Larry Wheels Targets Classic Physique Bodybuilding Show: ‘I’m Already as Big As I Need to Be’

Powerlifting sensation Larry Wheels is one of the few athletes to have competed in several fitness and strength-based sports, including bodybuilding, strongman, and arm wrestling. In a recent interview with RxMuscle, Wheels revealed he might try a Classic Physique bodybuilding show in the future. 

Larry Wheels made a name for himself with an impressive build and unreal feats of strength. Although he’s participated in many sports, he found the most success in powerlifting. One aspect that sets Wheels apart from other strength athletes is his aesthetic physique.

Wheels gained attention after setting the World Record on the squat, bench, and deadlift at 2,275 pounds total without wraps in the 275-lb class. He changed gears following the achievement to make his amateur bodybuilding debut in Feb. 2018. He left the fans stunned by scoring gold at the NPC Gold Coast Muscle Classic.

The 28-year-old has remained honest about his use of steroids and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). A back injury inspired Wheels to get off gear last August. Since he had been using steroids for about a decade, he chose to quit steadily with the help of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).

Following the change, Wheels embarked on a journey to test his limits while only using TRT. He pulled off some insane lifts in preparation for the mock powerlifting meet. Wheels conducted the mock meeting to check his progress two months ago. While he didn’t match his steroid PRs, he wasn’t too far off from them either.

Wheels joined forces with famous fitness personality Lexx Little for a heavy lower-body training session. He crushed a massive 505-lb squat for 16 rep AMRAP. His influence rubbed off on Lexx as he achieved a new squat PR of 600 pounds after two years.

IFBB Pro Joe Mackey enlisted Wheels to help him train for recording a 1,000-pound (453.6-kg) deadlift recently. The pair later reunited for another workout. Larry showed off his insane strength by demolishing a 200-lb dumbbell (in each hand) bench press for three reps.

Larry Wheels starting to prep for a move to the Classic Physique class

In a recent interview with RxMuscle, Larry Wheels revealed his plans to make a move to the Classic Physique division for his next venture.

“Where I’m at with my journey right now is taking a healthier approach to achieving my goals,” said Wheels. “I’m recently engaged. I intend on having a family. I’m actually putting my eyes on Classic Physique. Open bodybuilding I didn’t see I can be very competitive because of my height. I need to put on an unrealistic amount of muscle that just wasn’t happening and if I was to pull that off, I’d be extremely unhealthy in doing so.

“Doing Classic, I’m already as big as I need to be. If not, I have to gain a few more pounds and then cut down to the cutoff at 220 or 230. I think I look great and could actually be competitive, and arguably unhealthy but not to the extent to the extreme if I were to do Open bodybuilding, World’s Strongest Man events, try and achieve another powerlifting World Record. I think I can have more longevity in Classic Physique.”

In a recent Instagram post, Wheels shared he’s starting his prep for Classic Physique.

“Starting prep for classic tomorrow with Ryan Benston.”

Last month, Larry Wheels performed a taxing upper body training session focused on his chest. He smashed 200-lb dumbbell bench press for six reps and disclosed no change in his TRT dosage. He also recently teamed up with former World’s Strongest Man Eddie Hall for a brutal shoulder workout.

Fans will be excited to see how Wheels fares in the Classic Physique category in the coming months. If history is any indication, it would be no surprise if Wheels found success in his next bodybuilding chapter. 

You can watch the full video below:

RELATED: Larry Wheels on 10 Years of Steroid Use: ‘The Damage I’ve Caused Remains In Question’

Published: 10 March, 2023 | 2:01 AM EDT

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