Arnold Schwarzenegger's showing us his completely empty fitness expo venue -- shut down due to coronavirus fears, and it's a pretty eerie scene.
Arnold joined us on "TMZ Live" Friday from inside the massive 750,000-square-foot convention space in Columbus, OH. It was supposed to be packed right now with a quarter of a million people for the country's biggest health and fitness expo ... before coronavirus, that is.
As you can see in the video, it's a ghost town because Ohio shut it down out of health concerns. Arnold gave us a quick tour -- no displays, no booths, just emptiness.
Play video content STAY HEALTHY!As we reported ... the Arnold Sports Festival coincides with the expo, and it's going on as planned nearby even though the government closed it to spectators.
Arnold says he still doesn't understand why the sporting portion -- which draws no more than 4,000 fans to a single event -- is not allowed to host spectators when bigger sporting events in Ohio are still business as usual.
Ultimately, Arnold says health is more important than money ... but it's still crazy to see how coronavirus is disrupting things.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Plea to OH Gov. on Coronavirus ... Risk Lower at Our Fest Than NBA Games
Document 3/5/2020 11:22 AM PT see the letter Launch Doc
Arnold Schwarzenegger wants fans at his Sports Festival in Ohio to be safe from coronavirus but doesn't understand why the Governor is shutting them down while allowing much larger sporting events to continue.
The Arnold Sports Festival, which begins today in Columbus, will have very few fans in attendance after Governor Mike DeWine announced they were closing the event to spectators out of concern for the spread of coronavirus.
As we reported, Arnold fully agreed with shutting down the expo associated with the event. It's a massive trade show that draws 250,000 people each year.
After the Governor's announcement, Arnold fired off a letter to him, saying, "Health will always be more important than money to me." However, he also pointed out in the letter several other huge events were continuing without any government limitations.
For instance, he says, "March madness games in Cleveland and Dayton will go forward as planned with tens of thousands of attendees." In addition, Cleveland Cavaliers and Columbus Blue Jacket games -- which have nearly 20,000 spectators -- are also being played. Not to mention several other upcoming conventions in Columbus.
Play video content STAY HEALTHY!While Arnold agreed with closing the much larger expo for his festival ... its sporting events have no more than 4,000 fans at a single event.
Ultimately, Arnold's pleas to let fans attend sporting events fell on deaf ears in the Governor's office. As it stands, we're told spectators will only be allowed at 2 events all weekend -- Friday and Saturday night's bodybuilding and strongman events.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger Postpones Health & Fitness Expo ... Due To Coronavirus
3/3/2020 3:46 PM PTTMZ.com
Bad news for health freaks planning to hit up Arnold Schwarzenegger's Sports Festival this weekend ... the event has been terminated due to the coronavirus. For now.
The event in Columbus, OH is the country's biggest health and fitness expo ... where a quarter-million people gather every year to check out all the new equipment, apparel and nutrition booths.
While there has only been one reported investigation into coronavirus in Ohio, Ah-nold wasn't willing to take any risks -- after all, it is a HEALTH expo.
Schwarzenegger made the announcement via speakerphone at the Ohio Statehouse on Tuesday ... saying he hopes to reschedule the expo when the disease is under control.
Schwarzenegger says via phone that they will postpone & hopefully reschedule expo portions. pic.twitter.com/2khXhEAGRH
— Haley Nelson (@HaleyWSYX6) March 3, 2020 @HaleyWSYX6"The Coronavirus is dangerous and there are health risks involved," Arnold said. "We have biggest and best health and fitness festival in the world but we would never choose making money over people's health."
Not all is lost, however ... the sports competitions (including weightlifting) will go on as scheduled, but fans will only be able to attend the Arnold Classic final.
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Trader Joe's Founder Joe Coulombe Dead at 89
2/29/2020 7:03 AM PTAP
Joe Coulombe, the guy who founded Trader Joe’s, one of the most enduring grocery chains in the country, has died after a long illness.
Joe died at his home in Pasadena, Ca.
Joe was born in 1930, smack in the middle of the depression, and raised on an avocado ranch near San Diego, CA. He served in the Air Force and got a B.A. in economics and an MBA from Stanford. No slouch.
So here's the path to Trader Joe's. He worked at Rexall Drugs in 1958 and his job was to create a group of convenience stores ... similar to 7-Eleven. The first thing he did -- he worked in a grocery store for free ... just to get the hang of it. The chain was called Pronto Markets. Thing is ... Rexall really wasn't into it, so Coulombe bought the stores and ran them himself.
Joe jumped into the market biz at the same time 7-Eleven was exploding, and he decided to take a different approach. That's when he came up with the idea for Trader Joe's.
