WHEN Kali Muscle entered the world of weightlifting a decade ago, he was a controversial figure, but highly respected for his craft.
Now, the former bodybuilding champion has been scared off from the sport he loves after a near death experience.
In 2021, Kali, now 48, had a deadly heart attack brought on by synthetic steroid use.
A recent YouTube clip reveals how deadly the bodybuilders steroid use had become before his near-fatal heart attack.
When asked what he would tell his younger self, Kali said he would tell himself to avoid all steroid use.
He said: "I would tell myself, don’t do bodybuilding shows and don’t take all that synthetic, made in a lab.
"For years, man, I had a problem with edema in my feet and ankles, and you know, I was younger. I didn’t think much of it or whatever.
"People used to tell me that’s a sign of heart failure, and of course being a tough a**, you ignore people saying that, like man, I ain’t got no heart problems or nothing like that.”
After being rushed to hospital, it was revealed that Kali's entire left artery was blocked.
He had life saving surgery and was discharged after some time healing, but the experience changed him.
Now he's using his platform to promote clean eating and a healthy lifestyle - but strays away from weights.
He's urged his fans to take care of their health so they can keep doing what they love.
The influencer has over 2.49million subscribers on YouTube and starred in commercials for brands such as Snickers, Taco Bell, and Honda.
The YouTube star hasn’t had an easy life, as he grew up in poverty in Oakland, California.
He’s claimed his step dad made him feel like an outcast in the family and treated him differently to his siblings.
During his teenage years he discovered his passion for working out in the gym and started training.
As soon as he could he started working in a 24 Hour Fitness and pursued his love of sports.
He managed to land a scholarship to Fresno State University as a line-backer due to his athleticism.
During his sophomore year at college, though, he was arrested for robbery and found guilty, with the judge sentencing him to 11 years in prison.
Muscle started bodybuilding as a sort of therapy for him to deal with the situation and keep his mind together.
He continues to share inspirational messages and advice on his social media accounts.
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