gandhisays
Stage Pro
Heir to the Throne?
New York Pro Champ Nick ‘The Mutant’ Walker Preps for His First Mr. Olympia
By Ron Harris
Bodybuilding has had plenty of excellent young stars over the years, but few were as inspirational or as influential as Nick Walker. Why? Perhaps it’s his gargantuan physique. Maybe it’s his mastery of social media which gives his legions of loyal fans known as Walker Nation a level of access to him that wasn’t possible even a few years ago. It could just be his humble and down-to-earth attitude that says, “Yes, I have huge muscles, but I’m just like you.” I spoke recently with Nick about his explosive pro career thus far, how he aspires to motivate others to pursue their own dreams, and his goals for his upcoming debut at the Mr. Olympia.
It’s been three weeks since you won the New York Pro. Going back to when it was the Night of Champions, it’s had past winners like Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone and Dexter Jackson. How does it feel to now be part of bodybuilding history?
Honestly it hasn’t even registered or sunken in yet. But the more I hear it, the more amazing it sounds.
It really happened, I was there! I have to get this out of the way. For the first quarter of this year, a huge rivalry was set up between you and Blessing Awodibu that was supposed to be settled on stage at the New York Pro with the young rookies as the last two men standing. After all that buildup, it never materialized because Blessing’s prep did not go as planned. Were you disappointed that it didn’t pan out the way it was hyped up to?
No, I knew it wasn’t going to happen. Not to sound arrogant, but there were a lot of good people there, and I know that I’m way above Blessing’s level. But we did talk backstage, and he’s an awesome guy. I actually like him a lot and think he’s really cool. Blessing has a great structure and muscle bellies. If he takes a full year or maybe even two years and works hard, he can be dangerous in the future for sure.
I know you were only a few pounds heavier at the New York Pro versus your debut at the Chicago Pro last October, but it seemed like more. We talk about “muscle maturity” as something that takes years and years, as if you can’t get it until you’re 40 or 50 years old. I know I saw a real improvement in your detail and separation in a span of only six to seven months. Talk to me about muscle maturity. Is it something that necessarily takes decades to acquire, or can you accelerate it by training a certain way, eating a certain way, or just staying leaner?
I think both the way you train and staying leaner both play a role. I got up to about 288 this past off-season, but I was the leanest I’d ever been at that weight, and I hardly held any water. My training is low volume with slow negative reps, and I also don’t do low reps. I stay in the 10 to 15 range most of the time, never lower than eight. I think that time under tension and doing more reps speeds up muscle maturity.
I have to commend you on your training style. A lot of guys at your level sling weights around with absolute shit form, and you can’t criticize them because look – it works for them! But you use heavy weights with strict form and total control, which is so rare to see in a bigger man. Is that how you’ve always trained, or did Matt Jansen get you into that when you started working together?
Matt definitely fixed my form. I remember at 21 or 22, I was barbell rowing 495, but I had no back. In a recent video I did 315 for 14 reps, but I felt that more than the 495, and now I do have some development back there. As long as you’re contracting the muscle and you have intensity and go to failure, you’re gonna grow.
You’ve done a great job of making that mental adjustment that says, “I’m a bodybuilder, and the development of my physique is what matters most.” It doesn’t matter if someone next to you at the gym or on Instagram is lifting heavier weights than you are. In the end, on stage, all that matters is who looks better. How were you able to get your ego out of the way when most guys can’t?
Because I’ve been there, and I used to do stuff like that all the time. I think it’s a phase that most of us eventually, at least hopefully, grow out of. That’s where I’m at. If I see people around me lifting heavier than me, it’s impressive. But I know that if we stood on stage next to each other, it would be a different outcome. We all go through that ego-lifting phase, and eventually you should realize you’re just moving heavy weight. You’re not contracting the muscle. Once you can get that through your head, the real progress begins.
Speaking of progress, I think your physique is pretty complete now. But you and Matt are perfectionists and you’re up against the very best bodybuilders alive. What areas are you currently focusing on most?
We’re still working on my chest. We feel that needs to be brought up a little bit. Overall back development. We still want my back to be bigger, thicker, and more detailed. The quads also need to come up a little bit more.
The Mr. Olympia is 17 weeks away as we speak, and you’ve never been shy about stating your goals before. What is your goal for your first Olympia?
Top 3.
I’m sure some people will scoff at that, but you know what? If you’re good, you’re good. Dorian, Flex and Kevin all took second place at their first Mr. Olympia. You always hear how you need to “pay your dues” and do x amount of Mr. Olympia contests before they will look at you, but I find that’s a myth.
I agree. If your physique is worthy of top two or three, that’s what you should get. And that’s what I’m aiming for.
