Pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez defends the idea of kids lifting weights at a young age… with one exception
The latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast hosted by pro bodybuilder Victor Martinez covered a wide range of topics – from the growing popularity of Reta as a weight loss drug alternative to the debate around children weightlifting at extremely young ages.
The episode also explored whether WWE wrestlers can successfully transition into bodybuilding, what sports create the easiest path into bodybuilding, and why Joseph Baena competing in Natural Olympia could be a major moment for natural bodybuilding.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez warns against the rising popularity of weight loss drugs like Reta
- What are the strangest interactions Victor Martinez has had with bodybuilding fans?
- Should only men judge Women’s Bodybuilding and Women judge Men’s bodybuilding?
- Why Victor supports weightlifting for kids at a young age despite the taboos around it
- Does Victor believe pro wrestlers can easily transition to bodybuilding and vice versa?
- Victor answers – should Joseph Baena go for the INBA Natural Olympia or the IFBB Pro Mr. Olympia?
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for an in-depth breakdown of the discussion. Let’s dive in!
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Victor Martinez Shares Thoughts On Reta And The Rise Of Weight Loss Drugs
One of the fan questions centered around the growing trend of people using “Reta,” a compound often grouped alongside weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Victor Martinez explained that, from his understanding, Reta appears to fit into the same category of appetite-control and weight management substances. However, he noted that many people believe it may be a healthier and cheaper alternative compared to the currently dominant prescription drugs on the market.
Victor acknowledged that these kinds of compounds can absolutely help certain people, especially individuals already committed to dieting and trying to lose weight. According to him, appetite suppression and craving control can make a major difference for people struggling with consistency.
At the same time, Victor stressed that whether someone should use Reta depends entirely on their individual situation. He emphasized that factors such as age, personal goals, and medical guidance all matter before deciding to take any substance related to weight loss.
He also reminded listeners that these drugs are still very new. Reta itself is not currently approved by the FDA, which means patience and caution are important before rushing into use.
Victor then expanded the conversation into a broader critique of the pharmaceutical industry. He pointed out that there is a real possibility for these compounds to help people when used correctly and responsibly. However, he expressed concern that major corporations often prioritize profits over long-term public health.
Victor Martinez Reveals One Of The Weirdest Experiences As A Bodybuilder
Another fan asked Victor Martinez about the strangest encounters he has experienced during his bodybuilding career. Victor admitted that one of the most awkward recurring situations involves swingers approaching him directly.
He explained that some fans, often couples in open relationships, have approached him and openly expressed interest in having Victor sleep with one of the partners. According to Victor, many of these individuals are highly attracted to the large muscular physiques associated with professional bodybuilders and feel confident enough to ask directly.
Victor made it clear that he has no issue with people living whatever lifestyle they choose. He emphasized that everyone is free to pursue relationships and lifestyles that make them happy.
However, he admitted that these encounters can become uncomfortable simply because of how suddenly and directly they happen. For Victor, it is less about judgment and more about being caught off guard by highly personal requests from strangers.
Should Men Judge Men’s Bodybuilding And Women Judge Women’s Bodybuilding?
One of the more controversial fan questions asked whether bodybuilding judging panels should be separated by gender. The question suggested that men judging male physiques seemed unusual and implied that only gay men would be interested in closely examining male bodies.
Victor Martinez immediately recognized what the fan was trying to imply but dismissed the idea entirely.
He explained that bodybuilding judging has nothing to do with sexuality. Judges evaluate physiques because they are passionate about the sport, understand conditioning and muscular development, and appreciate bodybuilding from a competitive standpoint.
Victor pointed out that bodybuilding is fundamentally an athletic competition. Judges focus on symmetry, muscularity, conditioning, posing, and presentation, not attraction.
Victor then offered what he believes would be a stronger solution. He argued that there should be more former professional bodybuilders serving as judges at competitions. In his opinion, retired athletes bring firsthand experience and understanding that can improve judging quality and fairness.
He suggested that having a balance between experienced former competitors and traditional judges could create the best overall system.
Victor Martinez Supports Weightlifting For Young Children With Proper Supervision
The podcast also shifted toward a major discussion about children lifting weights at extremely young ages. The topic came up in relation to the upcoming The Bowens: A Portrait Of An American Family documentary produced by Generation Iron, which follows a homeschooled family whose children reportedly began training as early as three years old.
Victor Martinez strongly pushed back against the old belief that children should avoid weightlifting until after puberty. According to Victor, modern research and experience have repeatedly debunked that myth.
He believes resistance training can provide major benefits for children, including improved coordination, strength, discipline, and bone density development. However, Victor emphasized that supervision and proper training methods are critical.
He explained that young children should focus heavily on proper form, controlled movements, and light resistance rather than attempting heavy lifts. In particular, Victor warned that children should never attempt max-weight training at extremely young ages.
