Arnold Schwarzenegger is a name that needs no introduction. He’s an Austrian-American who has achieved numerous accomplishments in his life. From being a professional bodybuilder and powerlifter to starring in blockbuster movies like Terminator, he has done it all.
Not to mention, he even served as a republican senator in California for two terms. Despite his highly publicized divorce from Maria Shriver, Arnold remains a fan favorite and an icon in the entertainment industry.
So, what’s the secret behind his success? Well, it turns out that he follows some specific habits that help him stay happy and healthy. At 75 years old and with a net worth of $450 million, Arnold’s daily routine includes several essential practices, including meditation and smiling. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into his routine and see what makes him the ultimate action hero.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Daily Routine
Mornings
You might know him as the Terminator or the Governator, but did you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger is also a morning person? At the ripe age of 76, the fitness icon still rises at 6 a.m. after a solid six hours of sleep.
According to Men’s Health, Schwarzenegger’s mornings are all about getting organized and setting the tone for the day. His routine starts with making coffee and feeding his dogs, Whiskey and Lulu. While sipping his coffee, he checks his emails and reads a few newspapers. And as soon as he finishes his cup of joe, he hops on his bike and heads to the gym for a workout.
Schwarzenegger’s commitment to exercise is no secret. The former bodybuilder, actor, and politician has always believed in the discipline and control that daily training can bring to his life. In fact, he works out for up to 1.5 hours a day, which includes cycling for 45 to 60 minutes and lifting weights for 30 minutes. As he puts it, “Now I work out to maintain as much as I can as I get older.”
After his workout, Schwarzenegger refuels with a breakfast of three eggs and a cup of oatmeal. It’s the first time of the day that he lets himself start thinking.
Afternoon
So you think you can keep up with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s intense morning workout routine? Well, even the Terminator needs some R&R after sweating it out at the gym.
Arnold’s secret to recharging? It’s all about soaking up some natural sunlight. You’ll often catch him spending time outdoors or even hitting up a tanning bed to get his daily dose of vitamin D.
But that’s not all. Arnold also knows the importance of taking care of himself, and that means scheduling some self-care time. Whether it’s getting a soothing massage or simply taking a break to relax and unwind, he knows how to kick back and give his body and mind the TLC it needs.
So don’t feel guilty about taking a break after your morning workout. Take a cue from the Terminator and give yourself permission to chill out and recharge.
Evenings
The man of steel doesn’t just focus on pumping iron all day long, he also knows the importance of winding down and getting a good night’s sleep.
To achieve this, Schwarzenegger makes sure he establishes a consistent bedtime routine. He likes to take a relaxing hot bath or read a good book before hitting the hay. By sticking to the same routine every night, he’s able to get the rest he needs to be at his best the next day.
And get this, the Terminator has a golden rule of not bringing his iPad or iPhone into the bedroom. That’s right, he knows that staring at screens before bed can mess with his sleep, so he leaves them outside the bedroom door.
Overall, Schwarzenegger’s daily routine shows us the importance of discipline, consistency, and self-care when it comes to achieving success. He keeps his living space clean, trains hard, gets plenty of sunlight, and makes sure to set aside time for relaxation. It’s these small things that have helped him stay focused and driven for decades, leading to his tremendous wealth and success.
5 Habits That Made Arnold Schwarzenegger Successful
1. Visualize Your Goals
Schwarzenegger has always approached any task with a simple mantra: “Here’s the goal, and whatever it takes to get there, I will do.” He believes in visualizing himself at the top right from the start. Psychologists suggest that “seeing is believing” is an effective way to reach your goals.
2. Meditate
When he was introduced to Transcendental Meditation, Schwarzenegger found it to be a life-changing moment. He recommends sitting with your eyes closed for 15 to 20 minutes, repeating a specific phrase or mantra as you inhale and exhale. This habit can help you disconnect your mind, focus, and calm down.
3. Take Breaks
Schwarzenegger breaks up his output into 45 to 60 minutes of diligent, streamlined attention, followed by a break. During this time, he might play chess, work out or do something else that stimulates a different part of his brain. Science supports this philosophy, explaining that short stints of productivity are more effective than long hauls.
4. Compete with Yourself
Instead of comparing himself to others or making his success based on beating someone else, Schwarzenegger turned his sights toward what he wanted to personally achieve, without setting benchmarks against anyone. This approach allows him to avoid any feelings of inadequacy or anger, giving him a clearer path to his own pursuits.
5. Smile
Schwarzenegger’s big ‘ole smile is a habit that has kept his mental space thriving. Psychologists note that giving a flash of those pearly whites to anyone, including yourself, can change your attitude and take you further than a frown.