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Larry Wheels went from living in an extreme poverty as a child to becoming one of the strongest powerlifters in the world. Growing up in poor neighborhoods of Bronx, New York, Larry’s childhood goal was to become stronger and bigger so nobody would bully him.
In order to achieve his goal, Larry began doing push-ups, pull-ups, and sit-ups every single day. With the help of his mother, he later built himself a basic weight set consisting of two 40-lbs concrete blocks and a broomstick. With this weight set, he was able to do more complex exercises, such as biceps curls and military press. Allowing him to grow his physique further.
Several years later, Larry began working at his first job, which enabled him to afford a gym membership. Training in a whole new environment full of weightlifting equipment, Larry began witnessing tremendous progress on his physique.
After years of lifting weights, Larry took everything a step further to become a professional powerlifter. By 2017, he set two world records in the sport, becoming an inspiration for people along the way.
Weight 245 - 255lbs (111.1 - 115.7kg) Height 6'1" (185.5cm) Age 30 Date of Birth December 3, 1994 Nationality American Profession Professional Powerlifter Alias Larry Wheels Era 2010
Larry Wheels grew up in Bronx, New York. While today, he lives a life full of success and recognition, his childhood was completely different. Larry grew up in poor neighborhoods of New York, spent time in foster homes, and became familiar with hunger and poverty from an early age.
On top of everything, Larry often had to face dangerous situations as a child, walking through the dark alleys and neighborhoods on his way to school. His initial motivation for strength training was that of safety. Larry wanted to look bigger and stronger so nobody would come near him.
As he had no money, Larry worked with what he had to become stronger. He would do hundreds of sit-ups, push-ups, and pull-ups every single day. He even did arm wrestling competitions with his mother at times, driving home his determination to become bigger and stronger.
Noticing the motivation within him, Larry’s mother helped him build his own weight set. It consisted of two blocks of concrete and an old broomstick. As Larry remembers, it wasn’t anything glamorous, but it fulfilled its purpose – he slowly became bigger, and stronger.
However, Larry had one problem, he had no knowledge of correct weight training whatsoever, which made his physical progress extremely slow.
He recalls;“Because cinder blocks were so heavy, I’d have to swing the weight up. It wasn’t pretty, but I did manage to do three sets of curls and military presses.”
Coming into his late teens, Larry realized that if he wanted to continue progressing in his strength and size, he would need to join a gym. But in order to do so, Larry first had to find himself a job to pay for a gym membership.
Eventually, Larry achieved what he wanted – he began working at the job, subsequently paying for his first gym membership.
After he started training in the gym, Larry’s progress increased dramatically. His physique began looking stronger and bigger, and Larry became more confident in himself than ever.
After six months of lifting weights, Larry lost interest in bodybuilding and decided to train for strength instead. Having no father or coach to teach him, Larry began tailoring his own strength training program – he became a self-made athlete.
After years of pushing himself against the ‘iron,’ Larry decided he would become a competitive powerlifter.
Before long, Larry found out about a nearby weightlifting competition and decided to attend it. Ever since then, he’s never looked back.
Throughout the years of competing in powerlifting shows, Larry built a solid reputation around his name. He not only achieved his ambitions of becoming bigger and stronger, he also built a career around his passion for powerlifting.
By 2017, Larry Wheels became a name every professional powerlifter recognized. On his way to the top, Larry had set two world records, totaling 2,275lbs in raw lifts (squat, bench press, and deadlift).
When Larry first started training in the gym, he believed that the more he trained, the better. He’d work out with weights six times per week, barely taking any rest from his training sessions.
While this worked for Larry initially, he eventually stopped progressing in his physique. He said; “At a certain point, I couldn’t make any more gains, I couldn’t get heavier than 190-lbs.”
It was only after he reduced his workout frequency, when Larry once again began progressing in his strength and size.
Nowadays, Larry trains in the gym three times per week. He’s found this to be the most optimal frequency, as it allows him to fully recover between his extremely exhausting powerlifting sessions.
Before beginning his actual workout, Larry will first warm-up his joints and muscles. He’ll do exercises such as hip circle and leg swings which help get blood to his muscles and prevent possible injuries.
His working sets are all about strength – he trains with a low number of reps, focusing on lifting as heavy as possible. Here’s how it looks;
Monday
Wednesday
Friday
Larry’s diet when gaining size is based on a high-calorie intake. He consumes around 5500 calories and over 400 grams of fat throughout this period. His staple foods for ‘bulking’ include beef, rice, and avocados.
On the other hand, when ‘cutting’ down for a show, Larry greatly reduces his calorie intake. During this phase, he’ll consume 4400 calories, and only around 90 grams of fat. His staple foods for ‘cutting’ include salmon, chicken, sweet potatoes, and rice.
For the better part of his life, Larry Wheels had to be his own greatest influence.
Ultimately, it was Larry’s determination and willpower that allowed him to push through the adversities, and to eventually become one of the biggest names in the powerlifting industry.
Larry Wheels grew up in extremely difficult circumstances. As a child, he faced extreme poverty, hunger, and danger of living in neighborhoods filled with gangs. Larry’s only wish was to become bigger and stronger so nobody would bully him.
After years of battling through life’s challenges, Larry accomplished his goals, and much more. He became a successful powerlifter, setting two world records on his way to the top.
His incredible story leaves us with one simple, but powerful lesson: if you truly want something in life, you’ll find a way to get it.
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View Comments
I’m amazed how elite Larry is truly truly amazed. Motivates me to progressing get better. Thanks ?? Larry.
Larry wheels. your an inspiration. God bless you.
Great article
You forgot to mention his well documented (and self-admitted) crazy juicing cycles.
One in a million. I've seen lots of his videos and he seems a nice, and humble, young man too.
Man what a story, l had no idea this kid had it so rough coming up.. Once again adversity created a driven motivated and most of all successful guy.. At 23 Larry seems way wiser than his years..I am very impressed by this humble young man. He is definitely a great role model for aspiring young athletes
got up yesterday (4hrs of sleep, exhausted but worked all morning). Tired & sore, but went to the gym anyway. Watched a video of Larry working out with Bradley during my warmup. Hit a PR on deadlifts. Wonder if there's a connection... :)
58yrs old & still learning
Larry Wheeles is on his way to being the Strongest Man in the World ..Starting at his young age he will see his Body Morph to the One of the Gratest Body Builders in his time..Staying Focused and injury Free ..Smart and Knowing when to Go Heavy and When no too...Go !! Larry Go !!..Ricky Allen
He will go very far in life with his positive attitude and work ethic... I have seen him train with and be tutored by various power lifting greats and he shows maturity with the will to learn... A very humble young man indeed.
hold up so that beast trains only 3 times per week, on steroids (wich allow your body to recover faster) .. no overhead presses, good mornings or any typical powerlifting accessories except for leg press, floor press and cable pushdowns... i think i'll take a day off gym tommorrow this is pretty shocking to me ?