Arnold Schwarzenegger Opens up about five decades of training, the lessons of fatherhood, and how he continues to rewrite the rules of aging

Arnold Schwarzenegger, at 78 the seven-time Mr. Olympia, chief movement officer at Zimmer Biomet, and Hollywood icon isn't slowing down.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Opens up about five decades of training, the lessons of fatherhood, and how he continues to rewrite the rules of aging.

What's one lesson about longevity or joint health you wish every 30-year-old would heed before it's too late?

Train. Too many people still don't use the power of resistance training. "Use it or lose it" applies to muscle and strength. We know from study after study that resistance training extends lives, but more importantly, extends the quality of life. It fights diabetes, cancer, Alzheim- er's disease, anxiety, and depression. It strengthens bones. If we put the benefits of resistance training into a pill, every person on earth would take it.

You trained like a machine for decades. When did you realize that recovery was just as important as effort in the gym?

When you're young, you think you're invin- cible. I trained like a machine because I was a machine, and I could go for hours, lift heavy, and come back the next day for more. But eventually, joints start talking back. No one is invincible. Not even people like me, who train hard and look invincible. I had a hip replacement to ensure I could keep moving. Now, I stretch every day, I bike, I train with lighter weights, higher reps, and I protect the machinery.

Most people see you as indestructible. Can you share a moment when joint pain or injury reminded you of your human limits?

I'm part cyborg, as you know, but even I've had my share of injuries-starting back in 1972 with my first knee surgery. That was just the beginning. Over the years, I've had shoulder and elbow injuries, hip problems, and even a hip replacement. And on top of that, I've had open-heart surgery three times with valve replacements. So yeah, my body has reminded me many times that I'm human. I know how tough it can be, not just on your body, but on your mind.

How should a man handle getting older as it pertains to longevity and well-being?

When I had my hip replaced, I was back in the gym as soon as the doctor cleared me. That same winter, I was skiing again. The goal isn't to avoid aging, it's to stay in the game.

How has fatherhood changed the way you see and move through the world?

I've learned how important it is to show up-not just physically, but emotionally- to be present. I've made mistakes, sure, but I've also learned that love, consistency, and listening go a long way. Watching my kids become their own people-finding their strength, their voice, their purpose, building their own families-that's the kind of legacy I care about now.

What does masculinity mean to you today? 

Real masculinity is about responsibility. It's about being strong enough to lift oth- ers up. It's being a protector, a provider, and someone who leads by example. It also means being strong enough to be vulner- able. People have this idea that asking for help isn't manly. Whether you need help mentally or physically, getting it is real strength. -ASTOLD TO MADISON FREEMAN