In a video posted on his YouTube page on Nov. 16, 2023, Hooper took on the improbable challenge of performing a Coleman-inspired back workout that included three basic exercises using loads that gave him a newfound appreciation for the living legend’s accomplishments in the gym.

Besides boasting an incredibly muscular and symmetrical physique, The King earned plenty of praise for his ability to train with the strength of a powerlifter (which Coleman was at one point). Known for working with extremely heavy weights and pushing himself to the point of failure, Coleman set personal records in some staple lifts that still seem unfathomable years later, including military pressing 315 pounds (143 kilograms) for 12 reps and squatting and deadlifting 800 pounds for two reps. Combining that powerbuilding approach with a high-protein diet and an ultra-disciplined lifestyle helped the Louisiana native collect 26 IFBB pro show wins, including eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles from 1998-2005.

However, even for Hooper, who became the fourth person to win WSM and the Arnold Strongman Classic in the same year back in April 2023, Coleman’s training style seemed well beyond his capabilities. Still, the Canadian strongman showed he’s no slouch by making easy work of the first back exercise.

The three-part workout begins around the 1:05 mark of the video.

Conventional Deadlift — 800 pounds (362.9 kilograms) for two reps

Coleman famously completed two reps of an 800-pound conventional deadlift in the 2000 documentary Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable. For most people, replicating that feat would be downright impossible. Yet for Hooper, who has pulled 1,000 pounds, matching Coleman’s best deadlift didn’t present much of a challenge.

The 28-year-old started with a warm-up set of 575 pounds (260.8 kilograms), showcasing picture-perfect form by driving his hips forward during the lockout phase. Before performing his next set, Hooper pointed to the peanut tattoo on the inside of his left ankle and noted that he got it to pay homage to Coleman’s “Ain’t nothing but a peanut” signature catchphrase.

After a final warm-up set of 685 pounds (310.7 kilograms), the accomplished strongman raised the stakes and attempted to hit 800 pounds (362.9 kilograms) twice just as Coleman did more than two decades ago. Unsurprisingly, Hooper had no trouble matching The King’s best deadlift, completing two clean reps.

[Related: 7 Tips to Perfect Your Deadlift Form]

Bent-Over Row — 515 pounds (233.6 kilograms) for 10 reps

Six years after setting his deadlift PR, Coleman smashed 10 reps of barbell bent-over rows with a total of 515 pounds (233.6 kilograms) in the 2006 documentary Ronnie Coleman: Relentless. A taxing exercise that targets your lats, spinal erectors, glutes, hamstrings, and scapular stabilizers, this row variation requires excellent core strength to execute safely.

Despite his strongman background, Hooper didn’t have nearly the same level of confidence about being able to match Coleman’s bent-over row record as he did during the deadlift. Starting with a warm-up set of 405 pounds (183.7 kilograms) that already looked challenging, Hooper added another 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms) to the barbell.

“It’s funny how this is a really light deadlift, but when you pick it up and you’re now in the context of “you have to row it” the feeling is completely different,” he explained during his rest period.

Ultimately, Hooper didn’t even attempt to match the weight Coleman used in his prime. Instead, he topped out at eight reps of 455 pounds (206.4 kilograms) before moving on to the final exercise.

[Related: Legendary Ronnie Coleman Explains the Four Bodybuilding Poses That Built His Career]

T-Bar Row — 505 pounds (229 kilograms) for 12 reps

The session concluded with Hooper trying to go toe-to-toe with Coleman’s T-bar row record of 12 reps of 505 pounds (229 kilograms) set in 2006. He began with an easy warm-up set of 315 pounds (142.9 kilograms), which set the stage for a short discussion about the impact of lifting heavy.

“It’s a reality that every strength athlete has to face — that if you push yourself to the limit over and over and over it can result in long-term damage,” Hooper explained. “All you’re doing is shifting risk profiles. It’s important to recognize that pushing yourself to the limit does increase the risk of certain musculoskeletal issues down the track but it also completely diminishes the risk of others.

After sharing his insight about the dangers of training to the extreme, Hooper shifted his focus back to the corner of the gym for what turned out to be his final set of T-bar rows. As was the case with the bent-over rows, Hooper didn’t come close to matching one of his icons.

The winner of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competition maxed out at 10 reps of 405 pounds (183.7 kilograms), proving that The King truly was (and still is) on another level.

