A dream more in the shape of a goal that leaves him sleepless rather than one that puts him to slumber, a plethora of bodybuilding champions’ posters decorating his bedroom wall, and the urge to achieve the ‘American Dream’ drove Arnold Schwarzenegger to a strict workout and diet routine at the age of fifteen. The very routine he followed religiously every day until his name was called out seven times while announcing Mr. Olympia titles.

The Austrian Oak, as he has come to be known, may have become a master at telling people to follow their dream now, but the “blueprint” of his own was crafted by someone else.

Which movie helped Arnold Schwarzenegger to achieve his dream?

Days after reminding the world why he remains among the greatest action stars of all time with FUBAR, Arnold Schwarzenegger with his Netflix docuseries, Arnold, also submitted evidence on why he is much more. The three episodes of the docuseries mirror chronological chapters of his life. Undoubtedly, the first one explores his foray into the sport of bodybuilding. But before that came one step that changed his life. As the Austrian Oak recalls it, it was in 1961 when he watched Hercules and the Captive Women and crafted the “blueprint” of his entire life.

Not the most cherished addition to the Sword and Sandal franchise, it was not the plot of the movie, but more so the acclaimed bodybuilder Reg Park, that had Schwarzenegger in a “trance”. And like destiny, he soon landed upon a magazine that detailed Reg Park’s workout and diet routine to achieve his sculpted Hercules body.

It seems like the Austrian Oak drew out a pretty solid blueprint because, soon enough, he met his idol. However, Schwarzenegger did much more than just meet his idol, as he even competed against him.

Did the Austrian Oak win against his idol?

Arnold Schwarzenegger had the chance to meet and also receive mentorship from his idol. The two bodybuilding champions got along quite well, as the Austrian Oak even stayed with Park’s family in South Africa. But either Park’s training was too good or Schwarzenegger’s blueprint is worth a million bucks because he defeated his own idol in 1970 at the Mr. Universe contest.

Thankfully, Reg Park did not take it to heart. Years later, the FUBAR actor followed Park’s steps into Hollywood with Hercules in New York. The movie, albeit not a blockbuster hit, had the same effect on the audience that Reg Park had on Schwarzenegger. They were in a “trance“. Perhaps one of these days the bodybuilding maestro will reveal his blueprint in his Pump Club newsletters.

Did you know that Arnold Schwarzenegger crafted his dream after watching a movie? Let us know in the comments below.