Patriot Health Digest
A lot like The Rock, Schwarzenegger does not allow a birthday to get between him and his muscle gains. Earlier today, the bodybuilding and Hollywood legend celebrated his 74th birthday, well, exactly how you probably expect.
In a small clip shared via Instagram by his son, the former Gov. is in his gym hitting out several impressive reps of a T-bar row, which is one of his favorite back exercises.
“Happy Birthday pops! Cannot believe you are a grandpa this year. Can’t wait to see what else happens this year!” His son Patrick said in the caption. “Also, I have no idea how you are 74 today & still pumpin this weight. I truly hope I am half as strong as you mentally & physically when I am your age,” he said.
Arnold’s daughter Katherine also showed some worry over the need to pull with high intensity, stressing his habit of smashing the weight plates right into his chest with each rep. “Why do you need to hit your chest?” she asked.
His video aside, the T-bar row is a great back day exercise with tons of possibilities for adding a challenging new twist to your back routine. They really build better middle and lower back strength. The mid-back does most of the pulling, while your lower back works as a stabilizer, in connection with your abdominal muscles.
As for Arnold, the birthday workout seems to have hit just the right spot—the footage ends with Schwarzenegger seeming to be red-faced and fully exhausted, but also seems to be satisfied with his workout.
Fitness experts say it is important for anyone over the age of 50 to be cautious when doing back workouts, as the chances for injury are higher as you get older.
Arnold is definitely not a newbie when it comes to working out. If you want to follow in his footsteps, it might be best to start without weights in order to master your form and movement, and then slowly add weights to your back workout under the supervision of a workout buddy or fitness instructor.
Author: Scott Dowdy
