Arnold Classic Prep Intensity
With the 2026 Arnold Classic just days away, top Men's Open competitor Martin Fitzwater is drawing attention for his high-intensity chest workout as he puts final touches on his contest physique. His prep incorporates both high volume and strict form — a glimpse into the meticulous peaking that defines elite bodybuilding competition.
The Arnold Classic stands as professional bodybuilding's most prestigious event outside of the Mr. Olympia, founded in 1989 by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer. For 2026, the stakes are exceptionally high, with Schwarzenegger announcing a record-breaking $750,000 prize for the Men's Open winner, a sum that surpasses the payout of the Mr. Olympia. Fitzwater, nicknamed "The Martian," enters the contest with significant momentum after a breakout 2024 season that saw him win his first IFBB pro show at the Detroit Pro. He followed this with a stunning fourth-place finish in his debut at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, establishing himself as a top-tier threat. His recent victory at the 2025 EVLS Prague Pro was particularly noteworthy, as he successfully defended his title by defeating former Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda. This win came just two weeks after Dauda had placed ahead of him at the 2025 Olympia, showcasing Fitzwater's rapid improvement and ability to peak for specific shows. The 2026 Arnold Classic lineup is formidable, featuring some of the sport's biggest names. Fitzwater will face off against Hadi Choopan, the 2024 Arnold Classic champion, and Chinedu "Andrew Jacked" Obiekea, who placed second and third at the most recent Mr. Olympia contest. The field also includes past winners like Brandon Curry and Nick Walker. Before his bodybuilding career, Fitzwater was a collegiate track and field athlete at the University of Wyoming, specializing in the shot put and discus. This background in explosive sports provided a strong foundation for the high-volume training and technical repetition required for elite bodybuilding. To finance his early competitions, Fitzwater worked on construction crews, a blue-collar history that he credits for his work ethic. While judges praise his dense legs and full chest, a consistent critique has been his back width, an area he has worked to improve to challenge for the sport's biggest titles.
