{"id":15746,"date":"2026-03-12T23:11:36","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T23:11:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=15746"},"modified":"2026-03-12T23:11:36","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T23:11:36","slug":"nick-walker-says-condition-posing-controlling-the-midsection-led-to-milestone-win-over-hadi-choopan-reveals-new-dorian-yates-style-training-split","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=15746","title":{"rendered":"Nick Walker Says \u2018Condition, Posing, Controlling the Midsection\u2019 Led to \u2018Milestone\u2019 Win Over Hadi Choopan,\u2019 Reveals New Dorian Yates-Style Training Split"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

Nick Walker<\/a> didn\u2019t secure the $750,000 prize at the 2026 Arnold Classic, but left Columbus, Ohio, with his head held high. On March 12, 2026, he discussed beating Hadi Choopan for the first time and revealed his new Dorian Yates-style four-day training split.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After taking a career-low sixth place at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Walker was out to prove himself at the Arnold Classic<\/a>. Despite his shorter stature and longer torso, he overcame those disadvantages to claim second place. He defeated Choopan but lost by five points to Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea<\/a> in a close contest.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The runner-up showing proved that Walker is still one of the best bodybuilders in the world. However, since he didn\u2019t claim gold, he still has to qualify for the 2026 Mr. Olympia<\/a>. From training splits to midsection control, he broke down what lies ahead for his career.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nick Walker Talks Beating Choopan at 2026 Arnold Classic, Midsection Control, and New Training Split\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the video, Walker said defeating Choopan onstage for the first time was a career milestone.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

Get Fitter, Faster<\/em><\/h3>\n

Level Up Your Fitness: Join our \ud83d\udcaa strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

\n

\u201cI finally beat Hadi, who is a great, great champion. That was always a milestone for me since he was one of the ones I haven\u2019t beaten. I did exactly what I said I was going to do.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He shared that his midsection control and posing have improved, even though his shape sometimes works against him.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cCondition, posing, controlling the midsection, I thought it was the best I could have ever done. So, I think I just executed that 100 percent. It is what it is. I don\u2019t have the best shape, but I did everything I could, and I worked my ass off for that,\u201d he said<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Walker decided to change to a Dorian Yates-style training split.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI\u2019m going to be changing the split a little bit here. We\u2019re going to go to a nice four-day Dorian Yates-style approach. We\u2019re going to do chest and biceps, which was yesterday. We\u2019re going to do a whole back day, which is today. Take off shoulders and tris, and then legs. Then, two days off.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n