Arnold Schwarzenegger praises Barstool star Frank Fleming for dramatic weight loss
Schwarzenegger commends Frank Fleming, aka Frank the Tank, as Fleming's daily weight-loss walks turn into celebrity interviews and draw a following online
Arnold Schwarzenegger is praising Barstool Sports creator Frank Fleming, known as 'Frank the Tank,' for a dramatic weight-loss transformation. In a social-media post, Schwarzenegger thanked Fleming for showing up every day and said his progress serves as an inspiration to others, including himself.
Fleming began his weight-loss journey in 2023 after tipping the scale at more than 500 pounds. Through daily walks and a disciplined routine, he has reduced his weight to below 300 pounds, reporting a drop of more than 240 pounds. The transformation has become a signature piece of his Barstool content, as he has turned his walks into an interview series with celebrities and sports figures.
Fans and fellow creators have followed Fleming's progress, with a clip of a FaceTime call with Matthew Piper Jenks circulating online, in which Fleming described Schwarzenegger's praise as awe-inspiring. "I've always loved Arnold's movies... I've lost so much weight, and I'd love to be able to do a walk with him and discuss my weight loss," Fleming said. The interaction between Fleming and Schwarzenegger has sparked chatter online, with fans urging an East Coast walk between the two.
Before his weight loss took center stage, Fleming built a following for his rambunctious Mets-related rants. A 2016 video criticizing NJ Transit delaying him on Opening Day helped catch the attention of Dave Portnoy, who eventually brought Fleming to Barstool, where his walking series and personality have grown since.
Fans reacted to Schwarzenegger's praise on social media, with messages calling for a joint walk and praising Fleming's perseverance. The moment highlights the crossover between fitness journeys and entertainment culture, as audiences increasingly engage with personal-transformation stories through online platforms. The broader context shows how weight-loss narratives can become content that resonates with fans of sports, entertainment, and pop culture, helping individuals turn daily routines into attention-grabbing, aspirational storytelling.