“The Mutant” has separate coaches for training and nutrition.
Last updated on November 20th, 2024
Men’s Open bodybuilder Nick Walker became a free agent in October 2024 after parting ways with his coach, Matt Jansen. This decision followed Jansen’s announcement that Walker would withdraw from the 2024 Olympia for the second consecutive time, citing his unprepared physique despite winning the 2024 New York Pro after rebounding from a hamstring injury in 2023.
Walker most recently competed in the Mr. Olympia in 2022, securing a top-three finish. After parting with Jansen, Walker announced that he had selected two new coaches to guide him, one for training and one for nutrition.
On Nov. 13, 2024, Walker revealed who they were and outlined his training, dieting, and contest preparation plans.
[Related: You Probably Can’t Do Nick Walker’s Favorite Chest Press — Do This Instead]
Nick Walker’s New Coaches
Below are the two coaches “The Mutant” selected and why.:
Kyle Wilkes
Walker highlighted his enduring friendship with Kyle Wilkes since 2018, which blossomed from a single training session. They pushed each other during back exercises and continued with further sessions in the following days.
He had pushed me to a limit that, honestly, I didn’t know truly existed,” Walker stated about Wilkes. Walker’s training session with Wilkes pushed him to explore the limits of true failure while acknowledging the enjoyment of the experience.
That led to the two teaming to train every day for months. During that time, Walker mentioned that Wilkes had observed his diet, supplements, and training regimen and how he had reacted to specific situations. Wilkes also accompanied him to the 2019 NPC USA Championships.
“Kyle is very smart; he has that calming effect on me, which is good for a client to have on a coach,” Walker explained. “I like to have somebody that can…keep me chill, relaxed, and not the other way around. Kyle is one of those few people who can do that for me.”
In a recent training session, Walker appreciated the productive three days spent training with Wilkes. “We killed it. We had a blast. He was the coach, but we also caught up in the friendship side of things.”
Walker checks in with Wilkes twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays, and is pleased with his progress. He explained that Wilkes gradually increases his food intake each week since it’s bulking season; however, this adjustment depends on his physical appearance and progress in the gym. The duo is currently focused on strength training, omitting cardio.
Jared Feather
Walker recounted meeting Jared Feather in Vegas following his second-place finish at the Arnold, competing against Samson Dauda. Initially skeptical about RP Strength‘s training methods, Feather persuaded Walker to try it.
After completing three exercises — the seated leg curl, leg press, and Smith machine squats — Walker was physically impacted for the next two to three days. This experience convinced him of the training’s effectiveness.
Walker worked with that training style for his 2023 Olympia prep and believed he would have brought his best look. Unfortunately, he suffered a hamstring injury that led to his withdrawal.
Walker deviated from that training style during his 2024 New York Pro prep and adopted a Dorian Yates protocol. Even though Walker won, he was unsatisfied with his results and thought the RP Strength training was more effective.
Walker acknowledged his body wasn’t prepared for the 2024 Olympia, so he pulled out. “Wasn’t a fan of my look overall. To be honest, I know it wasn’t my best, and that was because of other events that were happening in my life,” Walker shared.
Now, Walker is interested in returning to what he thinks would have won him the Olympia title. “As important as I believe training is, I wanted to return to the RP training style,” Walker stated. Wilkes focuses on diet, nutrition, and supplements, and Feather is in charge of training. “I think they get on the same page, are geniuses here in different ways, [and] if we all collab, we can create something very special here.”
Nick Walker’s New Training Routine
Walker is excited for Feather and Wilkes to communicate effectively, identify his weak points, and how to bring up areas in need of improvement. In the fourth and fifth weeks of his training block, Walker thoroughly enjoys the process and tracking his lifts, which he doesn’t typically do.
“They want to see people succeed and thrive. I am very fortunate to have them in my life and in my corner; both willing to be on my team and bring out the best package we can bring to my next show,” Walker praised.
More Bodybuilding Content
Featured image: @nick_walker39 on Instagram
