The sport has changed, and so have posing routines. Though some flair can help inject life into a routine, some believe they’ve gone too far. After a 50-year-old bodybuilder was ridiculed for his presentation at a recent bodybuilding contest, Nick Walker came to his defense, courtesy of an Instagram post shared on July 14, 2025.
In today’s social media landscape, competitors will try just about anything to get noticed and gain followers. It begs the question: How much dancing and entertainment is permitted in NPC and IFBB Pro League routines? It’s not banned — so it’s hard to say.
In most divisions, individual posing routines do not factor into the judges’ scores. Thus, athletes have taken it upon themselves to spice things up to keep the crowd happy. Some have argued that these routines make the sport look bad and less professional, though others believe competitors have the right to self-expression.
Nick Walker Blasts Fans for Ridiculing Athlete’s Posing Routine: “I’m Tired of Seeing This Shit”
After Eli Murdock’s posing routine went viral, fans were quick to condemn his actions in the comment section:
“This guy represents the real interest of federations, especially the NPC. The show and effort of true athletes never mattered to them, their membership money did,” one commenter wrote.
“Bodybuilding going back to the basics, the Circus 🎪,” shared another.
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“I think he should be disqualified on time and walk off the stage, disrespect to serious athletes, that cannot be accepted in sport,” said one person.
“Why not sign up for a musical? Because bodybuilding is about the presentation of your shape, not about showing off…. 🧠🆘” another person added.
“It is not their fault ! It’s who let them participate in events!” one commenter posted.
Walker explained in his Instagram post that he’s fed up with fans mocking Murdock’s routine:
“I like to mind my business and not really say on too many things, but I’m sorry, I think you guys should be ashamed of yourselves for ridiculing this man the way you guys are.
The dude is 50 years old. We have no idea what he’s been through in life. For all we know, getting to the stage right now, putting on this routine was just like a milestone for this guy.”
“The Mutant” defended Murdock and emphasized that he was doing something fun while entertaining the crowd.
“You guys are just making it out to be a joke and making fun of him. And he thinks he’s doing something cool, something entertaining, something fun, and you’re just legit ridiculing him, and I’m tired of seeing this shit.
The dude is just having fun. Let him have his fun. Let him do his thing. Who cares? Are you entertained? I’m sure you are, and that’s the point.”
Lee Priest has also tackled whether dancing is appropriate at bodybuilding contests. He said that while it’s entertaining to watch, it makes the sport look less professional.
“It’s funny to look at, but to me, it just makes the sport look stupid. If he had clothes on doing that at a nightclub, it wouldn’t look half as bad, but for some reason, when you’re a muscular guy covered in oil and posing trunks or even board shorts, doing that onstage, it doesn’t look right.”
Walker believes mocking Murdock’s posing routine is misguided, as fans don’t know the journey he faced before stepping onstage. In a sport that allows for creativity, Walker appreciates that athletes have the freedom to tailor posing routines to their liking.