Home

Bodybuilding

“He Has Helped Millions of People”- Arnold Schwarzenegger Feels Indebted to Bodybuilding Godfather Who Catapulted Him to Unparalleled Success

Published 08/05/2022, 9:30 AM EDT

Follow Us

via Getty

Years go by as the Mr. Olympia contest produces iconic winners. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Phil Heath, Ronnie Coleman, and many more took the stage to display their enormous bodies. They showcased what men could achieve in terms of fitness and have chiseled bodies when they hit the gym at full throttle. Arnold, especially, is one person who propelled his career to greater heights. And most of the credit goes to Joe Weider.

 

A man who fears none, Weider became a revolutionary figure in bodybuilding because of his impact on the competition. He created the platform for bodybuilders to take their careers to the next level. In an early interview, Arnold discussed how Weider inspired him to elevate his career. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Arnold Schwarzenegger respects the Godfather

Coming from humble beginnings, Arnold strived to become the best in whatever he did. He left his hometown in Austria in search of greener pastures. Getting to America remained the end goal, and personalities like Weider helped him. During the shooting of Red Heat, he discussed Joe’s temperament and how he represented himself to the outside world. 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Bodybuilding stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“He can argue up and down and scream and get very emotional. But the fact of the matter is, he has helped millions of people. When I was in the Soviet Union shooting ‘Red Heat,’ people were asking in Red Square about Joe Weider,” mentioned Schwarzenegger. Mentoring a young Arnold throughout his career, Weider played a significant role in helping him to land on his feet. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger, Who Lifted 709lbs, Was Scared to Compete With 285lbs WWE Monster

He discovered Arnold in a bodybuilding contest when he was 22. Like a father, he brought Arnold to America while sheltering him in Santa Monica. In addition, he gave him a car, a $100 weekly allowance, and, smashing photos of him on the covers of magazines, Arnold was born!

Influence on Lou Ferrigno

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Not only that, he assisted famous bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno in his career. Creating an empire, Weider co-founded the International Federation of Bodybuilders and published exceptional health and fitness magazines. His leading magazine, Muscle & Fitness, surpassed over 600,000 monthly circulations and launched various editions globally.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Ever since he laid his eyes on Arnold, the aura was there for him to witness. Weider wanted to build champions. Take bodybuilding to the next level. The presence of Arnold in the forefront enabled him to accomplish his mission. To sum up, these two gentlemen contributed to the success story of the sport. Their greatness is unparalleled and probably paved the way for new-age bodybuilders to showcase their talents. 

WATCH THIS STORY- Sylvester Stallone vs Arnold Schwarzenegger Car Collection

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Jacob Gijy

1,956Articles

One take at a time

Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Post Graduation in Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the power forward, the respect he deserves.
Show More>

Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa