Joseph Baena, the son of Hollywood icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, recently opened up about his experiences with body image during his high school years. In a candid Instagram post shared on July 15, 2025, the 27-year-old actor and real estate agent humorously recounted his journey from being “chubby” to embracing fitness and bodybuilding.
In the video accompanying his post, Joseph humorously depicted the struggle of motivating himself to hit the gym, with the caption reading, “Kind of tired, might skip the gym today.” However, he took the opportunity to share a more serious message about his past. “People sometimes forget that I used to be chubby in high school. I got cut from my basketball and soccer team because I couldn’t keep up with the other kids,” he wrote. “Swim didn’t have tryouts, thankfully, and completely changed my life forever. That was my introduction to fitness and training. Everyone starts somewhere but starting is the most important.”
Joseph’s journey to fitness began when he discovered swimming, which not only helped him get in shape but also instilled a passion for fitness that has lasted into adulthood. His reflections highlight the importance of perseverance and self-improvement, especially in the face of challenges. The son of Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is widely regarded as a fitness and bodybuilding legend, has taken inspiration from his father’s legacy while forging his own path in the entertainment industry.
The video also featured a childhood photo of Joseph, prompting him to jump off the sofa and presumably head to the gym, signaling his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In a previous interview with Us Weekly, Joseph expressed admiration for his father, stating, “Constantly working on the body, working on your personality, the mind, everything is beneficial to you. I always want to better myself, so I think bodybuilding is a great way for me, personally, to better my physical health.”
Joseph Baena’s journey is not just about physical transformation; it’s also about navigating the complexities of identity. He learned that Arnold Schwarzenegger was his biological father when he was just 13 years old, which added another layer to his personal journey. Raised by his mother, Mildred Baena, and initially taking the surname of his legal father, Rogelio Baena, Joseph has since embraced his connection to the Schwarzenegger legacy while establishing his own identity in Hollywood.
In addition to his fitness journey, Joseph has also ventured into acting, appearing in several films, including “Gunner,” which features stars like Luke Hemsworth and Morgan Freeman. The film, an action thriller, showcases Joseph’s dedication to building a career in entertainment, even as he balances his real estate endeavors. He obtained his real estate license in 2021, demonstrating a commitment to both the business world and the film industry.
Joseph’s aspirations extend beyond acting. He has expressed interest in participating in a reality show that combines his real estate expertise with his burgeoning entertainment career. “I’ve always thought that doing something like that, like a reality show, might take me away from the movie career,” he mentioned. “But honestly, if it’s something that’s in good spirits, something that’s not so dramatic where I look like a weirdo or like a jerk, then I’m super open to it.”
The support from his father remains a crucial aspect of Joseph’s journey. Arnold Schwarzenegger has been a constant source of encouragement, advising him to “do the reps, do the work and do the classes.” This guidance has helped Joseph navigate the challenges of building his career while staying true to his values.
As he continues to evolve both personally and professionally, Joseph Baena’s story serves as an inspiration to many. From overcoming childhood insecurities to pursuing a multifaceted career in entertainment and real estate, he embodies the message that growth is a continuous journey. With Arnold Schwarzenegger as a role model and mentor, Joseph is poised to make his mark in Hollywood while remaining grounded in his roots.
In a world where body image and self-acceptance are often at the forefront of conversations, Joseph’s candid reflections remind us that everyone has a story, and the path to self-improvement is unique for each individual. As he continues to share his journey, fans can expect to see more of Joseph Baena, both on-screen and off, as he embraces the challenges and triumphs that come with pursuing his dreams.