“Painful, They Were Like Big Worms”: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Favorite Bodybuilder Recalled Horrifying Side Effects of Steroids

Kenneth Flex Wheeler is a bodybuilding legend who was in his prime during the 90s. Flex established himself as one of the biggest rivals of six-time Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates, and eight-time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman. Throughout his career, he also held the record for most Arnold Classic wins for a while and Schwarzenegger himself admired him a lot.

However, health issues cut his career short. In a recent interview, Flex recalled how anabolic steroids helped him put on muscle but also caused a lot of pain.

The effects of anabolic steroids on Flex Wheeler

Flex Wheeler once admitted to taking steroids to put on more muscle. However, Wheeler didn’t expect to put on a lot of muscle after using steroids. The bodybuilding legend said, “I put on like thirty pounds, and I was like ‘is this safe?'”. However, putting on a lot of muscle fast wasn’t the only thing Wheeler was dealing with. Flex recalled after taking steroids his muscles grew so quickly that his skin couldn’t keep up.

“(I had) stretch marks everywhere – they were so painful, they were like big worms”, said the champion bodybuilder. Flex also said the stretch marks are there even after decades. He said the marks were present on his forearms and in between the legs.

READ MORE: I Was Flabbergasted”: Flex Wheeler Once Revealed How He Felt after Receiving Massive Honor from Arnold Schwarzenegger

The Arnold Classic winner was surprised and even approached a more experienced lifter. “I remember asking one of the old timers, and he goes ‘don’t stop son'”, said Flex. The Arnold Classic Winner also shared his reaction. “I’m like ‘yeah, but look what’s happening.'”, said Flex. 

Everyone admired Flex Wheeler for his symmetrical physique. He even earned the nickname “Sultan of Symmetry” from fans, but unfortunately, never won the Mr. Olympia title. However, Wheeler has won the Arnold Classic four times. Arnold Schwarzenegger even said Wheeler was one of the greatest bodybuilders he had ever seen.

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s favorite had to step away from the sport

“The Sultan of Symmetry” was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 1999. That same year, the icon bodybuilder’s kidney failed, and he had to undergo an emergency kidney transplant. Flex later mentioned that he first got to know about the disease at 14, but there were no symptoms since he was still young. While the legend announced his retirement in 2000, he finally stepped away in 2003.

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Flex Wheeler is a bodybuilding icon, and not just Arnold Schwarzenegger, even ‘The King’ Ronnie Coleman said Flex was one of the greatest ever. While Flex didn’t win bodybuilding’s biggest title, he won the respect of fans and rivals.