When we speak of bodybuilding royalty, eight-time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005), and seven-time champ, Arnold Schwarzenegger (1970-1975, 1980), undeniably stand tall. Their unparalleled achievements have forever etched their names in the annals of bodybuilding. Though their championship reigns may have passed, both remain deeply entrenched in the sport, avidly following the next wave of fitness prodigies.
Fans were in for a treat on August 8, 2023, when Schwarzenegger uploaded a video to his YouTube channel, capturing a training session with Coleman at the renowned Gold’s Gym in Venice, CA. The video, aptly titled “2 Goats Walk Into a Gym,” was a testament to their enduring prowess.
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A Glimpse of Two Titans Training: Highlights of the Session
Though the Schwarzenegger-Coleman training rendezvous was succinct, the intensity and dedication on display were palpable.
Seated Lateral Machine Raises:
The session commenced with both legends taking turns on this exercise. Encouraged by Schwarzenegger’s motivating words, Coleman consistently aimed for that extra rep. Not to be outdone, Schwarzenegger reciprocated the effort, occasionally quipping about Coleman’s massive size and strength.
Seated Shoulder Press:
The focus shifted to the anterior deltoids. Both champions executed three solid sets each, their camaraderie evident in their shared encouragement and light banter.
Triceps Training on the Dip Machine:
As the session progressed to tricep work, Coleman took a moment to reflect on the singularity of the occasion – two of bodybuilding’s greatest, training side by side.
This rare training spectacle served as a reminder: while eras may shift and new champions may arise, the indomitable spirit of legends like Schwarzenegger and Coleman remains forever unmatched.
“Fifteen [Mr.] Olympias [titles] in the house,” Coleman said. “This don’t ever happen.”
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Culmination of Effort: Preacher Curls for Biceps
The training crescendo at Gold’s Gym saw Coleman and Schwarzenegger conclude their session with machine preacher curls, targeting the biceps. With unwavering determination, each of these bodybuilding titans completed a formidable four sets.
An Encompassing Insight into the Workout
Reflecting on the entirety of their engagement, we present a comprehensive synopsis of their Gold’s Gym rendezvous, embodying a profound dedication to their craft:
Schwarzenegger and Coleman’s Gold’s Gym Workout:
- Lateral Raise Machine — Three sets of 15-20 reps
- Seated Overhead Press Machine — Three sets of 15-20 reps
- Triceps Dip Machine — Three sets of 15-20 reps
- Machine Preacher Curl — Three sets of 15-20 reps
Signature Gesture and Divergent Paths: The Intersecting Legacies of Schwarzenegger and Coleman
In a moment reminiscent of cinema, Schwarzenegger and Coleman capped off their intense workout with a signature “hand clasp” — a gesture emblematic of the classic Schwarzenegger film, “Predator.” It was a fleeting union of two worlds: the storied past of bodybuilding and the cinematic nostalgia associated with one of Hollywood’s action stalwarts.
Though their careers on the bodybuilding stage may have concluded, Schwarzenegger and Coleman have since embarked on markedly divergent trajectories, etching their legacies beyond the spotlight’s glow. Schwarzenegger’s ventures span from Hollywood superstardom to governance, while Coleman’s post-competition life is deeply rooted in the fitness industry, punctuated with motivational speaking and product endorsements.
Yet, in a serendipitous meeting at Gold’s Gym, their paths converged once more. Echoing the sentiment of this rare reunion, Coleman poignantly remarked, “This don’t ever happen.” It was a testament to the enduring kinship and mutual respect that these two giants of the sport share, a fleeting moment that will no doubt become another cherished chapter in the annals of bodybuilding.
Watch Schwarzenegger and Coleman’s Gold’s Gym Workout Below
Overview
Legends Ronnie Coleman and Arnold Schwarzenegger, with a collective 15 Mr. Olympia titles between them, reunited for an electrifying training session at Venice’s Gold’s Gym. Captured in Schwarzenegger’s YouTube video “2 Goats Walk Into a Gym,” the duo showcased classic exercises and culminated their workout with a cinematic “hand clasp” reminiscent of “Predator.” While their competitive bodybuilding days are behind them, this union reaffirmed their timeless influence in the sport. Both have carved distinctive post-competition paths — Schwarzenegger in Hollywood and politics, and Coleman in fitness advocacy — but their shared history remains a testament to their enduring legacy in bodybuilding.
Featured image @Schwarzenegger, @ronniecoleman8 (YouTube & Instagram)