The 26th annual Arnold Classic Sports Festival took place in 2015, showcasing a variety of disciplines, featuring the legend Arnold Schwarzenegger himself, and making history with Dexter Jackson winning his fifth title at the event.

However, that year, the spotlight was not just on Jackson, but also on a moment when the Austrian Oak himself connected with his fans: not through words but through pump-up.

That moment resurfaced again on April 3 when Arnold Sports' official Instagram account posted the clip of the 7-time Mr. Olympia doing the standing barbell overhead press.

Arnold Sports discussed the moment nicely with the caption:

“@schwarzenegger getting a pump with the fans at the 2015 Arnold Sports Festival 💪.”

Although it is a throwback moment, the 7-time Mr. Olympia has been seen many times either flexing or working out in public places or with his fans, whether at Gold's Gym or during the Arnold Classic Festivals in Ohio and the UK.

For instance, on March 16, Schwarzenegger shared a post from the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio in Columbus. In that post, he shared some motivational quotes for his fans and some of his images showing the legend pumping up at the Greater Columbus Convention Center with fans.

The 78-year-old bodybuilder has been a believer in community involvement. He even shared 6 secrets to success in life, with one of the secrets being giving back to the community.

And when such a legend interacts with fans, it motivates them and only emphasizes his philosophy of giving back.

For instance, Arnold Sports' post went viral instantly, where thousands of fans liked it, and many admitted that the clip is inspirational.

While one fan said, “inspirational,” another commented, “my legend💪🏻🔥🫡🗿.”

While his throwback pictures show how Schwarzenegger motivates his fans, he also answered the question about how he stays inspired.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Talks About Motivation

On December 20, 2025, Schwarzenegger shared the secret to motivation in an Instagram post.

He said, “I GET ASKED EVERY DAY HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED.

My best advice is to stop using motivation as your only fuel. I know it feels great when you’re fired up, but it’s a short-term fuel source. That’s why the vast majority of people who start anything - diet, fitness, new projects - don’t finish. They run out of gas.”

He believes the only thing that helps is a routine, and that comes from forcing yourself on days when motivation is absent.

He said, “I know that’s not the answer anyone wants. I wish I had a magic pill for you. But the only thing that works long term is showing up for yourself even when you don’t want to. Brute force.”

So, according to Schwarzenegger, real success comes from consistently showing up.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil