Arnold Schwarzenegger went undercover in a gym and fooled no one. The Hollywood action star and former professional bodybuilder wore a black wig and moustache in an attempt to fool gym-goers in Venice, California, but his bulky build and unmistakable accent were dead giveaways of his real identity.

Introducing himself as Howard, a “fitness instructor who had become regional manager for Gold’s Gym,” the Governator is seen in the two and half-minute video giving workout tips to the clients, whether they like it or not.

In one scene, Schwarznegger personally wipes off one patron’s sweats off his forehead mid-workout, causing the other man to chuckle.

Another gym-goer got a lecture about the body’s need for water while at the drinking fountain, while another was told to “Stop being a baby, this is a sports gym, not a baby gym.”

When a female member told him that he looked familiar, he answered, “Maybe you saw me on FBI’s Most Wanted List.”

“Wow, he looked so good, so handsome,” Schwarzenegger said as he admired a picture of him in his bodybuilding days.

Schwarzenegger didn’t really fool anyone, though. He tried to stay in character, insisting that his name was Howard every time he was doubted, but he was just such a recognisable character that it was impossible for people to believe him.

The YouTube video, uploaded on Tuesday, already amassed over 1.3 million views in just one day. It was a stunt to raise funds for After-School All-Stars, nationwide program that promotes health and fitness to school children.

“I wanted to have a little fun and raise money for a good cause, so I went to Gold’s Gym in Venice in disguise,” he wrote on YouTube. “You can help! Please enter for a chance to ride with me on my tank and do some lifts together.”

Every $10 donation to the After-School All-Stars gives donors a chance to “live like Arnold for a day.” The winner and a friend will get to fly to Los Angeles to spend a day with the former governor of California. They will ride a tank, work out, and smoke cigars together.

Schwarzenegger will be matching every donation made to the program dollar for dollar.