Featured Image: Mitchell Hooper / YouTube

The post Mitchell Hooper Attempts 3 of Ronnie Coleman’s Heaviest Lifts Ever appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On August 8, 2023, Schwarzenegger posted a video to his YouTube channel where he trained with Coleman at the hallowed Gold’s Gym in Venice, CA. The title of “2 Goats Walk Into a Gym” is more than fitting.

Schwarzenegger and Coleman’s training session wasn’t very long overall, but it still seemed effective and intense for their goals.

The pair began by working in some seated lateral machine raises, trading sets intermittently. Coleman would regularly push for at least another rep with each of his sets after being urged by Schwarzenegger. With each successive set, Schwarzenegger would match Coleman, praising his size and strength in the process.

The second exercise was a seated shoulder press to work the front deltoid muscles. Both Coleman and Schwarzenegger completed three successful sets each before moving on to requisite triceps training using a dip machine. It was here that Coleman remarked on the rarity of the moment featuring two Mr. Olympia greats teaming up.

“Fifteen [Mr.] Olympias [titles] in the house,” Coleman said. “This don’t ever happen.”

Coleman and Schwarzenegger closed their workout by doing machine preacher curls for their biceps muscles. Each man finished four sets each. Here is a complete overview of their workout:

Schwarzenegger and Coleman’s Gold’s Gym Workout

• Lateral Raise Machine — Three sets of 15-20 reps
• Seated Overhead Press Machine — Three sets of 15-20 reps
• Triceps Dip Machine — Three sets of 15-20 reps
• Machine Preacher Curl — Three sets of 15-20 reps

Schwarzenegger and Coleman concluded the workout by doing a signature “hand clasp” seen in the classic Schwarzenegger film, “Predator.”

Following the conclusion of their careers, Coleman and Schwarzenegger have followed very different paths as legendary former bodybuilders. Yet, they still found a way to intersect here. In Coleman’s own apt words: This don’t ever happen.

Featured image: Arnold Schwarzenegger on YouTube

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On June 5, 2023, Coleman posted a video to his YouTube channel where he called Lunsford his “favorite bodybuilder” of this currently stacked generation. (Note: Coleman maintained that he also appreciated the exploits of 2023 Arnold Classic (AC) winner Samson Dauda.) Coming from a legend like Coleman, it’s quite the shining qualifier for Lunsford, especially after the pair’s shared training session in early April 2023.

Coleman didn’t mince his words endorsing both Lunsford and Dauda. While discussing the state of the sport, he dove right into his appreciation for the two high-profile fitness stars.

“My favorite bodybuilder at the moment, let’s see, hmm, Derek Lunsford is probably my No. 1 favorite,” Coleman mused. “Probably my No. 2 favorite … I kind of like that guy that won the last [2023] Arnold Classic, his name is Samson Dauda. If I had to pick any favorite, it’d be [one of] those two.” 

As for Coleman’s reflection on bodybuilding as a whole, especially where the Men’s Open class stands, the icon thinks the sport is in a healthy place when it comes to training, nutrition, and dedication to their craft. Given some of the athletes’ staggering physiques on display while guest posing at the recent 2023 Pittsburgh Pro, Coleman’s wide-spanning assessment certainly appears to be on the mark.

“I see every generation has its own era,” Coleman began. “Mostly, all of us have to work extremely hard and diet extremely hard and make the biggest sacrifices ever. So, I think that the next generation of bodybuilders is a pretty good class of guys. They work extremely hard. They train hard. They diet hard. I think the new generation is a pretty good generation.”

Finally, after some health scares over the past year, Coleman turned his attention to himself. The retired legend maintained he’s on the upswing and appears to be progressing well after all the surgeries he’s had on his neck and back over the years.

“I’m doing pretty good,” Coleman said. “I’m in great health and my last check-up was back in March [2023]. I had a really good, clean bill of health as far as my last check-up goes. Now, I have another one, probably in a couple of months. So, we’ll see how that goes. But for now, I’m doing pretty good.” 

Even in his deserved retirement, Coleman remains a significant and influential voice in bodybuilding. Whether athletes like Lunsford and Dauda maintain their grip on Coleman’s favor remains to be seen. Though, if they’re keeping the pedal to the metal, Coleman will likely continue to sing their praises.

Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram

The post Ronnie Coleman Says Derek Lunsford is His Favorite Modern Bodybuilder appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Apr. 12, 2023, Coleman discussed parts of his bodybuilding career in a segment of a conversation with current bodybuilding star Derek Lunsford. Coleman and Lunsford recently trained together in a meeting of past and present superstars. In his discussion with Lunsford, the legend revealed it was Wheeler who introduced him to iconic trainer Chad Nicholls and changed his nutritional outlook.

According to Coleman, when Wheeler introduced Coleman to Nicholls sometime before the 1998 Mr. Olympia, he altered the course of bodybuilding history.

His eventual rival helped turn Coleman into the all-time legend he’s now known as.

“A lot of people don’t know it but Flex Wheeler is pretty much the reason why I won the [1998 Mr.] Olympia because he turned me on to Chad Nicholls,” Coleman told Lunsford.

At first, Coleman had trouble reaching Nicholls. However, that was only a minor and expected impasse in the pair’s training relationship. Eventually, they’d get together, and Coleman’s dynastic run would start soon after.

“He [Wheeler] gave me his number and I called Chad [Nicholls] but Chad didn’t pick up the phone,” Coleman explained. “I said, ‘Flex [Wheeler] why’d you have me call this guy Chad, he didn’t pick up the phone.’ He [Wheeler] says, ‘Nah, he’s just like that, man. Call him again, and he’ll call you back.’ He [Nicholls] called me back and the rest is pretty much history. I won my first Olympia that year [1998] by hooking up with him.”

How did Nicholls change Coleman’s Olympia preparation approach? Per Coleman, among other tidbits, the trainer revamped his nutrition, eventually having the athlete eat almost a full pound of food in every meal.

“He [Nicholls] changed everything I was doing, everything,” Coleman said. “I went from doing, like, an hour of cardio a day to two hours. I went from eating half a pound of food with every meal to a whole pound. I went from training maybe 45 minutes to an hour a day to about maybe an hour, an hour and a half, sometimes an hour and 15 minutes of training because I was trying to do some of everything.”

In recent years, long after after his work with Coleman, Nicholls is perhaps most notable for his partnership with former two-time Mr. Olympia (2020-2021) Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. The trainer’s son, Morgan, is also an ascending powerlifter.

Even while he never beat Coleman for a Mr. Olympia title, Wheeler can still boast four Arnold Classic (AC) victories (1993, 1997-1998, 2000) as well as a runner-up placing in the 1993 Mr. Olympia, behind six-time winner Dorian Yates. With his competitive record, Wheeler is often considered one of the greatest bodybuilders to never win the sport’s most prestigious title. With both legends’ careers now in the rearview mirror, the former rivals each have something to hang their hat on. It’s ironic, then, that without Wheeler’s training intervention, Coleman perhaps never ascends to bodybuilding prominence.

Featured image: Ronnie Coleman on YouTube

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On Apr. 3, 2023, Lunsford posted a video to his YouTube channel where he works out with eight-time Mr. Olympia (1998-2005) Ronnie Coleman. The legend and Lunsford walk through a back and biceps workout together that could probably only be achieved by two bodybuilding superstars.

Before Lunsford and Coleman hit the gym, they spent much of a day together, doing things like getting breakfast at a diner and talking about the bodybuilding training process. Then, when it was time to get down to business, they wasted no time.

Here’s an overview of the back and biceps workout from Lunsford and Coleman. The routine took place at Coleman’s Signature Series gym. Note: The exact repetition and sets for each movement were undisclosed.

Deadlift

Lunsford and Coleman begin the session with a traditional deadlift. Given some of Coleman’s recent health issues, only Lunsford performed the movement, working in a few sets before the pair moved on.

Seated Cable Row

Lunsford and Coleman worked in some seated cable rows to center more on a horizontal training angle for the back muscles. The exercise is great for well-rounded back development if performed in a controlled fashion. Both Lunsford and Coleman powered through a few heavy sets while gradually increasing their weight.

Despite an apparent intensity, Coleman took the time to encourage Lunsford, perhaps giving him an appropriate description.

“Next up and coming Mr. Olympia is right here,” Coleman said of Lunsford as he worked out. “The future is here. You got the man in the house.”

Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown

To close out the back-focused portion of their session, Lunsford and Coleman implemented a wide-grip lat pulldown. A staple back movement in many training routines, the latissimus dorsi is under the microscope here. The duo performed a traditional lat pulldown with a wider grip before shifting to a few sets of a behind-the-neck variation.

Lunsford emphasized that contraction and technique were vital on the lat pulldown.

“Even though it looks like we’re swaying a little bit, you’ve really gotta make sure that you’re staying engaged with the muscle and keeping that constant tension,” Lunsford said.

Single-Arm Dumbbell Preacher Curl

Lunsford and Coleman isolated their muscles with preacher curls in the first part of their biceps workout. The nature of the movement restricts an athlete’s positioning, forcing improved work on the biceps. This makes preacher curls a great way to reinforce the biceps brachii muscles.

After warming up, Lunsford and Coleman pushed themselves through a few working sets as they prepped for the final segment of their day in the gym together.

Seated Dumbbell Hammer Curl

To differentiate from the preacher curls, Lunsford and Coleman closed with some sets of the hammer curl variation. Hammer curls work the long head of the biceps muscles and the brachialis near the forearm. With their back and biceps sufficiently trained, Lunsford and Coleman put a neat bow on their mutual session.

After getting the opportunity to pick the brain of a living Olympia legend, Lunsford was appropriately grateful. It’s not necessarily often a current star even gets a chance at this kind of meeting of the minds.

“What a day, man! That was a lot of fun,” Lunsford exclaimed. “It just felt like we all clicked right away. Just everybody here, and especially me and Ronnie [Coleman] hanging out and having a good time, man!”

Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram

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On Mar. 27, 2023, Coleman posted a video to his YouTube channel sharing his feelings on “the greatest bodybuilding poses of all time.” The retired athlete went into great detail about the four specific moves that helped him become the king of bodybuilding in the late 20th and early 21st century.

For Coleman, talking about his life’s work seemed to bring him energy. Though, talking about it on this micro level through four poses would understandably excite any icon like him.

Back Lat Spread

Coleman begins with his time-tested favorite: The back lat spread. He notes that his pose was his “most dominant,” and it helped him win the 1998 Mr. Olympia — his first title.

“I pretty much won the competition [1998 Mr. Olympia] from the back,” Coleman explained. “I’ll never forget a judge approaching me after the show and claiming my back was so wide it reminded him of a cobra head. It stuck with me throughout my career. One of my most extraordinary poses was as deadly to my competitors as a cobra.”

Side Chest

Coleman maintained that the side chest pose was one of the more “challenging” of his competitive career. It came to be one of his favorites through stringent effort.

“Coming into my second Olympia victory, I felt my side chest was a weak point,” Coleman said. “So, I spent extra attention during my training and ultimately flipped the weakness into a massive strength. This is my favorite pose now because I worked my butt off for it.”

Most Muscular

Coleman clarifies that the most muscular pose is among the more common in the sport. It also seems to require the most balanced physique. For Coleman, this was rarely an issue.

Front Lat Spread

Coleman perhaps became the most amusingly descriptive with imagery when it came to the front lat spread.

“I brought some serious width with this pose [the front lat spread],” Coleman said. “It felt like I was on an island all on my own when it comes to balance. Hell, I was usually told that I could fly with those wings and I believed it.”

When all is said and done, Coleman could be viewed as the best bodybuilder of all time. Learning from him about the most optimal poses to thrive on the biggest stages would likely be a tremendous treat for most people in and around the sport.

Featured image: @ronniecoleman8 on Instagram

The post Legendary Ronnie Coleman Explains the Four Bodybuilding Poses That Built His Career appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Jan. 16, 2023, Coleman shared a video on his YouTube channel where he discusses aspects of his recent health improvements in an interview with former bodybuilder and current media personality Giles Thomas. The conversation sees Coleman note that he’s been leaning on stem cell treatment/injections, which has apparently given him a cleaner bill of health.

Editor’s note: The coverage on Breaking Muscle is meant to be informative, but it should not be taken as medical advice. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health issues. Talk to your physician before starting a new fitness, nutritional, treatment, and/or supplement routine. 

