The anticipation is building as we prepare to witness bodybuilding greats grace the stage at the 2024 Arnold Classic, taking place February 29 through March 3 in Columbus, Ohio. Among the contenders is James Hollingshead, who recently trained alongside Branch Warren. Warren believes after seeing the extent of his progress that Hollingshead will be knocking on victory’s door.
As a veteran of the iron game, Branch Warren came tantalizingly close to claiming the ultimate prize in 2009 at the Mr. Olympia. In a showdown for the ages, he outmuscled Dexter Jackson but ultimately settled for second place behind the legendary Jay Cutler.
Despite not being blessed with the most gifted genetics, Warren forged his path to greatness through sheer determination, gritty strength, and work ethic. His muscles, etched with grainy detail, were a testament to his relentless pursuit of perfection. His physique, honed with sweat and iron, set him apart and carried him to victory at both the 2011 and 2012 Arnold Classic.
Similar to Branch Warren’s physique, UK’s James Hollingshead possesses rugged muscle with a massive chest and full biceps. Hollingshead’s bodybuilding career is carved out of victories and setbacks. Following a 12th-place finish at the 2021 Mr. Olympia, he rallied at the 2022 Arnold Classic UK, seizing third place. Hollingshead wrapped up his 2022 season after a win at the Tsunami Cup and a 16th-place appearance at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
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James Hollingshead Trains Alongside Branch Warren Who Sees Him ‘Fighting For The Title’
After taking time off during 2023, Hollingshead is ready to take the stage once again. Linking up with Branch Warren, the two have joined hands for a training session just days before the 2024 Arnold Classic.
“Just trained with James, man. He’s five days out from the Arnold. Man, I’m most impressed with how he’s maintained his size this off-season. I saw him guest pose last year in Sweden and over 300 pounds and he’s maintained all that size and just got lean and got in shape.”
After an intense session at the gym, Warren gives his thoughts on Hollingshead’s physique and how he sees him placing at the 2024 Arnold Classic.
“Structurally wise, he’s got narrow clavicles but he’s overcome that because he’s put on so much muscle. His chest, arms, quads are insane and he’s got a good waist. You know, for being, I think he’s 270 or 275 pounds right now, so for a big man, it’s got a really good waist taper. Upper back looks really good” Warren said.
Given ‘The Shed’s’ improvements, Branch Warren wouldn’t be surprised to see him fighting for gold.
“He just needs to dry out a little bit and I think his lower back, glutes, need to drop a little bit. He’s got five days to do that so that’s plenty of time and he’s going to be fighting for the title.”
Before he competes, Hollingshead recently revealed to fans his regimen of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) that he has used during his prep for the 2024 Arnold Classic. He explains that as he gets closer to the event he increases his PEDs to give his body the needed boost for the stage.
With the Arnold Classic upon us, James Hollingshead is ready to boast his massive muscles and impeccable conditioning on stage from February 29 through March 3 in Columbus, Ohio. Make sure to check in on the Fitness Volt website where we will keep you updated with all the explosive details.
Check out snippets of Branch Warren’s and Hollingshead’s training session below:
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