Arnold's Post-Workout Beer: Fact Or Fiction?

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for his impressive physique and dedication to fitness, but did he drink beer after working out? The answer is yes, even during his 50-mile ultramarathons. In fact, during the Golden Age of Bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger and other superstars like Tom Platz, Sergio Oliva, and Lou Ferrigno included alcohol in their dietary regimens. However, it's important to note that their gains in the gym were likely not due to beer or hard liquor.

While some sources claim that Schwarzenegger added a few jiggers of rum to his protein drink, believing it sped up the absorption of protein into the body, others state that he would drink a pitcher of beer after a gym session. Schwarzenegger himself has been quoted as saying, Milk is for babies. When you grow up, you have to drink beer.

However, it's important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative health effects and impact muscle growth. While moderate consumption may not significantly hinder recovery, binge drinking after exercise can suppress muscle protein synthesis and disrupt the natural recovery process.

Arnold Schwarzenegger drank beer during his 50-mile ultramarathons

Arnold Schwarzenegger is a bodybuilding icon who won the Mr. Olympia title seven times. He is also known for his famous statement, "Milk is for babies. When you grow up you have to drink beer." In the 1977 documentary 'Pumping Iron', Schwarzenegger revealed that he drank beer while working out. He elaborated on this in a 2019 interview with GQ, explaining that when he was training in Munich, Germany, most gyms had milk bottles lined across the windows, and bodybuilders would drink them while working out. However, Schwarzenegger hated milk, and since there was a restaurant downstairs from his gym that served beer, he would drink that instead during his workouts.

Schwarzenegger's drinking habits extended beyond his early bodybuilding days and even during his 50-mile ultramarathons, he drank beer. In fact, Schwarzenegger recommends drinking beer post-workout with dinner. While some modern gym-goers avoid alcohol altogether, believing it to hinder muscle growth and recovery, Schwarzenegger's example shows that drinking in moderation does not necessarily impede athletic performance or fitness gains.

Excessive alcohol consumption, particularly binge drinking after exercise, can negatively impact muscle recovery and protein synthesis. However, moderate alcohol consumption, typically defined as one to two drinks per day, does not significantly affect the body's ability to recover. In fact, some studies suggest that a small amount of alcohol after a workout may even have benefits. For example, a study found that the isohumulones in hops, which give beer its bitter taste, might support weight loss. Additionally, non-alcoholic beer can be a good recovery drink, as it is isotonic and contains electrolytes, carbohydrates, and polyphenols, which can reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

It is important to note that while moderate alcohol consumption may not significantly impact muscle recovery, it can still have long-term health consequences. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can contribute to dehydration, especially after intense exercise or in hot climates. Additionally, it can introduce swelling to injured tissues and delay the recovery process. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize rehydration and proper nutrition after a workout, ensuring adequate fluid intake and consuming a meal or snack with carbohydrates and protein.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is 99% vegan

During the Golden Age of Bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger and other superstars like Tom Platz, Sergio Oliva, and Lou Ferrigno had a dietary regimen that included alcohol. Their gains in the gym were phenomenal, but this had little to do with beer and hard liquor. Schwarzenegger is known to have said, "Milk is for babies. When you grow up, you have to drink beer." He is also known to have added a few jiggers of rum to his protein drink, claiming that it "speeds the absorption of protein into the body."

However, studies have shown that alcohol consumption reduces muscle protein synthesis (MPS), which reduces the possibility of gaining muscle. A 2014 study reported that heavy drinking post-exercise (about 7 beers for a 150-pound person) suppressed muscle protein synthesis. The same was true even when the participants consumed 25 grams of protein before drinking alcohol.

Beer is loaded with energy-promoting B vitamins and absorbs carbs quickly, which can help stick to a fitness regimen via social strengthening, and it will not impact hydration. Nevertheless, it is important to note that alcohol is a diuretic, so it can lead to dehydration. It also depletes glucose levels, stripping muscles of power, and inhibits an enzyme that fuels recovery in fast-twitch anaerobic fibers.

Therefore, while Schwarzenegger may have consumed beer and other alcoholic drinks, it is not advisable to rely on them for muscle growth or recovery. The idea that alcohol aids in muscle growth is largely a myth, and excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative health consequences.

