Men’s Open bodybuilder Nick Walker is one of the freakiest bodybuilders in the sport right now. In a recent YouTube video, Walker explains what he thinks can be done to help save the sport from the dangers caused by the use of PEDs.
Walker is currently in the midst of off-season preparations for his second Mr. Olympia appearance, where he is expected to take to the stage this December. Last year, the Men’s Open competitor took part in one of the most successful rookie seasons ever recorded in the sport. He won the 2021 New York Pro, the Arnold Classic, and then placed fifth in his debut at Mr. Olympia in the same year. As of late, he’s made no effort to hide the improvements he’s been working on this year and plans to shock the world at his next Mr. Olympia contest.
Greg Doucette is an IFBB Pro bodybuilder, who was a 212 and Classic Physique competitor, though he has decided to dedicate most of his focus to running a successful YouTube channel lately. PEDs have become a hot-button issue in the sport, and Doucette believes one of the only ways to address the growing concern is by discussing sensitive issues with other professionals participating in the sport.
Nick Walker: “It’s a Dangerous Sport”
In a recent YouTube video with Doucette, “The Mutant” addresses the growing concerns of PED use/abuse in the sport.
“A lot of people are saying we need to do something about bodybuilding. Seth Feroce said PEDs will kill you. He literally made a video, PEDs are killing you and Kali Musclespoke and made a long video, and he’s like ‘you gotta quit bodybuilding,’ he against it.” Greg Doucette told Nick Walker.
In response to Doucette’s concerns, Walker made it clear that the sport can be safer, but the bottom line is that bodybuilders are ‘playing with fire.’
“At this point, I feel like anything that could help at this point but at the end of the day, bodybuilding is bodybuilding. People come to see the freaks. People come to see us stand on stage and be as freaky as we can. Is it dangerous? Yes. Is there ways to make it safer? I’m sure, but at the end of the day, we’re playing with fire.
There’s no way around it. I think a lot of the issue lies [with] just the abuse of PEDs, I think. Especially in the off-season, you have people abusing food, abusing PEDs.” Walker explained.
Aside from PED abuse, Walker believes holding on to excessive amounts of weight during the off-season is one of the biggest issues with the sport. Obviously, Men’s Open competitors are revered for their freakiness, but the New Jersey native understands holding all of that weight is ‘extremely unhealthy’.
Getting to a certain weight and then holding that weight, which is extremely unhealthy. Then, what? They come off a little while and then they got to do prep. We all know, everyone does probably a little more in prep because of how shredded you have to get. Then there’s diuretic protocols and this and that.
I don’t think there is truly anyway to make it better but honestly, I did like Fouad’s weight cap suggestion. Just because it would help keep everyone in the off-season in check without gaining too much weight.” Walker explained.
While PEDs have been criticized by popular names in bodybuilding, many believe the discussions are vital to the health of the sport. Seth Feroce, who has been vocal about the dangers of PEDs, believes that in five years, it’s possible the Men’s Open division will fall by the wayside, replaced by Classic Physique, which has steadily grown in popularity over the last few years.
Walker Advocates for Regular Health Screenings, ‘We’re All Taking the Risks’
Given the growing dangers associated with carrying heavy weight and PED use, Walker is adamant that athletes need to prioritize their health, by making an effort to get blood work done, EKGs, and Calcium Score tests to determine heart health.
“We all know we can make improvements without being 300-pounds. We all do it. We just think we have to get so big but the reality is… it’s a dangerous sport. Walker added. We all know the risks. We’re all taking the risks.
The only thing we can really do is individually, get our daily blood work checked, our daily EKGs, Echos [Echocardiograms], Calcium Scores however often you feel you need. That’s really it. I mean, in my opinion, it all comes down to you.”
According to the 2021 Arnold Classic champion, more bodybuilders ‘think we have to get big’, when in actuality, Walker insists that improvements can be made without pushing 300-pounds. Walker is in the midst of his off-season, adding mass and strength to bring his best possible package to the 2022 Olympia stage this Dec.
You can watch the full YouTube video below
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As one of the freakiest Men’s Open competitors in the IFBB Pro League, Walker plans to use his massive build to push other high-caliber bodybuilders on stage in Las Vegas. Due to the risks and dangers involved with PEDs, “The Mutant” is regularly getting his health checked to remain as healthy as possible.
