Ah, the Arnold Classic—the biggest fitness event of the year across the United States. This past weekend, Kyle and I packed our food and clothes, guested at a local gym and made our way to Columbus, Ohio. There, we were in the center of an absolute madhouse of those who share the same passion as us—training. I don’t want to get too deep into detail of what our weekend consisted of specifically, but I will include the fact that we made some moves toward the final step of Team HF. Along the way, we met readers, followers, athletes and other big names in fitness.
The Arnold is truly a beautiful, beautiful place. It’s nothing to see someone sitting on the outside of the expo eating out of a Tupperware container; a conversation can strike up with anybody about supplementation, nutrition and training splits. To us weight lifters, it’s the car show to a motor-head. Knowing that, read on and discover what the Arnold Classic includes in terms of people, activities, sites and giveaways.
The People
As I said above, hands down, the absolute best part of the Arnold Sports Festival is being surrounded with those who share the love for training. You see, personally, I am used to being surrounded by people that think my lifestyle is crazy. Sure, those same people might be in decent shape and somewhat healthy, but they lack that love for the weight room that us fitness enthusiasts obsess over.
Walking around the Arnold, it is somewhat difficult to not have someone in your vision that CLEARLY lifts. This, to me, is just such a great atmosphere. On top of being reassuring that you are not the only one out there that is living this life, it is pure motivation to become even bigger, better and stronger than you have ever been. You truly cannot wrap your head around it until you experience it.
Okay, now with the other spectators aside, there are plenty of other people that you have the opportunity to see. As a YouTuber (speaking for Kyle and myself) it is awesome to get to see and discuss the YouTube fitness scene with other channel owners. This year, we saw Matt and Chris of LoA, Chris and Vince of POG, Marc Lobliner of TigerFitness, Christian Guzman, Frank and Harry Cintineo of The Bodybuilding Bros, Maxx Chewning and Chelsea from ChelseaLifts.
Further than the YouTube fitness scene is the professional bodybuilding and sponsored athlete category. Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Ronnie Coleman, Steve Cook and Corey Gregory…a lot of really big names in the bodybuilding and supplement industry, are right in front of your face. Hell, even Arnold Schwarzenegger himself comes out! Not only is it an opportunity to meet a professional athlete or company CEO; it’s an opportunity to meet the people that we consider the masters of our sport.
The Activities
The Expo itself is the hot spot. In the actual expo, you will find supplement companies, strength challenges, protein sample trays and the big name athletes. Be ready to wait in line, but at the same time, expect a lot of free stuff! Being patient will score you nearly full tubs worth of pre-workout, whey protein and BCAA supplements. Some are even lucky enough to score a few T-shirts and even shaker bottles. It’s a great way to discover new favorite supplements as well as stock up!
Also inside of the Expo itself is the Arnold Classic bodybuilding show. It’s a very popular and prestigious show with a handful of big names, and all competitors really bring their best conditioning to the stage. Winning the Arnold Classic this year was Dennis Wolf, and taking the Men’s 212 this year was Flex Lewis. For the females, Candice Keene took the Figure International, Oksana Grishina won the Fitness International and Ashley Kaltwasser was crowned Bikini champion. Another notable competitor, found in the Men’s Physique division, was one of Kyle’s Hunt Fitness clients Kevin Lisak. Kevin made it to Saturday’s finale and took sixth place.
On the same stage as the Arnold Classic show, spectators are given the opportunity to watch an array of different powerlifting/strongman competitions. Events consist of the Austrian Oak, the Bail Tote (Yoke), the Timber Carry, the Tire Deadlift and the Cyr Dumbbell 274 lb. This year, a world record was set in the Tire Deadlift—1,155 lb., by MHP athlete Žydrūnas Savickas.
Finally, over in the corner of the main venue and also in rooms found throughout the entire convention center are other sports such as boxing/martial arts, cheerleading/dance, fencing, gymnastics and other powerlifting meets. This is why it is considered a “Sports Festival.” There is truly something for everyone to enjoy and it is very difficult to be found unoccupied.
Should You Attend?
That’s a rhetorical question. In my honest opinion, and I’m sure Kyle would agree, anyone that is even slightly interested in fitness should make it a point to attend at least one time. It is an experience like no other—being surrounded with those who eat, sleep and breathe training. The addition of supplement companies giving away samples/running sales is just a perk, and having the chance to meet big names in the industry is icing on the cake. Given the opportunity to attend, I absolutely suggest making the trip!
