Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena achieved another milestone in his bodybuilding career after finishing among the top five competitors in his professional natural bodybuilding debut.
The 29-year-old celebrated his achievement on social media and reflected on the training that helped him reach his goal. He also acknowledged the support of his famous father, who previously enjoyed a successful bodybuilding career.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena places in top 5 at National Bodybuilding competition
Joseph Baena competed in the Classic Physique Open category at the INBA PNBA Pro/Am World Cup on Saturday, Nov. 7.
The competition took place at the El Segundo Performing Arts Center in California, where Baena secured fifth place in his category.
He documented the event on Instagram, sharing footage of his posing routine before discussing the results in a separate video on Nov. 8.
“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,” he said. “So I’m extremely proud of myself.”
The event marked Baena’s third bodybuilding competition since he entered the sport competitively in March.
He previously participated in another event in April and believed his latest appearance demonstrated substantial improvement.
Baena described the competition as an emotional experience and explained that finishing among the top five had been his goal from the beginning.
He also expressed confidence about his future progress after competing against other professional bodybuilders.
“I know what I need to do to improve,” Baena said. “I know what it takes to get better now.”
The bodybuilder took particular pride in preparing for the competition without hiring a coach.
However, he acknowledged the guidance and encouragement he received from his family, girlfriend and supporters.
Baena also credited his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, with influencing his interest in fitness.
During an April interview with GQ, he recalled how Schwarzenegger introduced him to bodybuilding literature when he developed an interest in improving his health during college.
“My dad gave me the bodybuilding encyclopedia,” he explained.
The book encouraged Baena to explore weightlifting, nutrition and the effects of exercise on the body.
He also discussed working out alongside Schwarzenegger, whom he previously accompanied to Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach.
“He’s the best training partner. I don’t know what to say,” Baena told the publication.
Following his fifth-place finish, Baena thanked those who supported his preparation and celebrated the progress he had made since entering competitive bodybuilding.
