
For all bodybuilders , and at a lesser cost than the bigger The Encyclopaedia of Modern Bodybuilding.
Enjoy , and GROW !
Enjoy , and GROW !
Read
July 3, 2023I read this book in the bus on the way to the gym, and on the way back. Reading it was like a mental warm up, before we even get to the physical – “get your blood flowing.” Overall, this book reoriented my mindset about training, answering questions which I have wondered but never bothered to research, or giving new insights after which you can never look at an exercise the same again.
This review will list some of the memorable tips that helped me.
(1) You should be done with your workouts within an hour and a half, 90 minutes. If you are unable to do this, that means you have been resting for too long. I rest for too long, like 2 minutes, what I now have to do is lower the weight and shorten the rest time to 45 seconds between sets. Previously, I convinced myself that it was okay to rest for long with my false aspiration of powerlifting. The most important now is the pump, to get the blood flowing.
(2) No distractions in the gym. Leave everything behind – have a full session of pure Concentration, like you’re trying to be in the realm of Platonic forms. Then, you must have the purity of form. If the form and technique is right, the weight and strength will follow.
(3) Mind should control the muscles. Arnold mentioned that by thinking about it, you should be able to send blood to certain muscles. This is a stage I still have to reach. Another tip was for breathing, you should exhale when you are facing resistance. For example, exhale when you’re pushing the bar off your chest during Bench Press.
(4) Even though I look lean under a shirt or a hoodie, I realized I’m fat. “If it jiggles, it’s fat.” The ideal is that veins should show, so that there is a minimal separation between muscle and skin. I’m at a point where I can’t even assess my physique due to the overbearing amount of fat covering it. I have a lot of work to do. I must train calves, forearms, and neck. Arnold gave me the reassurance that they’re supposed to be tough muscles to grow. If you’re not willing to put in the work, just give up already lol.
(5) The best time to train is early morning, because that’s when you have full energy, plus you don’t have to stress about it for the rest of the day. Otherwise, you can procrastinate and could be full of excuses if you train near the evening.
(6) The importance of stretching. I previously thought bodybuilders were opposed to that, and Arnold addressed the problem of muscles becoming so stiff they’re not functional anymore. Swimming, he recommended, is good as a post-workout.
(7) Eat cashews between meals to control hunger. You have to be hungry for training, and control your hunger for food.
(8) “Almost anything difficult, any challenge, takes time, patience and hard work.” Kill the idea of a short-cut, and an easy way out. Sooner, the better.
(9) He stresses greatly the importance of a training partner – to push you when you’re feeling down. Who makes a good candidate for me?
This review will list some of the memorable tips that helped me.
(1) You should be done with your workouts within an hour and a half, 90 minutes. If you are unable to do this, that means you have been resting for too long. I rest for too long, like 2 minutes, what I now have to do is lower the weight and shorten the rest time to 45 seconds between sets. Previously, I convinced myself that it was okay to rest for long with my false aspiration of powerlifting. The most important now is the pump, to get the blood flowing.
(2) No distractions in the gym. Leave everything behind – have a full session of pure Concentration, like you’re trying to be in the realm of Platonic forms. Then, you must have the purity of form. If the form and technique is right, the weight and strength will follow.
(3) Mind should control the muscles. Arnold mentioned that by thinking about it, you should be able to send blood to certain muscles. This is a stage I still have to reach. Another tip was for breathing, you should exhale when you are facing resistance. For example, exhale when you’re pushing the bar off your chest during Bench Press.
(4) Even though I look lean under a shirt or a hoodie, I realized I’m fat. “If it jiggles, it’s fat.” The ideal is that veins should show, so that there is a minimal separation between muscle and skin. I’m at a point where I can’t even assess my physique due to the overbearing amount of fat covering it. I have a lot of work to do. I must train calves, forearms, and neck. Arnold gave me the reassurance that they’re supposed to be tough muscles to grow. If you’re not willing to put in the work, just give up already lol.
(5) The best time to train is early morning, because that’s when you have full energy, plus you don’t have to stress about it for the rest of the day. Otherwise, you can procrastinate and could be full of excuses if you train near the evening.
(6) The importance of stretching. I previously thought bodybuilders were opposed to that, and Arnold addressed the problem of muscles becoming so stiff they’re not functional anymore. Swimming, he recommended, is good as a post-workout.
(7) Eat cashews between meals to control hunger. You have to be hungry for training, and control your hunger for food.
