Notebook: Breaking down the past week of Wisconsinās spring ball practices
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.
Joseph Baena praises his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger, as the 'best training partner' while sharing insights into their gym sessions. Baena recently achieved multiple wins at the NPC Natural Colorado State competition, emphasizing his commitment to building his own identity in bodybuilding.
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA
Joseph Baena is giving fans a glimpse into his father-son dynamic with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and itās all happening in the gym.
The rising bodybuilder recently opened up about training alongside his famous dad, calling him the ābest training partnerā 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 heās carving out his own lane. The young actor has made it clear that while Schwarzeneggerās guidance is invaluable, his success in bodybuilding is something he is earning on his own terms.
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 Goldās 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.
āHeās the best training partner,ā he said. āHe pushes me. He makes sure that I donāt slack off in the gym. When the carbs are low, and the calories are low, and I start getting tired, he pumps me up.ā
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA
Schwarzenegger welcomed Baena in 1997 with Mildred Baena, who worked as a housekeeper for him and his then-wife, Maria Shriver. The young boyās 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 Menās 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 dadās expertise.
āEven though I could call him anytime, I was too proud,ā he said. āI went straight to the book. I wanted to figure it out myself.ā
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 Menās Open Bodybuilding Heavyweight and Menās Classic Physique divisions for both True Novice and Novice classes.
The strong performance echoes his fatherās early dominance, with Schwarzenegger having famously won seven Mr. Olympia titles before becoming one of Hollywoodās biggest action stars.
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA
Elsewhere in the interview, Baena opened up about his preference for building muscle naturally, making it clear heās not swayed by pressure to use steroids or performance enhancers.
He explained that he doesnāt 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.
āItās not like Iām an organic freak,ā he said. āBut [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 thereās a lot more steps that you can take before thatās necessary.ā
OConnor / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
While Baena is committed to natural bodybuilding for now, he admits heās not entirely closing the door on other potential future options.
The rising athlete explained that, as heās 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.
āIf thatās 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,ā he said.
For now, though, Baena says heās proud of what heās achieved without enhancements and wants to see just how far he can go on that path.
The Joseph Baena Calls Dad āBest Training Partnerā first appeared on The Blast
Joseph Baena called Arnold Schwarzenegger the 'best training partner' he could ask for, highlighting their strong father-son dynamic in the gym.
Joseph Baena competed in the NPC Natural Colorado State competition, where he secured multiple wins.
Joseph Baena believes he is carving out his own lane in bodybuilding, emphasizing that his success is earned on his own terms despite his father's influence.
Joseph Baena shared that training with Arnold Schwarzenegger provides invaluable guidance, but he is focused on establishing his own identity in the sport.
Insights from the Wisconsin Badgers' recent spring practices.

Millwall's Alex Neil tells players to have 'zero fear' in promotion race.

Damon Jones plans to plead guilty in NBA gambling scandal involving LeBron and Davis.
Rafael and Fabio Da Silva discuss Michael Carrick's potential as Manchester United's permanent manager. Despite his good performance as a temporary replacement, Carrick's future remains uncertain.
Big Ten announces first-ever volleyball tournament in 2026!
Former Auburn EDGE Amaris Williams sidelined for 2026 season due to torn ACL.
See every story in Sports ā including breaking news and analysis.