Arnold Schwarzenegger Weight: His Peak, Off-Season, and More

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Mar 26, 2025

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most famous bodybuilders in history. His incredible physique helped him win multiple Mr. Olympia titles and become a Hollywood star. But how much did he actually weigh at his peak?

In this article, we’ll break down Arnold Schwarzenegger’s weight during his prime, off-season, and at different stages of his career.

[Related Article] The Arnold Chest Workout: Complete Guide

Short Summary

Peak Weight: Arnold Schwarzenegger weighed around 230–250 lbs (107–113 kg) during his prime bodybuilding years.

Lightest Weight (1980 Mr. Olympia): Arnold weighed around 225 lbs (102 kg), appearing leaner and more streamlined compared to previous competitions.
Heaviest Weight (1974 Mr. Olympia): He reached his peak size at 250 lbs (110 kg), showcasing maximum muscle mass and fullness.

Off-Season Weight: In the off-season, Schwarzenegger's weight often increased to around 260 lbs as he focused on muscle growth.
Movie Transformations – For roles like Terminator, he slimmed to 220 lbs for a shredded look.
Weight Today – Now in his 70s, Arnold stays fit at around 210-230 lbs.
Height & Proportions – At 6’2", his weight looked even more impressive thanks to perfect symmetry.
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What is Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Weight?

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s weight changed throughout his career. During his peak bodybuilding years, he weighed between 235–250 lbs (107–113 kg). His competition weight was usually around 235 lbs (107 kg), while in the off-season, he bulked up to 260 lbs (118 kg) to build more muscle.

His lightest recorded competition weight was in 1980 Mr. Olympia, where he weighed 225 lbs (102 kg). On the other hand, his heaviest was in 1974 Mr. Olympia, when he reached 250 lbs (110 kg), showcasing his biggest and most muscular physique.

Quick Stats

Full Name: Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger
Height: 6’2” (188 cm)
Competition Weight: 235 lbs – 107 kg
Off Season Weight: 260 lbs – 118 kg
Nicknames: Arnie, Conan the Governor, Austrian Oak
Date of Birth: July 30, 1947
Age (as of 2025): 77 years
Birthplace: Thal, Styria, Allied-occupied Austria
Residence: California, USA
Arms: 22″ (56 cm)
Waist: 34″ (86 cm)
Chest: 57″ (145 cm)
Thighs: 28,5″ (72 cm)

About Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the most famous bodybuilders in history. Born on July 30, 1947, in Austria, he started weight training as a teenager and quickly became known for his incredible strength and muscle size. At just 20 years old, he won the Mr. Universe title, making him the youngest winner ever.

He later moved to the United States and dominated professional bodybuilding, winning seven Mr. Olympia titles between 1970 and 1980. His success in bodybuilding helped him transition into acting, where he became a Hollywood superstar with blockbuster movies like The Terminator, Predator, and Total Recall.

Beyond bodybuilding and acting, Arnold also became involved in politics, serving as the Governor of California from 2003 to 2011. Today, he remains active in fitness, health, and charity work, inspiring millions worldwide.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Biography

Early Life

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in Thal, Austria, near Graz. His father, Gustav Schwarzenegger, was a police chief, and his mother, Aurelia Jadrny Schwarzenegger, was a homemaker. Arnold grew up in a strict household during the post-war period but developed a passion for sports and physical fitness at an early age.

Schwarzenegger recalled that his family struggled financially, and one of his childhood highlights was buying a refrigerator. As a child, Schwarzenegger played soccer, but he soon fell in love with weightlifting.

Bodybuilding Career

At 14 years old, Arnold decided to become a bodybuilder. He admired Reg Park, a famous bodybuilder and actor. In 1965, Arnold joined the Austrian Army for mandatory service. Even during his training, he continued bodybuilding. That same year, he won the Junior Mr. Europe title.

At 19, he became the youngest ever Mr. Universe champion in 1967. This victory put him on the world stage. At 21, he moved to the United States with little money and limited English skills but big dreams of becoming the world’s best bodybuilder. He trained at Gold’s Gym in California and worked hard to improve his physique.

He won his first Mr. Olympia title in 1970. Months before the 1975 Mr. Olympia, filmmakers George Butler and Robert Fiore persuaded Schwarzenegger to compete and film his training for Pumping Iron. With only three months to prepare after losing weight for Stay Hungry, he still secured victory over Lou Ferrigno despite being lighter than usual.

Over the years, he won seven Mr. Olympia titles (1970–1975, 1980), becoming one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He became known as the "Austrian Oak" for his incredible physique and dominance in competitions.

Acting Career

Arnold transitioned into acting with his debut in Hercules in New York (1970). Schwarzenegger gained worldwide fame through iconic roles in films like Conan the Barbarian (1982) (Schwarzenegger's Breakthrough Film) and The Terminator (1984). In the following years, Arnold Schwarzeneggerstarred in blockbuster movies like Predator (1987), Total Recall (1990), and True Lies (1994).

In the 1980s, action films gained popularity, making both Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone international stars. By the 1990s, he was one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, earning approximately $35 million per film.

Political Career

In 2003, Schwarzenegger entered politics and became the 38th Governor of California. He served two terms until 2011, focusing on environmental policies and fiscal reforms. His nickname, "The Governator", reflected his unique blend of Hollywood fame and political leadership.

