Kai Greene does an impromptu judging of Larry Wheels’ recent posing next to Mr. Olympia champ Derek Lunsford
In the lastest episode of the Kai Greene Effect, bodybuilding legend Kai Greene tackled topics that hit close to home for many fitness fans. From fasting trends endorsed by icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger to the difficult reality of Ronnie Coleman’s health, Kai offered a thoughtful, grounded perspective. Most notably, Kai Greene gave his anaylsis of Larry Wheels posing next to Derek Lunsford – and determined the internet celebrity and athlete needs to make more progress to compete with the best of the best.
Here’s a brief overview of the topics discussed this week:
- Does Kai Greene follow any fasting diets?
- Kai’s response to an orthopedic surgeon’s analysis of Ronnie Coleman’s physical health
- Reality check: Kai’s analysis of Larry Wheels’ posing routine next to Mr. Olympia champ Derek Lunsford
- Bodybuilding legend Boyer Coe’s comments on Kai Greene – Kai responds
- Kai’s health tips for those who work in sedentary jobs behind a desk
You can watch the full episode of the Kai Greene Effect above. Below is a full recap of the episode, covering Kai’s personal experiences with fasting, his honest reaction to Ronnie Coleman’s current condition, thoughts on Larry Wheels posing next to Derek Lunsford, and practical advice for desk workers trying to get leaner.
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Fasting: Why So Many Stand By It
Fasting has become one of the most discussed health practices in recent years. From intermittent fasting protocols to extended fasts for metabolic reset, the trend continues to grow. High-profile names in fitness and business have spoken about its benefits. Even bodybuilding icons like Arnold Schwarzenegger have touched on disciplined nutrition strategies throughout their careers. Outside of bodybuilding, figures like Dana White have publicly discussed fasting for health reasons.
But Kai Greene’s relationship with fasting looks very different.
Unstructured Fasting vs. Planned Protocols
Kai made it clear that he has fasted many times throughout his life. However, these were not structured programs like 16:8 intermittent fasting or 24-hour fast cycles. They weren’t part of a health trend. They happened naturally.
Sometimes it was religious exposure through people he knew who observed fasting periods such as Ramadan. Other times it was because he was sick. And at certain points in his life, especially when he was younger and struggling financially, he simply ate less because that was all he could afford. There were days he went without food to save money.
Ironically, he sometimes experienced positive physical changes during those periods. He described it almost humorously:
“Surprise. I suddenly experienced the benefits of a fast and I didn’t even realize it.”
In hindsight, what he experienced mirrors what modern fasting advocates promote: improved digestion, mental clarity, and in some cases better body composition.
But Kai never approached it as a system. He never committed to intermittent fasting or any other structured fasting plan. For him, fasting wasn’t a strategy. It was circumstance.
Why Fasting Works for So Many
The reason fasting has so many supporters is simple. It can help regulate calorie intake. When you shorten your eating window, you often reduce total daily calories without consciously dieting. That leads to fat loss.
There’s also evidence that fasting may support metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity. Many people report improved focus when they are not constantly eating. Others feel less bloated.
Kai Greene’s story shows something important: sometimes the body responds positively when it gets a break from constant feeding. But he also avoids turning that into dogma. He doesn’t suggest everyone needs to fast. He doesn’t push it as a requirement for success.
His experience reminds listeners that not every health improvement comes from a formal protocol. Sometimes life itself forces adjustments that end up benefiting you.
Will Ronnie Coleman Ever Walk Normally Again?
An orthopedic surgeon recently reacted to Ronnie Coleman’s walking videos and pointed out visible quadricep atrophy. According to the doctor, when the quadriceps shrink significantly, it can create the appearance that the kneecap is swollen or enlarged. The muscle mass that once supported the knee is no longer there at the same level.
The assessment was blunt. Today, Ronnie can barely walk. The same legs that carried him to eight Mr. Olympia titles now remind him daily of the cost of that success.
For Kai Greene, hearing that analysis was hard.
A Champion’s Cost
Ronnie Coleman is widely considered one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. His size, strength, and stage presence were beyond what most thought possible. He trained with weights that even elite athletes hesitate to attempt.
Kai admitted that seeing someone of Ronnie’s caliber dealing with such severe physical complications is painful. It’s difficult to witness from afar.
