There is no denying that the sport of bodybuilding heavily relies on the athlete’s genetics. However, a different school of thought also argues that with hard work, an individual can overcome his genetic potential. Tom Platz, for example, who was known as the ‘Quadfather’ for his epic quadriceps development, once had skinny legs himself. Through hard work and consistency, he improved himself. Nevertheless, it would be safe to state that work ethic and genetics go hand in hand when it comes to optimum muscle hypertrophy.

Discussing the same during their workout together at the ‘Mecca of bodybuilding,’ Mike O’Hearn and Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s son, Joseph Baena, gave their two cents on the issue. The duo agreed on using the genetic advantages to their fullest by working even harder and with consistency.

Joseph Baena opens up on the ‘Genetics vs. Hard Work’ debate

During their time together at the Gold’s Gym in Venice, Baena and O’Hearn trained their arms together. In between sets, they discussed multiple topics and educated their audiences about workout tips and pieces of advice. At a certain point in the video, O’Hearn ignited the fire about a hot ongoing debate in the bodybuilding sphere. He asked Baena if he thinks copying the workout of an individual can lead to the same results. Baena cleverly answered that if a person does not have the genetics for it, his body will not look the same. However, he added that there is no harm in giving your best, despite your genetic potential.

Baena stated, “You know, maybe this person just has good genetics for that particular body part. But if they’re able to use the genetics and grow it to the maximum, why not implement those same exercises that they’re using?”

Read More: Failing to Keep Up With Bodybuilding GOAT Now in a Wheelchair, Arnold Schwarzenegger, 76, Admits Defeat: “Difference Between 8X Mr. Olympia and a Mere 7X Mr. Olympia”

While O’Hearn explained further about the involvement of genetics in a sport like bodybuilding, initially he did give Schwarzenegger’s son a harsh reality check before starting their workout.

O’Hearn drops truth bombs on Baena

Being in the industry for more than three decades, O’Hearn surely knows a few extra things compared to Baena. The ‘Titan’ always willingly shares his knowledge with his friends and training partners to help them as much as possible. Before starting their training, Baena showed interest in training biceps and triceps in the form of supersets. He stated, “I like fatiguing…I think I have a lot of endurance, and I recover pretty quickly during, like, between sets.”

To this, Mike pointed out, “We can play back last time what happened when he said this. Twenty minutes later, you were completely destroyed by going slower.” Continuing further, O’Hearn explained that the mental approach is a lot more important in the realm of fitness and bodybuilding.

What are your views on the duo’s philosophy when it comes to training? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story | “I’m Proud of You”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Joins Bodybuilding World in Praising 396 Lb Man’s Wild Transformation