Arnold said that getting into shape for T3 was very hard. He first thought he had 6 months to get ready, but he was riding his Harley, and the person in front of him panic stopped. He was dragged along the side of the road. He broke six ribs. That was in early January of 2002. He could not train until the end of Febuary. This left him with only 3 months to prepare for the nude arrival. Now the other factor, and perhaps the most important, was the heart surgery. He could NO LONGER use heavy weights, or go to failure. The reporter asked him with all of the things working against him, why didn't they just show the Terminator in clothes through out the movie, he said pride was a big factor. As was giving the fans something true to the other 2.
For motivation, he hooked up with Franco, and Eddie. They went back to the old Worlds gym. It was just like old times he said. Although he could no longer train heavy, or with low reps, he used his old double split, working everything 3x a week. He did a lot of machine work, and in the 15 rep range. When all was said and done, he was 220lbs, with low bodyfat. He turned out to be in the same exact shape he was in for T2.
I wish I had my scanner hooked up to show you guys some pics from this months Flex. There they show him posing on the set, doing a front double bicep shot. Looks awesome. Here is one pic from the movie, the lighting is bad, as it was captured from a trailer
http://www.schwarzenegger.it/t3pic147.jpg
The pics from this year, in a speedo, where taken after he had shoulder surgery, and could not lift his arm up, let alone workout for months. The guy is 55, has had major heart surgery, yet he still gets into shape for his movies. Who cares if he isn't in great shape year round anymore? He's earned the break. He has nothing left to prove to anyone.
ps. As for cutting the original poster a break, I don't think so. He seemed almost all shits and giggles that Arnold was out of shape, like it somehow made him feel better about himself. To myself, and countless others, Arnold has been a role model, and source of inspiration. As Sofa put, Arnold has probably got more into the fitness lifestyle, than Joe Weider himself. The man IS a living legend, and deserves some respect.