Powerlifting legend Larry Wheels’ successful transition into bodybuilding caught the attention of Hany Rambod. On Sept. 11, 2025, Rambod, a 25-time Olympia-winning coach, rated Wheels’ physique and offered him pointers to improve.
Fans weren’t sure if Wheels would achieve his dream of earning an IFBB Pro card. He came close at the 2023 Amateur Olympia event, but took second place. Wheels even quit bodybuilding for a brief period, expressing concerns over his health and well-being.
Ultimately, he didn’t abandon the goal; Wheels made his return and won the 2025 NPC Musclecontest Ireland and finally entered the pro ranks. Following up, he tested his skills against tougher talent at the Musclecontest Bullman Pro in 10th place. With discussions about his next bodybuilding show picking up, Rambod analyzed five of his mandatory poses.
Hany Rambod Rates & Critiques Larry Wheels’ Physique
Find Rambod’s critique from the video below:
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Abs & Thigh
Rambod noted that Wheels’ v-taper stands out in the abs and thigh pose.
“He’s got a really nice taper and a very nice waist, a great v-taper, good lats, so he’s got the v-taper from the top right underneath where the terrys are and the upper lat area. You can tell he’s been doing those pulldowns, pullups.”
To refine this shot further, he said Wheels needs to compete drier, which comes down to a peaking issue.
“We can improve through the midsection. I would love to see more detail in the midsection. Being a bit drier is going to allow it to show much more separation and definition. That is a peaking issue.”
Back Double Biceps
Next, Rambod explained that Wheels could have an even stronger back double if he brings out more detail in his lower back. He advised Wheels to start preps a little bit lighter in weight.
“What Larry needs to improve is conditioning. Again, between dieting him down, dialing him in, and being able to really nail that conditioning, you’re going to get much more detail in that lower back. If that lower back gets leaner, starting out his prep a little bit lighter will go a long way.”
Front Double Biceps
Wheels’ width in the front double is a strength, but Rambod said he needs to focus on single-leg work to improve the size, density, and conditioning of the left leg.
“He’s got good triceps, but he’s got those crazy, freaky bicep peaks — looks really, really good. Again, love the width. Mom and Dad did not shortchange him on that shoulder width. He’s got great width,” adds Rambod.
“When it comes to the left leg, it could be better, it could be injuries, there could be some different issues going on, with some things are just not firing. What should he do? Single leg work,” he said. “Single leg leg press, single leg extensions, extra reps, extra sets, so you get proper mind-muscle connection.”
Side Chest
For the side chest, Rambod thinks Wheels would benefit from more triceps pop and bigger delts. He recommended bent-over lateral raises and reverse flies to get the job done.
“Triceps from the side definitely need more pop. I would like those delts to pop more, the rear delt, especially bent over lateral raises, reverse flies, get those rear delts even thicker so he can have an even wider set of shoulders from the side.”
Rear Lat Spread
By adjusting the way he hits the rear lat spread, Rambod says it will allow him to maximize his strong width.
“I feel that he’s underposing this — what do I mean by that? Here, he’s got a phenomenal thick back, but he’s not showing his lower lats. If he arches his back, this is a posing thing at this point now. If he arches his back, sticks his chest up, and is able to lift his shoulders, you’re going to see much more of these lats spread out.”
“Because he’s clinching down with his shoulders, he’s going downwards in that angle. What’s happening is he’s trying to thicken the lats, but what he’s doing, he’s not maximizing the width.”
Rambod’s Ranking — 7.9
“He’s got a lot of potential, but still hasn’t met it yet. He’s got a lot more room to grow and to get his condition dialed in.”
We could see Larry Wheels back on stage soon. In addition to training with bodybuilding star Sam Sulek, who also earned his IFBB Pro card, Wheels shared that they are both seriously considering the 2026 Arnold Classic next year.
Having built his name up in multiple sports, Wheels continues to test what his body is truly capable of. Rambod maintains that if he dials in his conditioning and peaking process, it will go a long way for his career.
RELATED: Jeff Nippard Offers Lifting Tips to IFBB Pro Larry Wheels During Chest Workout for Maximum Gains
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