Life After Politics

After leaving office, Arnold returned to acting. He appeared in movies like The Expendables series and Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). He also focused on fitness, charity work, and climate activism.

Beyond bodybuilding and politics, Arnold is a successful businessman, author, and philanthropist. He has written books on fitness, including Arnold: The Education of a Bodybuilder, and founded the Arnold Sports Festival, one of the world’s largest bodybuilding events.

Competition History

1966:

1st place - Mr. Europe
2nd place - NABBA Mr. Universe (Tall class)

1967:

1st place - NABBA Mr. Universe

1968:

2nd place - IFBB Mr. Universe (2nd to Frank Zane)
1st place - NABBA Pro Mr. Universe

1969:

1st place - IFBB Mr. Europe
1st place - IFBB Mr. International
2nd place - IFBB Mr. Olympia
1st place - IFBB Mr. Universe
1st place - NABBA Pro Mr. Universe

1970:

1st place - IFBB Mr. Olympia
1st place - NABBA Pro Mr. Universe
1st place - AAU Mr. World

1971-1975:

1st place - IFBB Mr. Olympia (5 consecutive wins)

1980:

1st place - IFBB Mr. Olympia (comeback victory)

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Workout Routine

Arnold Schwarzenegger's workout routine is legendary for its intensity, volume, and focus on building a balanced, muscular physique. Whether during his competitive bodybuilding days or later in life, his approach to training has always been disciplined and goal-oriented.

Classic Bodybuilding Routine

During his peak bodybuilding years, Arnold followed a high-volume split routine, training six days a week. Each major muscle group was worked 2–3 times per week, emphasizing progressive overload and reaching failure on key exercises.

Here’s an example of his classic split:

Day 1 & Day 4: Chest and Back
Exercises included bench presses, incline presses, pullovers, chin-ups, bent-over rows, and deadlifts.
Day 2 & Day 5: Shoulders and Arms
Exercises included clean and presses, lateral raises, upright rows, barbell curls, dumbbell curls, triceps extensions, and wrist curls.
Day 3 & Day 6: Legs and Lower Back
Exercises included squats, lunges, leg curls, stiff-leg deadlifts, and standing calf raises.
Day 7: Rest

Modern Routine

At age 77, Arnold’s workouts have adapted to suit his body’s needs while maintaining his fitness. He now focuses on efficient training with lighter weights and higher repetitions to protect his joints after surgeries.

His current routine includes:

Daily Training: Up to 1.5 hours per day
- Cycling: 45–60 minutes for cardio health
- Weight Training: 30 minutes, focusing on maintenance with high reps

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Diet

Arnold followed a high-protein, high-calorie diet to fuel his intense workouts and muscle growth. He believed in balanced nutrition with a focus on whole foods, proper macronutrients, and meal timing.

Key Principles

High Protein Intake: Arnold emphasized consuming about 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily. For him, this meant around 250 grams of protein when he weighed 250 pounds.
Frequent Meals: He ate 5-6 meals per day, including three main meals and 2-3 snacks, to maintain a constant flow of nutrients.
Caloric Intake: His diet consisted of up to 3,500-5,000 calories per day to support muscle growth.
Carbohydrates: He focused on complex carbs like brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole grains for energy.
Fats: Arnold included saturated fats from sources like eggs, red meat, and dairy to support hormone production and calorie intake.
Supplementation: He used supplements to complement his diet. These included protein powders, vitamins, and minerals.

Simplified Meal Example:

A typical day might include eggs and sausages for breakfast.
Chicken or steak with vegetables for lunch.
Protein shakes between meals.
Fish or lean meat with a salad for dinner.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Current Diet

As of 2022, Arnold follows a mostly vegan diet, which he says makes him feel younger and healthier while lowering his LDL cholesterol. However, he still enjoys an occasional steak or Austrian wiener schnitzel to maintain balance.

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FAQs: Arnold Schwarzenegger Weight

Q: What was Arnold Schwarzenegger's weight during his peak bodybuilding days?

A: Arnold Schwarzenegger typically weighed between 225–235 lbs during his peak competitions.

Q: How many Mr. Olympia titles did Arnold Schwarzenegger win?

A: He won seven Mr. Olympia titles between 1970 and 1980.

Q: What was Arnold Schwarzenegger's off-season weight?

A: In the off-season, Schwarzenegger's weight often increased to around 250–260 lbs.

Q: How tall is Arnold Schwarzenegger?

A: Arnold Schwarzenegger is 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall.

Q: What was Arnold's body fat percentage during his bodybuilding competitions?

A: His body fat percentage was estimated to be around 5-7% during his peak competition periods.

Final Thoughts

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s weight tells a story of constant adaptation—from the extreme bulk of his bodybuilding days to the leaner physique he maintained for Hollywood.

His numbers (235 lbs on stage, 260+ off-season, 220 in later years) reflect more than just mass; they show how purpose shaped his body. Whether for competition, acting, or health, his weight was never static.

About Other Bodybuilders, You Might Be Interested In

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_Schwarzenegger
https://www.sportskeeda.com/bodybuilding/news-how-much-arnold-schwarzenegger-weigh-heaviest
https://www.simplyshredded.com/arnie-profile.html
http://www.schwarzenegger.com/
https://fitnessvolt.com/2220/arnold-schwarzenegger/

Image Credits:

https://www.instagram.com/schwarzenegger/

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding.

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.