(8) “Almost anything difficult, any challenge, takes time, patience and hard work.” Kill the idea of a short-cut, and an easy way out. Sooner, the better.
(9) He stresses greatly the importance of a training partner – to push you when you’re feeling down. Who makes a good candidate for me?
May 18, 2024
আর্নল্ড শোয়ের্জনেইগার কে সম্ভবত সবাই কম-বেশী চিনেন। সর্বকালের সেরা বডিবিল্ডারদের যেকোন লিস্টেই তার নাম থাকবে। আর জনপ্রিয়তার কথা নাই বা বললাম। রেকর্ড ৭ বার মিস্টার অলিম্পিয়াড এওয়ার্ড পাওয়া, হলিউডের জনপ্রিয় একশন হিরো বনে যাওয়া, যুক্তরাষ্ট্রের ক্যালিফোর্নিয়া অঙ্গরাজ্যের গভর্নর -ও হয়েছেন.. এবারে একটু বইয়ের কথা বলিঃ
বইটা ২ টা অংশে বিভক্ত। প্রথম ভাগটা আত্মজীবনী গোছের, তার শৈশব জীবন থেকে প্রফেশনাল বডিবিল্ডার হয়ে যাবার বর্ণনা। কীভাবে ফুটবল খেলোয়াড় হতে চাওয়া আর্নল্ড শরীরচর্চার নেশায় পড়লেন, তারপর পাগলের মত পরিশ্রম করেছেন স্বপ্নপূরণের জন্য তা অবাক করার মতো। ব্যায়াম করার সময় যখন সমগ্র শরীরে যন্ত্রণা হতো তখন তিনি যেভাবে চিন্তা দিয়ে নিজেকে কন্ট্রোল করতেন এইটা খুব ইন্টারেস্টিং! আসলে পজিটিভ থিংকিং কে অন্য লেভেলে নিয়ে গিয়েছিলেন তিনি। মিস্টার অলিম্পিক পুরষ্কার জয়ের একবুক স্বপ্ন নিয়ে নিজ দেশ অষ্ট্রিয়া ছেড়ে চলে যান আমেরিকায়, অথচ তখন তিনি ভাষা টা পর্যন্ত জানতেন না। কিন্তু এসব কিছুই তাকে আটকাতে পারে নি। শুরুর দিকে কয়েকটা টুর্নামেন্টে কিছুটা খারাপ হলেও, পরে তিনি আরো বেশী পরিশ্রম করা শুরু করলেন। তারপর, ১৯৭০-৭৫ টানা মিস্টার অলিম্পিক হলেন। সে সময়কার টুর্নামেন্ট চলাকালীন প্রতিপক্ষদের সাথে কনভার্সেশন গুলোও অনেক ইন্টারেস্টিং।
আর, বইয়ের ২য় অংশটা পরামর্শমূলক। যারা শরীরচর্চা করতে চান তাদের জন্য প্রাথমিক গাইড হিসেবে লেখা। কীভাবে শুরু করবে, শুরুতে কী ধরণের সতর্কতা নিতে হবে এইসব আরকি। আর ডায়েট কীভাবে করতে হবে তার ডিটেইলস গাইডলাইন দিয়েছেন। সবশেষে ৩ দিন / ৫ দিন/ ৬ দিনের সাপ্তাহিক ওয়ার্ক আউট প্লযান দিয়েছেন।
দারুণ বই! এথলেটদের চিন্তা ভাবনার প্যাটার্ন টা আসলে খুবই ইন্টারেস্টিং। কীভাবে তারা কম্পিটিটিভ স্পিরিট টাকে ধরে রাখে, সেটাকে ব্যবহার করে কাজ করে এধরণের বেশ কিছু ধারণা পাবেন বইটা পড়ে। সব কিছুর বাইরে বইটা পড়ে মনে হলো শরীরচর্চার দিকে আমার নিজেরও মনোযোগ দেয়া উচিত, সুন্দর-সুস্থ জীবনের জন্য হলেও। ইনশাআল্লাহ...
উল্লেখযোগ্য উক্তিঃ
- Each time my muscles were sore from a workout, i knew they were growing.
- i wasn't normal. I felt that there was more to this life than just plodding through an average existence.
- In 2/3 years, i had already been able to change my body completely. It gave me unbelievable self-confidence.
