Bodybuilder Jeremy Buendia’s dream of competing at his first Arnold Classic contest has come to a screeching halt. In a recent YouTube video shared on December 11, 2024, he confirmed he won’t appear in Columbus, Ohio for the event and laid out what improvements he needs to make to mount a successful comeback.
From 2014-2017, Jeremy Buendia ruled the Men’s Physique class, earning four Olympia titles. En route to building his legacy, he squared off against high-profile names in the division like Sadik Hadzovic, Brandon Hendrickson, and Ryan Terry. Buendia made his big return to the Olympia stage in 2023, and while he put forth a respectable performance, the judges saw him in eighth place.
He had contest plans for the 2024 season but suffered from a ruptured Achilles tendon in a freak accident. Making matters even worse, the former Men’s Physique champion re-ruptured it, leading to extensive surgery to repair the damage. After nearly tearing his pec, fans were uneasy about his 2025 Arnold Classic announcement, which he’s since walked back.
Jeremy Buendia Will Not Compete at 2025 Arnold Classic: ‘I Haven’t Been Mentally Strong Enough’
Lacking mental strength and discipline, Buendia decided to bow out of the 2025 Arnold Classic in March.
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“I hate giving excuses. I like to call them reasons of why I’m not competing at the Arnold but they are excuses. I have a lot on my plate right now and I haven’t been mentally strong enough or disciplined enough to do what needs to be done.”
He explained that his new baby, combined with his sleep schedule, made it difficult to fully commit to his preparations.
“There’s no excuse you guys. I just haven’t pushed myself to that next level to be able to accommodate all the new things in my life. I’m still getting used to everything. The new sleep schedule that we have with the baby. I have a much larger responsibility for my daughter now that the baby is around so I’m always with my daughter.”
Buendia added, “I’m not going to be in a position to win.”
“Until I’m able to eliminate those excuses I’m not going to be in a position to win. I’m being realistic with you guys. I’m being realistic with myself.
That’s just the facts right now. I know it’s going to disappoint a lot of you guys. Buendia is not making it once again, Buendia is injured again, I get it. It’s frustrating me too.”
As for where he needs to improve his physique, Buendia first pointed to his chest.
“I got to bring my chest back up. Since I tore my pec it hasn’t been the same, been having a hard time getting that connection in that mid and upper pec. I feel like I’ve made a lot of improvements with my back already,” he shared. “It’s better than it was in 2023. Changed my training up a lot with my back, been doing a lot more unconventional stuff. It’s helped a lot.”
In addition, he explained that his abdominals need work. He has struggled to train abs due to the herniated discs in his lower back.
“Abdominals, training abs is really hard for me because of how bad my lower back is. The herniated discs make it really difficult to do certain exercises and my core is extremely weak right now, especially my lower abs.
I think I did some ab training with my client Robert and I was spasming up my lower back after two sets. That’s something I have to work on, rebuilding my core stability and core strength from the inside out to compete with guys like Ryan and all of the rest of the top five guys, I got to have a sick midsection.”
While Buendia has opted not to compete at the Arnold Classic, he is still prioritizing his nutrition with a dedicated bulk. He recently walked fans through his 4,293-calorie full day of eating to add muscle and offered a comprehensive breakdown of his six meals.
Those hoping to see Buendia compete in March will have to wait. Previously, he mentioned that 2025 could be his last year competing, so we’ll see if he sticks with that timeline or reformulates a new plan on the horizon.
RELATED: Jeremy Buendia Smashes Shoulder Training Session in 2024 Off-Season
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