Key Takeaways
- Joseph Baena, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son, finished fifth in Classic Physique Open at the INBA PNBA Pro/Am World Cup on Nov. 7, meeting his goal for his professional bodybuilding debut.
- Baena prepared without a dedicated coach for just his third bodybuilding show and said he felt “extremely proud,” while crediting his family, girlfriend, and supporters.
- Schwarzenegger has helped Baena with training and posing, and Baena earned his pro card earlier this year after winning the INBA Iron Gladiator Classic Physique championship.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's son Joseph Baena is making a name for himself in professional bodybuilding, and his latest showing suggests he's taking the family business seriously. The 29-year-old finished fifth in his professional natural bodybuilding debut at the INBA PNBA Pro/Am World Cup on Saturday, Nov. 7, achieving the exact goal he set heading into the competition.
Baena competed in the Classic Physique Open division at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center in California, facing professional competitors in just his third bodybuilding show. He shared footage of his posing routine on Instagram before posting a video reflecting on the experience.
Despite missing the podium, Baena had plenty to celebrate, particularly considering how recently he entered competitive bodybuilding.
"This was my pro debut in the INBA/PNBA — well, my PNBA debut — and it was for Classic Physique Open, and I placed in the top 5," Baena said, per People. "So I'm extremely proud of myself."
Baena had entered the competition without a dedicated coach, handling much of his preparation independently. He acknowledged receiving guidance along the way but emphasized the work required to compete at the professional level.
"I came in looking so much better than last time," he said, describing the competition as "a very emotional day." Baena also thanked his family, girlfriend, and supporters for helping him reach another milestone.
"I know what I need to do to improve," he added. "I know what it takes to get better now."
Of course, having a seven-time Mr. Olympia champion for a father doesn't hurt. Schwarzenegger, 79, has been closely involved in Baena's bodybuilding journey, offering training advice and helping him refine his posing at the legendary Gold's Gym in Venice Beach.
Baena previously credited his father with introducing him to the sport’s fundamentals through a bodybuilding reference book.
"My dad gave me the bodybuilding encyclopedia," he explained. "I was flipping through that, trying to learn how to grow the biceps, and I fell in love with weightlifting."
Asked about their workouts together, Baena didn't hesitate: "He's the best training partner. I don't know what to say."
Baena's professional debut follows a remarkable start to his competitive career. In March, he captured three first-place finishes at the NPC Natural Colorado State Championships, winning the Men's Open Bodybuilding Heavyweight, Classic Physique True Novice, and Classic Physique Novice divisions.
He also finished second in the Classic Physique Open Class C category.
The accomplishments represent a significant turnaround for Baena, who previously revealed that he struggled with his weight growing up and was bullied by classmates.
Swimming initially introduced him to fitness before he discovered weightlifting in college.
