Arnold Schwarzenegger Bodybuilding Beginner Exercises | How To Build Muscle

Long before he became a Hollywood megastar and the Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger was already making waves in the fitness world. In a newly resurfaced and widely shared video from the classic UK TV show Magpie, a young Arnold offers a timeless introduction to bodybuilding for beginners, demonstrating the fundamental exercises that formed the backbone of his early success.

Titled “Arnold Schwarzenegger Bodybuilding Beginner Exercises | How To Build Muscle | Magpie”, the video is a treasure trove of classic fitness advice, straight from the legend himself. It captures Arnold’s early charm, clarity, and passion for helping others achieve peak physical form — qualities that made him a global icon in and out of the gym.

The “Golden Six”: Arnold’s Proven Formula for Beginners

At the heart of this video lies Arnold’s famous “Golden Six” workout — a powerful, no-nonsense routine designed to build muscle mass, strength, and endurance for those just starting out. The simplicity of the workout is what makes it so effective and enduring.

Here are the six essential exercises Arnold recommends:

Barbell Squats – A foundational movement for building lower body strength, especially in the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes.
Barbell Bench Press – A staple for developing chest size and upper body pushing power.
Pull-Ups – An essential back and arm exercise, helping to sculpt a wide, V-tapered physique.
Barbell Rows – A key movement for building thickness in the back and improving overall pulling strength.
Overhead Barbell Press – Focuses on shoulder development and upper body stability.
Barbell Curls – Classic biceps training to build defined arms.

This routine is typically done three times a week on non-consecutive days. It emphasizes compound movements — exercises that engage multiple muscle groups — providing a balanced approach to full-body development.

A Blueprint for Success

In the Magpie interview, Arnold stresses three key principles: consistency, progressive overload, and form. He encourages beginners to start with manageable weights, focus on perfecting their technique, and gradually increase the resistance as their strength improves.

“Start simple,” he advises in the video. “The foundation is everything.”

Arnold’s philosophy remains just as relevant today as it was in the 1970s. Unlike many modern fitness fads that promise quick results with minimal effort, Schwarzenegger’s method is rooted in hard work and discipline — a reflection of the mindset that earned him seven Mr. Olympia titles.

A Glimpse into Arnold’s Humble Beginnings

What makes this video especially powerful is the raw authenticity it captures. Before becoming a household name, Schwarzenegger appeared on Magpie with one mission: to educate and motivate young people to take control of their health and build a better body through structured training.

Seeing Arnold perform each movement with precision and explain the logic behind them serves not just as a guide but as inspiration for generations of lifters. His words and actions in this short segment echo a lifetime of dedication to the art of bodybuilding.