Arnold's Cut in Stay Hungry
Just read the other day in Arnold's book that he was 209Ibs for the film Stay Hungry, and that the director wanted him to lose 20-30 pounds for the role. Arnold says he did and kept the weight off for 3 months then had to go back up to 235Ibs two months later for the Mr.Olympia.

How is this possible exactly?

What was Arnold, lets say 6'1 240 @ what, 4-5 % bodyfat pre-contest form? How could he possibly lose 30Ibs, when his initial body composition is at such a low bodyfat % to begin with?

He did look a little slimmer in the role, but not 20-25Ibs less then his Pumping Iron days?

Anyone know how this is possible for Arnold to lose so much weight on his frame, given his original low bodyfat at 230-240? (And also how did he get his weight back up so fast?)

He laid off a lot of (if not all) anabolic steroids and supplements to "deflate" as we call it.

Then, to get ready for the competition, enter all of the anabolics, competition diet/training, etc., basically an entirely different approach from before.

You may be surprised that about 1/2 of the pros actually LOSE weight in the off-season and come off all drugs to "clean out". Then, about 3-4 months before the competition comes the drugs, the impeccable diet,etc. and the muscle memory kicks in and they blow up again for the show.

Many think all pros bulk in the off-season and then cut DOWN for the show. That is true, but about half of them go the other route. They shrink in the off-season and lay off training for a few MONTHS actually, then BLOW BACK UP when the competition time comes around. I personally know 2 people who do this, but I cannot mention names sorry, out of confidentiality.

But honestly, I do know 2 pros who compete who actually lose 25-30 lbs. after the major competitions, only to gain those 30+ lbs. back VERY QUICKLY in a matter of 3 to 4 months tops, and look completely different. They look how they look when you are used to seeing them in
musclemags.

~SC~

Does it have to do with muscle memory, in terms of losing and gaining back?

Did Arnold simply lose 30Ibs of muscle for Stay Hungry in 2 months? Doesn't that mess you up metabolically speaking? Is it just great genetics that he was able to do this? Why would someone like him risk losing 30Ibs of muscle for a movie role, when he still was competing?