Kai Greene is an uncrowned bodybuilding legend. From winning Arnold Classic titles to starring in movies, the man from New York has earned a huge fanbase over the course of his career. However, that wasn’t always the case.

As a child, Greene got into a lot of trouble and even went to prison. Kai stated that the statistics for teens who re-offend after being sent to prison once are alarmingly high. However, he swore not to be part of that statistic.

After finding so much success in bodybuilding, Kai opened up about the sport that gave him clarity in life.

Kai Greene on how bodybuilding earned him respect

In 2016, Kai Greene revealed, “My ambition was to be on the cover of a bodybuilding magazine.” Kai added, “I was getting bigger and stronger, and was getting respect from my peers.”

Kai’s peers were not just friends, they were his fellow inmates. However, Greene credits bodybuilding for helping him through the darkest time of his life. Greene said, “Induction into bodybuilding was the first step of my journey of self-improvement, of developing all aspects of myself.”

Kai Greene had a rough childhood. Born in New Your City, Greene spent his early years growing up in foster homes and was part of the institutional system. As a kid, Kai spent time in juvenile correctional centers. However, Green wanted to turn his life around and that’s when he discovered bodybuilding.

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Kai revealed, “It (bodybuilding) was a lifesaver. If you look at the statistics of recidivism among juveniles, their return rate to institutions is very high. I was determined not to be one of those statistics.”

READ MORE: “Arnold Would Never Know How”: Uncrowned Bodybuilding Legend Once Revealed How Arnold Schwarzenegger Saved His Life

As of today, the three-time Arnold classic winner has gained immense popularity through bodybuilding. The Florida resident has also never gotten into trouble with the law ever since he started his bodybuilding career.

The same man inspired both Kai and Phil Heath

Like many before him, Kai discovered bodybuilding through 1977’s ‘Pumping Iron’. The iconic documentary starring Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired Green to turn his life around. Just like Kai, seven-time Mr. Olympia, and Kai’s biggest rival, Phil Heath, had also watched the documentary. Heath credits Arnold for being a big inspiration. Phill has also said that he owns multiple copies of Schwarzenegger‘s documentary.

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Kai Greene is an icon and an inspiration to many. Greene is living proof that bodybuilding improves all aspects of life. Kai never became Mr. Olympia, but gave Phil heath a run for his money. Bodybuilding earned the Arnold Classic winner respect and allowed him to beat the statistics, something few people can do.