Fitness Volt
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Exercise Guides
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
  • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Diet
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • More
    • CrossFit
    • News
      • Mr. Olympia
      • Arnold Classic
      • Results
      • 2022 WSM
    • Fitness Calculator
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • Workouts
    • Training
    • Exercise Guides
    • Workout Plans
    • Celebrity Workouts
    • Training Programs
  • Nutrition
    • Supplements
    • Diet
    • Diet Plans
    • Nutrition Tips
    • Food Facts
  • Reviews
  • More
    • CrossFit
    • News
      • Mr. Olympia
      • Arnold Classic
      • Results
      • 2022 WSM
    • Fitness Calculator
    • Profiles
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • MMA
No Result
View All Result
Fitness Volt
No Result
View All Result
Bodybuilding

Arnold Schwarzenegger: ‘Classic Physique Category Should Be The Mr. Olympia’

The bodybuilding legend believes the Open should favor and award 'quality' physiques instead of focusing on mass: 'bigger isn't always better.'
Doug Murray

Written by Doug Murray

Last Updated onDecember 19, 2022

Schwarzenegger On Classic Physique

Schwarzenegger & Chris Bumstead (Credit: @schwarzenegger & @victusedgemedia Instagram)

In light of the 2022 Mr. Olympia contest wrapping up, bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger recently discussed where he believes the sport is headed. In an interview with Nick’s Strength and Power, Schwarzenegger said bodybuilding no longer favors proportions in the Men’s Open and contests like Olympia should award the quality present in Classic Physique. 

During his respective tenure, Arnold Schwarzenegger established himself as a longstanding champion in the Men’s Open division, having captured the prestigious Olympia crown on seven occasions. While competing throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the Classic Physique category was nonexistent — however, at the time, factors like proportion, balance, and symmetry played a much larger role in judging criteria for the Open. 

Schwarzenegger took aim at the Men’s Open as of late, suggesting the category has driven bodybuilding to become the most dangerous sport in the world. He added that Classic Physique is now the future, which is currently led by four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mr. Olympia LLC (@mrolympiallc)

Lee Labrada, a bodybuilding veteran in his own right, voiced a similar tune. Labrada stated the sport has undergone major chances since his time on stage. He believes Men’s Open bodybuilding has devolved into ‘tanks clunking into each other’ and added that ‘symmetry, proportions, and balance’ have been tossed to the side. 

Speaking in an interview on YouTube, Arnold Schwarzenegger discussed Classic Physique versus Open bodybuilding and touched on the growing legacy of four-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger on Classic Physique vs. Open Bodybuilding: “Bigger is Not Always Better” 

According to the ‘Austrian Oak,’ it’s crazy to have a division like Classic Physique because back when he competed, criteria like balance, symmetry, and proportions were emphasized in the Open. He added that Open bodybuilding isn’t going in the ‘right direction.’ 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nick "the Mutant" Walker (@nick_walker39)

“I think it is crazy in a way to have a Classic Physique category simply because that should be the Mr. Olympia because what is it that we’re celebrating, that in the Classic days we looked more proportionate, and now we don’t give a shit about it anymore? Is that what we’re saying? 

I think it’s odd they had to literally create a Classic Physique competition to give to the person who has the best quality body, the most well-balanced body also a trophy because he couldn’t compete where the monsters were competing. That’s actually wrong. Like I’ve said, bigger is not always better. I don’t think it’s going in the right direction.”

Schwarzenegger says bigger isn’t always better and would like to see Chris Bumstead compete at the upcoming Arnold Classic. 

“I’ll tell you: I always feel like the insiders have their own favorites and then there’s the viewers, the spectators, the fans… and he’s the most popular if you think about that. He’s the most popular bodybuilder right now. What does that say? That says to everyone out there that that’s the kind of body I want,” says Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

“I think he could win [at the Arnold Classic] there’s no two ways about that. I told Chris about that. As you know, Chris is a big fan of the Arnold Classic, he comes there, and he’s very kind to all the fans. He does autographs and all this stuff. I hope that he competes because I think he has a great chance of winning that.” 

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

Arnold admits the prize money has changed drastically since his time in the limelight. 

“In my days, there was no money [in bodybuilding]. I mean, imagine, [when I] won the Mr. Olympia competition. I remember in 1974, and we got like $750. I mean $750 — and again, we didn’t do it for the money. Franko [Columbo] and I were working in construction at that time, and we were doing brick laying jobs and rebuilding Los Angeles after the earthquake, we made our money that way.” 

Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t the only legend to see the sport go through changes. Four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler recently addressed how bodybuilding has evolved since Arnold’s era. In response to Schwarzenegger’s concerns about the Open, Cutler specified that Open bodybuilders take excessive amounts of food/gear because that’s what is currently awarded by judges. 

While he appreciates the mass monsters in the Open, Schwarzenegger would love to see the sport embrace physiques reminiscent of what he brought to the stage decades ago. In the future, he hopes IFBB contests will place greater value on rewarding proportions, symmetry, and balance. 

Check out the full video below: 

RELATED: Is Classic Physique Taking Over Men’s Open Bodybuilding?

