Nick Walker Discusses: Is Modern Bodybuilding Tougher or Simpler Compared to Two Decades Ago?
Nick Walker Breaks Down Why ’90s Bodybuilders Had a ‘Crisp, Grainy Aesthetic’ That Today’s Athletes Struggle to Replicate
Bodybuilding physiques have undergone a significant transformation over the years—from Dorian Yates’ era of mass monsters to the rise of aesthetic-focused physiques in the ’90s, the sport remains in constant evolution. Nick Walker recently addressed whether the demands of bodybuilding today are greater or lesser than they were over twenty years ago.
Despite being sidelined from his last two Mr. Olympia showings, Nick Walker remains one of the most dominant and widely recognized figures shaking up the Men’s Open division. Currently, he is dialing in for a highly anticipated return at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro on May 10-11, where his performance could redefine his standing in the sport. He will face fierce competition, including contenders like Martin Fitzwater.
Nick Walker recently delved into whether bodybuilding today poses greater or lesser challenges compared to over twenty years ago.
““I think it’s hard because they are giving out two Pro cards per show. Let’s just say some of them aren’t ready, there are some that take time, and then they come back and they’re fucking monsters. In that scenario, I don’t think one era is harder or easier than the other. I just think there’s more Pros now than there was then.” ”
Although sidelined from his last two Mr. Olympia appearances, Nick Walker remains one of the most formidable and recognized forces in the Men’s Open division. He is currently meticulously preparing for a high-stakes return at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro on May 10-11, where his performance could reshape his trajectory in the sport. He will contend with top-tier athletes, including Martin Fitzwater.
Nick Walker Reflects on the Changing Landscape of Bodybuilding: Is It Genuinely Tougher, or Simply Different?
‘The Mutant’ voiced his admiration for the discipline and meticulous attention to detail that ’90s athletes brought to their physiques. He spotlighted icons like Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, and Shawn Ray, who embodied a ‘crisp,’ ‘grainy’ muscularity that’s rarely replicated among today’s competitors.
“This is my opinion, I think bodybuilders in the early 90s versus we’ll say now…I just think most of them had a more crisp look than the ones now,” Walker explains.
“Obviously, there’s some standouts that have a crisp look here, but I think as a majority, I would say the 90s they just have this more gnarly crisp look that you kind of don’t see now.”
Walker asserts that the lack of this distinctive ‘crisp, grainy’ conditioning in modern bodybuilding is partly due to a heightened emphasis on sheer muscle mass over refined muscular detail.
“That’s probably why [the size of today’s competitors] you don’t see that crisp grainy look because everyone is pushing for size now.”
Renowned for his own unparalleled conditioning, Walker has successfully fused razor-sharp definition with imposing size. He emphasized, “I love that grainy, peeled look.” However, he acknowledges that striving for both massive size and dry, intricate detail can introduce unforeseen hurdles, especially when peaking for competitions.
Walker’s perspective on bodybuilding’s evolution underscores a fundamental truth—the sport is in constant flux, with every era presenting its own unique obstacles. While some argue today’s bodybuilding landscape is more grueling, others claim it’s less taxing. Walker, however, offers a nuanced view. As he gears up for his 2025 comeback, he exemplifies that triumph in bodybuilding isn’t solely about mass or conditioning—it’s about mastering the delicate art of balancing both.