He opened his first store in Pasadena, and decorated it with a nautical decor after reading a book called "White Shadows in the South Seas." He was also inspired by the Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland. Employees at the store wore Hawaiian shirts. They were called captain and first mates.
The concept of the store -- courting customers with sophisticated taste on a budget. The prices were reasonable and sometimes even low.
Joe sold the chain in 1979 to the German grocery retailer Aldi Nord and retired from the company 9 years later.
Joe met his wife, Alice Steere, in 1952 in college. They married in 1952 and were married for 67 years. They have 3 kids and 6 grandchildren.
Joe was 89. RIP. And hey, thanks for the great wine!
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Mark Wahlberg vs. Dr. Oz Push-Up Challenge Goes Down!!! And Up and Down and Up
2/27/2020 10:44 AM PTPlay video content THE ULTIMATE PUSH-OFF
The highly anticipated push-up contest between Dr. Oz and Mark Wahlberg -- all over their breakfast beef -- just went down, and we have a winner ... but it was closer than you think!
After all their trash-talking over whether people should skip breakfast -- the doc thinks you should, Mark says chow down -- they finally met up at an F45 Training gym in L.A. for the showdown.
The gladiators decided on a race to 59 push-ups -- for Dr. Oz's age -- but Wahlberg made it an even 60 ... and won by a few seconds. Pretty close, but take a look -- seems like the buff movie star was toying with the doctor a bit. Looks like Mark edged him out in form too, but keep in mind he IS 11 years younger. If ya need a reminder, check out the abs!
Play video content HEALTHY AWARENESSAfterward, Dr. Oz was feeling pretty good about his performance, and even thinks he might have gotten the better of Mark. Debatable, but he also tells us Wahlberg is trying out intermittent fasting and has come to the #cancelbreakfast table.
Play video content FRIENDLY WORKOUTSo, long story short ... the fitness challenge itself went to Mark, but Oz may win in the long run if Mark changes his daily diet. One thing's clear -- both of these guys really care about staying fit and healthy ... after the challenge they ran through an F45 workout.
That's another W for Mark, BTW -- he's an investor in the gym.
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Britney Spears This Dance Broke My Foot It's Kind of Loud!!!
2/26/2020 3:08 PM PTPlay video content FEEL LIKE DANCIN'
Britney Spears is giving pop music a whole new meaning ... it's the very loud sound her foot makes after breaking it following this electric dance routine.
You'll recall Britney's boyfriend, Sam Asghari, revealed last week Britney broke her metatarsal bone on her left foot that required a trip to the hospital. Well, fast-forward to Wednesday and Britney posted a video of the dance routine that broke her foot.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
Bustin' Biceps Guess Who!
Gallery 2/22/2020 8:07 AM PT Guess Who! Launch Gallery
Some of the biggest stars are spending their downtime getting pumped up and are happy to show off what they've been working out -- and when it comes to social media ... these jacked stars are bringing out the big guns!
Take some time out of your day to get some fit-spiration from these sexy stars fresh from the gym and who are giving a whole new meaning to Hollywood reps. Check out all the ripped pics by scrolling through our gallery of the bustin' biceps and after a close look, see if you can figure out which muscular man posted the shredded shot!
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Antonio Brown Cracked In The Head In Gym Equipment Accident
2/20/2020 9:37 AM PTPlay video content THAT'S GONNA LEAVE (AB)RUISE UPDATE
9:35 AM PT -- Brown just commented on the gym gaffe ... taking a shot at his former rival, Vontaze Burfict!
UPDATE"This sh*t hit harder than Vontaze Burfict......... #MrBigChest #315Easy"
Antonio Brown's got lightning-fast reflexes ... but even that wasn't enough to keep him from getting hit in the head by an errant piece of gym equipment.
The out-of-work NFL star appeared to be working out at his 84/7 training facility in Florida -- pushing big weight on the bench press -- when another piece of gym equipment got loose and crashed down on his head.
It's unclear why the workout machine got loose -- but don't worry, AB didn't appear to be injured.
Just a reminder ... be careful in the gym!!
As for his career, Brown has been training like a maniac and recently told TMZ Sports he plans on meeting with team reps at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis when that event kicks off this weekend.
Play video content YOU GOTTA PAY UP!Of course, Brown has a LOT going on off the field that could prevent teams from pulling the trigger -- including an ongoing battery case, allegations of sexual assault, baby mama issues and a very nasty beef with the Hollywood Police Dept.
We know he can play ... but will a team look past everything else to get him on the field?
Originally published -- 6:42 AM PT
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Jonah Hill Kills It Shredding the Gnar!!!