Arnold Schwarzenegger added a few jiggers of rum to his protein drink

In his bodybuilding prime, Arnold Schwarzenegger added a few jiggers of rum to his protein drink. "It speeds the absorption of protein into the body," he explained. Schwarzenegger is not the only athlete to combine alcohol and fitness. Chet Yorton, who defeated Schwarzenegger in the 1966 Mr Universe competition, favoured malt liquor when he wasn't pumping iron. Three-time Mr Olympia Frank Zane liked to have a glass of wine with his dinner every night.

While light to moderate alcohol consumption has been linked to various health benefits, including a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney stones, it is well known that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health issues and even death. Alcohol is a toxin that the body prioritises getting rid of, which can slow the natural recovery process from a workout by elevating cortisol levels, decreasing testosterone levels, and inhibiting protein synthesis.

However, having a drink after a workout once in a while won't have long-term effects. If you're looking to build muscle, it's probably best to abstain from drinking right after a workout. But if the end of your workout overlaps with a social function, completing your workout is likely better than skipping it altogether.

If you do decide to drink alcohol after a workout, it's important to prioritise rehydration and restoring electrolytes. Waiting at least an hour between finishing your workout and having your first drink is recommended, and it's crucial to replenish electrolytes, rehydrate with water, and fuel correctly with a nutritious meal or snack consisting of carbohydrates and protein.

Arnold Schwarzenegger drank beer with dinner

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known to have enjoyed a beer or two, and even drank beer during his 50-mile ultramarathons. In fact, during the Golden Age of Bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger and other superstars like Tom Platz, Sergio Oliva, and Lou Ferrigno, incorporated alcohol into their diets. However, it is important to note that their impressive gains in the gym were not due to beer or hard liquor.

While Schwarzenegger enjoyed a beer with dinner, it is not advisable to make a habit of binge drinking or staying up late, as this can negatively impact your health and fitness goals. According to experts, it is recommended to limit yourself to one or two beers, especially if you are focused on building muscle. Excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt muscle protein synthesis, elevate cortisol levels, decrease testosterone levels, and negatively impact recovery and muscle growth.

If you are an athlete or highly active individual, it is crucial to prioritize proper nutrition, hydration, and recovery strategies. Alcohol should not replace a well-balanced meal or adequate fluid intake. Additionally, drinking alcohol after a workout can slow down the natural recovery process and hinder your fitness gains. However, having an occasional beer with dinner is unlikely to cause long-term negative effects on your health and fitness journey.

In conclusion, while Arnold Schwarzenegger drank beer with dinner, it is important to practice moderation and prioritize a healthy lifestyle. Enjoying an occasional beer can be part of a balanced lifestyle, but excessive consumption can impact your health and fitness goals.

Arnold Schwarzenegger drank beer after a workout to unwind

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known to have enjoyed a beer or two, even during his 50-mile ultramarathons. In fact, during the Golden Age of Bodybuilding, Schwarzenegger and other superstars like Tom Platz, Sergio Oliva, and Lou Ferrigno, had a dietary regimen that included alcohol. However, their impressive gains in the gym had little to do with beer and hard liquor.

While Schwarzenegger's post-workout beer may have been a way for him to unwind, it's important to understand the effects of alcohol on the body, especially after a workout. Alcohol slows down the natural recovery process by elevating cortisol levels, decreasing testosterone levels, and inhibiting protein synthesis. It is treated as a toxin by the body, which prioritises getting rid of it over muscle recovery and fat burning.

That being said, having a drink after a workout once in a while won't have long-term effects on your fitness goals. The consensus is that one or two beers are fine, and the occasional beer won't significantly hinder your recovery. In fact, some studies have shown that low doses of alcohol can increase circulating testosterone by about 17% in both young men and premenopausal women. However, this boost is probably not enough to noticeably increase muscle growth.

So, if you're looking to unwind with a beer after a tough workout like Schwarzenegger, just remember to do so in moderation and ensure you're also properly rehydrating and refueling your body with a nutritious meal.

Frequently asked questions