Nick Walker, pictured in 2021 winning the prestigious Arnold Classic, has been a major contender in the Mr. Olympia, bodybuilding’s most elite competition. Icon Sportswire/Getty Images© Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
- An elite bodybuilder said he uses an exercise technique called slow negatives to build more muscle.
- Also called eccentric reps, negatives can help optimize gains by putting more tension on the muscle.
- Slow, controlled reps with lighter weight can build muscle better than lifting as heavy as possible.
Bodybuilder Nick Walker said a simple technique has helped him pack on muscle without maxing out on heavy weights.
Fresh from winning the New York Pro in May, Walker has punched his ticket to the 2024 Mr. Olympia, the most prestigious competition in the sport. Last year, he was a favorite to win that competition before he was sidelined by an injury, and in 2022, Walker took home the Olympia bronze as well as the fan-favorite “People’s Champ” award.