- I was always honest about my wask points. There were some muscles that seemed to be stubborn. I wrote them on note cards and stuck them around my mirror where i couldn’t avoid seeing them.
- Veins are not particularly attractive to look at, but they tell u a great deal about your condition, about how much or how little fat you have.
- I had thought perhaps he had some special exercises, but that wasn't true. He concentrated on the standard exercise. That was his secret: CONCENTRATION!
- money meant freedom, that in turn meant time to train..
- After my defeat to frank zane, i learned the lesson: the best is NOT the biggest, but the most perfectly developed.
বইটা ২ টা অংশে বিভক্ত। প্রথম ভাগটা আত্মজীবনী গোছের, তার শৈশব জীবন থেকে প্রফেশনাল বডিবিল্ডার হয়ে যাবার বর্ণনা। কীভাবে ফুটবল খেলোয়াড় হতে চাওয়া আর্নল্ড শরীরচর্চার নেশায় পড়লেন, তারপর পাগলের মত পরিশ্রম করেছেন স্বপ্নপূরণের জন্য তা অবাক করার মতো। ব্যায়াম করার সময় যখন সমগ্র শরীরে যন্ত্রণা হতো তখন তিনি যেভাবে চিন্তা দিয়ে নিজেকে কন্ট্রোল করতেন এইটা খুব ইন্টারেস্টিং! আসলে পজিটিভ থিংকিং কে অন্য লেভেলে নিয়ে গিয়েছিলেন তিনি। মিস্টার অলিম্পিক পুরষ্কার জয়ের একবুক স্বপ্ন নিয়ে নিজ দেশ অষ্ট্রিয়া ছেড়ে চলে যান আমেরিকায়, অথচ তখন তিনি ভাষা টা পর্যন্ত জানতেন না। কিন্তু এসব কিছুই তাকে আটকাতে পারে নি। শুরুর দিকে কয়েকটা টুর্নামেন্টে কিছুটা খারাপ হলেও, পরে তিনি আরো বেশী পরিশ্রম করা শুরু করলেন। তারপর, ১৯৭০-৭৫ টানা মিস্টার অলিম্পিক হলেন। সে সময়কার টুর্নামেন্ট চলাকালীন প্রতিপক্ষদের সাথে কনভার্সেশন গুলোও অনেক ইন্টারেস্টিং।
আর, বইয়ের ২য় অংশটা পরামর্শমূলক। যারা শরীরচর্চা করতে চান তাদের জন্য প্রাথমিক গাইড হিসেবে লেখা। কীভাবে শুরু করবে, শুরুতে কী ধরণের সতর্কতা নিতে হবে এইসব আরকি। আর ডায়েট কীভাবে করতে হবে তার ডিটেইলস গাইডলাইন দিয়েছেন। সবশেষে ৩ দিন / ৫ দিন/ ৬ দিনের সাপ্তাহিক ওয়ার্ক আউট প্লযান দিয়েছেন।
দারুণ বই! এথলেটদের চিন্তা ভাবনার প্যাটার্ন টা আসলে খুবই ইন্টারেস্টিং। কীভাবে তারা কম্পিটিটিভ স্পিরিট টাকে ধরে রাখে, সেটাকে ব্যবহার করে কাজ করে এধরণের বেশ কিছু ধারণা পাবেন বইটা পড়ে। সব কিছুর বাইরে বইটা পড়ে মনে হলো শরীরচর্চার দিকে আমার নিজেরও মনোযোগ দেয়া উচিত, সুন্দর-সুস্থ জীবনের জন্য হলেও। ইনশাআল্লাহ...
উল্লেখযোগ্য উক্তিঃ
- Each time my muscles were sore from a workout, i knew they were growing.
- i wasn't normal. I felt that there was more to this life than just plodding through an average existence.
- In 2/3 years, i had already been able to change my body completely. It gave me unbelievable self-confidence.
- I was always honest about my wask points. There were some muscles that seemed to be stubborn. I wrote them on note cards and stuck them around my mirror where i couldn’t avoid seeing them.
- Veins are not particularly attractive to look at, but they tell u a great deal about your condition, about how much or how little fat you have.
- I had thought perhaps he had some special exercises, but that wasn't true. He concentrated on the standard exercise. That was his secret: CONCENTRATION!
- money meant freedom, that in turn meant time to train..
- After my defeat to frank zane, i learned the lesson: the best is NOT the biggest, but the most perfectly developed.