Coleman did not mention specifically what kind of stem cells injections he received, but they may be similar to the Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead disclosed he was utilizing in 2022. According to NPJ Regenerative Medicine, MSCs “have broad anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties … [which] interact with their immediate surroundings and neighboring cells to provide cell-based responses that can be therapeutic.” (1)

In regards to the potential benefits of stem cell treatments, it’s also vital to note research into their effectiveness is ongoing. While encouraging, stem cell procedures need further illumination to determine whether their benefits are valid. (2)

Coleman maintained that stem cell treatments help him manage the chronic pain in his neck and back. These initial injuries apparently occurred during his college football career with Grambling State University in the 1980s, before he morphed into one of the faces of bodybuilding.

“My injuries in my back came from me playing football,” Coleman said. “I hurt it [his back] really bad my sophomore year, then I hurt my neck really bad. I was doing a lot of chiropractic [treatments] in my sophomore year of college all the way until I started bodybuilding [in 1990].”

These days, Coleman said he maintains a relatively consistent schedule of stem cell injections, traveling across the United States border to Mexico a few times a year to help manage his back and neck problems.

“Right now I’m trying to do [stem cell injections] every four months, in Mexico,” Coleman said. “I started probably about a year ago and I went like twice every four months and then I took off about nine months, and the pain came back fierce. I went back and it was the last time I went. I was in a massive amount of pain. Three days later, the pain disappeared. Just that quick.”

In addition to his stem cell treatments, Coleman credits using experimental hyperbaric chambers to aid in his pain management and recovery, especially in sleeping well at night. According to Medicina, hyperbaric oxygen therapy “consists of using of pure oxygen at increased pressure (in general, 2–3 atmospheres) leading to augmented oxygen levels in the blood (Hyperoxemia) and tissue (Hyperoxia),” which can improve the body’s healing processes. The same medical journal maintains that “further research” might be necessary to determine the exact benefits and effects. (3)

When it comes to Coleman, hyperbaric chambers appear to be working wonders as a complement to his other treatments for the time being.

“We would also do hyperbaric chamber sessions,” Coleman explained about his coordinated treatment routine. “We were doing two 45-minute sessions a day for, like, five days.”

With his health in an improved place, it looks like Coleman is looking ahead to better, less painful retirement years. As a continued important influence in the bodybuilding community for stars and young risers alike, this update certainly won’t be the last anyone hears from the titan.

References:

1. Pittenger, M. F., Discher, D. E., Péault, B. M., Phinney, D. G., Hare, J. M., & Caplan, A. I. (2019). Mesenchymal stem cell perspective: cell biology to clinical progress. NPJ Regenerative medicine, 4, 22. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41536-019-0083-6
2. Chen J, Wang H, Lu X, Yang K, Lu C. Safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy: an overview protocol on published meta-analyses and evidence mapping. Ann Transl Med. 2021 Feb;9(3):270. doi: 10.21037/atm-20-6892. PMID: 33708897; PMCID: PMC7940926.
3. Ortega, A.M. et al. (2021) A General Overview on Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Applications, Mechanisms, and Translational Opportunities. Medicina. 2021 Sep; 57(9): 864. doi: 10.3390/medicina57090864. PMID: 34577787; PMCID: PMC8465921

Featured image: @ronniecoleman8 on Instagram

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Over a decade and a half later, Coleman and Cutler are two primary fixtures in the extended lore of bodybuilding history. The two former titans have a combined 12 Mr. Olympia titles (eight for Coleman, four for Cutler) and continue to be influential voices intimately concerned with the happenings of the modern sport. On Jan. 10, 2023, a video posted on Cutler’s YouTube channel features the two icons, joined by bodybuilding YouTube personality Jesse James West, plowing through a collaborative training session. Per the caption of Cutler’s video, the workout took place sometime during the 2022 Mr. Olympia weekend on Dec. 16-18, 2022.

The central focus of the three men’s joint workout was to chisel their respective back and biceps muscles. To commemorate the two legends he was training with, West had headbands and sleeveless flannels for everyone involved to adorn. A torn towel (reminiscent of these headbands) was a Cutler trademark look during the early parts of his career. Meanwhile, Coleman made wearing a sleeveless flannel his own staple during his dominant run as Mr. Olympia.

Once the workout got up and rolling, there was no stopping this whirlwind of strength and energy. The trio worked through respective sets of lat pulldowns, shifted to seated cable rows and single-arm machine rows, and implemented alternating traditional dumbbell curls throughout their routine. They did not specify the precise numbers and reps for each respective set.

