Adnkronos (Adnkronos) –
Does Shaquille O'Neal want to become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger? Obviously not, at least not to aim for the Mr. Olympia title. But the NBA legend is working hard to improve his physique, and between sets, he doesn't lose his sense of humor. In a video shared during his workout, Shaq issues a playful challenge to the legendary actor and former bodybuilding champion: "Here I come, Arnold Schwarzenegger!"
Behind the joke, however, there is an increasingly serious training routine.
O'Neal trains four days a week, dedicating about an hour to each session. Twenty minutes are dedicated to low-intensity cardio, with the rest of the time devoted to weights. Among the exercises demonstrated in the latest video are cable flyes for the chest, performed with high repetitions, and a variation of the lat machine on an incline bench to work the back.
At the end of the session, Shaq also indulges in a few classic bodybuilding poses: from the double biceps curl to the back extension pose. Sure, Arnold Schwarzenegger's physique in his heyday is still out of this world, but the former NBA center's size and strength, even at 54, continue to impress. Working with high repetitions also allows him to pursue one of the sensations he loves most in the gym: the muscle pump.
"My favorite part of the workout is when I feel my muscles really full, especially my biceps. My arms are getting really nice and youthful," he told Men's Health.
Not everything is as it once was, however. After a top-level basketball career and a hip replacement in 2023, running has become much more difficult. "My least favorite part is running on the treadmill. I can't run anymore, and it's sad. I used to be the greatest athlete ever, now I have to walk on the treadmill," he admitted. In recent years, Shaq has shown he's serious about his fitness. After gaining weight during the pandemic, he managed to lose about 25 pounds, returning to focusing on strength, training, and wellness. Mr. Olympia? Probably not. But at 54, the basketball giant continues to surprise: and while the comparison to Arnold is a joke, the desire to train is definitely real.
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