You’ve probably seen some of these imaginary matchups people love to post between you and guys like Hunter Labrada, Iain Valliere and Sergio Jr. I find them ridiculous because in the end, it’s everybody versus everybody. Do you get a laugh at that?
I do, but I still don’t understand why they do those. They even made one comparing me to Ramy. That’s cool, but why?
I kind of get it. I’m not saying you’re going to beat Ramy, but you do have things he doesn’t, like quad separation. He’s a great champion and a freak, but no one is unbeatable. A 100% flawless physique has never walked this earth. I’d like to see you next to Ramy, why not?
My goal is to stand next to Big Ramy at this Mr. Olympia. I think it would be a really cool comparison.
For the last few years, the Middle Eastern fans have been so much more enthusiastic and supportive than American bodybuilding fans. Look at the support they have shown Big Ramy and Hadi Choopan. I actually felt sorry for the American pros, because they don’t get that massive love like that. The young guys, ages 16 to 24, have always been the ones who buy the magazines and supplements, and now they are making up your ever-growing fan base that you call Walker Nation. First off, are you humbled by your popularity? Not long ago, you didn’t have many fans at all.
It’s always humbling when you hear people tell you that you inspired them to start lifting, or to lose 100 pounds. Things like that make you realize how good it feels to be able to do that for people. I’m just grateful for every person that stands by me and supports me.
It probably helps that you are young yourself, still 26 years old. For a while, most of the top bodybuilders were 35 to 45 years old, and we were starting to lose fans because the younger guys simply couldn’t relate to them. Do you think your fans relate to you a little better because you’re closer to their age?
I agree with that 100%. Me being the age I am, the message I always try to put out there to the young kids is, don’t listen to any negativity. I got that my whole career. They told me I would never turn pro. Then they told me I would never win a pro show and never get to the Olympia. Now they’re saying I won’t even get a look at the Olympia. People can be so negative and love to discourage anyone they see going after their goals and dreams. I want to instill the idea in the young guys that if I can do it, ignore all the hate and keep pushing onward, so can they. I know the message is getting through because they tell me. If I can keep that going, we can see a lot of potential in the future.
That brings up a good point. We’ve been losing a lot of great genetic talent in bodybuilding to other divisions like Men’s Physique and Classic Physique. Those divisions are more easily attainable than Open bodybuilding. You can go from a regular gym rat to competing in Men’s Physique almost instantly. Bodybuilding takes a lot more time and effort, because you need to build so much more size. I think it comes down to the world we live in now, where everyone wants everything fast. And we have seen a drop-off in bodybuilding numbers at the amateur level. Do you hear from more guys now who are interested in bodybuilding instead of those other divisions?
Yeah. A lot of them want to attain what I’ve attained. First and foremost, I explain to them that this doesn’t happen overnight. You need to take your time. Most people do want to be bodybuilders. They just don’t think they have the potential to get to that level, so they settle for – I don’t want to say lesser, because none of the divisions are “lesser,” but they settle for what they think they can attain rather than eating more food, training a little harder, and doing the things that need to be done to be an Open bodybuilder. I want them to know that if that’s their goal, push for it and don’t settle for less than what you want. Don’t listen to the people who will try to discourage you, and don’t doubt yourself. Go after your goals and don’t quit.
You’re right and I would never describe those divisions as being “lesser” either. But in terms of muscle mass, they do require less. Let’s say we have a kid of average height in the USA, 5-foot-9. Let’s say he’s 150 pounds and wants to compete in Men’s Physique. He probably only needs 10 to 15 more pounds and he could do it. If he wants to try Classic Physique, he probably needs another 10 pounds. If he wants to compete in Open bodybuilding, that’s another 15 pounds or so. At 5-foot-9, you really need to be about 210-225 pounds in shape to do well these days. I hope the young guys are inspired enough by you to be patient, because it takes time to build that much size.
It does. Fortunately for me, I had genetics on my side. You’ve seen my mom and dad. You can look at them and see the genetic factor was there for me. Not everyone has that. But everyone has a lot more potential than they often believe they do.
I was checking out your parents in Tampa, and I think most of your genetics come from your dad.
My dad used to be a bodybuilder, and I get my upper body from him. But if you really look, my man has no calves. I get my lower body from my mom.
You left New Jersey for Florida last year, and recently you bought your first house. That’s a life-changing experience for anyone.
It’s crazy to see where my life is now from where it was not even a year ago. It’s changed drastically. Again, it still hasn’t sunken in yet. I’m just really happy and thankful for all the opportunities I’ve been given.
You have a lawn to take care of and utility bills to pay, so you are now officially a grown-up! You also got a new dog, Maximus. Did you name him after the Russell Crowe character in Gladiator?
