Sam Sulek wants to keep it simple ahead of the Arnold Classic.
Classic Physique pro Sam Sulek is set to take the stage during the 2026 Arnold Classic in March. Over the years, Sulek has become one of the top fitness stars in the world and did so by sculpting his physique on his own. Sulek is now an IFBB Pro and while he prepares for his pro debut, has been coaching himself and shared why he is taking that approach.
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“I don’t need any drama, I don’t like any friction. This isn’t mean to be like any back and forth or anything with anyone. I wanna do my thing and just see what happens. That’s how I like it.”
It is a common practice for bodybuilders to work with coaches who are on top of their work on a daily basis. In certain cases, competitors decide to do the work themselves and that is what Sulek is doing. In the Men’s Open division, Nick Walker has been working on his own following the Olympia. He fell down the scorecard further than expected during the 2025 Olympia. Following this performance, he shared that he wold no longer be working with Kyle Wilkes, who he teamed up with following his withdrawal from the 2024 competition.
As for Sulek, he highlights the convenience of working on his own before taking the stage in Columbus.
| Full Name: Sam Bishop Sulek | ||
| Weight | Height | Date of Birth |
| 240 lbs | 5’11” | 2/7/2002 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Bodybuilder, Fitness Influencer, Internet Personality | 2020s | American |
Sam Sulek Talks Coaching Himself Ahead Of Pro Debut
Sulek has been training on his own for years now and has kept it that way even after becoming a pro. He admits that this is due to the process being simplified if he is working on his own.
“For me to coach myself, it keeps it more simple. I don’t have to send somebody my check-ins, and it’s way quicker. I could just have to look at my self in the mirror, thats my check-in. I don’t have to text anybody and wait for them to text back.”
Sam Sulek has been one of the biggest fitness stars in the world in recent years. The topic of Open bodybuilding has already come up and Sulek has acknowledged a potential move in the future. He is focused on Classic Physique for the 2026 year but there is always a chance to move up. Sulek claims that this would happen if he grows out of the weight cap. As of now, he will compete in Classic Physique and compete with some of the best in the world on the Arnold Classic stage.
Sulek will process the results from the Arnold and make decisions for the future but for now, he is comfortable coaching himself.
“For me, I’m not saying that it’s better or if you have a coach you’re less than, I’m just saying for me I’m doing it how I wanna do it. Whether that’s good or bad, we’re just gonna have to see in the future.”
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