Chris Bumstead Discusses Being Compared to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Who Has the Best Physique

After becoming a five-time Classic Physique champion, Chris Bumstead talks about his relationship with bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Belinda Evans
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Belinda Evans
Belinda Evans is a news reporter specializing in bodybuilding and the broader fitness industry. She is dedicated to uncovering the latest industry trends and news for...
6 Min Read
Chris Bumstead and Arnold Schwarzenegger
Chris Bumstead and Arnold Schwarzenegger (Photo Credit: Instagram @Cbum @arnold_fans_club YouTube: PBD podcast)

Chris Bumstead recently became the five-time Classic Physique champion making him a dominating force in the sport of bodybuilding. His reputation as the best of the best makes it easy for Bumstead to make meaningful connections in the fitness community. Recently on the PBD podcast on YouTube, Chris Bumstead revealed to Patrick Bet-David whether he has a relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger and if there is a competitiveness between the two of them. 

Chris Bumstead’s physique stands out for its powerful combination of aesthetic appeal and impressive muscle development, which has established him as a dominant force in the Classic Physique division. Praised as a ‘genetic wonder’ by Jay Cutler, many credit Bumstead for having the ideal physique for bodybuilding. 

His form isn’t the only thing that has gained him notoriety, it is his humble attitude and honesty that has earned him a massive following on social media. He attracts people from outside the sport with his ability to share his raw and unfiltered struggles as he has grown to be a five-time Classic Physique champion. 

Chris Bumstead Front Double Bicep Pose
Chris Bumstead (via @cbum)

Chris Bumstead has overcome many battles like switching coaches in the middle of the season after his brother-in-law Iain Valliere could no longer train him. He has also been open with the mental health aspect of being the champion and maintaining his title. His fear of failure is something he struggles with every season as he prepares to defend the throne. 

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Still, none of those are as impressive as his ability to push through injuries and still come out victorious. The first time was in 2022 when Chris Bumstead suffered a bicep tear just before taking the stage, and while some were quick to criticize the underdeveloped muscle, he was still able to secure his fourth Classic Physique title. 

Chris Bumstead Discusses His Relationship With Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Vs Chris Bumstead
Arnold Schwarzenegger Vs Chris Bumstead

This year, after winning for the fifth time in a row at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Bumstead revealed during his acceptance speech that he had been dealing with a lat tear though no one was the wiser. This was a true testament to his perseverance and dedication as a champion. 

His reputation in the sport has seen him intersect with other prolific bodybuilders. During a recent PBD podcast on YouTube, Patrick Bet-David was curious if Bumstead has crossed paths with bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger and if they have made a connection. 

“What’s your relationship with Arnold? What kind of relationship do you guys have?” Patrick Bet-David

“Scarce. I’ve only spoken to him maybe twice I think. I haven’t really spoken much to him” Bumstead answers. 

When pressing Bumstead about his relationship with “The Austrian Oak,” the Canadian native had the following to say: 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Arnold Club (@arnold_fans_club)

“Is that more from your end or his end?” Bet-David asks. 

“I think it’s a bit of both. I’ve never attempted to communicate with him and he’s never really attempted to with me. We met once and he gave me a congratulations and shook my hand.

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He’s a little checked out from the industry now, you know I think he verbally hasn’t been a big fan of the way the opens gone and stuff he’s more of a fan of the classic.”

Wondering if there is possible friction between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Bumstead, Patrick Bet-David questions Bumstead regarding any rivalry between the two of them. 

“So Arnold and you, is there anything of competitiveness between the two or not at all? Being compared by the marketplace, ‘hey, whose has a better physique?” Bet-David asks Bumstead.

“I don’t know. I haven’t talked to him enough to really know. I’m not sure” said Bumstead. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger has made one thing clear and that’s how he feels about the direction Men’s Open is headed. As mentioned by Chris Bumstead, Schwarzenegger has been very vocal about his concerns that bodybuilders are getting too big and that this is becoming the most dangerous sport in the world

As for Chris Bumstead, it seems this five-time Classic Physique champion is focused on bettering his health and appearance by undergoing a preventive renal stem cell procedure and getting a hair transplant with Iain Valliere in Turkey. Bumstead seems to be getting all his ducks in a row before welcoming his first child with Courtney King in 2024

RELATED: Chris Bumstead Discusses Future Plans, Classic Physique’s Evolution, and His Biggest Rivals

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If you have any questions or need further clarification about this news, please leave a comment below, and Belinda will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Belinda Evans is a news reporter specializing in bodybuilding and the broader fitness industry. She is dedicated to uncovering the latest industry trends and news for readers. In her spare time, Belinda enjoys exploring diverse topics through non-fiction reading.
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