A Promise to Arnold: Why a Training Partner Changes Everything
- Mak
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
As I celebrated my 50th birthday, a childhood dream came full circle. I lifted in front of my lifelong role model, Arnold Schwarzenegger. That moment wasn’t just about the deadlift. It was about a promise I made to myself and silently to Arnold years ago: To never stop believing, lifting, and striving for greatness.
When I was 14, I watched Pumping Iron on repeat over 2,000 times between the ages of 14 and 20. I wasn’t just obsessed with the muscle or the stage; I was inspired by Arnold’s mindset, discipline, and purpose. What stuck with me the most was his belief in the power of having a training partner.
“You can’t climb a mountain alone. You need someone to push you, challenge you, and spot you when the weight gets heavy.” Arnold Schwarzenegger
That quote echoed in my mind as I trained alongside my team this past year. Coaching and mentoring younger lifters reminded me that iron sharpens iron we grow not just by pushing ourselves, but by being there for each other.
Every session I trained with my partner, I got better not just physically, but mentally. We laughed, we struggled, we pushed each other beyond what we thought was possible. And when it came time to step on the platform, I knew I wasn’t lifting alone. I carried my team, my past, my promise, and my purpose.
Meeting Arnold wasn’t just a fan moment. It was spiritual. I got to thank the man whose example inspired me not only in bodybuilding and powerlifting, but in politics, filmmaking, and community leadership. I forgot to mention to him that I had his victory pose etched in my mind since I was a teenager. That pose became my signal to keep going.
But I haven’t just been chasing Arnold’s path I’ve been forging my own. And now, after years of service, setbacks, and sacrifice, I’ve reignited that dream: To return to film, to inspire through strength, and to lead with heart.
So here’s my promise public and personal: I’m not done. I’ll keep lifting, keep serving, and keep storytelling. Because that’s how we unlock greatness.
Thank you, Arnold. The journey continues.💪🏽🔥🎬
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