Arnold Schwarzenegger and his daughter, Christina, seen driving around Malibu in his classic cream coloured Mercedesà Excalibur 42931, MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - July 25, 2010. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his daughter, Christina, seen driving around Malibu in his classic cream coloured Mercedesà Excalibur Series IV Roadster.à Flanked by his security detail, Arnold, affectionately known asà the Governator stopped by the shops in Malibu for a bit of shopping. Photograph: Matt Symons/James Breeden/PacificCoastNews.com **FEE MUST BE AGREED PRIOR TO USAGE****E-TABLET & MOBILE PHONE APP PUBLISHING REQUIRES ADDITIONAL FEES** UK OFFICE:44 131 557 7760/7761 US OFFICE:1 310 261 9676, Credit:Matt Symons/James Breeden/PacificCoas PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxFRAxUSA Copyright: xMattxSymons/JamesxBreeden/PacificCoastNews.comx/xAvalonx 0524443342
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his daughter, Christina, seen driving around Malibu in his classic cream coloured Mercedesà Excalibur 42931, MALIBU, CALIFORNIA - July 25, 2010. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his daughter, Christina, seen driving around Malibu in his classic cream coloured Mercedesà Excalibur Series IV Roadster.à Flanked by his security detail, Arnold, affectionately known asà the Governator stopped by the shops in Malibu for a bit of shopping. Photograph: Matt Symons/James Breeden/PacificCoastNews.com **FEE MUST BE AGREED PRIOR TO USAGE****E-TABLET & MOBILE PHONE APP PUBLISHING REQUIRES ADDITIONAL FEES** UK OFFICE:44 131 557 7760/7761 US OFFICE:1 310 261 9676, Credit:Matt Symons/James Breeden/PacificCoas PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxUKxFRAxUSA Copyright: xMattxSymons/JamesxBreeden/PacificCoastNews.comx/xAvalonx 0524443342
Jul 15, 2026, 12:54 PM CUT
Arnold Schwarzenegger Shares His Take on Post-Workout Recovery and Ice Baths
As far as trends go, ice baths have now become one of the most popular ones among athletes and fitness influencers. However, Arnold Schwarzenegger has an entirely different opinion about them. According to the veteran bodybuilder, ice baths have their advantages, but are not the best practice right after workouts.
According to Schwarzenegger, ice baths right after workouts might be great for boosting recovery, but they limit muscle growth. He shared his views on ice baths and cold plunges in his July 10th newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, and most people were in for a surprise.
“Let’s break it down: Cold water after a hard session does feel great, and it genuinely blunts soreness. The problem is what it’s doing to the exact thing you lifted for,” Schwarzenegger said.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Philadelphia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, decorated Mr. Olympia championship-level bodybuilder, gives a seminar at the Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia on his sport. He demonstrates his bicep curls form showcasing his huge, bulging biceps. It was held the day after the 2nd Ms Olympia contest,in August,1981. Arnold has gone on to a career as a successful action film star and served as a Republican governor of California.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in Philadelphia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, decorated Mr. Olympia championship-level bodybuilder, gives a seminar at the Sheraton Hotel in Philadelphia on his sport. He demonstrates his bicep curls form showcasing his huge, bulging biceps. It was held the day after the 2nd Ms Olympia contest,in August,1981. Arnold has gone on to a career as a successful action film star and served as a Republican governor of California.
He added that ice baths may be doing more harm than good, especially depending on your training goals. While ice baths may be great for runners who want to decrease muscle soreness, it spells disaster for hypertrophy.
“If you’re training to build muscle, jumping into a cold plunge right after lifting can shrink your results because the cold interrupts the growth signal your muscles send in the hour after a workout,” he explained, as per Fitness Volt.
The best time to jump into an ice bath, Schwarzenegger explained, is about six hours after your workout session. That is the perfect time to take advantage of all its benefits- recovery, relieving muscle soreness, and boosting your mood.
So, what were the recovery methods the seven-time Olympia winner liked to practice? As it turns out, they are simple and effective.
Arnold Schwarzenegger shares his tried-and-tested recovery tips
Back when ice baths and cold plunges were not even a trend, Schwarzenegger had his own set of recovery methods he relied on.
Schwarzenegger’s time-tested recovery methods were not only simple but were also backed by science.
According to his newsletter, Arnold’s Pump Club, Schwarzenegger relied on these simple recovery methods-
- As a rule of thumb, Schwarzenegger recommended aiming for at least seven hours of uninterrupted sleep per night.
- He also advised people not to eat at least two hours before bed, explaining that it improved sleep quality.
- Opt for natural alternatives to manage pain- like turmeric or curcumin. However, it is important to find a concentrated supplement version to ensure it absorbs properly into your body.
- Consume at least 0.6-1 gram of protein per pound of your goal body weight daily.
- Engage in regular stretching, mobility exercises, and foam rolling to reduce muscle soreness and improve movement.
- Taking rest days is completely fine, but ensure you get some type of light movement in between workouts. This can include walking, swimming, or light exercises.
- Stress and fatigue are not only bad for your mental health but also bad for your gains. Learn to manage stress healthily via massages, journaling, deep breathing, meditation, or just socializing.
Did you know about the six-hour waiting period rule for ice baths?
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Written by
Avantika Das
Edited by
Ashvinkumar Patil