Introducing 'Large and Well'
Hi, I'm Kai
Welcome to Large and Well, a space for big-bodied people who want to live better: physically, mentally, and with confidence and authenticity. My name is Kai Turmann. I’m 6’8” and 295 pounds. For as long as I can remember, I’ve stood out in a crowd, and I’ve often struggled to feel comfortable in my own skin. The world didn’t seem built for someone my size, and I often felt like I took up too much space. These feelings were reinforced by the constant need to navigate awkward conversations with strangers about my size, weight, and appearance.
I imagine few people know the sting of being told, 'beggars can’t be choosers,' just for trying to find shoes that fit. Fewer still were yelled at and accused of 'taking advantage of an elderly woman' at four years old, while their grandma knelt to tie their first pair of lace-up shoes. Not many were turned away from a McDonald’s play place at six for being too tall. It’s a weird childhood when you’re a huge kid.
I should clarify one thing before going on: I’ve had a good life. I’m grateful for where I’ve been, where I am now, and for the people I have around me. The stories I share aren’t meant to sound like a pity party, they’re just a glimpse into the unique ups and downs of moving through the world in a big body. I’ve experienced plenty of joy, love, and success along the way.
Through years of trial and error, I’ve learned how to dress for my body, work out effectively, build healthy routines, and grow confidence. On this platform, alongside some ‘funny in hindsight’ stories, I’ll share what’s worked for me when it comes to movement, health, style, mindset, and more. I’m not here to act like a know-it-all. I just wish I’d learned some of these things sooner, and I’m happy to share anything I’ve picked up that might help someone else.
There are some big-bodied influencers out there, and they’re doing great work in their own spaces. But none have truly resonated with me. I intend to share my experiences through real, honest and vulnerable writing. I’m definitely not alone in the challenges I’ve faced or the frustrations I’ve felt. My hope is that anyone who relates will find this Substack and take something meaningful from it.
A bit about me: I live in Vancouver, BC, with my wife, our dog, and two cats. I work in the hospitality industry, which I genuinely enjoy. I love connecting with people, sharing experiences, and making others feel at ease. I feel alive when I’m positively impacting a room full of people.
When I was younger, I toured as a musician in metal bands. Music is still a big part of my life, though it’s certainly more of a hobby now. I still write plenty of songs, and I hope I’ll keep composing and recording forever.
I’ve carried extra weight for as long as I can remember. Three years ago, I weighed 365 pounds. I was physically strong and lifting an insane amount of weight, but I could feel a real strain on my overall health. Since then, I’ve been working toward better balance. Currently, I’m at 295 pounds and my cardio health has improved considerably. I aim to be lighter down the line, though my body doesn’t let go of weight easily. These days, I walk a lot (15,000 steps or more each day), lift five times a week, finish every gym session on the StairMaster, and do my best to eat in a way that supports my goals. I’ve also been alcohol-free for over five months. While I hope these efforts lead to more weight loss, my main motivation is long-term health.
Covered head to toe in tattoos from my days as a touring musician, I’m a giant with an additional layer of presence. I get the usual questions and comments every day: “Do you play basketball? Are your parents tall? Holy shit you’re big!” But there’s also a whole world of bizarre and unexpected remarks that go beyond the predictable ones. I’ll dive into those in future posts. Trust me, there’s a lot to unpack.
I want to acknowledge that I’m writing from the perspective of a cisgender man. My experiences are shaped by that lens, and I won’t ever pretend to speak for everyone. That said, Large and Well is open to anyone who connects with what I share. If any part of this journey resonates with you, you’re more than welcome here.
I’m excited to write about many things. I’ll post once a week, covering topics like:
Training, health, and nutrition tips tailored for big bodies
Fashion that fits and flatters a larger frame
The unique challenges and experiences of living large
Mental health and self-image in a world designed for smaller bodies
And anything else that may help us thrive and embrace our size
So whether you’re a massive human like me, the friend or partner of one, or just curious about life from this perspective, welcome. Let’s redefine what it means to live Large and Well, together.
Stay tuned for next week’s post, where I’ll cover some of the non-negotiables in my routine.
Kai