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“Started Feeling Pump in My Legs”: Survivor of 13 Surgeries, Ronnie Coleman Once Recalled the Moment Which Stopped Him From Giving Up on His Training Due to Health Issues

Published 10/03/2022, 10:30 AM EDT

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Ronnie Coleman has dedicated his life and soul to bodybuilding. He was the master of workouts and decimated his opponents during the Mr. Olympia contests. Thus, winning eight Mr. Olympia titles does not come as a surprise. But it comes at a grueling cost. After his bodybuilding career, he received multiple surgeries for his back, neck, and whatnot. Witnessing him in pain and seeing him struggling to walk after all those years of dominance is miserable.

 

The stem cell treatments, though, have helped him cut down all those pains. In fact, he nearly stopped working out but only returned after seeing noteworthy improvements. His signature legs were the benchmark for all bodybuilders, and Coleman explained how he got his mojo back. 

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Coleman’s gains in leg size

While bodybuilding involves arms, chest, and back, Ronnie Coleman stood apart for his tree trunk-like legs. Not only that, he achieved feats of strength that deserve to be bodybuilding manuscripts. Having a ridiculously low body fat percentage, Coleman used to squat 800 pounds back squat, and deadlift. To get perspective, it weighs the same as the tire of a monster truck. However, his bodybuilding career saw him suffering daily after the hardships he went through.

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He had around 13 surgeries, and the stem cell treatment reduced the pain. On the verge of quitting workouts, Coleman saw his leg size improving steadily because of the treatment. Confidence soared in as he explained his thoughts.

Bodybuilding Legend Ronnie Coleman Spent “$136,875” on the Same Breakfast He Ate for Over 25 Years

My legs had atrophied a whole lot since 2016 when I went in and had my first surgery — 2017, same thing, 2018, 2019, 2020, same thing. I was just about to give up on it, you know. Then, suddenly, about four months ago, I started feeling a pump in my legs. And then I noticed the size had come back, and the atrophy was gone. I was geeked!” said Coleman. 

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Ronnie Coleman remains a mystery!

Even though Arnold Schwarzenegger probably had one of the most strikingly sculptured bodies, Coleman’s feat of strength was mind-blowing. Most of those feats came from his hulk-like legs. If we look at the deadlift comparisons of Arnold and Ronnie, the Austrian Oak would probably step aside to give way for Coleman. 

via Getty

His best official deadlift was 725 in the 242 class in 1992. When compared to Arnold, he lifted 675 lbs in a 1968 meet. It showcases the pure dominance he showcased for years. Coleman is probably the best bodybuilder to set foot on earth. To sum up, he became the benchmark for most bodybuilders as people can notice his iconic photos in gyms across the globe. 

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WATCH THIS STORY- Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman Named his Female Counterpart in Bodybuilding World 

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Written by:

Jacob Gijy

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Jacob Gijy is a US Sports and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Gijy finished his Post Graduation in Psychology and worked in a hospital for 2 years before his passion for sports compelled him to find his way to sports journalism. A fan of the great Tim Duncan, he is always ready to pick up a debate with anyone who does not offer the power forward, the respect he deserves.
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Edited by:

Simar Singh Wadhwa