Chris Bumstead vs. Arnold Schwarzenegger is a fantasy matchup that always generates heated opinions.
Both bodybuilders are some of the most popular competitors of their respective generations and share many similarities in their peak physical condition beyond their capacity to pose in a back pose.
Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Chris Bumstead
Bodybuilding Achievements of the Both Bodybuilders
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a seven-time Mr. Olympia champion, having won the title in 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, and 1980. He also won the Mr. Universe title four times (1967, 1968, 1969, and 1970) and the Mr. World title once (1970).
Chris Bumstead is a five-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, winning the title in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. He also won the Arnold Classic Europe Classic Physique division in 2017 and the Canadian National Overall Championship in 2016.
Despite the difference in several titles won, it is important to note that the competitive landscape and judging criteria for bodybuilding have changed significantly since Arnold’s era, making it difficult to compare the achievements of the two bodybuilders purely based on their number of titles won.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Cbum’s Physical Characteristics
Arnold Schwarzenegger was known for his incredible size, symmetry, and definition. He stood at 6’2″ and weighed around 235 lbs during his competitive peak.
Arnold’s signature V-taper was achieved through his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and well-defined lats.
On the other hand, Chris Bumstead is known for his classic physique, emphasizing a smaller waist, a more streamlined look, and a more aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.
He stands at 6’1″ and weighs around 250 lbs during competition, with a more balanced and proportionate physique that emphasizes his well-defined chest and abs.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Bodybuilding vs Cbum
Regarding bodybuilding achievements, both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Bumstead have impressive records.
Bumstead has recently become a social media sensation, with millions of followers and five Classic Physique Olympia titles, including one he won with a torn bicep.
He’s also won the Canadian Championship, the IFBB North American Bodybuilding Championships, and the Toronto Pro.
On the other hand, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a legend in the sport. He won his first Mr. Olympia at 22, and by the time he was 28, he had won six consecutive titles.
He also won numerous other titles, including Mr. Europe, the Universe Title, Mr. International, Mr. World, and Mr. Olympia.
He famously competed against other bodybuilding greats like Serge Nubret, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu in the 1975 Olympia, documented in the film Pumping Iron.
While both men have overpowered their respective divisions and left their mark on the sport of bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s victories are on a different level.
He is widely considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time and has continued to inspire generations of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.
Nonetheless, Bumstead’s achievements should not be overlooked, and he has cemented his place in the history of bodybuilding with his impressive record.
Difference Between Their Training Style
Bumstead and Schwarzenegger have successfully succeeded in bodybuilding, but their training styles differ in several ways.
Bumstead’s training style is high-volume, with more sets and exercises focused on one or two body parts daily.
He follows Hany Rambod’s FST-7 training style, which involves high-rep, high-intensity workouts with short rests and a seven-set finisher to cap off the session.
Bumstead aims to maintain a stage weight between 225 and 235 pounds since his division has a 240-pound weight cap.
On the other hand, Schwarzenegger’s training style is more traditional, focusing on high volume during competition preparation.
He trained each muscle group twice or thrice weekly with intensity-boosting techniques like supersets, tri-sets, and drop sets.
Arnold Schwarzenegger trained one part a day in the off-season and employed a very high-volume approach, training twice daily with two-hour workouts six days a week.
Cbum Popularity
In terms of popularity, both athletes have significantly impacted the bodybuilding world beyond their competition results.
Bumstead has one of the biggest social media followings of anyone in the sport, with over 14 million followers on Instagram, 4 million on TikTok, and almost 3 million subscribers on YouTube. He also owns a supplement company, Raw Nutrition, and has a clothing line called CBUM.
Arnold Schwarzenegger Popularity
On the other hand, Schwarzenegger had unparalleled charisma and business savvy during his peak years in the sport. He has become a Hollywood star, a politician, and an author.
Despite retiring from bodybuilding in the 1970s, Schwarzenegger remains a household name and one of the most influential figures in the fitness industry.
The Takeaways
Both bodybuilders are highly accomplished in the sport, with Arnold being a pioneer in the field and Cbum being a current reigning champion.
Their training styles differ, with Bumstead employing a high-volume approach and adhering to Rambod’s FST-7 training style, while Arnold Schwarzenegger’s approach is more traditional, focusing on intensity-boosting techniques.
In terms of popularity and impact, both have made significant contributions to the sport and have captured the attention of fans in their respective eras.
Chris Bumstead has a large social media following and has made moves in the bodybuilding business, while Schwarzenegger is a legend in the sport and has had a significant impact on the industry.