Arnold Schwarzenegger Reflects on His Bodybuilding Legacy and His Steroid Use

Arnold Schwarzenegger, seven-time Mr. Olympia, Hollywood icon, philanthropist, and former Governor of California, continues to speak candidly about his remarkable journey, from a small Austrian village to global superstardom, and the controversial choices that shaped his rise.

Steroid use: Acknowledged, contextualised, and without regret

During the height of his competitive prime, Schwarzenegger admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs under medical supervision: “One hundred milligrams a week” of testosterone and “three Dianabol a day, so that was 15 milligrams a day.” - https://www.menshealth.com/fitness/a43944437/arnold-schwarzenegger-steroid-use-bodybuilding/

This was a time when such substances were legal and unregulated, decades before the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990.

Looking back, he told ABC News that he “has no regrets” for using these substances. “We went to the doctor and did it under doctors’ supervision … it was a new thing. So you can’t roll the clock back and say, Now I would change my mind on this.” He emphasised that while he doesn’t endorse drug use today, it’s essential to understand the context of his era.

A legacy beyond the bodybuilding stage

Born in Thal, Austria, in 1947, Arnold came to America with nothing but ambition. He became the youngest-ever Mr. Universe, a seven-time Mr. Olympia, and a global face of bodybuilding, transforming the sport’s perception and inspiring countless others.

Beyond his gains, he conquered Hollywood with blockbusters like The Terminator and Total Recall, then turned to public service, earning two terms as Governor of California. His focus on environmental reform, infrastructure, and bipartisan leadership defined that chapter of his legacy.

Today, his life operates on purpose. He’s a tireless advocate for fitness and climate action, and through his work with After-School All-Stars, he’s helping underprivileged youth across the U.S. all while continuing his workouts at Gold’s Gym, training not for glory, but to “stay alive, to be able to do my movies.”

A stark warning for today's generation

While frank about his past, Schwarzenegger now urges athletes, especially young influencers and social-media gymmers, to resist the lure of performance-enhancers. “Bodybuilding always, always was considered a safe sport. But now it’s not. Now people are dying … they’re listening to charlatans.” He’s seen the dire consequences firsthand: “Any time you abuse the body, you’re going to regret it … I have seen people getting kidney transplants and suffering tremendously from it.” - https://people.com/arnold-schwarzenegger-recalls-past-steroid-use-urges-bodybuilders-to-avoid-them-7503827

He admits his messaging may seem ironic, “This is the guy who climbed without a rope,” yet he stands firm: “Don’t go there.”

Clarification on HGH

No credible source has ever confirmed that Arnold Schwarzenegger used human growth hormones (HGH). Any suggestion of such is speculative and remains unsubstantiated. HGH today is a controlled substance in many countries, legally available only through licensed medical providers for legitimate health conditions, but also widely associated with the modern performance-enhancement scene.