I have been wondering what neurotype Arnold was. In many ways it seems like it may not be as straightforward as I thought (maybe my answer is in that statement!?).
My first thought was that he is 2B- thrived on high volume pump work, was a bodybuilding, was an actor
But…
Arnold was known to be highly confident (or was it the dbol?) and extremely driven
Arnold was farily strong for his height and weight
He only trained high-volume/high frequency for roughly 8 weeks prior to a competition. Even that volume was tapered up over the 8 weks.
His training for mass was almost universally in the 6-8 rep range, using programs like his Golden Six routine or an expanded version of it that contained more exercises. In the deadlift he usually worked up to one top set of 3-5 reps.
In the seminar recordings I’ve heard, etc. where he is talking his self-confidence seemed unshakable. As he seemed to be in every endeavor. (except his 1980 Olympia video where he came off as pretty vulnerable).
Also, while he was never a threat for the WRs in olynpic lifting and powerlifting, he put up some decent numbers for the time (1967 at 20 years old):
And, later a 683 lbs deadlift in 1968.
I’m ignoring the numbers reported in the non-German magazines the article quotes. Purportedly, he became stronger later.
I am not sure if those numbers fall in line with the 1RM strength potential of a 2B of his height/weight using moderate-dosed cycles or not.
So my question is: is Arnold a 2B or is he another neurotype that trained like a 2B for a few short weeks prior to contests? I open the discussion to you. Thanks coach!
I’ve had good luck incorporating his neurotype recommendations into my diet, training, and supplement routine. Full disclosure: I am a 1A so I can’t speak to any of his recommendations for others. A couple of things that have worked really well for me:
increasing carbs. I used to eat basically meat, fruit, and veggies, with protein really high. I didnt realize it, but I was tired all the time. I upped my carbs to 800-1000 calories a day and a lot of the burnout has gone.
Training- I always assumed something was wrong with me because I could not do much volume. Turns out, most 1As are like that and its not a big deal. I also stopped changing my program. (used to change exercises often, now I just stick with the same ones until its clear I have plateaued for several workouts.)
Supplements- I used to take a bunch of crap, trying to boost dopamine, blah blah. Cut that all out. Now I only use glycine and mg taurate for GABA and serotonin support. Turns out that’s all I need. And its a lot cheaper.
Know thyself. When I get quiet and stop being obnoxious, I know something’s wrong. Usually means i am burned out. That’s something I picked up from neurotyping.
No caffeine.
Only clean food wihen cutting.
Can’t speak for any of his other recommendations for other neurotypes
Even less, why it matters what Arnold is? Like, how will this influence anything in your life?
My own intellectual curiosity.
Also, I am wanting to do some Golden Era inspired bodybuilding (real stuff, not the BS sold in the magazines) into my own training. Knowing Arnold’s (and Franco’s) neurotype would give me an idea of what is likely to work or not work for me. Otherwise, I will just experiment until I get it right.
Interesting topic! I wonder if he could be a 2A? Very strong, responds to pump work, can be dominant and extroverted when he’s in his element. Wonder if he made changes every few weeks, to keep things fresh.
I’m a skeptic of these types of assessments. I associate them with personality tests, workplace characteristics and astrology. I’ve found similar insights, but they’re through experimentation and learning how my body functions. Perhaps, we’ve come to understand same thing, I just don’t like labels.
Best of luck. Was genuinely curious what value it provided. I don’t understand how the need to know benefits anything, but that’s primarily driven by my lack of belief in the premise of neurotyping.
I generally tune out when someone says ‘I’m acting this way because of ______’. Insert neurotype, astrology sign, Meyers Briggs, whatever.
I had a boss that was way into the strengths finder. Every time he’d do something disrespectful, he’d blame it on some other “strength.” It was ridiculous.
People like to blame their behavior on an outside force. Oh, I’m a INJF/Aquarius/6b, therefore, I hate social gatherings/hate cancers/can’t do conditioning… like, no, you just don’t prefer it and looking for justification.