Why We Shouldn't Write Arnold Off - WO 3.3.1

Do I condone adultery? No.  However, I will not sit by an let the 'holier than thou' crowd sit there and trash a man who has done a lot of good in his life.  While I think over the years Arnie has gotten liberal in his politics on certain issues like environmentalism and others.  From the stand point of fitness and career I can't complain.  Take out the martial issue and Arnie does not do too bad.  But lets take a look at Arnie's record when it comes to relationships.

1. As a bachelor was Arnie a one woman guy?  No.  But nobody said anything back then because he was a bachelor.

2. What was this marriage about in the first place?  If you say anything but money and politics, you are probably wrong.  Throw in the added bonus of producing a few children and you got what this marriage was about; it was a contract marriage like it or not.  Now that the politics are over, what would be its purpose?  Trouble was on the horizon, adultery aside, no matter what.

3. People probably should refresh their knowledge of John 8 and the story of the woman caught in adultery.  The response Jesus has toward adultery is far from the response Arnold is getting from most.  Vultures always like to bring someone down because then they can pretend they are not vultures for a little while.

Probably the most interesting effect this has had is actually on another bodybuilder -- Branch Warren (congrats Branch and Trish on being expecting parents).  Normally the winner of the Arnold Classic would be the front runner to upset the Olympia champ.  Not his year and I can't help but wondering if this is part of the Arnold fall from grace syndrome.  The prestige of a contest should not be affected by the name on it but the nature of the contest itself. and the competitors.  Everyone is talking about how great Kai Greene's win was at the New York Pro a normal pro contest (against a weak field other than Ronnie Rockel) and diminishing Branch's win at the Arnold Classic which is the second most prestigious event in bodybuilding only eclipsed by the the Olympia itself.  Arnold effect?  I think so and it is very unfair to Branch Warren.  Especially since Branch has finished second or third at the Olympia the last two years. 

Knowing Branch though he will just train harder and tell people to wait and see what he brings to Olympia.  He is a solid guy and if the Olympia was decided on actual work ethic he would have won already.

Back to Arnold, the man's influence on bodybuilding and fitness is massive and for the most part positive and we can't write him off for that alone.

For me today was Chest and Biceps Day and I set three personal records: Concentration Curls, Decline Dumbbell Bench and  Preacher Curls.  In addition all my 1RMs went up for all eight exercises.  It was a good day and the DOMS are already started.