I thought you looked your best ever at the 2012 Mr. Olympia. What do you think made the biggest difference in your physique over the past year?
Thanks. I was very happy with my physique at that contest. I was able to work with George Farah for a full year, and there were things we did differently. Maybe the most important one was I kept my weight down all year. I ate less and did more cardio throughout the year. In the past, I was known for getting up into the mid-three’s (320–350 pounds) in the offseason. This past year I stayed in the 280s in the off-season. It was a little difficult mentally in the off-season to maintain a look that was smaller than I was used to and smaller than what people were used to seeing of me. But the results speak for themselves. I came into the contest with all the muscle but with a leaner look and a streamlined waist. And I think the fans and the judges were much more pleased with what they saw. The other thing about keeping closer to my contest weight all year was I could better move about in the gym and do more athletic exercises and incorporate other techniques into my workout routines. At a heavier weight, I have less mobility and less stamina. All in all, staying lighter seemed to be a better way to go for me. I felt better, I moved better, and in the end I think I looked better.
For more with Kai Greene, check out the February Issue of Flex Magazine.