Gallery 2/15/2020 7:52 AM PT SURF'S UP Launch Gallery TMZ.com
Jonah Hill has mad skills in the water, which is incredible ... considering it was a great fear of his until just last year.
Jonah hit the sand with his surfboard just before 10 AM Friday in Malibu.
Pretty impressive ... considering the waves off PCH can be pretty intense.
He joined around 20 people who were catching waves as they enjoyed the sunny SoCal weather. Sorry Chicago, sorry New York, sorry New Hampshire, sorry Vermont, sorry South Dakota ... and especially sorry North Dakota.
After surfing for an hour, Jonah mugged with some of his fellow surfers before braving Pacific Coast Highway for the ride home.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
View this post on InstagramBack in August, when Jonah started surfing, he said, "Been terrified to surf my whole life. Totally random fear and at the same time always been a secret dream of mine."
Fear conquered.
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Timbaland I'm Gonna Drop Nearly 200 lbs. ... After Kicking Opioids!!!
2/14/2020 1:24 PM PTPlay video content BEST ME I CAN BE
Timbaland's body is damn near unrecognizable from where he was a couple years ago -- and he's crediting his will power ... for keeping him in the gym, and off prescription pills.
Justin Timberlake's fave mega-producer was on "TMZ Live" Friday, rocking a muscle tee, no less, and showing off his brand new physique. Seriously ... the guy's looking ripped after losing more than 130 pounds.
Tim told us he knew he had to "hit the reset button" when he kept having dreams about how his body should look. He'd also gotten a pre-diabetes diagnosis from doctors ... not to mention his addiction to Oxycontin and Percocet.
He got hooked when the pills were prescribed following a root canal. After his experience, Tim says doctors gotta find a better way to help patients cope with pain.
Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.
View this post on InstagramAs for his weight loss goals? Tim says he's still pushing for another 30 to 40 pounds. As he put it, "I wanna be a better me."
Just watch ... it's a great dose of weekend motivation!
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Dwight 'Doc' Gooden Training For Celeb Boxing Match ... Intense Workout Video
2/12/2020 2:45 PM PTPlay video content THROWIN' HEAT
Dwight Gooden's got a real-deal boxing match coming up, and he clearly ain't taking his opponent lightly ... 'cause the MLB legend hit up the UFC Performance Institute in Vegas for a hardcore training sesh.
The 55-year-old NY Mets legend is facing 29-year-old "Nitro Comedy Tour" star Catfish Cooley -- who's gone viral on YouTube for his redneck comedy -- on March 7 at the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City.
Gooden -- a 4x All-Star and 3x World Series Champ -- recently hit up the PI ... and worked on his striking with his coaches.
This will be Doc's first fight ... but not the first time he's been inside the squared circle.
Back in 2019, Doc reffed a celeb fight that featured Dustin Diamond ... aka Screech from "Saved By The Bell."
As for the tale of the tape, Catfish squats over 600 pounds and is 36 years younger than Doc ... but he's also 10 inches shorter, and not an all-time legendary athlete.
These guys try to kill each other in just over 3 weeks.
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Liam Hemsworth Must Be Arms Day ... Totally Yoked After Workout
2/7/2020 11:10 AM PTBackgrid
Liam Hemsworth's going with a sleeveless look these days ... but it might be because he can't find shirts big enough for his massive guns.
Seriously, the youngest Hemsworth bro is giving Thor a run for his money in terms of bulging shoulders, biceps and forearms ... and The Hulk for that matter.
BackgridLiam could barely straighten his arms as he was seen leaving the gym in Beverly Hills, but he looks pretty pleased with his jacked status. Of course, we're told he was heading to meet up with his new reported girlfriend, Australian model Gabriella Brooks, for lunch ... so that probably put some extra pep in his step.
SplashNews.comIt's nothing new for Liam to be in peak physical shape, but his muscular transformation in just a few short weeks since he was spotted on the beach in Byron Bay is pretty incredible.
Looks like his divorce with Miley Cyrus becoming official does the body good ... really good.
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Myles Garrett Reps 450+ Lb. Deadlifts ... Shredded & Strong!!!
2/6/2020 5:08 PM PTPlay video content LIGHT WORK
Check this out, James Harrison ... there's a defensive lineman who's throwing around a ridiculous amount of weight in the gym ... and it's super impressive.
Myles Garrett did his best impression of the former Steelers superstar Thursday ... posting a video of himself deadlifting what appears to be about 465 pounds with a trap bar -- multiple times!!!
Oh ... and for some of the reps, he's wearing a big-ass weighted vest loaded with 100 pounds.
Now, Garrett lifting heavy weights ain't exactly breaking news ... the dude threw up 225 pounds 33 times at the NFL Combine in 2017.
FYI -- only 2 other guys in the entire draft completed more reps.