In a treat for any spectating and diehard fans, Coleman and Cutler used the workout as an opportunity to swap unique anecdotes from Olympia legend to Olympia legend. It might have been an inside look at what it was like to be in the two men’s shoes while they were in their athletic primes.

Coleman and Cutler are certainly astute enough to know that what they have to offer bodybuilding now is more in line with their replete wisdom and experience. That’s what made their enthusiasm for watching Hadi Choopan finally climb the Olympia mountain post-workout palpable.

For a time, they were rivals. In the present, Coleman and Cutler can happily embrace their roles as stewards of bodybuilding’s past and future.

Featured image: JayCutlerTV on YouTube

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On Dec. 12, 2022, eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005) appeared in a video on Muscular Development Magazine’s YouTube channel. In offering some pre-contest analysis of the field coming to Las Vegas, NV, Coleman maintained that he thinks former 212 champion (2021) Derek Lunsford is the most likely athlete to push Elssbiay for the title. Lunsford will make his first appearance as a Men’s Open competitor after transitioning from the 212 division in late Summer 2022.

Coleman didn’t mince words in his endorsement of Lunsford. Even while he ultimately believes Elssbiay will still retain his Olympia title, Coleman asserted Lunsford is the only competitor who can potentially match Elssbiay’s total package.

“Derek [Lunsford] is the only one that’s pretty close to him [Elssbiay] right now that’s got everything,” Coleman said. “He’s really complete; he’s got a lot of thickness and everything.”

Another prime contender for the Olympia, Hadi Choopan, was also someone Coleman highlighted. However, from his perspective, the all-time great noted that Lunsford’s physique is just more polished by comparison.

“I think height makes a difference, as well as conditioning and thickness, and I think Derek [Lunsford] is close to being complete,” Coleman explained. “Hadi Choopan is really good in some areas and not so good in some other areas. He’s not complete like Derek [Lunsford] is right now, but anything can change.”

As for how Coleman viewed the top five at the 2022 Olympia shaking out, he didn’t make a firm commitment to a prediction. To him, any number of Lunsford, William Bonac, Brandon Curry, and Choopan could be in line for a second-place result to Elssbiay.

“Man, it’s so hard right now, I know so many good guys, but I see ‘Big Ramy’ [Elssbiay] first, then second it could be [William] Bonac, he is looking real good,” Coleman said. “Then Brandon Curry always looks pretty good, and then these new guys coming in here Derek [Lunsford], and I don’t think Andrew [Jacked] can place that high … for the second, it’s going to be between [William] Bonac, Hadi [Choopan], Derek [Lunsford], and Brandon [Curry]. Four guys can place second, I think.”

The 2022 Mr. Olympia might be Elssbiay’s to lose. That said, if an icon like Coleman thinks Lunsford has the tools to topple the Egyptian giant, then a tight battle could be in store on the Las Vegas stage.

Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram

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It’s not clear when the workout actually occurred, but Coleman was in Dubai, UAE, for an expo appearance when he trained with Wheels in Binous Gym. The workout was captured on video and shared on Coleman’s YouTube channel, which you can see below.

Coleman served more as a coach for Wheels during this particular session, with Wheels looking to replicate a version of one of Coleman’s most legendary workouts. In 2003, Coleman squatted 362.8 kilograms (800 pounds) for a double in a squat suit and then leg-pressed 1,043 kilograms (2,300 pounds) for eight reps.

The Workout

Wheels started with the Safety Squat Bar for his squats, and he worked his way up to a reported 272 kilograms (600 pounds), which he got for 14 reps. 

“That was real good,” Coleman said in the video above. Wheels retorted with a line he likely wanted to say in front of Coleman for years.

“Still warming up. Nothing but a peanut.”

The duo moved to the leg press next. Coleman had been recovering from numerous surgeries since his retirement, but he felt good enough to perform at least one set with Wheels. 

Eventually, Wheels would work up to a set of 535 kilograms (1,180 pounds). The entire set wasn’t shown on camera, but Coleman was seen looking on approvingly at the end.

