The Arnold Classic, renamed Arnold Fitness Weekend, is an annual bodybuilding

Bodybuilding

Bodybuilding is a form of body modification involving intensive muscle hypertrophy. An individual who engages in this activity is referred to as a bodybuilder. In competitive and professional bodybuilding, bodybuilders display their physiques to a panel of judges, who assign points based on their...

 competition

Competition

Competition is a contest between individuals, groups, animals, etc. for territory, a niche, or a location of resources. It arises whenever two and only two strive for a goal which cannot be shared. Competition occurs naturally between living organisms which co-exist in the same environment. For...

, named after Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger is an Austrian-American former professional bodybuilder, actor, businessman, investor, and politician. Schwarzenegger served as the 38th Governor of California from 2003 until 2011....

. It takes place in late February or early March in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio

Columbus is the capital of and the largest city in the U.S. state of Ohio. The broader metropolitan area encompasses several counties and is the third largest in Ohio behind those of Cleveland and Cincinnati. Columbus is the third largest city in the American Midwest, and the fifteenth largest city...

, United States

United States

The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

.

History

It is considered the most lucrative competition in bodybuilding, with a number of large prize

Prize

A prize is an award to be given to a person or a group of people to recognise and reward actions or achievements. Official prizes often involve monetary rewards as well as the fame that comes with them...

s. Most notably, first prize consists of a $130,000 check, a Hummer

Hummer

Hummer was a brand of trucks and SUVs, first marketed in 1992 when AM General began selling a civilian version of the M998 Humvee. In 1998, General Motors purchased the brand name and marketed three vehicles: the original Hummer H1, based on the Humvee; and the H2 and H3 models that were...

 vehicle, and an Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet

Audemars Piguet is a manufacturer of prestige Swiss watches which compete with Patek Philippe, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron Constantin.-Foundation:...

 watch. The Arnold Classic rivals the Mr. Olympia

Mr. Olympia

Mr. Olympia is the title awarded to the winner of the professional men's bodybuilding contest at Joe Weider's Olympia Weekend - an international bodybuilding competition that is held annually by the International Federation of BodyBuilding & Fitness . Joe Weider created the contest to enable the...

 in prestige

Prestige (sociology)

Prestige is a word commonly used to describe reputation or esteem, though it has three somewhat related meanings that, to some degree, may be contradictory. Which meaning applies depends on the historical context and the person using the word....

 and popularity

Popularity

Popularity is the quality of being well-liked or common, or having a high social status. Popularity figures are an important part of many people's personal value systems and form a vital component of success in people-oriented fields such as management, politics, and entertainment, among...

. Like most bodybuilding competitions it is always hotly contested, and often only one or two competition points will separate the winners.

The Arnold Classic includes three different competitions for women: Ms. International

Ms. International

Ms. International is a contest of professional female bodybuilding, organized by the International Federation of BodyBuilders . "The Ms. International" is generally considered to be the second-most prestigious competition for female bodybuilders . It was first held in 1986, and has been held...

, Fitness International

Fitness International

The Fitness International is an annual women's fitness competition run by the International Federation of BodyBuilders. The contest is held annually as part of the Arnold Classic, and was first held in 1997. Susie Curry has won the most titles, with four....

, and Figure International

Figure International

The Figure International is an annual women's figure competition run by the International Federation of BodyBuilders. The contest is held annually as part of the Arnold Classic, and was first held in 2003 . Jenny Lynn has won the most titles, with three.-Winners:...

. It has also been expanded to feature gymnastics

Gymnastics

Gymnastics is a sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, coordination, and balance. Internationally, all of the gymnastic sports are governed by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique with each country having its own national governing body...

, cheerleading

Cheerleading

Cheerleading is a physical activity, sometimes a competitive sport, based on organized routines, usually ranging from one to three minutes, which contain the components of tumbling, dance, jumps, cheers, and stunting to direct spectators of events to cheer on sports teams at games or to participate...

, dance

Dance

Dance is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting....

, fencing

Fencing

Fencing, which is also known as modern fencing to distinguish it from historical fencing, is a family of combat sports using bladed weapons.Fencing is one of four sports which have been featured at every one of the modern Olympic Games...

, skateboarding

Skateboarding

Skateboarding is an action sport which involves riding and performing tricks using a skateboard.Skateboarding can be a recreational activity, an art form, a job, or a method of transportation. Skateboarding has been shaped and influenced by many skateboarders throughout the years. A 2002 report...

, table tennis

Table tennis

Table tennis, also known as ping-pong, is a sport in which two or four players hit a lightweight, hollow ball back and forth using table tennis rackets. The game takes place on a hard table divided by a net...

, yoga

Yoga

Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...

, martial arts

Martial arts

Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....

, strongman

Strongman (strength athlete)

In the 19th century, the term strongman referred to an exhibitor of strength or circus performers of similar ilk who displayed feats of strength such as the bent press , supporting large amounts of...

 competitions, archery

Archery

Archery is the art, practice, or skill of propelling arrows with the use of a bow, from Latin arcus. Archery has historically been used for hunting and combat; in modern times, however, its main use is that of a recreational activity...

, wrestling

Wrestling

Wrestling is a form of grappling type techniques such as clinch fighting, throws and takedowns, joint locks, pins and other grappling holds. A wrestling bout is a physical competition, between two competitors or sparring partners, who attempt to gain and maintain a superior position...

, powerlifting

Powerlifting

Powerlifting is a strength sport. It resembles the sport of Olympic weightlifting, as both disciplines involve lifting weights in three attempts. Powerlifting evolved from a sport known as 'odd lifts' which followed the same three attempt format but used a wide variety of events akin to Strongman...

 and many other sport

Sport

A Sport is all forms of physical activity which, through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical fitness and provide entertainment to participants. Sport may be competitive, where a winner or winners can be identified by objective means, and may require a degree...

s.

The Arnold Strongman Classic

Arnold Strongman Classic

The Arnold Strongman Classic is one of the highest profile events featuring strength athletes in the world. Created by Dr. Terry Todd, it is an offshoot of the Arnold Sports Festival which takes place annually in Columbus, Ohio, USA.-History:...

 is now one of the most high profile events in the strongman calendar. Beginning in 2006, events in boxing

Boxing

Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...

, martial arts

Martial arts

Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....

 and figure skating

Figure skating

Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform spins, jumps, footwork and other intricate and challenging moves on ice skates. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level , and at local, national, and international competitions...

 were added at Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena

Nationwide Arena is a multi-purpose arena, in Columbus, Ohio, USA. It opened in 2000 and is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, of the NHL....

.

The Arnold Expo is held in the Greater Columbus Convention Center

Greater Columbus Convention Center

thumb|right|300px|Front entrance to the Greater Columbus Convention Center in [[Downtown Columbus|Downtown]] [[Columbus, Ohio]].The Greater Columbus Convention Center is a convention center located in downtown Columbus, Ohio, United States, along the east side of High Street.The convention center...

, while finals of the bodybuilding, fitness, figure, and strongman competitions are held in the Franklin County Veterans Memorial Auditorium. The date for the 2010 event was March 3 – March 6, 2010.

