Supported by an expert from Banner Health.

According to Arnold Pump Club, Arnold Schwarzenegger's basic training style is: achieve full stretch to attain complete flexibility.

That philosophy is evident in an Instagram post shared by the official Arnold Sports account on April 2, in which the legend of bodybuilding himself revealed how important flexibility is.

The 7-times Mr. Olympia said, “flexibility is just as important as weight training itself. So here we go. Socket in”, while appearing to do a full split on his kitchen counter.

In the next scene, while slowly leaning over to try to touch his right foot, he said, “Up with your arms. And then bend slowly to the side. And then the other side”.

Later, he stepped away from the platform, revealing that those were fake legs. At that moment, the Austrian Oak said, “Anyway, I feel very flexible today. I'm really proud of myself”.

Although it was a legendary joke, he revealed the truth about fitness. Mobility is just as important as going to the gym regularly.

Even experts have discussed the benefits of stretching and flexibility.

According to Sarah Chapman, a physical therapist with Banner Health, “increasing flexibility and mobility can help with joint pain, posture, and even walking.

Tightness in your leg muscles can contribute to back pain. Tightness through the chest muscles impacts your posture and can lead to shoulder, neck, and upper back pain. Being more flexible allows your joints to move optimally”.

Not only does Schwarzenegger emphasize physical flexibility, but he also believes flexible eating benefits the body.

Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Science of Food Flexibility

People often poorly manage or misunderstand their dieting habits and follow a strictly restricted diet.

However, according to Schwarzenegger, “if you want to be healthy and even lose weight, scientists found that you can have dessert and indulgences without needing to stress”.

The research conducted by Rita Coelho do Vale and team, published in the “Journal of Consumer Psychology,” showed that people who enjoy a bonus meal are more likely to sustain their motivation and self-control around food.

In an article published on Arnold Pump, the bodybuilding legend shared three key lessons:

• To build a proper diet foundation, one needs to focus not only on fiber and protein but also on fats and carbs.
• Super restrictive plans rarely work if someone never has time for their favorite food.
• It's all about the foundation. If the foundation is solid, then anyone can enjoy any food.

From physical flexibility to food flexibility, the legend has experienced it all and now shares his knowledge with his fans.

So, do you work on your flexibility?

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil