“Runs in the Family”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Bodybuilder Son Makes Honest Confession About Schwarzenegger Family’s Genetics

Those who have followed Arnold Schwarzenegger’s career will recall how it was his calf muscles that contributed to his loss at the Mr. Universe competition in 1968. Although Arnie quickly realized that there’s more to bodybuilding than training the upper body, his son, Joseph Baena, has inherited the same calf genetics.

Baena, who shares his father’s passion for bodybuilding, was spotted working out with fitness influencer Bradley Martyn. During their session, Martyn couldn’t help but notice the striking resemblance between Baena and his father’s calf muscles.

Joseph Baena reveals he wears ankle socks to hide his “cankles”

In the video, Martyn remarked that Baena had similar calf muscles to that of Arnold Schwarzenegger, pointing out the undeniable genetic connection. In the snippet of their routine, Martyn quipped, “Same s**t calf genetics, as you can tell.”

Baena acknowledged the family trait, and casually added, “Yeah. Yeah, it runs in the family.” He continued and revealed, “I wear ankle socks that hide my cankles.” This candid admission sheds light on the less flattering aspects of inheriting traits from his father. Martyn then turned his focus to Baena’s impressive chest development, offering a compliment that highlighted Baena’s dedication to his training.

“Well look at the chest, though you do have a big a** chest that’s crazy how that works,” Martyn remarked. The exchange between Baena and Martyn provided a glimpse into the influence of genetics on physical attributes.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Baena has remained focused on bodybuilding and in January launched his first-ever training program. The four-week program will allow bodybuilders to track weight and reps, ensuring that they are making the right amount of progress. The program has a split of 4-6 days of upper body, lower body, push, pull, and leg workouts. The son of the seven-time Mr. Olympia is keen to work on all aspects of his body, which his father himself found out the hard way.

Arnie also admitted that he used to cover his calf muscles while working because they were not fully developed compared to his upper body, making them appear smaller. He had shared how his own calf muscles posed a challenge for him early in his bodybuilding career.

When his calves became the reason for Schwarzenegger’s loss

Back in 1968, Schwarzenegger suffered a setback when he lost to Frank Zane at the Mr. Universe competition in Miami. This loss made him rethink his approach to training, focusing not only on major muscle groups but also on smaller details like calf development.

READ MORE: “Muscle Building Is an Art”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joseph Baena Reveals the Ultimate Secret to Get Chiseled Chest Muscles

Schwarzenegger didn’t dwell on his defeat; instead, he intensified his workouts, even resorting to unconventional methods like cutting off his sweatpants to concentrate on neglected areas like his calves. His perseverance paid off when he eventually claimed his first

Mr. Olympia title in 1970  starting a winning streak that lasted five years.

Baena’s acknowledgment of family traits with humor and Schwarzenegger’s perseverance in bodybuilding despite setbacks exemplify the impact of genetics and determination in their fitness journeys.

READ MORE: Son Joseph Baena Smoothly Handles Comparison With Arnold Schwarzenegger: “He Is My Dad of Course We’re Gonna Look Alike”