Going to the Arnold for the first time

[OldManLogan]

Hey guys, if I’m planning on going to the Arnold in 2026, any tips as a first timer? Just figuring out which tickets I need to get is kinda confusing.

Assuming I want to see all the bodybuilding related events, what should I purchase?
Also, any recommendations on hotels in the area? I’ve never been to Columbus before…

Thanks and sorry if these seem like dumb questions, but I figured I’d ask the experts.

 

[romo]

Hey guys, if I’m planning on going to the Arnold in 2026, any tips as a first timer? Just figuring out which tickets I need to get is kinda confusing.

Assuming I want to see all the bodybuilding related events, what should I purchase?
Also, any recommendations on hotels in the area? I’ve never been to Columbus before…

Thanks and sorry if these seem like dumb questions, but I figured I’d ask the experts.

Awesome. Have fun.

 

[Josefein421]

Hey guys, if I’m planning on going to the Arnold in 2026, any tips as a first timer? Just figuring out which tickets I need to get is kinda confusing.

Assuming I want to see all the bodybuilding related events, what should I purchase?
Also, any recommendations on hotels in the area? I’ve never been to Columbus before…

Thanks and sorry if these seem like dumb questions, but I figured I’d ask the experts.

Airbnb is the way to go there.

 

[npcout]

If you can afford it and there’s availability, stay at the hotel attached to the convention center.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

Are you flying in, or driving?

How long do you plan to stay?

Are you coming in solo or with family / friends?

Do you have any desire to do anything else in Cbus while there i.e. eat out anywhere, train etc.

There are few gyms that most pros will train at and do photo shoots at in the area if you being around that is your sort of thing. Can advise if you are at all interested in that type of shit, or if you just want to hit up a good gym that will be more on the quite side.

Luckily you have time...

The expo itself is absolutely daunting, but equally as awesome.

 

[IronFist]

make sure to grab lots of pics!

 

[luki7788]

add 40lbs of muscle and reduce body fat to 4% because you have to look good at the expo

 

[Josefein421]

add 40lbs of muscle and reduce body fat to 4% because you have to look good at the expo

Ha! The number of people who treat The Arnold Expo as a "show" is wild! Lots of people with main character syndrome for sure

 

[romo]

Ha! The number of people who treat The Arnold Expo as a "show" is wild! Lots of people with main character syndrome for sure

Exactly. Remember a female bodybuilder went into cardiac arrest not to long ago from diuretics at one of these expos. Now grant it some of these competitors have a image to uphold, whether they are competing or not.

 

[BurgerKing13]

Hey guys, if I’m planning on going to the Arnold in 2026, any tips as a first timer? Just figuring out which tickets I need to get is kinda confusing.

Assuming I want to see all the bodybuilding related events, what should I purchase?
Also, any recommendations on hotels in the area? I’ve never been to Columbus before…

Thanks and sorry if these seem like dumb questions, but I figured I’d ask the experts.

Not a dumb question at all ! I was in fact wondering the same thing. I have been in the game for years but have never gone and I have no idea on how to figure out what to get ticket /admission wise !

 

[BurgerKing13]

add 40lbs of muscle and reduce body fat to 4% because you have to look good at the expo

I better get some baggy sweats LOL

 

[OldManLogan]

I better get some baggy sweats LOL

Same. I’ll try and get by on my boyish good looks and charm, because my physique ain’t going to cut it there.

 

[ears]

Live about an hour away from Columbus and been to the Arnold Classic multiple times! If you're driving park at the fairgrounds for $12 and they have shuttle buses that drop you off right at the door absolutely the best way to do it! As far as tickets the if you're not wanting to actually see the posing and judging just purchase the EXPO tickets. Friday is a little less chaotic but Saturday is CRAZY! packed. When you purchase your ticket you can see what events will be happening that day.

 

[SOUR DIESEL]

Hey guys, if I’m planning on going to the Arnold in 2026, any tips as a first timer?

^^^g-damn brother ..slow down ..you'r tuning into a total meat-head .....lmao

..go ..relax/don't worry ..& you'll have fun

I better get some baggy sweats LOL

^^^wrong brother .....i'v seen your pics
→all you need is shorts ..flip-flops ..& a stringer = you'r 100% good-to-go!!

..you'r always so modest

.

 

[Prowrestler]

I live about 10 mins from where it’s held, been there several times. It will be packed, long lines for booths, shoulder to shoulder. With that said, I’m glad you’re going. Everybody should go at least once.

I don’t recommend staying downtown and I’m sure everything is booked. PM me if you need any assistance

 

[alfresco]

I better get some baggy sweats LOL

And good standing / walking shoes and lots of patience Have fun and report back.

 

[tenny]

i went in 2003, went to golds saw Thorvildsen posing in the locker room. saw Ruhl up close in a lobby...retardedly huge.
had to settle for a 28$ motel room with a broken window. true story.

 

[AllOkJumpmaster]

I live about 10 mins from where it’s held, been there several times. It will be packed, long lines for booths, shoulder to shoulder. With that said, I’m glad you’re going. Everybody should go at least once.

I don’t recommend staying downtown and I’m sure everything is booked. PM me if you need any assistance

curious which gym you train at in the are man? When I lived in Cbus over a decade ago, I trained at Metro Worthington, and Powershack Westerville. Occasionally I'd go to Elite FTS, and "Old School Gym" (I think they closed)

 

[Prowrestler]

When I was in college, Powerhouse on High Street. After college, Worlds gym on the North Side. Got into powerlifting and trained at Westside Barbell. Now I mainly train in my basement or a local gym.

Old School I believe is still open-Dustin Meyer’s is one of the owners. Far East side correct? A lot of big time amateur wrestlers train there. Love it when I could train at the compound at Elite. Place has everything!!!

 

[OldManLogan]

I live about 10 mins from where it’s held, been there several times. It will be packed, long lines for booths, shoulder to shoulder. With that said, I’m glad you’re going. Everybody should go at least once.

I don’t recommend staying downtown and I’m sure everything is booked. PM me if you need any assistance

I really appreciate that offer, thank you! Would love to meet another board member