July 22, 2017
This is not the type of book that needs to be read cover-to-cover, but definitely deserves a permanent place on the bedside podium. Written in 1977, the same year the documentary Pumping Iron came out, this book has Arnold's voice in all its confidence, self-delusion, and arrogance at the height of his body building career. This makes it a quaint period-specific text, considering it was written well before Conan the Barbarian, Predator, Terminator or the Governator were present in the public consciousness.
Arnold's unwavering drive clearly predestines his continued success outside of bodybuilding. Like The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, this book tells a great story from a first person perspective, but doesn't get close to the breath of the character himself. It's essential message makes the greater story even more compelling.
Arnold haters will not like this book. That's ok, he doesn't care and neither do I. The second half of the book is a bonafide workout manual featuring exercises Arnold specially developed. The first half is part inspirational story, part self-help intervention. I found a 1st edition without a dust jacket in a neighborhood book-swap, the previous owner's bookmark still tucked into the back with exercise sets written on it.
I keep this book around because for all his shortcomings and questionable actions, I'm still inspired by Schwarzenegger's personal story. Have been since I was a kid. When I crack it open it's like having a workout partner yelling in my ear, telling me to get serious, be the best, and quit making excuses. For instance: "I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way - I hope it never will." These are great things everyone needs to hear regularly, and I like hearing them from one of my heroes.
Arnold's unwavering drive clearly predestines his continued success outside of bodybuilding. Like The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, this book tells a great story from a first person perspective, but doesn't get close to the breath of the character himself. It's essential message makes the greater story even more compelling.
Arnold haters will not like this book. That's ok, he doesn't care and neither do I. The second half of the book is a bonafide workout manual featuring exercises Arnold specially developed. The first half is part inspirational story, part self-help intervention. I found a 1st edition without a dust jacket in a neighborhood book-swap, the previous owner's bookmark still tucked into the back with exercise sets written on it.
I keep this book around because for all his shortcomings and questionable actions, I'm still inspired by Schwarzenegger's personal story. Have been since I was a kid. When I crack it open it's like having a workout partner yelling in my ear, telling me to get serious, be the best, and quit making excuses. For instance: "I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way - I hope it never will." These are great things everyone needs to hear regularly, and I like hearing them from one of my heroes.
September 7, 2023
I was never very athletic growing up, but as I've gotten older I've come to have a better appreciation for the mind-body connection and the necessity of physical fitness.
Body-building is special because it is one of those domains where bullshit doesn't fly. People have all kinds of excuses for not being in good shape. In the world of young men who want to be big and strong, those excuses are ones like, "I'm a hard-gainer. I'm doing everything right but I'm just not getting results." But these are lies, and at the end of the day, your body shows the score. If your body isn't what you want it to be, it's because you're doing something wrong. You're not working out enough, or you're not eating enough.
In many domains, we get away with telling lies. At work, at school, in our relationships. "I'm going to change." "I thought it was due next week." "I did everything to earn that promotion." Sometimes the lies so subtle we don't even know that they are lies. "I'm good at my job." "I'm doing this because I want to do it." "What I'm doing is good for the world." With body-building, you are forced to come to terms with your own reality. You stand naked in front of the mirror, and you see what you have really accomplished.
When it comes to Arnold, it's not the muscles I admire so much as this no-nonsense pragmatism. He tells in this memoir how building his body helped build his mind. And the fact that he has found extraordinary success not only in body-building but in two other vastly different domains as well, entertainment and politics, demonstrates that this mindset has been his real asset.
Work hard, be honest with yourself, and get in the arena. Lay the bricks, build the foundation, put in the time, and offer yourself up for criticism. This is the philosophy that has propelled Arnold to success.
Body-building is special because it is one of those domains where bullshit doesn't fly. People have all kinds of excuses for not being in good shape. In the world of young men who want to be big and strong, those excuses are ones like, "I'm a hard-gainer. I'm doing everything right but I'm just not getting results." But these are lies, and at the end of the day, your body shows the score. If your body isn't what you want it to be, it's because you're doing something wrong. You're not working out enough, or you're not eating enough.
In many domains, we get away with telling lies. At work, at school, in our relationships. "I'm going to change." "I thought it was due next week." "I did everything to earn that promotion." Sometimes the lies so subtle we don't even know that they are lies. "I'm good at my job." "I'm doing this because I want to do it." "What I'm doing is good for the world." With body-building, you are forced to come to terms with your own reality. You stand naked in front of the mirror, and you see what you have really accomplished.
When it comes to Arnold, it's not the muscles I admire so much as this no-nonsense pragmatism. He tells in this memoir how building his body helped build his mind. And the fact that he has found extraordinary success not only in body-building but in two other vastly different domains as well, entertainment and politics, demonstrates that this mindset has been his real asset.
Work hard, be honest with yourself, and get in the arena. Lay the bricks, build the foundation, put in the time, and offer yourself up for criticism. This is the philosophy that has propelled Arnold to success.
July 6, 2021
I really just picked this up on a whim while visiting family in Tennessee. I’ve long been fascinated by Arnold, and in high school I thought bodybuilding was the coolest thing ever (although at that time it was well after Arnold and dominated by the likes of Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler), so I thought I’d give this a shot. I didn’t expect much, but instantly found myself sucked in and fully immersed in the insanity that is Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Arnold is bat shit crazy. I’m starting to come to grips with the fact that the leaders in any field are at least a little, and more than likely, a lot crazy. There’s a special level of single mindedness, obsession, and even paranoia that requires the time, effort, and intensity needed to dominate a field. Arnold is the poster boy for all of that, and I found his passion energizing and magnetic.
The weight training section didn’t click as well for me, even though it was highly amusing. Much of what Arnold (albeit several decades ago), espouses is antiquated at best and harmful at worst. I know the muscle head reading this will point me to the pictures in the book and say “results, bro, results”, and while I’ll always tip my hat to Arnold’s work ethic, I would also say that when he was doing two-hour squatting sessions in the woods while also drinking beer he was (a) super young, (b) perhaps the most genetically gifted person of all time, and (c) chalked full of steroids and God knows what else.
Anyways, if you’re on the fence, I would definitely give you a thumbs up to dive in head first. If nothing else, it’s a trippy good time.
Arnold is bat shit crazy. I’m starting to come to grips with the fact that the leaders in any field are at least a little, and more than likely, a lot crazy. There’s a special level of single mindedness, obsession, and even paranoia that requires the time, effort, and intensity needed to dominate a field. Arnold is the poster boy for all of that, and I found his passion energizing and magnetic.
The weight training section didn’t click as well for me, even though it was highly amusing. Much of what Arnold (albeit several decades ago), espouses is antiquated at best and harmful at worst. I know the muscle head reading this will point me to the pictures in the book and say “results, bro, results”, and while I’ll always tip my hat to Arnold’s work ethic, I would also say that when he was doing two-hour squatting sessions in the woods while also drinking beer he was (a) super young, (b) perhaps the most genetically gifted person of all time, and (c) chalked full of steroids and God knows what else.
Anyways, if you’re on the fence, I would definitely give you a thumbs up to dive in head first. If nothing else, it’s a trippy good time.
March 30, 2024
Superb book. Written in plain English, easy to read.
The first half of the book is his first autobiography, incredible. The second half is Arnold’s thoughts on training, diet etc. not necessary but interesting.
Written by Arnold at the height of his career, 29/30 years old - incredible to think as you read through this book.
Key takeaways:
- Arnold used visualisation regularly.
- His ridiculous self confidence, born out of the work he put in - not naturally given.
- Arnold acted like a winner before he was a winner.
Key highlights:
The secret is contained in a three-part formula I learned in the gym: self-confidence, a positive mental attitude, and honest hard work.
I knew I was a winner. I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way—I hope it never will.
I was working to create the greatest, most perfect body anybody had ever seen.
It doesn't do any good to go through training like a blind man, to just go through the motions. Motions mean nothing. You have to realize what is happening to you. You have to want results.
The mind must carry through. If a man stands there and thinks for one-tenth of a second, "Maybe I can't lift it," it's gone. He will not make the lift.
Positive thinking can be contagious. Being surrounded by winners helps you develop into a winner.
I rushed to the Mr. Olympia contest. I entered the dressing room the way I'd been going in everyplace lately, like I was just taking over. (Top G mindset)
The first half of the book is his first autobiography, incredible. The second half is Arnold’s thoughts on training, diet etc. not necessary but interesting.
Written by Arnold at the height of his career, 29/30 years old - incredible to think as you read through this book.
Key takeaways:
- Arnold used visualisation regularly.
- His ridiculous self confidence, born out of the work he put in - not naturally given.
