Larry Wheels, one of the most well-known figures in powerlifting and bodybuilding, has never shied away from discussing the reality of performance-enhancing drugs.
In a candid video, he set the record straight about his steroid use, sharing why he turned to them, the impact on his life, and the lessons he hopes others will take away from his experience.
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A Difficult Childhood and the Search for Strength
Wheels’ journey with strength training started from a place of struggle. Raised by a single mother, he faced instability early in life. His father left when he was just a year old, and by age six, he was placed in foster care after a violent domestic dispute between his mother and her boyfriend. The foster system became his home for years, moving between different caretakers.
At 12, his mother regained custody and relocated them to Saint Maarten, a small Caribbean island. The move came with new challenges. With no access to an English-speaking school, he couldn’t continue his education. The local kids, assuming he was wealthy because he was from New York, bullied him and even stole from him. Isolated and struggling to fit in, he turned to something he could control—his physical strength.
“I had nothing to do, and I was getting bullied. I figured if I got stronger, maybe they’d stop picking on me,” he said.
With no gym access, he started with makeshift equipment—a broomstick and two cinder blocks—before eventually using a proper weight set. Training became an obsession, offering structure and purpose.
The Gym Becomes an Escape
At 15, Wheels returned to New York and threw himself into training. He jumped between gyms, eventually settling into Jay’s Big Gym in Washington Heights. There, he met an older training partner, a military veteran in his early 20s, who became a mentor figure.
Without a father in his life, Wheels gravitated toward the guidance this new friend offered. But the mentorship came with exposure to a different world. His friend was a heavy partier and introduced him to hard drugs.
“It’s not his fault, but I didn’t say no,” Wheels admitted. “I liked it too much.”
As he watched his friend’s life spiral, he recognized he was heading down the same dangerous path. He wanted an escape but still craved something that made him feel powerful.
The Decision to Use Steroids
By 17, Wheels had already built an impressive physique naturally. But in the competitive world of powerlifting and bodybuilding, he constantly compared himself to others. He wanted to be the best, and to him, steroids seemed like the next step.
“I was craving the feeling of just being good at something,” he explained. “Getting bigger and stronger was the only thing I thought I was good at.”
In his mind, steroids were a better alternative to hard drugs. If he was going to dedicate his life to something, he wanted it to be lifting.
“I told myself, ‘I’m gonna do this, but I’m stopping everything else.’”
The Risks and His Message to Others
Now, years later, Wheels acknowledges the serious risks of steroid use and urges young lifters to educate themselves before making any decisions. He doesn’t tell people outright not to use them, but he emphasizes that the choice comes with long-term consequences.
“You need to understand, if you’re going to do it, you need to dedicate your life to it. Maybe even be willing to die for it,” he warned.
He also reminds others that their struggles don’t define their future. At 17, he couldn’t see beyond lifting. Now, with a broader perspective, he wants others to recognize that there are other paths to success.
“No matter how dark it may seem, look for the light. Because it is there.”
A New Chapter
Despite the challenges of his past, Wheels is focused on his future. He remains grateful for the support of his fans and the platform he has to share his experiences. His message isn’t about glorifying steroids but about understanding the full picture—both the highs and the risks.
“There’s a lot more coming,” he teased, hinting at upcoming projects.
For now, his story serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to resilience.
