I have not posted in my fitness category for a while. Today I thought I would share something that Arnold was asked in a recent interview. As someone fast approaching 60 I relate to his comments…

Arnold Schwarzenegger [was asked] a question that many have always wondered:

“Why do you still go to the gym? You’re in your 70s… you were already Mr. Olympia.”

Arnold didn’t launch into a speech about discipline, motivation, or proving himself to anyone.

His answer was far simpler:

“Why do I eat breakfast today? I ate breakfast yesterday… I ate breakfast 10 years ago. Why do I keep eating breakfast?”

After a pause, he drove it home:

“Why do I keep sleeping? I slept 20 years ago, I slept 10 years ago… and I still sleep every night.”

For Arnold, working out after all these decades isn’t a goal to chase—it’s basic daily maintenance. He isn’t prepping for another Mr. Olympia, chasing his prime physique, or trying to impress anyone. After decades of lifting, stopping would be like forgetting to eat or sleep.

He made it crystal clear:

“Nothing will change until I die. I will keep training, enjoying the gym, getting the pump… I want to feel good.”

At first, you need motivation. Then, you need discipline. But after decades, you stop looking for a reason—it simply becomes part of who you are.

I was in the gym this morning and in between sets I was thinking about the word discipline. I wrote down the following in my notebook I record my training in.

D – Determined – getting fitter or stronger or losing weight starts with a determined mindset.

I – Intentional – once we have our goal we need to be intentional in how we are going to achieve it.

S – Strict – when we exercise we need to use controlled and strict form. Injuries set back goals.

C – Committed – commitment is need to see our plan through…even on days when we are not motivated.

I – Intensity – we need intensity of effort when we exercise. We need to push close to failure to improve.

P – Proud – we should be proud of our efforts, our discipline and our commitment to train.

L – Longevity – our goals should always feed in to our long term goal of being fit and healthy as we age.

I – Inspired – we should look around to find motivation and inspiration to fill us up. We can inspire others too.

N – Never quit – our long term goal should be to never quit our health and fitness training.

E – Everyday – we need to find 30 minutes everyday to move. It is an investment in our future lives.