This is a scene from “I Love You Man” and not a candid shot of Lou..Sorry!!!
2011 Arnold Classic
Rick Woodbridge
What a show! The 2011 Arnold Classic is in the can and it was one of the greatest Arnold’s yet! I’ve been in the bodybuilding culture for over 35 years as a competitor, promoter, judge, and fan. Having competed in scores of shows and attended countless more, I can confidently say that I enjoyed this one more than any other, included the many Arnold’s I’ve attended in the past.
I arrived Thursday night to my hometown, having driven all day from Lawrence, Kansas and did some mental reps that evening to prepare for the weekend. The town was buzzing with Arnoldmania! I’m a 6’-4”, 275 lb., 53 year old bodybuilder, so everyone I met around town immediately assumed I was there for the show…..some thinking I was in it! O.K., my ego ate it up, but I’m not the caliber of bodybuilder the A.C. draws…I digress. My point is that everyone in Columbus knows about the Arnold Classic.
After entertaining one of the local breakfast establishments with a multi-meal order Friday morning, I set off for the Expo. Arriving at 8:30 a.m. made finding a parking spot that didn’t require a cardio session to get to the Convention Center a breeze. Still, the usual March Ohio weather made the short trek slightly miserable. A cold, light, windy rain camped over the area for the entire weekend!
The Media Pass ushered me past the minions standing in line, some since 7 a.m., and straight into the Expo expanse. I say expanse because it’s nearly 10 acres of interior open space with a thousand exhibitor booths and the massive show stage where all but the pro finals and Men’s and pro Bikini prejudging would take place. Exhibitors and their crews were scurrying around like ants, busy setting out their wares. I headed straight for Lou Ferrigno, with a small entourage in tow, to say hello to my friend before he was inundated with fans. We chatted briefly, talking about his upcoming projects and admiring each other’s physiques (come on, Lou is only 5 years older than me and he appreciates another tall, old fart who can still carry his own among the young muscle studs…and needless to say, he’s Lou Ferrigno). Louie flexed his left biceps for us, still ripped and huge. Of course, that just solicited a family pic, all of us and Lou, graciously taken by Lou’s assistant. My friends, all from Oklahoma, were duly impressed. They are all bodybuilders and figure competitors and Lou has been an inspiration to each of them. Glad I could accommodate…er…Lou could accommodate them!