Many know Mel C as a dedicated fitness fan – including, it turns out, bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Speaking on a recent episode of The Louis Theroux Podcast, the Spice Girl revealed that Schwarzenegger’s workout albums were a surprising source of gym motivation.
‘Arnold Schwarzenegger, around the [docudrama] Pumping Iron time, made these albums [with] bangers, like “It’s Raining Men”,’ she said. ‘But he’s literally doing the workout over it. It’s bicep curls. Brilliant.’
She then revealed that Schwarzenegger had once complimented her impressive arms.
‘He did compliment my guns once,’ the award-winning singer-songwriter said. ‘It’s one of my claims to fame. I was at the Royal Albert Hall, and it was Gorbachev’s 80th birthday celebrations.’
‘Wow, that is a double name drop,’ Louis remarked. ‘I don’t think I’ve rubbed shoulders with either Arnie or Gorbachev.’
‘Can you imagine the ridiculous rooms you find yourself in,’ she agreed.
How Mel C built her strong arms
Mel C prioritises strength training, regularly incorporating a variety of upper-body exercises into her workouts.
1. Banded wide-grip pull-ups 
In one workout video, Mel C hooks one knee into a purple resistance band as she pulls her chin above the bar. Compared with a narrower grip, a wider grip places greater emphasis on the lats and upper-back muscles, while the biceps and forearms also contribute to the movement.
‘Assisted pull-ups help strengthen the back and arms while improving upper-body pulling power,’ explains Sarah Campus, PT and founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS.
2. Hanging leg raises, toes to bar and inverted hangs
In the same workout, Mel C performed hanging leg raises, while in another recent outdoor session she demonstrated toes-to-bar. Last year, she also showcased an inverted hang. While these exercises primarily target the core, they also challenge the forearms, biceps and grip strength by requiring you to support your bodyweight from the bar.
In the outdoor workout, Mel C performed wide incline push-ups using a bench. The exercise primarily targets the chest, while also working the front shoulders and triceps.
In another gym workout, Mel C performed lateral raises alongside lunges and steady intervals on the Concept2 bike. The exercise primarily targets the lateral deltoids (side shoulders), while the front and rear deltoids also contribute to the movement.
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Sarah Campus is a highly qualified women’s PT, Nutrition Coach, Running Coach, Distance Runner, mum of 3 and founder of LDN MUMS FITNESS.
She’s the host of the Soho House Run Club in Chiswick and a STRAVA and TOMMY’s marathon coach and ambassador. She specialises helping non-runners get into competitive distance running.
As a fitness and holistic wellness expert, Sarah regularly features on TV and in Magazines, offering tips and advice to keep the whole family healthy and active.