Arnold Schwarzenegger wants to see bodybuilders judged on the entire body.
The 2025 Arnold Classic is in the books and it was another successful event for bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger. The weekend crowned champions in seven divisions across bodybuilding and that includes Men’s Physique. Arnold had some comments about the shorts worn during competitions, claiming it’s “bogus” because it eliminates legs.
[RELATED: 2025 Arnold Classic Men’s Physique Results]
The Men’s Physique division was wide open once again during the Arnold Classic. Last year, it was Diogo Montenegro who earned his first title after a runner-up finish the year before. This year, it is Olympia runner-up Ali Bilal that was able to emerge victorious during the Arnold. Erin Banks also returned after missing the event in 2024. He is a former winner of the Arnold and Olympia titles in Men’s Physique.
Schwarzenegger has been an advocate for bodybuilding for decades now. He continues to help improve the sport as a whole and that includes his annual show in Columbus.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Comments On Men’s Physique Shorts
Arnold remains a fan of the Men’s Physique division and continues to have the event at his show. While discussing the action over the weekend, Schwarzenegger commented on the attire on stage and wondered why the legs are eliminated.
“Let’s see the whole body. That’s what we’re judging. Why would you hide the legs all of a sudden?
The interesting thing is they also have really well developed thighs, a lot of those guys. So, I don’t know why they make them wear those long shorts. For me, that’s bogus.”
Despite his thoughts on the shorts, Arnold knows that the decision is not his to change the apparel. He continued to discuss how legs are important in bodybuilding because it brings symmetry.
“It’s a federation thing. I have nothing to do with that. If it was my choice, I’d say put regular bathing suits on so you can see the thighs also. You need to have symmetry. Your calves should always be the size of your biceps. In this case, maybe he has 16-17 inch biceps, his calves should be 16-17 inches as well.”
Ali Bilal entered off a runner-up finish at the 2024 Olympia and brought another elite package to the stage. Schwarzenegger comments on his physique and claimed that his thighs are “just as developed” as his upper body. This makes Bilal a threat in the Men’s Physique division moving forward.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
