Awesome book - Total Recall by Arnold Schwarzenegger

cdahl383

Just picked up a copy of Total Recall: My Unbelievable True Life Story by Arnold Schwarzenegger from the local library. Just finished Chapter 4 which basically covers his childhood, time in the Austrian military, his early success in bodybuilding competitions, and then coming over to America under the wing of Joe Weider.

So far its a really awesome book, and his story is not only interesting but very motivating. I know that Arnold has gotten a lot of flak lately due to issues in his personal life, and the guy is obviously not perfect by any means. But the guy was a totally driven, goal-oriented, hard-worker that gave it his all which is something I think anyone can appreciate.

Anyway, I've only gotten through part of it so far, but already I feel re-motivated to push myself more in my weight lifting routines at home. I know I'll never become the next Arnold, but it's very inspiring to read about someone so determined to achieve their goals. I highly recommend this book if you need to jumpstart your motivation, it's a really great read!

waxon81

Arnie has been and always will be a massive inspiration for me. His work ethics and determination are of the highest order. Long live the king! (I look forward to reading this book, might drop a Christmas hint my wife's way)

vorgas

I think it's sad that he had the gym in california where he trained take down all his competition posters. Supposedly he didn't want people to be reminded of the time in his life when he used anabolic steroids. As if using them took anything away from the incredible amount of work and determination he applied every damn day. Ah well.

cdahl383

Yes, he's definitely not perfect, he's made his fair share of mistakes in life, but he's an incredible inspiration. The fact remains the guy busted his butt to get where he is today, and did great things for the sport of bodybuilding.

That does suck about the posters, but that was probably for political reasons more than anything. When he took steroids they were perfectly legal and prescribed by doctors in very low doses compared to today. Back then, they were available legally and he would have been a fool not to use them when competing against others who were.

The old school bodybuilders all looked awesome in my opinion compared to these new guys that look all bloated and ridiculously huge. The natural bodybuilders nowadays are closer to the old school bodybuilders like Arnold, Sergio, Frank, Franco, etc.

It's a great book though so far. I think it retails for around $35 or so but if your library has it you can just pick it up for free and read it that way. It's not really like a reference or anything like his Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding so I had no use for it after reading it once.