He also acknowledged that Ronnie’s situation can discourage aspiring athletes. Some may look at Ronnie’s condition and decide that chasing greatness at that level simply isn’t worth the risk. Kai understands that fear.
But he also believes outcomes can vary. He wants to believe that it’s possible to reach elite status without suffering the same degree of long-term physical damage.
Sacrifice and Irreversibility
Kai Greene spoke openly about sacrifice. Achieving greatness requires it. That’s true in sports, business, art, and life. Some sacrifices are temporary. Others are permanent.
In Ronnie Coleman’s case, it appears that the physical damage to his body may not be fully reversible. That’s a reality no one can ignore. But there is another side.
Ronnie has consistently stated he has no regrets. He lived his life according to his passion. He gave everything to the sport. From his perspective, it was worth it.
Kai emphasized that the conversation around Ronnie’s health is less about judging Ronnie and more about reflecting on ourselves. How does Ronnie’s story make you feel? Does it inspire you? Does it caution you? Those are personal decisions – and can be used to inform whether or not it changes the way you train.
What cannot be denied is that Ronnie Coleman was, and remains, awe inspiring.
“There Were Times I Thought I Was Ronnie”
One of the most interesting moments came when Kai Greene admitted that at times in his own career, he felt like he was the next Ronnie Coleman. He believed he could reach that level.
Then he would hit a challenge that made him realize Ronnie operated on another plane. That’s how extraordinary Ronnie Coleman was. His tolerance for pain, intensity, and sacrifice exceeded even other elite bodybuilders.
Kai’s tone wasn’t bitter. It was respectful. He recognized that Ronnie sacrificed in ways that even he could not. That acknowledgment speaks volumes about the magnitude of Ronnie’s achievements.
Larry Wheels and Derek Lunsford: A Reality Check
The episode also covered a popular posing video featuring Larry Wheels alongside Mr. Olympia champion Derek Lunsford.
Kai Greene genuinely enjoyed watching the two pose together. It’s exciting to see elite physiques side by side. However, he was realistic in his assessment. Larry Wheels is powerful. He has built an impressive physique. But standing next to the reigning Mr. Olympia is a different standard entirely.
Kai didn’t frame this as criticism. It was simply context.
Derek Lunsford is the benchmark. He represents the highest level in the sport right now. Catching up to that requires refinement, conditioning, symmetry, and years of focused bodybuilding preparation.
Can Larry succeed long term in bodybuilding? Possibly. But it would take significant work and strategic dedication to close that gap.
Lightning Round
Boyer Coe’s Comments on Kai Greene
Kai was asked about comments made by Boyer Coe during an appearance on Shawn Ray’s show.
Coe said Kai had a unique and interesting posing routine but admitted he didn’t always understand what Kai was talking about in interviews. He also stated that Kai should have been a Mr. Olympia champion.
Kai responded with humility. He described Boyer Coe as a true legend of bodybuilding’s early history. He seemed genuinely appreciative that Coe even knew who he was, let alone had positive things to say.
Beyond that, he didn’t dwell on it. The comments didn’t appear malicious. There was no reason to turn them into controversy.
Tips for Desk Workers Who Want to Get Leaner
When asked about strategies for people who sit at a desk all day, Kai Greene went straight to fundamentals. Before cold plunges, caffeine timing, or any other kind of “health trick” – you need to look at your calories.
Kai emphasizes that it’s important to understand how many calories you’re consuming relative to your resting metabolic rate. Determine whether you’re in a caloric surplus. If you are, reduce intake and increase activity to create a deficit. That’s the foundation. Only after that should you consider optimization strategies.
As for cold plunges and biohacking trends, Kai admitted he’s somewhat out of the loop. He’s curious. As he moves into later years, he wants to feel as young as possible for as long as possible. But he’s cautious about jumping on trends without understanding them.
The core principle remains the same: consistency beats shortcuts.
Wrap Up
This episode of The Kai Greene Effect wasn’t about promoting extreme methods or glorifying suffering. It was about reflection. Kai’s perspective remains balanced. He respects the past. He analyzes the present. And he encourages listeners to think critically about their own choices.
In the end, the real takeaway isn’t about fasting protocols or posing comparisons. It’s about ownership.
How do you want to live?
What are you willing to sacrifice?
And are you prepared for the long-term consequences of those decisions?
Those are questions every athlete, and every person, must answer for themselves.