Yes I did. That’s my favorite movie. He’s an extra-large bully and should get up over 100 pounds. Luckily he gets along great with my Frenchie.
Do you feel like your current environment is better suited for bodybuilding than where you were before?
I’m in a much better, more positive environment now. I’ve surrounded myself with such great people like Matt, Dom Triveline, anyone that’s part of Revive MD and Raw Nutrition are inspiring to be around. Being around people that work extremely hard makes you want to work even harder. You constantly strive to be and do better just like they do. I want to be the best bodybuilder I can be, but I also want to be a great businessman and entrepreneur like they are. I’m trying to get the best of both worlds because you’re not going to compete forever. I’m trying to set myself up in the best way possible so when the wheels fall off, I will be good.
It’s so rare to see someone like you who is just starting out to have such long-range vision. It’s like all the people who don’t start saving for their retirement until they’re 40 – you really needed to get that going sooner. You talk about your support system: your parents, Matt, your fans, Revive and Raw. Do you feel now that you’re not just doing all this for you anymore, but for them as well?
Oh for sure. When you have that support, I don’t want to say it’s added pressure, but it makes you work even harder knowing so many people are backing you up. Up until this point, honestly my family gave up everything so I could get to this point I’m at now. One of my main goals is to buy my parents a house here in Florida. My dad retires from his job in five years, so I have plenty of time to save for that. I want to be able to help them the way they helped me.
I’ve seen them at both your pro shows, and they’re so supportive. They wear the Walker Nation shirts and scream their lungs out for you. I’ve known pros whose parents never went to even one of their contests, never supported their dream, and didn’t approve of their decision to be a bodybuilder. I’m glad you have such awesome parents.
They really are. And from day one, they have never missed one show of mine.
You posted something deep on your IG a while ago:
“If you want to be a champion, you have to talk like you’re a champion, act like you’re a champion, work like you’re a champion, inspire and motivate like you’re a champion.”
There is so much doubt and insecurity in this bodybuilding thing we do that often if someone displays that level of confidence, many find it intimidating and will label you as arrogant. But you make a great point in your post. How can you be the best if you don’t believe you are, or at least that you can be? If you’re full of self-doubt, how can you ever fulfill your potential?
That’s exactly what I was trying to get at. It doesn’t matter if your goal is in bodybuilding, some other sport, in business, or your education. If you constantly doubt yourself, the odds are that you won’t make it. When you have that confidence and belief in what you are truly capable of, you will get to your goals much faster.
Speaking of which, the Mr. Olympia is still a few months away, but I’m already excited. We’ve had a different champion every year for four years in a row now, and anything could happen in October.
I think it’s going to be a very exciting Mr. Olympia, and not just because I’m in it. I feel everyone is going to come in at their best this time, and the stage will be packed with talent. I can’t wait to stand up there with guys like Ramy, Brandon, Roelly, Bonac, Hadi, and newer stars like Hunter, Iain, and Sergio Jr. It’s going to be a great time, and it’s only a couple hours’ drive from my house! I promise you will see a better Nick Walker than you saw win the New York Pro.
I don’t doubt you for a minute, and like you, I can’t wait.
IG: nick_walker39
YouTube: Walker Nation
nickwalkernation.com
Nick’s Raw Nutrition Contest Prep Stack
RAW EAA - 20g taken pre-training and post-training
RAW Burn - 17g taken fasted in the morning
RAW PUMP - 20g taken 30 minutes prior to training
RAW Intra-Workout - 50g of carbs taken pre-workout on high days
For more information, visit getrawnutrition.com
Contest History
2012 Gold’s Classic
Third, Teenage
2013 East Coast Championships
Teen Winner
2013 Eastern USA
Teen Winner
Third, Open Light Heavyweight
2014 Teen Nationals
Second, Heavyweights
2016 South Jersey
Heavyweight and Overall
2016 USA Championships
Sixth, Light Heavyweight
2017 Muscle Beach
Heavyweight and Overall
2017 North American Championships
Sixth, Heavyweight
2017 NPC Nationals
Sixth, Heavyweight
2019 USA Championships
Second, Super Heavyweight
2020 North American Championships
Super Heavyweight and Overall
2020 Chicago Pro
Fourth Place
2021 New York Pro
Winner
Ron Harris got his start in the bodybuilding industry during the eight years he worked in Los Angeles as Associate Producer for ESPN’s “American Muscle Magazine” show in the 1990s. Since 1992 he has published nearly 5,000 articles in bodybuilding and fitness magazines, making him the most prolific bodybuilding writer ever. Ron has been training since the age of 14 and competing as a bodybuilder since 1989. He lives with his wife and two children in the Boston area. Facebook Instagram
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