Nick Walker Answers: Is Bodybuilding Easier or Harder Than It Was Two Decades Ago?
Bodybuilding physiques have evolved dramatically over the years—from Dorian Yates’ mass-monster era to the rise of aesthetics in the ’90s, the sport keeps changing. This topic was discussed by Nick Walker, who answered whether bodybuilding has become easier or harder than it was over two decades ago.
Despite being forced out of his last two Mr. Olympia appearances, Nick Walker is one of the most imposing and popular talents to shake up the Men’s Open class. He is currently preparing for a comeback at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro on May 10-11, where his fate and future in the sport will be decided against a stacked lineup, which includes Martin Fitzwater.
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Amidst meals, intense training, and recovery, Walker clarified in a recent episode of The Mutant and the Mouth Podcast that his bodybuilding era isn’t harder or easier than what was seen two decades 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.”
Nick Walker on Bodybuilding’s Evolution: Is It Really Harder or Just Different?
‘The Mutant’ appreciates the time and effort athletes put into crafting their physiques back in the 90s. Generally, he believes the majority of them such as Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, and Shawn Ray displayed a ‘crisp’ look that is rarely seen nowadays.
“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.”
He argues that today’s competitors lack the signature crisp grainy look partly because they prioritize sheer size over 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.”
Walker, known for his extreme conditioning, has paired that sharp detail with impressive size, emphasizing, “I love that grainy, peeled look.” However, bodybuilders who capitalize off size and dry detail can often run into unforeseen challenges when peaking for contests.
Walker’s take on bodybuilding’s evolution hits on a simple truth—the game is always changing, but every era comes with its own hurdles. Some say today’s sport is tougher, others say it’s easier, but Walker sees it differently. As he gears up for his 2025 comeback, he’s proving that success isn’t just about size or conditioning—it’s about mastering both.
Photo Credit: Instagram @thedorianyates / YouTube: Nick Walker