Winners

Year	Arnold Classic	Ms. International	Fitness International	Figure International
1989	Rich Gaspari Rich Gaspari Rich Gaspari is an American former professional bodybuilder from 1980s and early 1990s. Gaspari was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2004....	Jackie Paisley Jackie Paisley Jackie Paisley is a former IFBB professional female bodybuilder from the United States.Jackie Paisley was one of the top competitors in women's bodybuilding in the late 1980s. Her biggest success was winning the 1989 Ms...
1990	Mike Ashley	Laura Creavalle Laura Creavalle Laura Cordelia Creavalle is an IFBB professional female bodybuilder, originally from Guyana.-Background:Creavalle was born on January 25, 1959 in Essequibo, Guyana. Laura was one of the most successful female bodybuilders of the 1990s. Creavalle earned her pro card by winning the heavyweight...
1991	Shawn Ray Shawn Ray Shawn Ray is a former professional bodybuilder and author.-Bodybuilding career:In over 30 major bodybuilding competitions, Ray only failed to place in the top five once...	Tonya Knight Tonya Knight Tonya Knight is an American former IFBB professional female bodybuilder.-Background:Knight was a regular on American Gladiators as Gold from 1989 to 1992 until she left due to an injury to her left knee....
1992	Vince Taylor Vince Taylor (bodybuilder) Vince Taylor is an American IFBB professional bodybuilder residing in Pembroke Pines, Florida.-Background:Taylor until recently held the Guinness world record for the most IFBB professional wins at 22 victories...	Anja Schreiner Anja Schreiner Anja Schreiner is a former professional female bodybuilder from Germany. She began lifting weights to combat scoliosis in her adolescence. She won the Ms. International title in 1992.- Contest history :*1986 Miss Germany - 1st...
1993	Flex Wheeler Flex Wheeler Kenneth Wheeler , better known as Flex Wheeler, is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder.-Biography:...	Kim Chizevsky Kim Chizevsky Kim Chizevsky is an American professional female bodybuilding champion, and fitness and figure competitor.-Early life and education:...
1994	Kevin Levrone Kevin Levrone Kevin Levrone is a former IFBB professional bodybuilder, blogger, musician, actor and health club owner.-Biography:Levrone was born to an Italian father and an African American mother on July 16, 1965 in Baltimore, Maryland, the youngest of six children...	Laura Creavalle Laura Creavalle Laura Cordelia Creavalle is an IFBB professional female bodybuilder, originally from Guyana.-Background:Creavalle was born on January 25, 1959 in Essequibo, Guyana. Laura was one of the most successful female bodybuilders of the 1990s. Creavalle earned her pro card by winning the heavyweight...
1995	Mike Francois	Laura Creavalle Laura Creavalle Laura Cordelia Creavalle is an IFBB professional female bodybuilder, originally from Guyana.-Background:Creavalle was born on January 25, 1959 in Essequibo, Guyana. Laura was one of the most successful female bodybuilders of the 1990s. Creavalle earned her pro card by winning the heavyweight...
1996	Kevin Levrone Kevin Levrone Kevin Levrone is a former IFBB professional bodybuilder, blogger, musician, actor and health club owner.-Biography:Levrone was born to an Italian father and an African American mother on July 16, 1965 in Baltimore, Maryland, the youngest of six children...	Kim Chizevsky Kim Chizevsky Kim Chizevsky is an American professional female bodybuilding champion, and fitness and figure competitor.-Early life and education:...
1997	Flex Wheeler Flex Wheeler Kenneth Wheeler , better known as Flex Wheeler, is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder.-Biography:...	Yolanda Hughes Yolanda Hughes Yolanda Hughes is a professional female bodybuilder from the United States.-Biography:Yolanda was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on October 30, 1963. At a height of 5'6½", she competed as a heavyweight as an amateur. She earned her pro card by winning the World Amateur championship in 1992. She...	Carol Semple-Marzetta Carol Semple-Marzetta Carol Semple-Marzetta is an American professional fitness competitor. In regional, national and international competitions, she has won 15 titles.-Early life and setbacks:...
1998	Flex Wheeler Flex Wheeler Kenneth Wheeler , better known as Flex Wheeler, is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder.-Biography:...	Yolanda Hughes Yolanda Hughes Yolanda Hughes is a professional female bodybuilder from the United States.-Biography:Yolanda was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on October 30, 1963. At a height of 5'6½", she competed as a heavyweight as an amateur. She earned her pro card by winning the World Amateur championship in 1992. She...	Susie Curry Susie Curry Susie Curry is a retired professional fitness competitor from the United States. To date she is the most successful fitness competitor in the world, having won four Miss Fitness International titles, and four consecutive Miss Fitness Olympia titles....
1999	Nasser El Sonbaty Nasser El Sonbaty Nasser El Sonbaty is a retired IFBB professional bodybuilder.-Biography:A graduate from the University of Augsburg in Germany, earning a university degree in history, political science and sociology, El Sonbaty began bodybuilding in 1983. His first competition was a Junior State Championship in...	Vickie Gates Vickie Gates If you are looking for the actress Vickie Gates please use this linkVickie Gates is a professional female bodybuilder from the United States....	Susie Curry Susie Curry Susie Curry is a retired professional fitness competitor from the United States. To date she is the most successful fitness competitor in the world, having won four Miss Fitness International titles, and four consecutive Miss Fitness Olympia titles....
