Can Joseph Baena Become Bigger Than Arnold Schwarzenegger? | GI Podcast

Arnold Schwarenegger’s son, Joseph Baena, is rising in the bodybuilding world – could he surpass his father’s legacy?

In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, bodybuilder and host Victor Martinez touched on a wide range of topics, including Joseph Baena’s bodybuilding future, the realities of gym etiquette, Nick Walker’s Tampa Pro chances, and Hany Rambod’s advice on stomach bloating among other trending fitness updates.

Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:

• Does Joseph Baena have what it takes to become the next Arnold Schwarzenegger?
• How often do people really wipe down equipment in the gym? Does it really matter?
• Nick Walker’s Tampa Pro gambit: Does Victor think he’s taking the right approach?
• Did Hany Rambod just reveal the secret solution to stopping bloated stomachs on bodybuilders? Victor reacts.
• Does fish skin fit into a bodybuilding diet?

You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a full in-depth breakdown of the conversation. Let’s jump in!

Can Joseph Baena Become the Next Arnold Schwarzenegger?

A fan question centered around Joseph Baena, the son of bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger. The fan asked whether Baena could eventually become as successful as his father, or perhaps even surpass him in bodybuilding if he fully committed to the sport.

Victor Martinez acknowledged that Joseph Baena certainly has potential. However, he cautioned that comparing anyone to Arnold Schwarzenegger creates enormous expectations.

Victor pointed out that sports history is filled with children of legendary athletes attempting to follow in their parents’ footsteps. He referenced NBA superstar LeBron James and his son as an example. While LeBron’s son has reached the professional level, Victor and Ehsan agreed that the comparison highlights how difficult it is to match the achievements of an all-time great.

Ehsan went even further, suggesting that LeBron’s son likely would not have reached the NBA without the opportunities that come with being the child of one of basketball’s biggest stars.

When discussing Joseph Baena specifically, both hosts agreed that he possesses several qualities that could help him succeed in bodybuilding. According to Victor, Baena has the work ethic, determination, and charisma necessary to make an impact in the sport.

At the moment, Baena continues to compete naturally. Victor noted that if Joseph ever decided to pursue professional bodybuilding more aggressively, including the use of performance-enhancing drugs that are common in elite bodybuilding, his physique could improve dramatically. Of course, Victor emphasized that such decisions ultimately come down to personal goals and health considerations.

Despite recognizing Baena’s potential, Ehsan believes Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legacy may simply be too large for anyone to match, including his own son.

Schwarzenegger helped bring bodybuilding into mainstream culture at a time when the sport was still relatively niche. Beyond his success on stage, Schwarzenegger built a remarkable career as a Hollywood actor and later became a politician. He achieved success in multiple industries after immigrating to the United States and learning English as a second language.

According to Ehsan, those accomplishments make Schwarzenegger one of the most successful individuals in modern history, not just one of the greatest bodybuilders.

That said, Victor remains optimistic about Joseph Baena’s future. He believes that if Baena dedicates himself completely to bodybuilding, he could become one of the sport’s biggest stars. While he may not replicate Arnold’s exact journey, he could carve out his own path and become a major figure capable of commanding attention throughout the fitness industry.

Gym Etiquette: Should People Always Wipe Down Equipment?

Another fan question focused on a common gym frustration: people who leave equipment covered in sweat after finishing their sets. The question asked whether gym members should always wipe down machines after use and whether it is appropriate to confront someone who fails to do so.

Victor Martinez responded by saying that “expect” may be too strong of a word. However, he made it clear that if someone leaves excessive sweat on a machine, they should absolutely clean up after themselves.

In those situations, Victor admitted he would not hesitate to call someone out for failing to follow basic gym etiquette.

Victor explained that he has never been a fan of intentionally increasing sweat production through old-school bodybuilding methods such as wearing heavy sweatshirts during workouts (as Kai Greene is famous for). While many athletes have used this strategy over the years, Victor found it uncomfortable and ultimately decided it was not for him.

Because he generally avoids excessive sweating, he rarely leaves equipment messy. Still, Victor always carries a bag with cleaning wipes to ensure he can clean up after himself whenever necessary.

He encouraged other gym members to do the same, describing it as a simple act of respect for fellow gym-goers. For Victor, wiping down equipment is less about gym rules and more about common courtesy.

Nick Walker Targets Tampa Pro to Secure Olympia Qualification

One of the biggest bodybuilding news stories discussed on the podcast involved Nick Walker’s announcement that he plans to compete at the Tampa Pro in hopes of qualifying for the Mr. Olympia competition.