Find complete coverage of the 2022 Mr. Olympia, including pre-judging, event recaps, analysis, and final results at our Olympia coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/olympia

Published: 19 December, 2022 | 1:55 PM EDT

Add Fitness Volt to your Google News feed. Follow us on Google News
For the latest news and updates please follow us on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook Twitter Reddit Flipboard LinkedIn
Categories: 2022 Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Mr. Olympia News Videos
Previous Post

Powerlifter Shane Hunt Crushes 11 Reps Of 700-lb (317.5-kg) Conventional Deadlift At 2022 Olympia Expo

Next Post

Arnold Schwarzenegger Explains Why Big Ramy Lost at 2022 Mr. Olympia: ‘He Could Have Won Again’

Doug Murray

Doug Murray

Doug Murray is a news writer and editor for FitnessVolt. He has built experience in various sporting fields, including MMA, and has written for a number of leading publications like MMA News, Sportskeeda, and CagesidePress.

Related

Jay Cutler Shares His Favorite Exercises

Jay Cutler Shares His Favorite Exercises for Back, Traps & Calves

Bodybuilding icon Jay Cutler is known for his intense training despite retiring from the sport. In recent videos posted on...

Derek Lunsford On Nick Walker

Derek Lunsford Brushes Off Fear of Nick Walker at 2023 Arnold Classic, Says 212 Should Stay

Bodybuilder Derek Lunsford sidestepped the upcoming 2023 Arnold Classic in favor of improving his physique for the next Olympia contest....

Chris Cormier on Big Ramy

‘Disappointed’ Chris Cormier Questions Big Ramy’s Olympia Showing, Points at Training, Nerves, and Posing

Chris Cormier took to the latest Prime Time Muscle podcast to discuss Mamdouh 'Big Ramy' Elssbiay's future in the sport after placing...

Iain Valliere on 212 being removed

Iain Valliere Breaks Down 2023 Arnold Classic, Says 212 ‘Has No Case’ For Sticking Around

Iain Valliere took part in the latest Bro Chat podcast to discuss the future of 212 bodybuilding and the upcoming 2023 Arnold...

Lee Labrada Current Bicep Workout

Bodybuilding Legend Lee Labrada Shares His Current Biceps Training Routine at 62

Bodybuilding icon Lee Labrada etched his name in the history books as one of the most consistent Men’s Open competitors...

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

Jay Cutler Shares His Favorite Exercises for Back, Traps & Calves

Larry Wheels Crushes a 200-lb (90.7-kg) Dumbbell Bench Press For Three Reps

Michal Krizo Workout and Diet Program

Anabolic Fasting: Learn About Building Muscle and Losing Fat Simultaneously

63-Year-Old Grandma Transforms Physique, Drops 55 Lbs, Becomes Figure Bodybuilder

Derek Lunsford Brushes Off Fear of Nick Walker at 2023 Arnold Classic, Says 212 Should Stay

Reviews

Best Bone Broth Supplements

10 Best Bone Broth Supplements of 2023 (Reviewed & Ranked)

Body Fortress Whey Protein Review

Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey Protein Review

Best Coffee Creamer

10 Best Coffee Creamer For Intermittent Fasting of 2023 (Review & Ranked)

Fitness Volt

At FitnessVolt.com Our mission is to help our readers to achieve their fitness goals, regardless of where you’re at on your journey, we are on a mission to educate You with the latest from strength and fitness space. Read more.

Email: sm(at)fitnessvolt.com

Disclosure: FitnessVolt.com has an affiliate relationship with different brands and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. However, our reviews are based on well research backed analysis.

Follow Us

Trending Topics

  • Mr. Olympia
  • Bodybuilding
  • Strongman
  • Powerlifting
  • CrossFit
  • At Home Workouts
  • Bodyweight Exercises
  • Best Pre-workout
  • Best Fat Burners
  • Bodybuilding Diet
  • Bicep Workouts
  • Triceps Workouts
  • Chest Exercises
  • Back Workouts
  • Leg Workouts
  • Front Squat Guide
  • Calf Workouts & Exercises
  • Forgotten Exercises
  • Jefferson Deadlift

Calculators

  • Calorie Burning Calculators
  • IF Calculator
  • TDEE Calculator
  • Calorie Calculator
  • Keto Calculator
  • RMR Calculator
  • Macronutrient Calculator
  • Creatine Calculator
  • Wilks Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • FFMI Calculator
  • IBW Calculator
  • LBM Calculator
  • Fat Intake Calculator
  • Calories Burned Swimming
  • Calories Per Meal Calculator

  • Food Nutrition Analysis
  • Carb Cycling Calculator
  • Weight Gain Calculator
  • Weight Loss Calculator
  • Calories Burned Calculator
  • Strength Standards
  • One Rep Max Calculator
  • Body Fat Calculator
  • EER Calculator
  • Weight Loss Percentage
  • Treadmill Calorie Calculator
  • Body Surface Area Calculator
  • Running Pace Calculator
  • Bench Press Calculator
  • Protein Calculator
  • Water Intake Calculator
  • Body Type Quiz
  • Steps to Miles Calculator
  • Calorie Deficit Calculator
  • Home
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Accessibility
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Syndication
  • Sitemap
  • DMCA
  • Copyrights
  • Terms
  • Privacy

© Copyright 2010 - 2022 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Bodybuilding
  • Powerlifting
  • Strongman
  • CrossFit
  • Workouts
  • Exercise Guides
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs and Glutes
    • Shoulders
  • Training
  • Nutrition
  • Reviews
  • More
    • News
    • Mr. Olympia
    • 2022 WSM
    • Diet
    • Arnold Classic
    • Motivation
    • Videos
    • Food Facts
    • Fitness Calculator

© Copyright 2010 - 2022 Fitness Volt IBC. All Rights Reserved.