In the video: Schwarzenegger compares the riots in the Capitol to Kristallnacht (Photo: Reuters)
Arnold Schwarzenegger shared his workout tips with people looking to start their fitness journey.
The bodybuilding legend and former governor of California recently hosted "Ask Me Anything" on the Reddit forum r/Fitness.
There, he answered fans' questions about everything from his daily workout schedule, to the benefits of working out at a public gym, to his favorite protein shake recipe.
"Since I started my daily fitness newsletter, I started getting questions from readers, and I remembered how much I love it," he said, "My team told me it's been almost a decade since I answered questions here. Should we go for it?".
After answering questions on Reddit, Schwarzenegger compiled the highlights into a post for his weekly newsletter, "The Pump Daily," specifically about his workout tips for beginners.
So here are five fitness tips for beginners from the one and only Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Start small
"My advice to beginners is really simple: start," he wrote, "and then don't stop until it becomes routine. For many people, the first step is the hardest. So find something, anything you can do."
Schwarzenegger suggested starting small with a 30-minute walk.
For those who walk all day but want to gain more strength, try doing five push-ups followed by five sit-ups.
Then, drop down to four push-ups and four sit-ups.
"Rest if necessary" he added.
Continue down to three push-ups and three sit-ups, then two and two, then one and one for a total of 15 push-ups and 15 sit-ups.
"If it was easy, start with 10 next time," he said.
the master.
Arnold Schwarzenegger once upon a time (Photo: TPS, AFP/AFP)
Keep the momentum going
In his newsletter, the action star explained that maintaining momentum is one of the most important parts of a beginner's fitness journey — which is why he said he "encourages everyone to set achievable goals when they're just starting out."
For example, he suggested exercising 10 minutes every day for a month, then 15 minutes a day.
"Motivation is fleeting, but the routine is what takes you further," he said, "You have to make it a routine. Do everything you can do every day for a month, and then add to it."
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Track each workout
One fan asked Schwarzenegger if it's helpful to track progress during a workout, and how he recommends doing it.
The star responded that he used to track each of his workouts, adding: "I used a chalkboard in the gym and marked my reps. I wrote it down ahead of time and then marked each set when I finished. You can use your phone for that or music at the gym."
Avoid using phones in the gym
Speaking of phones, Schwarzenegger is very much in favor of staying disconnected during a workout.
On Reddit, he often shared that he doesn't like seeing people on their phones at the gym.
When one disappointed fan shared that they were sad they missed his Reddit AMA (because they were in the middle of training), the Austrian actor still praised them for getting off the grid.
"We're devastated we missed it," they wrote, "however, proud to say that 5 hours ago (the length of the AMA unfortunately) I was busy in the gym."
"Champion," Schwarzenegger replied, "I'm proud of you for not being on your phone at this time."
He also made sure to point out a study that suggested using your phone before exercise can reduce strength by nearly 30 percent.
Add protein to the menu
For those just starting to exercise, Schwarzenegger recommends incorporating protein into the diet, especially for those trying to gain weight and muscle mass.
"Focus on simple things," he said, "get protein at every meal... every time you put food in your mouth, make sure there's a protein source there. I have a test group doing this simple challenge and they've seen crazy results."
Schwarzenegger's favorite protein.
Scrambled omelet (Photo: ShutterStock)
Meanwhile, Schwarzenegger's favorite muscle-maintaining foods are omelets or scrambled eggs with "a vegetable in them," along with a salad for lunch.
For breakfast he also enjoys yogurt with granola, and almonds or a protein shake as a snack.
"For dinner I only eat vegetable soup," he added.
As for the protein shake recipe, Schwarzenegger goes for plant-based protein powder with a banana, almond milk, some cherry juice and one special ingredient.
"If I'm feeling crazy, then schnapps," he said.
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