Alexandria Wyckoff
Arnold Schwarzenegger is using his newsletter, Pump Club, as a way to tell readers and social media that the viral fitness trends they follow are not worth the time or money.
The bodybuilder has never been a fan of shortcuts, prizing training, disciplined nutrition, and patience instead.
Following TikTok Trends
With a growing number of young adults willing to head to the gym, Schwarzenegger is pleased. The real problem lies with the misinformation being fed to them.
He notes that “the data says 56% of young adults get their fitness advice from TikTok. And 1 in 3 of you never check whether that advice is actually true. I’m not saying this to insult you. I’m saying this because the people you’re trusting with your body and your health are often the same people who are trying to sell you something.”
The main goal is getting to the gym, and it is often the hardest part of working out. He then notes that these programs are only made for likes and entertainment value, rather than true results.
Instead, Schwarzenegger proposes a different strategy when scrolling through fitness trends online: the “shyster radio.” Instead of following the trends, ask yourself if this will actually help your body, or if it’s just trying to sell you something. Then you’ll know what to do.
Other Trends in the Past
Schwarzenegger even brought up popular fitness trends from his past, and how they might have derailed him.
For instance, he mentions the “vibrating belt machine” from the 60s that’s supposed to result in a slim belly. While millions of people bought the product, none got abs.
In the 80s, he says he could’ve gotten the ThighMaster “because Suzanne Somers told me that squeezing a piece of plastic between my knees while watching TV was the secret to a great body.”
He mentions a few other trends, but then says, “All of those paths have one thing in common: they are sold as shortcuts, but in reality, they take you farther from your goal.”
No matter what decade it is, influencers and fitness brands are going to push a new trend for users to stay slim and happy, especially today in the midst of social media.
Current Trends
Arnold Schwarzenegger brings up a few TikTok trends to be aware of and stay away from, as they will not help your fitness goals.
One of these trends is dry scooping pre-workout. While many claim the action “hits faster” for your workout, it actually can cause “respiratory distress and a dangerously elevated heart rate.”
Another talks about “nature’s Ozempic,” a $10 supplement called berberine that influencers claim works “like a prescription weight loss drug.” In reality, there is no similarity between berberine and Ozempic.
Yet another talks about the “internal shower,” a drink comprised of chia seeds, lemon juice, and water that “flushes toxins” from your body. Schwarzenegger is not impressed.
“Your liver and kidneys handle detoxification. They’ve been doing it since the day you were born. … The people selling you this are the same people who sold your parents detox teas. Different decade, same scam.”
Success in the Basics
Instead, Arnold Schwarzenegger pushes for a different way to be healthy.
“The lie that there’s a secret, a hack, a shortcut that the fitness industry doesn’t want you to know about. But here’s the thing…there is no secret. The basics have always been the secret. They just aren’t very sexy, so nobody can build a following selling them.”
Schwarzenegger recommends that the best advice is “boring” and should focus on eating protein, vegetables, fiber, and following a real fitness program. Make sure to keep progressing in your routine, get enough sleep to recuperate, and be patient with your body. The results are sure to come in time.
Arnold Schwarzenegger ended his newsletter with one final remark: “That’s the hack. It’s always been the hack. Let’s get to work.”