He believed that mental preparation was crucial to overcome fear and build confidence with heavier weights. By repeatedly lifting near-max weights in training, he conditioned his mind to handle the fear associated with heavier lifts.
Arnold described his rivalry with Lou Ferrigno as a psychological game, where he would use tactics like complimenting Lou to make him overconfident. This strategy was partly for entertainment during the filming of 'Pumping Iron' and partly to gain an edge in competitions.
Muhammad Ali influenced Arnold by teaching him the importance of psychological warfare and selling a sport through personality. Arnold adopted similar tactics in bodybuilding to elevate the sport and increase its popularity.
Arnold began his real estate investments by saving money from various jobs, including a mail-order business and a construction business with Franco Columbu. He eventually bought a six-unit apartment building in Santa Monica for $240,000, putting down $27,000.
Arnold believed in gradually increasing the weight and doing multiple sets with near-max weights to condition the mind and body. He emphasized the importance of not just trying, but actually doing the lifts to build mental resilience.
Arnold described Milton Berle as a mentor who taught him the art of comedy and how to use humor in speeches. They often smoked cigars together and Berle helped Arnold with comedic timing and delivery for public appearances.
Arnold believed that training was addictive and essential for maintaining mental and physical well-being as one ages. He described his workouts as a necessary part of his daily routine that made life more vibrant and positive.
Arnold's early experiences in a weightlifting club taught him the importance of basic exercises and building a strong foundation. He emphasized that mastering basic lifts like deadlifts and bench presses was crucial for overall strength and muscle development.
Arnold enjoyed smoking cigars in specific moments, such as after lunch or in the evening, often pairing it with a drive around a new town. He preferred to enjoy cigars in moments that felt special and not just anywhere.
Their rivalry pushed both of them to improve their physiques and performances in their movies. Arnold credited Stallone's discipline and dedication to diet and training as motivation for him to push harder in his own roles.
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GET TO DA CHOPPA!!! Arnold Schwarzenegger joins Tom Segura and Bert Kreischer in the gym for this week’s episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave! The bears are beyond pumped (and maybe a little intimidated) as Arnie entertains them with wild stories from his bodybuilding days and his legendary rivalries with Lou Ferrigno and Sylvester Stallone. Arnold also talks to the bears about his love of cigars, the exercises he helped popularize, his physique, Muhammed Ali, plus the surprising way Milton Berle helped shape his career and so much more!
2 Bears, 1 Cave Ep. 268
https://www.bertbertbert.com/tour
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