Arnold’s Son Joe Baena & Down Syndrome Bodybuilder Poses Together at Gold’s Gym
Kyle Landi, Canada's first competitive bodybuilder with Down syndrome, isn't just lifting weights; he's lifting those around him. And a week ago, Arnold Schwarzenegger's son, Joe Baena, was seen training with Landi at Gold's Gym in Venice.
The two athletes were spotted training together, hitting a few classic bodybuilding shots side by side. It wasn’t just a flex session; it was a moment that captured the spirit of inclusivity and shared passion in fitness.
Landi has also previously trained with some of the biggest names in the community, including Schwarzenegger. He has over a million followers on his Instagram, where he posted the posing session with Baena, captioning it: "Just two athletes in the posing room at
@goldsgym Venice."
Born with Down syndrome, his journey was anything but easy. He was also a premature baby and had to undergo open-heart surgery at the age of 9.
“When he was born, they made it sound, instead of ‘congratulations,’ … it turned into a very mournful event,” said Kim Murphy, Landi's mother, who has been a great influence in his life.
But Landi didn’t grow into the limitations others placed on him; he outgrew them. Not only is his journey commendable, but what he brings into others' lives, influencing everyone around him to take up challenges.
“This man has single-handedly helped save my life. Literally," said Joe Dominie Landi's stepdad and former police officer. He suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression.
This was yet another milestone in redrawing the boundaries of strength for Landi. But for Baena, it was an example of his mental approach based on community and not competition.
However, even as this wholesome scene at the gym won hearts, the truth is that Arnie's son himself has made impressive progress on stage, albeit not so well-known. So just how successful has Arnie's son become in bodybuilding?
Joe Baena Builds His Own Bodybuilding Legacy
While his session with Landi highlighted humility and connection, Baena’s competitive journey is telling a different story—one of steady growth and undeniable potential
The rising bodybuilder, following Arnold Schwarzenegger's footsteps, dominated multiple titles in his bodybuilding debut at the NPC Natural Colorado State Championships on March 28, 2026.
Baena's second competition as a rising star in the bodybuilding world resulted in another gold. He won the Classic Physique contest at the INBA Iron Gladiator competition in Corona, Calif., on Saturday.
"I started swimming and lost a lot of the fat. It wasn't until my junior year of college, so about 10 years ago, or eight years ago, that I started lifting weights and fell in love with bodybuilding," Baena shared.
"I fell in love with the sport and even watching, but this year with the overthinking and being afraid, it [was] time to commit and do a show."
This decision has already paid off for him. While the session celebrated inclusivity, it also put a spotlight on Baena, who is quietly building a competitive legacy of his own.
He has won two consecutive championships, and now the question is not whether he deserves a place among other bodybuilders but how high he will go.
And if this momentum holds, the bodybuilding world might soon have a new name rising alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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