Kai Greene answers if he has ever thrown up due to a workout in the gym… and why that should perhaps be your goal
Bodybuilding legend Kai Greene continues to bring engaging discussions and insightful perspectives on his podcast, The Kai Greene Effect. In this episode, Kai and co-host Eduardo answer fan questions, discuss the extreme limits of training, and analyze the role of entertainment in modern bodybuilding. In a highlight, Kai Greene muses on whether or not throwing up in the gym is a sign of a good workout.
Here’s a brief recap of the topics discussed in this week’s episode of the Kai Greene Effect:
- Is Kai Greene a fan of slap fighting competitions?
- Does Kai put on an act for the camera? Is he too politically correct?
- Kai weighs in on whether or not Victor Martinez should have won the 2007 Mr. Olympia.
- Vomiting in the gym: is it the sign of a good workout?
- Kai reacts to new strength influencer Gentile Lifts.
- Does personality now matter more than a well developed physique in bodybuilding?
You can watch the full episode above. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of the latest discussion on the podcast. Let’s dive in!
Fan Questions: Lightening Round
The episode kicks off with a rapid-fire fan Q&A session covering various topics, from power slap contests to bodybuilding history.
Q1: What does Kai think about power slap contests, and who would he slap?
Kai Greene recalls seeing power slap competitions when Arnold Schwarzenegger introduced them at the Arnold Sports Festival. While he finds the sport entertaining, he admits that he wouldn’t want to participate himself. The unpredictability and potential to underestimate an opponent make it too risky. When asked whom he would slap, Kai laughs, recognizing the bait for controversy. Eduardo jokingly suggests Phil Heath—especially during their past rivalry—but Kai wisely chooses to plead the fifth.
Q2: Is Kai different on camera than in real life?
A fan comments that Kai Greene appears more politically correct on camera than in person and wishes to see the “real” version of him. Kai jokes that this must be someone he met in the bathroom before addressing the serious question. He explains that being in the public eye comes with responsibility.
He maintains that his on-camera personality is still his true self, just with a level of decorum necessary for representing the IFBB and bodybuilding as a sport. Eduardo agrees, emphasizing that having a platform means more than just speaking for oneself—it’s about representing the entire industry.
Q3: Did Victor Martinez deserve to win the 2007 Mr. Olympia?
Kai Greene has high praise for Victor Martinez, highlighting his contributions to the sport behind the scenes. Having watched the event live, he believes there is a valid case that Victor won the competition. Eduardo, a self-proclaimed Jay Cutler fan, agrees that the contest was extremely close. While Cutler took the title, many bodybuilding fans argue that Martinez should have secured the win.
Pushing Limits: Is Throwing Up in the Gym a Sign of Progress?
The discussion shifts to extreme training and whether vomiting in the gym is a necessary indicator of pushing oneself hard enough. While Kai Greene has never thrown up from training, he believes that reaching that threshold can be a valuable lesson. In today’s fitness culture, the fear of overtraining may prevent athletes from truly testing their limits. By pushing to the point of exhaustion, one can discover their actual boundaries rather than assuming an arbitrary limit.
Kai argues that modern discussions around overtraining might hold young athletes back. If someone has never trained to the point of vomiting, they might not actually know their maximum capability. While not a strict requirement, pushing the body to extreme fatigue helps uncover hidden potential.
The conversation expands into the necessity of coaching in bodybuilding. Kai believes that while a coach provides insight, the most important guide is within. A coach can help refine technique and strategy, but no training program will be effective without an athlete’s personal accountability and execution.
Gentile Lifts: The 18-Year-Old Powerhouse
Kai Greene and Eduardo react to the viral phenomenon of Gentile Lifts, an 18-year-old weightlifter with an over-the-top gym presence. His massive physique and loud, theatrical lifting style have caught the internet’s attention. Kai gives him a shoutout, appreciating his youthful energy and fearless attitude. However, he wonders what Gentile could achieve if he transitioned into serious competitive bodybuilding or strongman training.
Eduardo adds that with proper guidance, the young lifter could transform his internet fame into a sustainable career. Many fitness influencers have started with entertaining antics before refining their craft and making a name in the competitive arena. Whether Gentile will take that path remains to be seen.
Does Personality Now Matter More Than Performance in Bodybuilding?
The hosts examine the increasing role of social media and personality in bodybuilding success. Eduardo believes the era where physique alone could carry a career is gone. Today’s athletes must blend talent with charisma, much like influencers such as Sam Sulek and Chris Bumstead. A strong social media presence can elevate a bodybuilder’s career beyond competition, opening doors for sponsorships, business ventures, and long-term branding.
This leads to a discussion about athlete sponsorships. Vlad asks whether physique and competition achievements alone are enough for a Pro Am sponsorship, or if social media following is also considered. Eduardo explains that while a large following is an advantage, discovering raw talent with untapped marketing potential can be beneficial. Sometimes, working with an athlete who isn’t yet molded by social media expectations allows for better branding opportunities.
Kai Greene compares this evolution to Sylvester Stallone’s journey with Rocky. If Stallone were making the film today, he would have to leverage modern media platforms to promote it. The same principle applies to bodybuilding. Success in the digital era requires more than just winning competitions—it requires building a brand.
Kai’s Journey with Social Media Growth
Reflecting on his personal experience, Kai Greene admits that when he started gaining traction on social media, there was no established blueprint for success. He followed his instincts, engaging with his audience and growing his brand organically. Over time, social media opened doors to new opportunities, allowing him to connect with people who contributed to his business ventures and personal growth.
Kai emphasizes that social media is not just about vanity metrics—it’s about building relationships, making meaningful connections, and expanding opportunities beyond the gym.
Wrap Up
This episode of The Kai Greene Effect dives into the shifting landscape of bodybuilding, blending traditional dedication with modern digital influence. From extreme training discussions to the importance of personality in today’s fitness industry, Kai and Eduardo provide a compelling perspective on what it takes to succeed in the evolving world of bodybuilding.
With every episode, The Kai Greene Effect offers fans deeper insights into the mind of a bodybuilding icon. Whether through humorous Q&A moments or serious reflections on the industry’s future, Kai continues to engage, educate, and entertain his audience with every conversation.
You can watch the full episode at the top of the article. And make sure to check back every other week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever you listen to podcasts!