2000	Flex Wheeler Flex Wheeler Kenneth Wheeler , better known as Flex Wheeler, is a former American IFBB professional bodybuilder.-Biography:...	Vickie Gates Vickie Gates If you are looking for the actress Vickie Gates please use this linkVickie Gates is a professional female bodybuilder from the United States....	Kelly Ryan Kelly Ryan Kelly Ann Ryan is a former International Federation of BodyBuilders professional fitness competitor.- Personal and professional background :...
2001	Ronnie Coleman Ronnie Coleman Ronnie Dean "Big Ron" Coleman is an American professional bodybuilder who holds the record of eight straight wins as Mr. Olympia, a record career total that he shares with Lee Haney.-Biography:...	Vickie Gates Vickie Gates If you are looking for the actress Vickie Gates please use this linkVickie Gates is a professional female bodybuilder from the United States....	Jenny Worth Jenny Worth Jenny Worth is an IFBB fitness & figure competitor from Florida. Jenny Worth became a competitive gymnast at the age of 7, and competed until joining the track, cheerleading, cross country running and weight lifting team at Amos P. Godby High School in Tallahassee, Florida...
2002	Jay Cutler Jay Cutler (bodybuilder) Jay Cutler is an IFBB professional bodybuilder. He has won the title Mr. Olympia four times.-Vital statistics:* Height: 5'9" * Thighs: * Calves: * Arms: * Neck:...	Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen is a professional female bodybuilding champion from Venezuela.- Biography :Yaxeni was born the youngest of nine children . Yaxeni won four amateur contests in 1993, earning her pro card in the process. She then moved to the United States. Her most noteworthy achievement as a...	Susie Curry Susie Curry Susie Curry is a retired professional fitness competitor from the United States. To date she is the most successful fitness competitor in the world, having won four Miss Fitness International titles, and four consecutive Miss Fitness Olympia titles....
2003	Jay Cutler Jay Cutler (bodybuilder) Jay Cutler is an IFBB professional bodybuilder. He has won the title Mr. Olympia four times.-Vital statistics:* Height: 5'9" * Thighs: * Calves: * Arms: * Neck:...	Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen is a professional female bodybuilding champion from Venezuela.- Biography :Yaxeni was born the youngest of nine children . Yaxeni won four amateur contests in 1993, earning her pro card in the process. She then moved to the United States. Her most noteworthy achievement as a...	Susie Curry Susie Curry Susie Curry is a retired professional fitness competitor from the United States. To date she is the most successful fitness competitor in the world, having won four Miss Fitness International titles, and four consecutive Miss Fitness Olympia titles....	Jenny Lynn Jenny Lynn Jenny Lynn is a retired IFBB professional figure competitor.It has been nearly 10 years since she first began competing and is now one of the most famous athletes in her sport....
2004	Jay Cutler Jay Cutler (bodybuilder) Jay Cutler is an IFBB professional bodybuilder. He has won the title Mr. Olympia four times.-Vital statistics:* Height: 5'9" * Thighs: * Calves: * Arms: * Neck:...	Iris Kyle Iris Kyle Iris Kyle is an American professional female bodybuilding champion.-Early life and education:"Iris Kyle" was born in 1974 in Benton Harbor, Michigan,the fifth of six children. Her early athletic endeavors included running cross country, basketball , and softball...	Adela Garcia-Friedmansky Adela Garcia Adela Garcia is an IFBB professional fitness competitor.-Biography:Adela was born on December 1, 1971, in Cabrera, Dominican Republic and moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico at age eight. In school, she played softball, volleyball, and basketball. She started weight training at age 17.Adela started...	Jenny Lynn Jenny Lynn Jenny Lynn is a retired IFBB professional figure competitor.It has been nearly 10 years since she first began competing and is now one of the most famous athletes in her sport....
2005	Dexter Jackson Dexter Jackson (bodybuilder) Dexter "The Blade" Jackson is an IFBB professional bodybuilder and the 2008 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding champion. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida.-Biography:...	Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen is a professional female bodybuilding champion from Venezuela.- Biography :Yaxeni was born the youngest of nine children . Yaxeni won four amateur contests in 1993, earning her pro card in the process. She then moved to the United States. Her most noteworthy achievement as a...	Jen Hendershott Jen Hendershott Jenny Hendershott is a professional Fitness competitor from the United States. In the fitness industry she is well known for her inventive and highly difficult to perform gymnastic routines as well as running her special phat camps all year round were she helps women get serious about their diet,...	Jenny Lynn Jenny Lynn Jenny Lynn is a retired IFBB professional figure competitor.It has been nearly 10 years since she first began competing and is now one of the most famous athletes in her sport....