The news generated considerable excitement within the bodybuilding community, particularly because Walker also revealed that he has brought on a new coach and is no longer coaching himself.

Ehsan expressed some surprise regarding the coaching change. While he acknowledged that coaching relationships are highly personal, he stated that his ideal choice for Walker would have been legendary bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod. In Ehsan’s view, working with Rambod could potentially elevate Walker to championship-level status.

Victor Martinez agreed that coaching reputation matters far less than coaching effectiveness. What matters most, according to Victor, is whether the coach possesses the knowledge, skill set, and communication necessary to build trust with the athlete. A successful prep depends heavily on the relationship between competitor and coach.

As for the Tampa Pro itself, Victor believes Nick Walker is the clear favorite. He described Walker as an athlete who thrives under pressure. In Victor’s opinion, announcing a competition relatively close to the event date may actually benefit Walker because it creates urgency and motivation. That pressure often brings out Walker’s best performances.

Victor predicted that Walker will win the Tampa Pro and successfully secure his qualification for the 2026 Mr. Olympia. And that the timing of this plan may work out as a benefit to Walker.

With the Tampa Pro scheduled for late August and Olympia taking place roughly one month later, Walker would have enough time to qualify while still leaving room to make strategic adjustments before stepping onto bodybuilding’s biggest stage.

Victor believes that window provides an ideal opportunity to refine conditioning, improve weak points, and arrive at the Olympia with a highly competitive package.

Hany Rambod Explains Common Causes of Bodybuilder Stomach Bloating

The podcast also examined recent comments from renowned bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod regarding stomach bloating and abdominal distention in bodybuilders.

Rambod suggested that many athletes may be consuming water incorrectly around meals. His recommendation is to eat food while only sipping fluids rather than consuming large quantities of water during meals. According to Rambod, this approach helps prevent excessive stomach stretching and bloating.

Victor Martinez found the advice compelling. Not only does he respect Rambod’s knowledge and research, but the concept also aligns with Victor’s own experiences coaching athletes.

Victor explained that he generally avoids overfeeding competitors until they feel completely stuffed. Consistently stretching the stomach with excessive food intake can contribute to bloating and discomfort.

Ehsan highlighted several examples that support Rambod’s credibility. He pointed to former Mr. Olympia contender Hadi Choopan, who reportedly experienced noticeable improvements in waist appearance after working with Rambod.

Ehsan also mentioned bodybuilding stars Jay Cutler and Chris Bumstead, noting that both athletes displayed impressive waist control while working under Rambod’s guidance.

Whether the improvement comes specifically from water management or from a broader coaching strategy, Ehsan believes Rambod has repeatedly demonstrated his expertise through visible results.

Is Fish Skin Healthy for Bodybuilders?

The final topic focused on a nutritional question many fitness enthusiasts have asked: should bodybuilders eat fish skin for its nutritional benefits, or avoid it because of the additional calories?

Victor Martinez’s answer was simple. He loves fish skin.

In particular, he enjoys it when it is fried and crispy. From a nutritional standpoint, Victor acknowledged that fish skin can contain beneficial nutrients, healthy fats, and additional vitamins. Those qualities can make it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

However, bodybuilding nutrition often depends on specific goals.

During a cutting phase, athletes typically aim to reduce calorie intake while maximizing fat loss. Since fish skin contains additional fat compared to the fish itself, removing it may be beneficial for competitors trying to achieve extreme conditioning.

Even so, Victor admitted that resisting fish skin during a cutting phase is easier said than done.

Its flavor and texture make it one of his favorite parts of the meal.

Wrap Up

This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast delivered a wide-ranging discussion covering bodybuilding potential, training culture, contest preparation, nutrition, and gym etiquette.

Victor Martinez offered an optimistic but realistic perspective on Joseph Baena’s future, recognizing both his potential and the immense challenge of living up to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s legacy. The hosts also emphasized the importance of respect in the gym, highlighted Nick Walker’s promising road to Olympia qualification, explored Hany Rambod’s proven coaching methods for reducing bloating, and examined the pros and cons of eating fish skin while dieting.

As bodybuilding continues to evolve, conversations like these provide valuable insight into the mindset of elite competitors and coaches. Whether discussing future stars, contest strategies, or everyday gym habits, the Generation Iron Podcast remains a platform where fans can hear honest opinions from some of the sport’s most experienced voices.

Featured images via Instagram @joebaena and @schwarzenegger