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This Is Why Arnold Schwarzenegger Advocates Unlocking the Power of Social Fitness

Published 02/17/2024, 6:53 AM EST

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In a world dominated by digital screens and virtual connections, Arnold Schwarzenegger emerges as an unexpected advocate for a different kind of fitness – social fitness. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Schwarzenegger, known for his wit, believes that building social fitness is the key to a truly healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

In his recent newsletter, the bodybuilding legend turned actor emphasizes the importance of not just physical, mental, and emotional fitness, but also the often neglected social fitness.

For overall well-being all we need is ‘social fitness’: Arnold Schwarzenegger

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The modern era has seen a decline in face-to-face interactions, and Schwarzenegger suggests that this might be linked to more health issues than we realize. “But there might be one type of fitness we all need more of — social fitness. And a lack of training your social fitness muscles could be connected to more health issues than you imagined,” emphasized Arnie.

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As he draws from a thought-provoking article in The Atlantic, Schwarzenegger points out that the decline in happiness coincides with people spending less time together. The digital age has ushered in an era where individuals immerse themselves in content designed to evoke anxiety and despondency about the world. The result? A collective experiment in depriving ourselves of genuine human connection.

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The actor quotes Derek Thompson, stating, “I don’t think hanging out more will solve every problem,” but dedicating less time to digital isolation and more time to physical proximity could alleviate social crises. In addition, he highlights a significant 85-year study from Harvard, revealing that social connection and belonging are strong indicators of a happy and healthy life.

85-year study signifies the importance of having a social connection

A while back Schwarzenegger cited a crucial 85-year study that could change how we view our health. The study reveals the incredible impact of social connections—they don’t just fend off diseases but hold the key to happiness and well-being. According to the research, social bonds emerge as the ultimate factor for a fulfilling life.

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On the flip side, loneliness is a serious threat, increasing the risk of death by over 25 percent. Schwarzenegger discusses a study tracing teenagers since the 1940s, showing that the strength of your connections shapes your future health.  Importantly, it’s not about having many friends, but strong, close relationships. Loneliness, a hidden stressor, can significantly affect overall health. This paradigm shift urges us to prioritize connections like we do our physical health, recognizing their impact on happiness surpasses health, fitness, career, or success.

READ MORE: Is Social Media Eating Away at Your Fitness Goals? Arnold Schwarzenegger Makes a Riveting Revelation

Schwarzenegger’s advice is simple yet powerful – carve out at least one hour a week to connect with a friend. By fostering more meaningful relationships and reducing screen time, individuals can enhance their overall well-being. It’s a call to action to build social fitness, one gathering at a time.

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WATCH THIS STORY: “I Hate It”: Just Like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ronnie Coleman Is Pissed At this Unavoidable Truth About Life

 

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Written by:

Arpita Shrivastava

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Arpita Shrivastava is a bodybuilding writer at EssentiallySports who specializes in tracking the lifestyles of bodybuilders. A master’s degree holder in Mass Communication, Arpita is a frequent contributor to coverage about her idols Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler. She likes going behind the scenes to understand the nitty-gritty of building a shredded physique.
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Edited by:

Smrutisnat Jena