Victor also noted that many parents may not be qualified to supervise youth weightlifting simply because they do not have enough training knowledge themselves. Inexperienced coaching could increase the risk of poor habits or injury.
In the case of the Bowen family documentary, Victor said the situation is different because the parents are experienced in fitness and understand proper exercise technique and safety.
He also argued that teaching healthy habits early in life can create lifelong benefits. Just like education, sports, or nutrition, the earlier positive habits are introduced, the more likely they are to stick into adulthood.
For Victor, responsible and carefully monitored youth training can provide tremendous physical and mental benefits.
Can WWE Wrestlers Become Successful Bodybuilders?
The podcast then turned toward the growing crossover between professional wrestling and bodybuilding. The discussion specifically focused on Ivy Nile, who recently competed in her first bodybuilding contest and earned a major victory at the 2026 NPC/IFBB Pro GRL PWR Championship.
Victor Martinez believes the transition from WWE to bodybuilding makes complete sense. According to him, pro wrestlers are already elite athletes with years of experience in training, discipline, recovery, and physical presentation. Since appearance is a major part of professional wrestling, many wrestlers already possess physiques that translate naturally into bodybuilding competition.
Victor also pointed out that wrestling performers are natural entertainers. Their ability to present themselves on stage can become a major advantage in bodybuilding, particularly during posing routines and stage presence.
Using Ivy Nile as an example, Victor said she clearly has potential in bodybuilding even though she still has room to improve as a first-time competitor. He noted that development takes time, especially when transitioning into a completely different style of competition.
Overall, Victor sees WWE wrestlers as some of the athletes best suited for bodybuilding crossover success.
Which Athletes Transition Best Into Bodybuilding?
Another topic explored which sports produce athletes most capable of transitioning into bodybuilding.
Victor Martinez gave a surprisingly open-ended answer. He argued that bodybuilding is unique because anyone can pursue it regardless of athletic background.
According to Victor, even someone who has spent years inactive can completely change their life and become a bodybuilder through passion and discipline. That accessibility is one of the reasons Victor loves bodybuilding so much.
Still, when discussing athletes already involved in sports, Victor identified boxing as one of the smoother transitions into bodybuilding. Boxers already understand training intensity, conditioning, diet discipline, and dedication to physical preparation.
Those qualities can help create a strong foundation for bodybuilding success.
Victor Martinez Talks Joseph Baena And Natural Olympia 2026
The final major topic centered around Joseph Baena potentially competing at the 2026 Natural Olympia. Victor Martinez had nothing but praise for Joseph Baena’s progress so far.
He credited Baena for building an impressive physique while continuing the bodybuilding legacy established by his father, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Victor also said he personally does not care whether Joseph eventually remains natural or decides to become enhanced in the future. In his view, Joseph has already proven that he possesses both strong genetics and a serious work ethic after winning competitions early in his bodybuilding career.
Victor predicted that even if Joseph remains natural long-term, people online will eventually accuse him of steroid use simply because of how social media culture operates today. He believes many fans automatically accuse successful physiques of enhancement regardless of actual evidence.
The hosts also discussed the broader impact Joseph Baena could have on natural bodybuilding.
Victor expressed hope that Baena’s involvement could bring mainstream attention back to natural bodybuilding, which he believes has faded from public attention over the past few decades.
He also argued that natural bodybuilding deserves more respect than it currently receives from some fans of untested federations like the IFBB Pro League.
According to Victor, natural bodybuilding can actually be more difficult in certain ways because athletes must achieve impressive physiques without the recovery advantages and muscle-building effects associated with steroids and performance-enhancing drugs.
Victor believes Joseph Baena’s celebrity status gives natural bodybuilding a rare opportunity for mainstream visibility. As the son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Baena already attracts media attention, magazine coverage, and public interest.
Victor concluded that if natural bodybuilding organizations are smart, they will fully capitalize on Joseph Baena’s growing popularity to help elevate the sport to a larger audience.
Wrap Up
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast tackled some of the biggest conversations currently happening in fitness and bodybuilding. From the growing popularity of Reta and other weight loss drugs to debates around bodybuilding judging, youth weightlifting, and WWE stars transitioning into physique competition, the discussion covered both serious industry topics and lighter behind-the-scenes stories from Victor Martinez’s career.
The episode also highlighted bodybuilding’s continued evolution into mainstream culture. Victor shared optimism about the future of natural bodybuilding, especially with athletes like Joseph Baena bringing more public attention to the sport. As always, the podcast balanced humor, honesty, and practical insight while exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping modern bodybuilding.
For more bodybuilding news, interviews, and weekly discussions, stay tuned to the Generation Iron Podcast with Victor Martinez. New episodes continue to break down the biggest headlines and debates across the fitness world.
