Coleman Trains with Schwarzenegger
By Samuel Nichlos / August 7, 2023
Ronnie Coleman’s Rise to Bodybuilding Greatness
Ronnie Coleman made a name for himself in the late 1990s as a Men’s Open competitor, standing out with his unparalleled mass, size, and granite conditioning. Read this to learn about the Coleman Trains with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
After the departure of 6-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates, Coleman seized the opportunity and captured the top prize in 1998, defeating seasoned veterans like Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, and Shawn Ray.
This marked the beginning of Coleman’s astounding 8-year reign as Mr. Olympia through 2005, consistently turning back future champions like Jay Cutler and Dexter Jackson.
Beyond just his freakish physique, Coleman built a reputation as potentially the most muscular bodybuilder ever, recording outrageous lifts like 800-lb deadlifts and 2,300-lb leg presses for reps.
Dealing with Injuries Sustained from Extreme Training Philosophy
The heavy lifts that cemented Coleman’s legacy also came with a price – numerous injuries requiring multiple surgeries over the years. Coleman attributes most of his joint issues to his football-playing days before bodybuilding, including a partially herniated disc.
Though plagued by pain, Coleman persevered with his intense training routines, admitting he had no regrets about the path. Recently, he has undergone stem cell therapy treatments and reported a 50% reduction in painkiller use as his health continues improving. Though not at peak capacity, Coleman pushes forward undeterred.
Leaving a Lasting Mark on the Sport Schwarzenegger
Despite being long retired from competition, Coleman’s impact on bodybuilding remains palpable. He recently offered high praise for new competitor Derek Lunsford, calling him his favorite modern bodybuilder and lauding his immense potential after a shock 2nd place Open class finish at the 2022 Mr. Olympia.
Fellow icons like Jay Cutler argue Coleman could hold his own and defeat competitors from any era with his unparalleled prime physique and strength. Cutler best summarized his legendary status by stating that no one has come close to matching Coleman’s level.
Getting Back Together with Arnold for a Tough Session
Even though he no longer competes in bodybuilding, Arnold Schwarzenegger stays in shape by lifting weights, doing cardio, and sharing his favorite training routines with his followers. He just returned from a rigorous outdoor training session with Ronnie Coleman.
Schwarzenegger said that having training partners encourages people to strive at their full ability, demonstrating the mutual respect between the two sports legends. Their partnership demonstrates Coleman’s legendary career’s ongoing influence.
Take Away
Ronnie Coleman left an indelible mark on bodybuilding through his mass, strength, and record 8 Mr. Olympia titles. Despite career-ending injuries, Coleman remains dedicated to intense training.
His recent reunion with Arnold Schwarzenegger demonstrated the respect between the two legends while underscoring Coleman’s enduring influence. Though retired from competition, Coleman’s impact can still be felt as new generations try to match his uncompromising approach to the sport.
FAQs
Multiple joint injuries require several surgeries, which he attributes to his football-playing days before bodybuilding.
He got stem cell therapy leading to a 50% reduction in painkiller use. His nerve damage is still improving over time.
He called Lunsford his favorite modern bodybuilder and lauded his immense potential in the sport.
To push each other to their potential demonstrates mutual respect between two bodybuilding legends.