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What Would Arnold Do? As this monumental debate rages, we should pause and remember the Great Bodybuilder Arnold and how he weighed the wisdom of the ages and finally made his decision regarding this timeless quandary. Who among you can tell the tale of Arnold and what he chose? And - most critically - should it tip the scales one way or the other for all of us? And anybody who has to ask "Arnold Who?" - you are automatically disqualified.

It is said that early in his bodybuilding quest, Arnold was criticized for having calves that were too small, contributing to a deduction of points for his physique. His solution was, legend is told, to cut the lower legs off of every pair of pants he owned. Now, I don't actually remember if it was EVERY pair, or just workout pants; but since he apparently worked out most of the time; and because it makes the story sound better; I'm going for all of them.

Why, you ask, would he do this? Because he wanted to be reminded all of the time that his calves needed work, and he chose to make them visible to himself and everyone in order to emphasize the weakness. How many of us can learn about ourselves and "How Bad We Want It" from this story? How often do we choose to hide our weaknesses and try to avoid thinking about them or revealing them to others? Who among us understands that to be strong is to work and overcome our weaknesses by keeping them visible to us and others constantly? He didn't protest the rules or argue - he worked every day to make his calves bigger.

Now, if as a person who exercises and works to build muscle and improve my physical appearance I were to adopt his method, I would be exercising pretty much in the nude; and not only would the other people at the gym probably find this gross and complain; but living in Michigan I would probably freeze to death quickly right after they threw me out in the snow. Maybe the key is to work it down to one or two inferior body parts and THEN start cutting up my clothes?!

So, aside from that deeply psychological historically based motivation, this question probably comes down to personal preference. I would also advise that we also add color to the debate, as I personally would wear gray sweats but wouldn't be seen in gray shorts. Then again, perhaps whether you are male or female; in or out of shape; the style and tightness of the shorts and pants; and any number of other factors should also be considered. Or perhaps if you are serious about exercising and fitness - it doesn't really matter?

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