Joseph Baena Calls Dad ‘Best Training Partner’
· Yahoo Sports
Joseph Baena is giving fans a glimpse into his father-son dynamic with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and it’s all happening in the gym.
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The rising bodybuilder recently opened up about training alongside his famous dad, calling him the “best training partner” he could ask for. The duo even made headlines after being spotted working out together ahead of the NPC Natural Colorado State competition, where Baena went on to secure multiple wins.
Despite the legendary name behind him, Baena insists he’s carving out his own lane. The young actor has made it clear that while Schwarzenegger’s guidance is invaluable, his success in bodybuilding is something he is earning on his own terms.
Joseph Baena Calls Arnold Schwarzenegger The ‘Best Training Partner’
Baena may still be relatively new to bodybuilding as a core career, but he is already making waves with his rapid rise.
The 28-year-old fitness model has been putting in the work at the legendary Gold’s Gym, the same iconic spot where his father famously built his physique in the 1970s.
The duo has even been spotted training together, with Schwarzenegger offering hands-on guidance as Baena sharpens his form. Now, Baena is opening up about just how much that support means.
“He’s the best training partner,” he said. “He pushes me. He makes sure that I don’t slack off in the gym. When the carbs are low, and the calories are low, and I start getting tired, he pumps me up.”
The Bodybuilder Started Training With Schwarzenegger At 18
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGASchwarzenegger welcomed Baena in 1997 with Mildred Baena, who worked as a housekeeper for him and his then-wife, Maria Shriver. The young boy’s paternity remained private for years before it became public in 2011.
Despite the late reveal, Baena has since built a strong relationship with his father. Fitness tends to be at the center of that connection.
In a previous interview with Men’s Health, he recounted how they began training together when he turned 18. However, he admitted he initially chose to figure things out on his own rather than rely on his dad’s expertise.
“Even though I could call him anytime, I was too proud,” he said. “I went straight to the book. I wanted to figure it out myself.”
Joseph Baena Shines In Bodybuilding Competition
All that hard work paid off in March when Baena stepped onto the stage at the NPC Natural Colorado State competition and delivered a standout performance.
The novice took home gold in multiple categories, including Men’s Open Bodybuilding Heavyweight and Men’s Classic Physique divisions for both True Novice and Novice classes.
The strong performance echoes his father’s early dominance, with Schwarzenegger having famously won seven Mr. Olympia titles before becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest action stars.
Baena Advocates For Natural Bodybuilding
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGAElsewhere in the interview, Baena opened up about his preference for building muscle naturally, making it clear he’s not swayed by pressure to use steroids or performance enhancers.
He explained that he doesn’t see the need for such shortcuts unless someone is aiming for a target like Mr. Olympia, emphasizing that he prefers a more balanced and sustainable approach.
“It’s not like I’m an organic freak,” he said. “But [with] medicine, prescriptions, I like to go towards the natural alternative as much as possible. When it comes to steroids or performance enhancements, I think there’s a lot more steps that you can take before that’s necessary.”
Joseph Baena Isn’t Completely Canceling Steroids
OConnor / AFF-USA.com / MEGAWhile Baena is committed to natural bodybuilding for now, he admits he’s not entirely closing the door on other potential future options.
The rising athlete explained that, as he’s still early in his career, his focus is on building his physique naturally. However, he maintained that should he decide to compete at the highest levels of the sport, he could see that changing.
“If that’s the case later down the line, that I want to double down and step on stage at the Arnold Classic or the Mr. Olympia, then that might be a necessary route,” he said.
For now, though, Baena says he’s proud of what he’s achieved without enhancements and wants to see just how far he can go on that path.
The Joseph Baena Calls Dad ‘Best Training Partner’ first appeared on The Blast