Following his victory at the 2024 Legion Sports Fest Pro, Men’s Open bodybuilder Brett Wilkin stepped back from competing to address some health challenges. As 2025 rolls in, Wilkin is ramping up his training to prepare for his competitive comeback, which involves his new coach after his former coach, Matt Jansen, retired.
“I believe that a coach is very valuable, especially leading into competitions; the value of having that second pair of eyes…as that reassurance you get from a coach,” Wilkin said.
Wilkin will collaborate with IFBB Pro Coach Stefan Kienzl, who works with many other IFBB Pro bodybuilders, including Martin Fitzwater, Urs Kalecinski, and Shaun Clarida. “[Kienzl] is somebody who really shows he’s one of the best coaches in the world when it comes peaking guys,” Wilkin promoted.
Wilkin addressed concerns about Kienzl, given Kienzl’s extensive current roster. After carefully evaluating other coaching options, Wilkin ultimately chose Kienzl due to their strong relationship built through mutual connections like Fitzwater. Wilkin expressed confidence in Kienzl’s ability to manage multiple professional athletes. Kienzl has proven capable of excelling in high-level competitions and believes his own experience will be no exception.
At times, Wilkin collaborated with Kienzl for Fitzwater’s training, where he learned how Kienzl worked with his clients. “I walked around with him and saw how he worked with Martin and Shaun; he also had about 10 other clients there. I just saw how he could handle that; got the concern out of my head,” Wilkin stated.
Wilkin has already begun training with Kienzl. Over the next few months, Wilkin will focus on building muscle and increasing size, especially in his lower body.
Brett Wilkin’s Leg Day Workout
Wilkin has adopted a relaxed approach to his workouts. For the past few months, he has focused on straight sets and avoided intense techniques or heavy modifiers. His priority is maintaining overall health and keeping his body in good condition.
- Warm-Up — Seated Hip Adductions & Leg Extensions
- 45-Degree Leg Presses
- Hack Squats
- Single-Leg Presses
- Machine Squats
- Single-Leg Extensions
[Related: Bodybuilding Coach Charles Glass’ 4 Exercises For a Thicker, Fuller Chest]
Warm-Ups — Seated Hip Adductions & Leg Extensions
Brett Wilkin began his leg workout with the seated hip adduction. “This is obviously our favorite. Working that inside leg, just stretching the groin off, honestly,” Wilkin said. He trains his quads using the plate-loaded M-Torture leg extension machine.
45-Degree Leg Presses & Hack Squats
Wilkin performs on an Atlantis leg press machine, positioning his feet low on the platform to bias his quads. He completed two sets with controlled, three-second eccentrics.
Wilkin used the Prime hack squat machine, which he considers a standout piece of equipment. He included a pause-hold at the bottom of the movement to intensify quad activation. He followed with a heavy top set and a few back-off sets.
Single-Leg Presses, Machine Squats, & Single-Leg Extensions
Wilkin transitioned to unilateral training using the Atlantis single-leg press machine. He incorporated single-leg extensions to continue his quad focus, performing two sets of 10-15 reps.
Wilkin has ambitious goals for 2025 and is determined to break into the top five at 2025 Olympia. He’s excited about what’s to come and is committed to refining the finer details needed to achieve peak performance in the year ahead.
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Featured image: @brett_wilkin on Instagram
