Bodybuilding coach and contest prep expert, Jo Palacios, recently opened up about his thoughts on Nick Walker's physique. According to Palacios, there is one simple reason for Walker to lose bodybuilding events continually- and it isn’t because of his size.

In a recent Instagram video posted by @beyondthestagetv, Palacios touches on a controversial topic- Nick Walker’s failure in bodybuilding events against the sport’s elite competitors. Although Walker may have won several titles, he continues to chase the Mr. Olympia crown. Palacios believes it is because his physique lacks shape, balance, and flow.

“To beat Nick, you just need size, you need conditioning, you need symmetry, and shape. The one thing Nick cannot bring. The one thing that of all the boxes, Nick’s shape is at like 40%, while everybody else’s can be higher,” Palacios revealed. “That’s why Nick loses, and it’s gonna happen every time, as long as someone carries enough mass, conditioning, symmetry. Always gonna happen,” he says.

The shape criticisms come at a time of immense internal transition for Walker, who completely shook up his prep circle by hiring elite trainer Prabh Dhaliwal to actively overhaul his training split and target long-standing structural imbalances

He further goes on to say “That’s what is gonna happen in Tampa,” referring to the 2026 Tampa Pro. This is one of the final major IFBB Pro League contests, scheduled for July 30-August 1. The winner of the Men’s Open division would qualify for this year's My. Olympia.

Palacios' blistering critique is closely echoed by bodybuilding icon Lee Priest, who publicly warned that Walker's lack of classical aesthetic lines leaves the door wide open for a structurally superior underdog to pull off a massive upset, as per Serious and Silliness Bodybuilding.

The major titles that shaped Nick Walker's career

Walker has some incredibly prestigious titles on his resume. He has won a total of six IFBB pro titles, three New York Pro titles, and the Arnold Classic title. Here is a breakdown of his career records-

• May 17, 2025- New York Pro

Walker was the first three-time New York Pro champion after winning this title. He won against William Bonac, reinforcing his status as one of the top IFBB Open competitors.

• May 18, 2024- New York Pro

Despite just recovering from a left hamstring tear and a Grade 1 calf tear, Walker claimed the New York Pro title, winning against Martin Fitzwater.

• September 25, 2021- Arnold Classic

Walker captured the prestigious Arnold Classic title in his third professional show, winning against Iain Valliere. He also received the Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award during this time

• May 15, 2021- New York Pro

This was the first major IFBB Pro title that Walker had won, qualifying him for the 2021 Mr. Olympia. He won the title against Justin Rodriguez.

Do you agree with Palacios’ assessment and prediction of Walker for his upcoming performances?

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Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi