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Changing Lives Through His Free Service, Millionaire Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals a Surprising Cost of Motivation: “Forget Bitcoin, the Stock Market, or Gold”

Published May 5, 2023 | 5:30 AM EDT

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Joining a gym can be a challenging task for many people. However, even if a person enters the gym after weeks or months of deliberation, staying motivated becomes a challenge. Countless people join the gym as a new year’s resolution, but only a fraction remain motivated enough to continue. In the latest edition of his newsletter, Arnold Schwarzenegger explored how a person who joins could be motivated to return every week.

The seven-time Mr. Olympia quoted a massive scientific study conducted to find the answer. The multi-millionaire bodybuilding legend revealed scientists from 15 different universities set out to find the “cost of motivation,” and came up with a surprising answer.

Arnold Schwarzenegger reveals the unexpected answer

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In his free, daily fitness newsletter, Arnold Schwarzenegger provides life-changing information. In the latest edition of his free service, Arnie asked a question to people who struggle with consistently going to the gym. “What if you were paid to get in shape — do you think it would make you more consistent?” asked the 75-year-old.

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Schwarzenegger revealed researchers for many universities asked the same question. “Thirty different scientists from 15 universities studied more than 60,000 people to try and find the ideal way to increase motivation to exercise,” revealed Arnie. The team tried 50 different methods and found the most effective “was getting paid.

However, the most surprising thing about the study was how much money a person needed to keep coming back. “Paying people the equivalent of $1.75 per workout boosted compliance,” said the bodybuilding. Furthermore, those who missed a workout only needed 9 cents to return to the gym. “Forget Bitcoin, the stock market, or gold; committing to 9 cents to ‘never miss a workout twice’ and build your exercise habit is a winning investment,” the 75-year-old wrote in Arnold’s Pump Club.

However, Arnold Schwarzenegger took one step further. He also explored how to build on the study’s findings.

Imagining the possibilities

“What’s your next step?” asked the former Mr. Universe. “Maybe create a ‘workout’ fund and donate $2 every time you hit a session,” proposed Arnie. The millionaire also suggested another reward. He said a person should donate “$1 every time “ they return to the gym after missing a workout. “Call it your celebration savings,” wrote Schwarzenegger

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Arnie also suggested a person might use their celebration savings to reward themselves further. However, “the real key is building a habit that makes it feel automatic,” revealed Schwarzenegger. “If the money gets you started, the routine is what will keep you going,” the millionaire advised.

Watch this story | “I’m Proud of You”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Joins Bodybuilding World in Praising 396 Lb Man’s Wild Transformation

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What did you think about the study? Did the results surprise you like Arnold Schwarzenegger? Let us know in the comments.

Written by:

Sagnik Bagchi

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Sagnik Bagchi is a sports writer at EssentiallySports who specializes in American sports. He has a deep understanding of combat sports, gymnastics, and weightlifting. He holds a Master's Degree in English Literature from a top university.
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