2006	Dexter Jackson Dexter Jackson (bodybuilder) Dexter "The Blade" Jackson is an IFBB professional bodybuilder and the 2008 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding champion. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida.-Biography:...	Iris Kyle Iris Kyle Iris Kyle is an American professional female bodybuilding champion.-Early life and education:"Iris Kyle" was born in 1974 in Benton Harbor, Michigan,the fifth of six children. Her early athletic endeavors included running cross country, basketball , and softball...	Adela Garcia Adela Garcia Adela Garcia is an IFBB professional fitness competitor.-Biography:Adela was born on December 1, 1971, in Cabrera, Dominican Republic and moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico at age eight. In school, she played softball, volleyball, and basketball. She started weight training at age 17.Adela started...	Mary Elizabeth Lado Mary Elizabeth Lado Mary Elizabeth Lado is a figure competitor from the United States. Mary quickly moved up the amateur ranks in 2003 and soon became a professional figure competitor in 2004 by winning NPC National Figure Championships. Today Lado is one of the top figure competitors in the Industry, winning the Ms...
2007	Victor Martinez Víctor Martínez (bodybuilder) Víctor Martínez is an International Federation of BodyBuilders professional bodybuilder, the second Dominican bodybuilder to turn professional. The first being Tony Domenench from Puerto Plata, who turned pro in 1995. His career highlights has been winning the Arnold Classic in 2007 and...	Iris Kyle Iris Kyle Iris Kyle is an American professional female bodybuilding champion.-Early life and education:"Iris Kyle" was born in 1974 in Benton Harbor, Michigan,the fifth of six children. Her early athletic endeavors included running cross country, basketball , and softball...	Kim Klein	Mary Elizabeth Lado Mary Elizabeth Lado Mary Elizabeth Lado is a figure competitor from the United States. Mary quickly moved up the amateur ranks in 2003 and soon became a professional figure competitor in 2004 by winning NPC National Figure Championships. Today Lado is one of the top figure competitors in the Industry, winning the Ms...
2008	Dexter Jackson Dexter Jackson (bodybuilder) Dexter "The Blade" Jackson is an IFBB professional bodybuilder and the 2008 Mr. Olympia bodybuilding champion. He lives in Jacksonville, Florida.-Biography:...	Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen Yaxeni Oriquen is a professional female bodybuilding champion from Venezuela.- Biography :Yaxeni was born the youngest of nine children . Yaxeni won four amateur contests in 1993, earning her pro card in the process. She then moved to the United States. Her most noteworthy achievement as a...	Kim Klein	Gina Aliotti Gina Aliotti Gina Aliotti is an IFBB professional figure competitor. She is well known for her wins in the IFBB woman's figure professional circuit including wins at the Tournament of Champions Pro Figure , the West Palm Beach Pro Figure , and the Arnold Classic Pro Figure .-Contest...
2009	Kai Greene Kai Greene Kai Greene is a professional bodybuilder. His most recent win was the New York Pro Show 2011.-Biography:In an autobiography published on his website, Greene describes his childhood as troubled. At age six, he became a ward of the state; he was moved through different foster homes for most of his...	Iris Kyle Iris Kyle Iris Kyle is an American professional female bodybuilding champion.-Early life and education:"Iris Kyle" was born in 1974 in Benton Harbor, Michigan,the fifth of six children. Her early athletic endeavors included running cross country, basketball , and softball...	Jen Hendershott Jen Hendershott Jenny Hendershott is a professional Fitness competitor from the United States. In the fitness industry she is well known for her inventive and highly difficult to perform gymnastic routines as well as running her special phat camps all year round were she helps women get serious about their diet,...	Zivile Raudoniene Zivile Raudoniene Živilė Raudonienė is a Lithuanian fitness model, bodybuilder and professional wrestler. She is signed to WWE, performing on their SmackDown brand under the ring name Aksana, and is training in Florida Championship Wrestling , WWE's developmental territory...
2010	Kai Greene Kai Greene Kai Greene is a professional bodybuilder. His most recent win was the New York Pro Show 2011.-Biography:In an autobiography published on his website, Greene describes his childhood as troubled. At age six, he became a ward of the state; he was moved through different foster homes for most of his...	Iris Kyle Iris Kyle Iris Kyle is an American professional female bodybuilding champion.-Early life and education:"Iris Kyle" was born in 1974 in Benton Harbor, Michigan,the fifth of six children. Her early athletic endeavors included running cross country, basketball , and softball...	Adela Garcia Adela Garcia Adela Garcia is an IFBB professional fitness competitor.-Biography:Adela was born on December 1, 1971, in Cabrera, Dominican Republic and moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico at age eight. In school, she played softball, volleyball, and basketball. She started weight training at age 17.Adela started...	Nicole Wilkins-Lee Nicole Wilkins-Lee Nicole Wilkins-Lee is an IFBB professional figure and fitness competitor, and a gym owner.-Competitions:She participated in the following shows:...
2011	Branch Warren	Iris Kyle Iris Kyle Iris Kyle is an American professional female bodybuilding champion.-Early life and education:"Iris Kyle" was born in 1974 in Benton Harbor, Michigan,the fifth of six children. Her early athletic endeavors included running cross country, basketball , and softball...	Adela Garcia Adela Garcia Adela Garcia is an IFBB professional fitness competitor.-Biography:Adela was born on December 1, 1971, in Cabrera, Dominican Republic and moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico at age eight. In school, she played softball, volleyball, and basketball. She started weight training at age 17.Adela started...	Nicole Wilkins-Lee Nicole Wilkins-Lee Nicole Wilkins-Lee is an IFBB professional figure and fitness competitor, and a gym owner.-Competitions:She participated in the following shows:...

External links

• ArnoldClassic.com
• 2009 IFBB Arnold Classic Results