(LEFT SIDE – Arnold Schwarzenegger, RIGHT SIDE – Chris Bumstead)
Born in 1995, Chris Bumstead, better known as “CBum,” is a Canadian bodybuilder and social media influencer who has quickly become one of the most recognized figures in the fitness world. Best known for winning the Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title four consecutive times (2019–2023), Bumstead has solidified his position at the top of the bodybuilding elite. Starting his competitive journey at just 19, his natural talent and relentless dedication quickly set him apart, earning him comparisons to Arnold Schwarzenegger. Like Arnold, however, CBum’s influence extends far beyond the bodybuilding stage.
Fitness is a notoriously difficult industry to breakthrough. The competition is high with established and professional athletes with pre-existing followings. Specialized diets, supplements, training programs, and competition fees can create financial barriers for aspiring bodybuilders. Slow physical progress, hormonal fluctuations, and mental barriers can all hinder one’s success. Bumstead has overcome all this and more. Not only has he attained a physique to be desired by sedentary and active people alike, but he’s also successfully translated his fame into multiple entrepreneurial ventures. He launched Bum Energy, a sports and energy drink company, and co-founded Raw Nutrition, a supplement brand focused on high-quality performance and recovery products. His partnerships with popular brands like Gymshark, Vaughn’s Treats, and Revive MD reflect his hands-on approach, ensuring that the products he endorses align with his values of transparency and quality in fitness.
In addition to his business endeavors, CBum is also a massive force on social media. With nearly 5 million followers on TikTok and over 24 million on Instagram, he’s one of the most influential fitness personalities online. He connects with his audience by sharing workout routines, nutrition advice, and personal insights into his life. Bumstead has been open about his struggles with mental health and his battle with IgA nephropathy, an autoimmune disease, further endearing him to fans for his vulnerability and authenticity. Bumstead’s combination of physical achievements, business ventures, and online transparency has made him a fitness icon. By redefining what it means to be a bodybuilder in today’s world, Chris Bumstead has inspired millions to pursue fitness.
Hey Kiera, I can’t lie…I was a little surprised when I saw Cbum on the blog, but you convinced me when you explained the difficulty of entering the body building industry, and his impactful business ventures as a result of his success in the industry. He works extremely hard, and it has showed as he has been on top of the competition for the last few years.
As a final note…(a personal anecdote at that) – Chris Bumstead is nowhere near comparable with
Arnold Schwarzenegger. 🙂
Hi!
So I don’t entertain myself with the Body Building industry–I prefer football–but you convinced me. Cbum is an odd Entrepreneurship, but his business seems to be a big hit in his industry and those who actively follow the industry. He has an interesting perspective and seems to be flourishing in his venture.
I think I have always viewed Body building as sort of an entrepreneurial endeavor it’s about building your body and selling your physic to judges. I think you made a lot of great points about how it is difficult to make a break though in this industry. I didn’t know how much collaboration Cbum had with other companies as well as his own. This was an excellent insight to the body building world!