James Hollingshead’s Arnold Classic Back Training

James Hollingshead is one of the Men’s Open competitors set to take the stage at the 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH, from Feb. 28 through March 1, 2025. Hollingshead will make his 2025 season debut and try to secure his first Arnold Classic USA title.

James Hollingshead’s Arnold Classic Back Training

As part of his prep, Hollingshead shared some back training in early January:

The most noteworthy part of Hollingshead’s training was that he and his training partner assisted each other during forced reps, extending past the athlete’s original point of failure.

Research has concluded that this method is unnecessary for strength or hypertrophy improvement, but it does not hurt their cause. (1) Forced reps may help lifters mentally by assuring them they gave their all in the gym. Hollingshead appeared to push himself to the limits on multiple sets of each exercise.

Hollingshead emphasized the stretched position of each rep, which has the potential to help improve muscle size. (2) He was not looking for shortcuts or an easier way to perform the exercises during the session, which concluded with deadlifts.

References

Grgic J, Schoenfeld BJ, Orazem J, Sabol F. Effects of resistance training performed to repetition failure or non-failure on muscular strength and hypertrophy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Sport Health Sci. 2022 Mar;11(2):202-211. doi: 10.1016/j.jshs.2021.01.007. Epub 2021 Jan 23. PMID: 33497853; PMCID: PMC9068575.
Nunes, J. P., Schoenfeld, B. J., Nakamura, M., Ribeiro, A. S., Cunha, P. M., & Cyrino, E. S. (2020). Does stretch training induce muscle hypertrophy in humans? A review of the literature. [Journal], (3), 148–156. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpf.12622

Conclusion

James Hollingshead is set to make his 2025 season debut at the 2025 Arnold Classic, where he will attempt to win his first Arnold Classic USA title. His back training has been intense, with a focus on forced reps and stretched positions to improve muscle size. Hollingshead will next compete at the 2025 Detroit Pro on March 29, 2025.

FAQs

* Q: What is James Hollingshead’s goal for the 2025 Arnold Classic?
A: He is attempting to win his first Arnold Classic USA title.
* Q: What is Hollingshead’s training method for his back exercises?
A: He and his training partner assist each other during forced reps, extending past the athlete’s original point of failure.
* Q: What is the purpose of forced reps?
A: Forced reps may help lifters mentally by assuring them they gave their all in the gym.
* Q: What is the potential benefit of stretched positions in back exercises?
A: It has the potential to help improve muscle size.