Walker's crushing leg workout ahead of AC 2026

Walker shared details of his current quadriceps-focused leg workout on his YouTube channel on January 6, 2026, just nine weeks before the competition. In addition to the hard workout, he talked about his strategy for presenting a narrower waist on stage in Ohio.

The plan for the 2026 Arnold Classic

Nick Walker is going back to his roots and preparing for the competition he dominated back in 2021. His motivation is huge, despite the skepticism of some critics like Shawn Ray, who predicts him as high as 10th place. On the other hand, legends like Lee Priest believe in him and see him as a threat even to names like Hadi Choopan.

Walker's main target? Aesthetics within his genetic capabilities.

"I want to make sure my waistline is as narrow as it can be, outside my genetic limits... If I can really tighten it up, I think it will create a very, very good look for me," Walkersaid .

Training schedule: Focused on quadriceps

Walker's workout was a combination of isolated and complex exercises with an emphasis on feeling the muscle and maximizing stretching.

Exercise List:

1. Seated Leg Curl: Walker focuses on holding in the stretch for extra intensity. "A little extra pain doesn't hurt anyone," he comments.
2. Hack Squat Machine (Hack Squat Machine): A key exercise for the outside of the thighs (sweeps). Walker stresses the importance of warming up, especially in cold weather, and patience when building muscle - changes don't happen overnight.
3. Leg Extension Machine: Although he admits he doesn't "feel" this exercise much, he still incorporates it into his routine.
4. Lying Leg Curl: Another hamstring exercise.
5. Leg Abduction Machine: emphasis on slow repetitions to engage the abductors.
6. Torture Squat Machine: Finisher of the entire workout in order to utilize full range of motion.

The 2026 Arnold Classic takes place March 5-8 in Columbus and the competition will be huge. In addition to Hadi Choopan, names like Andrew Jacked, Martin Fitzwater and Brandon Curry are set to take the stage. However, Nick Walker believes that as the captain of his own training and diet, he can rise to the top again.