Imagine the excitement of witnessing two of the greatest bodybuilders in history training together at the iconic Gold’s Gym. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the seven-time Mr. Olympia champion, and Ronnie Coleman, the eight-time Mr. Olympia champion, recently joined forces for a workout session that was nothing short of legendary. Schwarzenegger shared a video titled “2 Goats Walk Into a Gym” on his YouTube channel, giving fans a glimpse into this monumental collaboration. Despite their different paths after retiring from professional bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger and Coleman still found a way to come together for a training session that fitness enthusiasts could only dream of.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman Train Together at Gold’s Gym
Introduction
When all is said and done, eight-time Mr. Olympia (1998-2005) Ronnie Coleman and seven-time champion (1970-1975, 1980) Arnold Schwarzenegger will be remembered as two of the greatest bodybuilders in history. To this day, Coleman and Schwarzenegger remain iconic influences in the sport, keeping close tabs on the modern pantheon of fitness superstars whenever possible. One can only imagine what happens when these two legends get together these days.
Background of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman
Before diving into their training session at Gold’s Gym, it’s important to understand the backgrounds of these two legendary bodybuilders. Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Austrian Oak, has enjoyed a storied career both in bodybuilding and in the entertainment industry. As a bodybuilder, Schwarzenegger won the prestigious Mr. Olympia title seven times, establishing himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. He then transitioned into a successful acting career, starring in films such as “The Terminator” and “Predator.” Ronnie Coleman, on the other hand, is known as the King of the Quad, thanks to his immense leg development. Coleman dominated the bodybuilding world from 1998 to 2005, winning the Mr. Olympia title a record eight times. Despite battling numerous injuries throughout his career, Coleman’s dedication and work ethic remain unmatched.
Training Session at Gold’s Gym
On August 8, 2023, Schwarzenegger posted a video to his YouTube channel where he trained with Coleman at the hallowed Gold’s Gym in Venice, CA. The title of “2 Goats Walk Into a Gym” is more than fitting. This rare occasion brought together two bodybuilding legends for an epic workout session.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s YouTube Video
Before we delve into their training routine, it’s worth taking a moment to highlight the YouTube video released by Arnold Schwarzenegger. In the video, Schwarzenegger gives his followers a glimpse into his workout with Coleman at Gold’s Gym. The video showcases the intense training session between the two bodybuilding icons and offers a behind-the-scenes look at their interaction and camaraderie.
Importance of the Meeting
The meeting between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman holds great significance within the bodybuilding community. It’s a rare occasion to witness two Mr. Olympia champions training together, especially considering their different eras. This collaboration allows fans to see the mutual respect and admiration these legends have for each other. It also serves as a reminder of the impact they have had on the sport and the ongoing influence they continue to exert.
Exercise 1: Lateral Raise Machine
The first exercise Schwarzenegger and Coleman tackled during their training session was the lateral raise machine. This exercise primarily targets the deltoid muscles, specifically the middle deltoid. The lateral raise machine provides a controlled and isolated movement, allowing for maximum muscle activation.
To perform the lateral raise on the machine, start by adjusting the seat height and pad position according to your body size. Sit with your back against the pad and grasp the handles with a neutral grip. With your elbows slightly bent, lift the handles upward and outward until your arms are parallel to the ground. Slowly lower the handles back down to the starting position.
Schwarzenegger and Coleman approached this exercise by trading sets intermittently. Coleman would regularly push for at least another rep with each set after being urged by Schwarzenegger. With each successive set, Schwarzenegger would match Coleman, praising his size and strength in the process.
Exercise 2: Seated Overhead Press Machine
Next up was the seated overhead press machine, targeting the front deltoid muscles. This exercise allows for a controlled range of motion, ensuring proper engagement of the shoulder muscles.
To perform the seated overhead press, adjust the seat height and backrest according to your body proportions. Sit with your back against the pad and grip the handles with a neutral grip. Push upward until your arms are fully extended, then slowly lower the handles back down to the starting position.
Both Coleman and Schwarzenegger completed three successful sets each of the seated overhead press machine. They focused on maintaining strict form and emphasizing the mind-muscle connection to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.
Exercise 3: Triceps Dip Machine
Moving on to triceps training, Coleman and Schwarzenegger utilized the triceps dip machine. This machine targets the triceps muscles, helping to build strength and size in the back of the arms.
To perform the triceps dip on the machine, adjust the seat height and grip the handles with an overhand grip. Lower your body by bending your elbows until your upper arms are parallel to the ground. Push through your triceps to extend your arms back up to the starting position.
During this exercise, Coleman remarked on the rarity of the moment featuring two Mr. Olympia greats teaming up. He noted, “Fifteen [Mr.] Olympias [titles] in the house. This don’t ever happen.” The camaraderie and mutual admiration between Coleman and Schwarzenegger were evident throughout their training session.
Exercise 4: Machine Preacher Curl
The final exercise in their workout routine was the machine preacher curl, targeting the biceps muscles. This exercise provides a controlled range of motion and isolates the biceps, allowing for maximum muscle activation.
To perform the machine preacher curl, adjust the seat and pad position according to your body size. Sit with your upper arms resting on the pad and grip the handles with an underhand grip. Curl the handles upward, contracting your biceps, and then lower them back down to the starting position.
Coleman and Schwarzenegger completed four sets each of the machine preacher curl, focusing on maintaining strict form and squeezing the biceps at the top of the movement. This exercise helped to further enhance the size and definition of their biceps muscles.
Conclusion
The training session between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman at Gold’s Gym was a monumental event in the bodybuilding world. These two legends showcased their immense strength, determination, and passion for the sport. The workout, although relatively short, was intense and effective, highlighting the importance of proper form and targeted muscle activation.
Schwarzenegger and Coleman concluded the session with a signature “hand clasp,” a nod to Schwarzenegger’s iconic film, “Predator.” This symbolic gesture further underscored the bond and respect between the two bodybuilding icons.
As Ronnie Coleman aptly put it, “This don’t ever happen.” The meeting between Coleman and Schwarzenegger was a rare and unforgettable moment in bodybuilding history. Their collaboration serves as a testament to their enduring legacies and the inspiration they continue to provide to athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.