Back in January, the Browns star also posted video of himself benching 425 pounds.
Play video content KEEPIN' BUSYMG's still indefinitely suspended for swinging a helmet at Mason Rudolph's head ... so seeing him get after it hard in the gym is a sight for sore eyed Cleveland Browns fans who want Myles back on the field.
Garrett looks shredded -- and is obviously crazy strong -- but he's still got work to do if he wants to match feats of strength with the dude who once benched 500 pounds and pushed around an 1,800-pound sled.
Good luck blocking this guy!!!
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UFC's Jon Jones Goes Mostly Vegan for Reyes Fight ... Plant Based Diet
2/5/2020 12:57 PM PTPlay video content UNSTOPPABLE
Jon Jones says he's radically changed his diet for his upcoming fight with Dominick Reyes -- telling TMZ Sports, "About 80% of my meals have gone plant based now."
The UFC superstar has been a big fan of meat in the past -- he even promoted the ButcherBox meat company on his Instagram in 2019.
But Jones tells us he's switching things up for his UFC 247 fight against Reyes -- and decided to cut a bunch of animal protein out of his diet this time around.
"I switched up my diet a little bit, I started eating plant based," Jones says.
"Cardio feels great, I’m lighter than I normally am. Normally I weigh at least 222 around this time. Right now I’m already 215. So I’m ahead of schedule majorly in my weight cut, which just allows me to focus on happiness and relaxation, and I just feel perfect."
Jones says he's laser-focused and ready to fight on Feb. 8 -- and is gunning for a highlight reel-style knockout -- but as long as he gets the "W," that's all that matters.
"It’d be nice to make WorldStarHipHop for some awesome KO, or make TMZ for some awesome KO. But that’s not really my style."
"I feel like when you go out there and you tell people, ‘I’m gonna knock this guy out right away’ and then you find yourself going into the 4th round and you still haven’t gotten that KO. You start panicking in your head a little bit when your plan is going wrong."
"To make a meme out of someone is always nice, but people years from now will remember who got the W ultimately."
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Bob Harper We Want 'Off Scale' Victories On New 'Biggest Loser'
2/4/2020 1:57 PM PTPlay video content biggest difference is ...
Bob Harper says what makes the 'Biggest Loser' reboot a big winner is what happens AFTER the contestants go home ... when the real work begins.
The host of the new 'BL' was on "TMZ Live" Tuesday, and while they're still going to have weight loss competitions ... he says the contestants will also be getting a huge helping hand whenever their time on the show ends.
The fitness guru also emphasizes the reboot's done away with "temptation challenges" and vote-offs. Bob explained there's a concerted effort to give contestants the necessary tools to continue a healthy lifestyle at home and on their own.
Arguably, that's the toughest part for most of the 'BL' cast ... according to Bob. The show's now airing Tuesday nights on USA and, overall, he says you can expect a "kinder, gentler" approach to slimming down.
BTW ... Bob's got no beef -- literally and figuratively -- when it comes to the term "weight loss" and he explains why it's NOT taboo to say so ... for him, at least.
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Jay Glazer Aldon Smith Is Sober, Focused ... Deserves 2nd Chance
1/30/2020 6:05 AM PTPlay video content LOOKIN' GOOD
Aldon Smith has cleaned himself up and is laser-focused on getting back in the NFL, so says Jay Glazer who tells TMZ Sports ... the former All-Pro deserves a 2nd chance.
The 30-year-old defensive end was a MONSTER in the league before substance abuse issues and domestic violence allegations derailed his career.
But, Glazer says Smith had an epiphany -- and made a life choice to turn his life around, starting with joining Jay's Unbreakable gym in West Hollywood.
Play video content PUTTIN' IN WORK"Aldon's great because Aldon's been working out with our [military veterans] in our MVP program every single Wednesday night," Jay said.
"Aldon has been sober for a while and he's been helping a lot of our vets with their sobriety."
Smith - who hasn't played a down in the NFL since 2015 -- is now trying to show NFL teams he deserves another shot in the league ... and Glazer believes he's earning it.
Getty"We've given a lot of guys second chances. He deserves it as much as anybody I've been around," Jay told us at his GlazerPalooza event at Prestige Imports Miami, where a bunch of SICK exotic cars were on display!
The event benefits Jay's MVP charity which helps military vets and athletes who are dealing with mental health issues.
Play video content BROWSIN' THE WARESJay says Aldon -- who set the 49ers franchise single-season sack record in 2012 (19.5 sacks) -- is currently at a solid 285 lbs and SHREDDED.
"He is a freak if nature."
Jay also touched on Antonio Brown -- but cautioned AB needs to get himself professional help before he can focus on the NFL.
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