Rating: 
Summary: It changed my life dramatically
Review: One week after entering the gym at the age of 18 I bought the English version of this book. It gave me the inspiration to become a contest bodybuilder. Now, at the age of 35, married, father of two kids and being a well paid manager I still live by the rules of bodybuilding. I studied in terms of sets and reps and I manage in sets and reps. For me Arnold is the embodiment of everything that has to do with persistance. I hope that this book can do the same with you as it did for me.
Rating: 
Summary: Worth It For The Mental Focus Tips
Review: Sorry, but I was never one to buy into the "myth" of Ar-NOLD. His physique was too exagerated, and his image too he-man for my tastes. But friend after friend kept reccomending this book to me. After finishing it, I understand why.
"The Education" is really two books, and a self-help guide, all wrapped up in a couple of hundred easy to read pages. The book begins with Arnold's growing up in Austria, and discovery of the weight room, and follows his progression from small bodybuilding shows in Europe through his immigration to America, and his ascension to the top of the world of muscle. It was in these pages that I found the real value of this book, because Arnold talks about common sense approaches to involving the mind in every single workout, from motivation and visualization techniques, through mental imagery and strict concentration. Having lifted a few pounds in my day, I was greatly impressed by Arnold's discussion of how important the mind has always been to his training, and how mental discipline in the gym has given him the fortitude to become a success in America. While his physique still doesn't rank among my favorites, I developed a sense of respect for his training methods after reading this book.
Part two, which includes a number of "split" variations for ironheads, is a little passe in this day of ever-evolving weight lifting strategies, and fails to spend enough time stressing (or even teaching) excellent form. There are many other (and better) books to use as a resource for this - though form should always be honed with a certified trainer, not studied from a book.
After reading this, I'm tempted to study more about Arnold, and look forward to reading "The Encyclopedia Of bodybuilding", another one of his publications. But I won't be rushing out to rent Terminator 2 - I'm still not that sold on him.
Rating:
Summary: Great motivational piece for any aspiring athlete
Review: The book is an autobiography of Arnold, up through the mid-70s. It is interesting to be inside the mind of a super-athlete such as Schwarzenegger. He conveys how and why he rose to become what many believe to be the greatest bodybuilder of all-time. He writes about many of the distractions of the early days -- girls, school, parental disaproval, a year of army duty -- and how he dealt with these and managed to stay focused on his dream to be the best at the sport. Within five years he became Mr. Universe. He perservered to become more than just a great bodybuilder. He became a superstar. After he had beat every other bodybuilder of his time, he decided to do away with competing and accomplish his next set of goals. He went into acting, and as we all know, became an international moviestar. In addition he went into the promotion side of bodybuilding, running competions such as Mr. Olympia, Mr. Universe, and of course, the Arnold Classic. He also set up many gyms in several countries. The second half of the book is a rough guide on how to begin a progressive resistance program, additional motivational advice, nutrition and the like. Throughout the book he demonstrates the many benifits he obtained from bodybuilding -- optimal health, discipline, mind control, etc. Basically, I found it very inspirational to read. However, I would suggest not to solely rely on the information in the second half for workout planning. Though it is good information, it is somewhat brief, and it is WHAT WORKED FOR HIM. Everyone varies in their response to weight training (i.e. how quickly their muscles grow) due to genetic predispositions, such as natural metabolism level, and and I would suggest getting additional, more comprehensive information, such as Gold's Gym Mass Building Training and Nutrition System, or check your local bookstore and do some browsing through the selection to see what appeals to your interest.
Rating:
Summary: "An all around book"
Review: The inspiring Arnold Schwarzeneger tells his life story from his early days as a young teen in Austria and Munich, Germany,up until his last Mr. Olympia victory in 1980 But that's not all he also gives pointers in nutrition and exercises from beginging to competitive. This is a very well writen book it's almost as if he's siting next to you and having a conversation in your local gym. I highly recommend this book to Schwarzeneger fans or Bodybuilders alike or just someone who want's to build a better looking physique.
Rating:
Summary: Arnold Schwarzenegger: His Life Philosophy
Review: This book enlightens the reader. It encourages one to reach to one's potential. Yes, the book is focused on the issue of body building, but it does not take much effort to think more broadly, and see to it that if you want to reach a specific goal, it is attainable. Arnold did it. First, if there is one thing you will gain from this book, it is that people who want to achieve incredible things don't let anyone get in their way. Arnold's parents, doctor, and peers tried to give him the impression that body building was not the wise thing to do. Arnold had it his way, anyway. He never let anything get in his way, including a girlfriend he had in Santa Monica. We all can have this drive. Incredible things happen to those who never lose sight of what they hope to attain. Having huge dreams is what makes America great. That is one reason why Arnold Schwarzenegger will become California's governor next month. An amazing story that should inspire us all. Hopefull Mr. Schwarzenegger will write another book about his life that continues the saga from body building to acting. -- Michael Gordon
Los Angeles
Rating:
Summary: Arnold Schwarzenegger: His Life Philosophy
Review: This book enlightens the reader. It encourages one to reach to one's potential. Yes, the book is focused on the issue of body building, but it does not take much effort to think more broadly, and see to it that if you want to reach a specific goal, it is attainable. Arnold did it. First, if there is one thing you will gain from this book, it is that people who want to achieve incredible things don't let anyone get in their way. Arnold's parents, doctor, and peers tried to give him the impression that body building was not the wise thing to do. Arnold had it his way, anyway. He never let anything get in his way, including a girlfriend he had in Santa Monica. We all can have this drive. Incredible things happen to those who never lose sight of what they hope to attain. Having huge dreams is what makes America great. That is one reason why Arnold Schwarzenegger will become California's governor next month. An amazing story that should inspire us all. Hopefull Mr. Schwarzenegger will write another book about his life that continues the saga from body building to acting. -- Michael Gordon
Los Angeles
Rating:
Summary: Awesome book for motivation
Review: This book is awesome. It was written before Arnold became a politician and movie star alike. This book is pure hard core Arnold thinking. It contains ways he made it to the top of the body building world. Its so motivational and speaks of how he made it. NO BS. Great book to buy for motivation.
Rating:
Summary: Great autobiography
Review: This book is primarily an autobiography of Arnold. It shows how he got started in bodybuilding and most importantly --why.The early pictures of Arnold are inspiring and show that Arnold was just an average guy with above average drive that brought out his potential.The mental mindset of Arnold is awe inspiring and worth the price of this book alone.Education of a bodybuilder is a good read and I recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: This book is very interesting and educational for the body builder Arnold fan.
Rating:
Summary: A Must Have For Inspiration !
Review: This book tells Arnold's story in his own words. It is divided in two parts: the story itself and Arnold's opinion on how you should train. I loved reading Arnold's success story; it's a classical example of the American Dream. The book also gives an inside view of the bodybuilding scene of about twentyfive years ago. Once again: very interesting and highly motivating! Too bad that Arnold doesn't mention his use (or abuse?) of growth drugs. The second part of the book, where Arnold gives advice on how one should train, is unfortunately of low value to somebody who wants to know how to train for maximum results. Sometimes his advice is founded on facts, but most of the time it is just Arnold's opinion based on outright myths. Regard this book as a great history book for inspiration, not as a source of state of the art training information.
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