When Titans Train: Arnold & Ronnie's Gym Shenanigans at Gold's Gym

Two names stand out in the history of bodybuilding: Ronnie Coleman, who won Mr. Olympia eight times (1998-2005), and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who won seven times (1970-1975, 1980). These two have shaped not only the sport, but also their own bodies. Every aspiring bodybuilder still looks up to them as inspiration. What will happen if these two giants collide? We'll simply say it's impressive to look at. Schwarzenegger recently provided us a glimpse into one of these monumental confrontations on August 8, 2023. A video of his with the unintentionally humorous title "2 Goats Walk Into a Gym" was posted to YouTube. Where are we? The world-famous Gold's Gym in Venice, California, where biceps and aspirations are forged. As I watched these icons work out at Gold's Gym on Venice Beach, I felt an irresistible temptation to do the same. When you add Arnold and Ronnie to the mix, that gym takes on a whole new level of energy. Even if their training was short, it certainly wasn't easy. We began by doing lateral lifts on a stationary bike while seated. Each person in the pair took turns testing the limits of the other. Every time Coleman was about to stop, Arnold would say, "Just one more rep." Naturally, Arnold would try to outdo Ronnie while simultaneously marveling at his Herculean strength. The sitting shoulder press, which specifically targets the front deltoids, was up next. The triceps dip machine was their next stop after three sets of each. In retrospect, Coleman commented during this activity, "Fifteen [Mr.] Olympias [titles] in the house. Finding a unicorn, if you will. Biceps machine preacher curls were the final exercise of the workout. Because, why not, four sets? Arnold and Ronnie's Laugh-Out-Loud Workout: - Lateral Raise Machine — Three sets of 15-20 reps Exercise: three sets of 15-20 repetitions on a seated overhead press machine Exercise: Triceps Dip Machine, 3 sets, 15-20 reps Use the preacher curl machine for three sets of 15-20 reps. And the culmination? Schwarzenegger's trademark "hand clasp" from the classic action flick "Predator." What a trip down memory lane! Both legends have taken separate roads since the end of their respective careers. Their paths did, however, eventually cross at Gold's Gym. In a nod to Coleman's comments, what are they like? Nothing like that ever occurs. Maybe they do, but only when two all-time greats get together to work out.