Anytime Fitness Muswellbrook manager meets Arnold Schwarzenegger at Arnold Classic in Melbourne

The Anytime Fitness Muswellbrook club manager was in Melbourne for the Arnold Classic – and so was The Terminator star himself.

“I’m into body building and we wanted to go to the Arnold Classic because it’s a fairly big competition, and obviously [we wanted] to meet Arnold,” she said.

From Friday to Sunday, she saw a range of events, from the pro and amateur competitions to the children’s activities and the expo.

But, it was her encounter on Sunday morning that made her first Arnold Classic an event to remember.

Her VIP platinum tickets gave her the opportunity to meet Arnold Schwarzenegger in person.

And, the “really nice and overwhelming” experience did not disappoint.

She said Kindergarten Cop was her favourite of his movies and that he was exactly the same as on screen, and making jokes.

When there were technical issues, he quoted some of his movie one-liners.

The standout moment for Ms Periscal was when Schwarzenegger said what he would tell his 20-year-old self.

She said he would have told himself to just keep going, and that if he had listened to discouraging words when he was younger, he would not be where he was today.

“[He said] keep pushing, keep persisting – with whatever you want to do with life,” Ms Periscal said.

“It was definitely an incredible experience and one I won’t forget anytime soon.”

Aside from the fun of meeting the celebrity, Ms Periscal came away with valuable insight to encourage those around her to be active.

“He was talking to us about fitness crusaders,” she said.

“In my line of work, not everybody can afford gym membership, but it’s about encouraging them to go for a walk.

“It doesn’t have to be a long walk, just get moving and see how that makes you feel.”

Then it was “Hasta La Vista, Baby!” as Schwarzenegger left the expo and his myriad of fans.