I was cruising /r/fitness today and came across this thread about videos, movies, and documentaries about fitness and lifting. Obviously, the top rated comment is Pumping Iron. That link to Pumping Iron is the full documentary on Youtube and it is absolutely amazing. It stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and bodybuilding’s coveted Mr. Olympia competition in 1975. It is incredibly motivating and I highly recommend it.

Additionally, there is this amazing Youtube video that was posted in that thread as well. It’s 5 minutes long and is probably the most inspiring video I’ve ever seen on Youtube. It has 7.1+ million views.

And finally, I just purchased Arnold Schwarzenegger’s book, The Education of a Bodybuilder. I’m about 20% done with it so far and this is the book I’ve needed. Arnold talks about the mindset of a champion. What it takes to have that drive to do what you want to do. The attitude that is required to be all that you can possibly be. He holds no punches. It is so damn motivating too. It is the complete opposite of the Forever Alone mindset. For example, let’s take a comment from /r/ForeverAlone:

What about those of us who really don’t have anything better to do than wallow in self-pity? I’ve tried pretty much every avenue available except for drugs, and came up with nothing. I have no way of improving my life further. There’s no way for me to lead a more productive lifestyle. Why can’t I let off my steam in a community for people like me?

And now let’s contrast this with an excerpt from Arnold’s book:

I know that if you can change your diet and exercise program to give yourself a different body, you can apply the same principles to anything else. The secret is contained in a three-part formula I learned in the gym: self-confidence, a positive mental attitude, and honest hard work. Many people are aware of these principles, but very few can put them into practice. Every day I hear someone say, “I’m too fat. I need to lose twenty-five pounds, but I can’t. I never seem to improve.” I’d hate myself if I had that kind of attitude, if I were that weak. I can lose ten to forty pounds rapidly, easily, painlessly, by simply setting my mind to it. By observing the principles of strict discipline that bodybuilding taught me, I can prepare myself for anything…

Holy shit that is a powerful statement. The principles that Arnold learned through bodybuilding, he has applied to everything else in life. That is how he became who he was. What kind of mindset do you want to have? A Forever Alone mindset or the mindset of a champion? This has so much more to do than with just lifting heavy weights. It has to do with how we carry ourselves through life.

I am so glad I am reading this book. It also contains his workout and diet suggestions. Check out the reviews on Amazon as well.