Nick Walker Preps for Arnold Classic: The Mutant Speaks Out Against Year-Round Lean Obsession
As he gears up for the highly anticipated Arnold Classic in March, renowned bodybuilder Nick Walker, affectionately dubbed “The Mutant,” is making waves with his candid takes on the bodybuilding lifestyle—specifically, the pitfalls of maintaining a super-lean physique all year long.
In a recent Instagram reel that captivated nearly 2 million followers, Walker candidly discussed the emotional toll that intense dieting and prep can take, particularly when bodybuilders aim for a constant state of leanness. “If you’re in prep, you know, four to six weeks out, the odds are you’re not happy-go-lucky, I don’t care what anyone says,” Walker admitted, highlighting how reduced caloric intake leads to lower moods and increased irritability.
However, Walker doesn’t just critique the natural struggles of competition prep; he takes a sharper jab at those who impose their negativity on friends and family by prioritizing aesthetics over relationships. “If you’re in everyday life and you’re kinda acting like a d**che because you want to stay lean all of the time, you should probably check yourself,” he cautioned. His message resonates with those who allow vanity metrics to overshadow their personal lives, saying, “You’re staying lean for people who don’t give two f***s about you, that’s the reality of it.”
Walker’s frustrations reflect a broader conversation within the bodybuilding community. He emphasizes the ripple effects that an obsession with leanness can have on one’s personal relationships. “The people around you don’t want to be around you, cuz you’re an ass,” he pointedly remarked. While he acknowledges that mood swings are common during competition prep, he urges those who are not actively competing to take a step back and reflect on their behavior. “If you’re like that when you don’t even compete, you need a reality check, like, a big one.”
With the Arnold Classic just around the corner, Walker is focused on maintaining a positive mindset. In another Instagram post, he encouraged his followers to trust themselves, stating, “No one knows yourself better than you do…believe in yourself and trust your gut. Everything in time will come directly right back into place as it should.”
As fans eagerly await to see if Walker will secure a second title in the Men’s Open division, his candid reflections on mental health and body image remind us all of the importance of balance and positivity amidst the pressures of the sport.
For updates on his journey, you can follow Nick Walker on Instagram here.