- Arnold acted like a winner before he was a winner.
Key highlights:
The secret is contained in a three-part formula I learned in the gym: self-confidence, a positive mental attitude, and honest hard work.
I knew I was a winner. I knew I was destined for great things. People will say that kind of thinking is totally immodest. I agree. Modesty is not a word that applies to me in any way—I hope it never will.
I was working to create the greatest, most perfect body anybody had ever seen.
It doesn't do any good to go through training like a blind man, to just go through the motions. Motions mean nothing. You have to realize what is happening to you. You have to want results.
The mind must carry through. If a man stands there and thinks for one-tenth of a second, "Maybe I can't lift it," it's gone. He will not make the lift.
Positive thinking can be contagious. Being surrounded by winners helps you develop into a winner.
I rushed to the Mr. Olympia contest. I entered the dressing room the way I'd been going in everyplace lately, like I was just taking over. (Top G mindset)
March 1, 2018
The Education of a Bodybuilder is a great book by Arnold Schwarzenegger. It mixes his past and the goals he started with, with what he learned to help him achieve his goals and eventually make new ones. It goes into detail about all the things to learn about Arnold’s life.
In this book, Arnold talks about his childhood and when he first started lifting. He talks about the older role models the guys he looked up to and how they helped him get into lifting. He said he loved it right away. The book talks about his journey from going from lifting to starting to do competitive bodybuilding. It talks about what his goal were and you learn alot about his determination and drive to achieve his goals which were to beat all of the bodybuilders in America and become a moviestar in America.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys lifting or wants to learn more about bodybuilding. Anyone interested in Arnold’s life would enjoy this book also. If you want to learn a few of Arnold’s tricks to achieving his goals, you would want to read this book.
In this book, Arnold talks about his childhood and when he first started lifting. He talks about the older role models the guys he looked up to and how they helped him get into lifting. He said he loved it right away. The book talks about his journey from going from lifting to starting to do competitive bodybuilding. It talks about what his goal were and you learn alot about his determination and drive to achieve his goals which were to beat all of the bodybuilders in America and become a moviestar in America.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys lifting or wants to learn more about bodybuilding. Anyone interested in Arnold’s life would enjoy this book also. If you want to learn a few of Arnold’s tricks to achieving his goals, you would want to read this book.
March 15, 2024
The first of three memoirs by Arnold. This first one covers his youth, how he came to love bodybuilding, his Mr. Olympia days, and professional relationship with Joe Weider. Imo, unlike the latter two (Total Recall 3/5 stars and Be Useful 3/5 stars) here Arnold is much more candid about his own insecurities and flaws (for example how in his youth he mimicked his idols’ objectification of women). In the second half of this book Arnold distills advices about bodybuilding and weightlifting, starting with the benefits of such, followed by his top 10 irreplaceable exercises, and concluding with programming various split routines. Throughout both halves of this book Arnold intersplices his life philosophy since youth, which has the ancillary (or perhaps intended) effect of being motivational. At each stage of success, rather than resting on his laurels Arnold remained committed to the idea that the meaning of life “is not to simply exist, to survive, but to move ahead, to go up, to achieve, to conquer.”
August 29, 2017
Respect.
That's what I felt when I first read this book. It really made me appreciate the hard work that Arnold dedicated and put into becoming such an amazing body building athlete. How he was inspired, how he continued to try and achieve his goals, how he was humbled by American body builders, and the story of him driving himself to be better, bigger, stronger. This book really helped me to form that passion I have when I'm in the gym, and old gym with iron weights and concrete walls not the new dating scene hot spot gyms colored cutely in purples and yellows.
This is what it took to be the best. You have to know your weaknesses, you have to embrace your strengths and continue to work your hardest on your flaws. You only give up if you fail but if you want, you can be a foreigner, you can be young, you can be second place, and you can continue to break down walls to be the best.
That's what I felt when I first read this book. It really made me appreciate the hard work that Arnold dedicated and put into becoming such an amazing body building athlete. How he was inspired, how he continued to try and achieve his goals, how he was humbled by American body builders, and the story of him driving himself to be better, bigger, stronger. This book really helped me to form that passion I have when I'm in the gym, and old gym with iron weights and concrete walls not the new dating scene hot spot gyms colored cutely in purples and yellows.
This is what it took to be the best. You have to know your weaknesses, you have to embrace your strengths and continue to work your hardest on your flaws. You only give up if you fail but if you want, you can be a foreigner, you can be young, you can be second place, and you can continue to break down walls to be the best.
