Fitness enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as bodybuilder and influencer Sam Sulek prepares for his professional debut. On January 27, 2026, he showcased his impressive back development during a controlled workout, setting the stage for the 2026 Arnold Classic.
“39 days out, and I am feeling good. My morning weight was 238.5, which is just about right.”
After years of anticipation, Sam Sulek finally entered the competitive scene. In 2025, he clinched the overall Classic Physique gold at the NPC Legends Classic, allowing him to compete at the prestigious Arnold Amateur event. Sulek rose to the challenge, improving notably and earning his IFBB Pro card.
This achievement granted him an automatic invitation to the 2026 Arnold Classic (AC), where he will compete against elite athletes, including the reigning champ Mike Sommerfeld and former titleholder Wesley Vissers. As the competition approaches, Sulek is not wasting time; he’s already showing his conditioning on the path to the show.
Sam Sulek’s Back Workout for the 2026 Arnold Classic
Discover the exercises featured in his recent workout video below:
- Chest Supported Low Row Machine
- Single Arm Cable Pullover
- Lat Pulldown
Chest Supported Low Row Machine
Sulek emphasizes lighter lifting during this preparation phase to enhance control and focus on muscle engagement. This approach serves as an effective warm-up for more intensive exercises.
“Today, I’m opting for lighter weights. The first movement involves squeezing and controlled lifting. This strategy has influenced all my lifts, even my triceps. Rather than jumping right into heavy weights, I now prefer starting with lighter rope extensions to create a significant muscle burn, promoting better activation for my subsequent lifts.”
Single Arm Cable Pullover
Before transitioning to lat pulldowns, Sulek prioritized single-arm cable pullovers, focusing on tight contractions throughout each rep.
“Starting with pullovers before moving to pulldowns seems like an effective combination. I go for five reps on each side, using a weight that allows for a strong squeeze without compromising form.”
Lat Pulldown
After completing lat pulldowns, Sulek dedicated time to practice posing, highlighting that he is currently feeling slightly under-fueled.
“During these posedowns, I feel somewhat depleted. If there were a gauge above my head indicating my glycogen levels, it would be registering low.”
While many new IFBB Pros seek mentorship, Sulek has chosen to coach himself through this journey. He finds this approach more straightforward, allowing him to focus on his fitness without the added pressure of sharing progress with a coach.
With just over five weeks until the Arnold Classic, Sulek will soon have the opportunity to test his abilities against the industry’s best. The event is scheduled for March 5-8 in Columbus, OH.
RELATED: Bodybuilder Sam Sulek Breaks Down His 2,541-Calorie Diet for the 2026 Arnold Classic
Watch the full video from Sam Sulek’s YouTube channel below:
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In conclusion, Sam Sulek’s journey to the 2026 Arnold Classic showcases the dedication and strategic approaches that can lead to success in the competitive fitness landscape. His emphasis on controlled movements and self-coaching serves as an inspiring reminder for fitness enthusiasts at all levels. As the event approaches, aspiring bodybuilders can learn from Sulek’s workout techniques and commitment to improvement, making it a great time to refine their own fitness strategies.
