At 78, Arnold Schwarzenegger still hits the gym nearly every day, but his workouts don’t look anything like the five-hour sessions that built his Mr. Olympia physique. These days, the actor and former governor of California keeps his training shorter, smarter, and more joint-friendly.
The bodybuilding icon says his approach had to evolve after decades of lifting heavy weights. Instead of trying to outdo his younger self, he’s focused on maintaining strength, flexibility, and balance. Here, we’ll look at how he has adapted his training with age and what lessons anyone—no matter their fitness level—can take from his routine.
How Schwarzenegger adapted his training
Schwarzenegger started lifting weights at 15 and spent much of his life training like a machine, sometimes for up to five hours a day. “That’s a lot of stress on the body”, he told Business Insider. “The body was not meant to do all that”.
Now, his workouts last about 90 minutes, and he prioritizes longevity over volume. Instead of chasing records, he focuses on consistent movement and proper form. He’s traded many of his heavy barbell lifts for exercise machines that reduce strain on his shoulders and knees. “For me today, the machines are better simply because there are certain movements I can’t do because of shoulder problems or knee problems”, he said.
It’s not about giving up intensity—it’s about working smarter. Machines allow him to isolate muscles safely and maintain strength without risking injury. He still includes core movements like squats, rows, and presses, but he adjusts the load and pace to fit his body’s needs.
A typical routine includes around 25 sets of weight training combined with cardio. He often rides his bike for about 45 minutes, mixing endurance and recovery. When life throws a curveball—like a flat tire, he says—he keeps moving anyway, even if it means walking home instead.
That consistency is what keeps him strong. He’s proof that fitness is about staying active for life. “When people start having pain, then they start limiting the amount of things that they do”, he said. “When you start doing that, then the danger is it’s the beginning of death because movement is life“.
What you can learn from Schwarzenegger’s approach
Schwarzenegger’s evolution offers valuable lessons for anyone who wants to train safely and effectively, whether you’re new to the gym or trying to stay active with age. Here’s how to apply his philosophy:
- Start with free weights. If you’re learning to lift, begin with dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbells. They train balance, coordination, and stabilizing muscles.
- Switch to machines when needed. As joints age or injuries appear, machines can help you stay strong without putting extra stress on your body.
- Focus on basic moves. Squats, deadlifts, rows, and bench presses remain the foundation of any solid program.
- Stay consistent. A shorter daily workout is better than an occasional long one.
- Listen to pain, don’t fear it. Adjust when something hurts, but don’t stop moving altogether. Modify instead of quitting.
- Mix in cardio. Activities like biking or brisk walking help with endurance, heart health, and joint mobility.
Schwarzenegger’s training shows that strength isn’t only measured by how much you lift, but by how long you keep showing up. His advice is simple: move your body every day, adapt as you age, and never stop training.