August 20, 2023
Enjoyable read of Arnold’s path to success as a bodybuilder. In the book, Schwarzenegger shares his challenges such as:
- growing up with parents who weren’t supportive of his move into bodybuilding or his desire to move to the US
- being looked on as strange for his love of lifting weights
- living away from home with little to no money
- training to fix his weaknesses, both physical and mentally while also recognising he needed to become a nicer person
and his successes in bodybuilding, where he explains his determination and the power of being mentally strong.
In the second half of the book, Schwarzenegger goes into detail (the why, the how etc) of his training program with recommendations for everyone from novices to experts if they want to get in better shape.
Note: This is one of his earlier books, and prior to him becoming a movie star (I read the 2005 edition, originally published in 1977).
- growing up with parents who weren’t supportive of his move into bodybuilding or his desire to move to the US
- being looked on as strange for his love of lifting weights
- living away from home with little to no money
- training to fix his weaknesses, both physical and mentally while also recognising he needed to become a nicer person
and his successes in bodybuilding, where he explains his determination and the power of being mentally strong.
In the second half of the book, Schwarzenegger goes into detail (the why, the how etc) of his training program with recommendations for everyone from novices to experts if they want to get in better shape.
Note: This is one of his earlier books, and prior to him becoming a movie star (I read the 2005 edition, originally published in 1977).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
act47-org
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November 1, 2018
"Strength and confidence, plus a firsthand knowledge of the rewards of hard work and persistence, can help you attain a new and better life." This book was written shortly after Arnold stopped competing in the 70s. It's an early bio of his time in high school through winning his many competitions. It mostly focuses on his training and the lessons learned. It also details a workout and eating plan for someone brand new to strength training. Perhaps the most important part of this book though is his emphasis on the importance of a positive mental attitude, work ethic, vision, and goal setting. It's the key to his - and any athlete's - success, but it goes far beyond the field of sports into every person's daily life.
August 13, 2024
I found it quite intriguing, earning a solid 3.5 out of 5 from me. The book splits into two distinct parts; the first chronicles his journey to becoming one of, if not the most, renowned bodybuilders ever. This section captivated me with Arnold’s unwavering determination and his unique mindset—his certainty not in whether he would achieve his goals, but simply when. His perspective simplifies life’s decisions, a lesson in the power of assured ambition.
The latter part of the book, which I’ve left for future reference, dives into his specific training routines.
The biographical content truly resonated with me, portraying Arnold as not just a bodybuilder but a man driven by an undeniable self-belief.
The latter part of the book, which I’ve left for future reference, dives into his specific training routines.
The biographical content truly resonated with me, portraying Arnold as not just a bodybuilder but a man driven by an undeniable self-belief.
December 13, 2024
Really impressed with the book, my expectations were low I was half expecting the content of only his achievements etc., showcasing the nice side of things. An interesting read, you will get to know first hand of his grit, his cunning, showmanship and how Arnold grabbed opportunities whenever he could. He did get help, however you still have to give it to him for going against the odds, including his family who were not encouraging, and achieved world wide fame.
The book is divided into two sections, the first section detailing his journey to the top and the second section on the exercise programs he followed. No nonsense here, all the good stuff with advice on how to maintain balance physically and mentally. Kudos to Arnie, your the man!!
The book is divided into two sections, the first section detailing his journey to the top and the second section on the exercise programs he followed. No nonsense here, all the good stuff with advice on how to maintain balance physically and mentally. Kudos to Arnie, your the man!!
July 24, 2017
Somewhat similar to the other book by Arnold (Modern Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding). This book reads more like a self-help and biography book where you get brief glimpses of Arnold's life after he decided he wanted to be a bodybuilder, his motivations and attitude towards the sport and life, and his setbacks.
A key takeaway from this book is his consistent emphasis on proper form when executing exercises.
Sadly, as with the encyclopedia, this book does not include in-depth detail of nutrition and diet. After Chapter 4 he suggests some program outlines for interested newbies to follow. Good introduction book for beginners and amateurs.
A key takeaway from this book is his consistent emphasis on proper form when executing exercises.
Sadly, as with the encyclopedia, this book does not include in-depth detail of nutrition and diet. After Chapter 4 he suggests some program outlines for interested newbies to follow. Good introduction book for beginners and amateurs.
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