At one point in the video, Wheels and Coleman discussed his training and ability to do full splits when he competed. The famous videos of his squats and leg presses were in the same workout leading up to the 2003 Mr. Olympia, where Coleman won his sixth of eight titles. The workout was a part of his DVD, The Cost of Redemption. Coleman said he opted to do the heavy leg presses after shortchanging himself on the squats.

“I had about six in me. So, I was like, ‘I’m gonna make up for it.’”

At the end of the video, Coleman used one of his canes to “knight” Wheels as the new “strongest bodybuilder in the world.” Wheels shared that moment on Instagram. 

There is no word as of this writing if or when Wheels will step on a bodybuilding stage again. If that doesn’t happen, that moment will likely be a career highlight for him.

As for Coleman, he’s been undergoing stem cell treatments in recent months, and reports to be training and in better health as well as less pain than he had been for the last several years. 

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In an Oct. 19, 2022, episode of “The Ronline Report” with Muscular Development, eight-time Mr. Olympia (1984-1991) Lee Haney discussed the upcoming Olympia contest, being held on Dec. 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV. One the more notable tidbits concerned how Haney sees Elssbiay as a massive (no pun intended) favorite for the prestigious event.

[Related: 4 Workouts with a Single Dumbbell For Muscle, Fat Loss, and More]

One of the main reasons that Haney sees Elssbiay performing better than ever on the 2022 Olympia stage is his training. Haney thinks Elssbiay is accumulating mass at a higher level and credits a dedicated coaching staff for pushing the champion. Among that staff is 1989 Mr. Universe Miloš Šarčev, who notably takes a lot of his time coaching many rising bodybuilders.

“I’ve been checking him [Elssbiay] out on Instagram,” Haney said.  “And man, he’s got Dennis James working with him now. Listen, when it comes to training and know-how, it’s hard to get better than Dennis. You got Dennis, [Chris] Cormier, Miloš [Šarčev], and of course, Charles Glass. It’s hard to get beyond them.”

For Haney, Elssbiay’s team of proficient experts is a major potential boon to continued success, even with his past standard of excellence.

“When you got somebody like that working in your corner that’s been there done that, you can’t get around that,” Haney explained. “These are not just coaches. These are seasoned legendary Olympians. When they put a routine to you, put a meal plan to you, it’s right on spot. So, I think Ramy [Elssbiay] will come in better than he was last year.”

[Related: How to Do the Weighted Pull-Up — Benefits, Variations, and More]

To Haney, Elssbiay’s prospects for another Olympia title appear to be a cut above the rest of his peers. When the legendary bodybuilder discussed other athletes who could potentially dethrone Elssbiay — like 2019 Olympia winner Brandon Curry, for example — he made a lofty comparison to the past exploits of Coleman.

“Well, the one that I see that’s got the shape and mass combination, but he’s got to come in there sliced and diced is Brandon Curry. You gotta be sliced and diced,” Haney clarified. “Nobody out there that is like that. Ramy [Elssbiay] is cut from a different cloth, just like Ronnie [Coleman] was. What you gotta do is out-pretty Ramy.”

For Haney to compare Elssbiay to Coleman, who won eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles from 1998-2005, is significant. Though, with two Olympia titles and (potentially) counting, Elssbiay very well might live up to such a high standard. If two bodybuilding all-timers like Haney and Coleman think that Elssbiay is at that rare level of performance, then it might only be a matter of time before he’s reaffirming their keen experience on stage.

Featured image: @big_ramy on Instagram

The post Bodybuilding Icon Lee Haney Compares Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay to Ronnie Coleman at Peak of His Powers appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Oct. 10, 2022, Coleman uploaded a video to his YouTube channel where he breaks down who he feels are the top contenders for this year’s Olympia title. In a stacked field, Coleman centers on two-time reigning champ Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay as his overall winner. Still, he offers thoughtful insights on everyone trying to topple the massive Egyptian athlete.

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Using accompanying photos while he spoke, Coleman shared his thoughts on some of the more prominent contenders for the 2022 Mr. Olympia title.

Nick Walker

To Coleman, Walker has the necessary physique to win the Olympia but has to slightly refine aspects of his physical conditioning first.

“He’s [Walker] got great shoulders and great arms,” Coleman said. “As far as his chest, he’s got a decent-sized chest, it just needs to be a little bit wider. For the most part, he needs to work on his conditioning, and he’s going to do pretty good against these current competitors.”

Hunter Labrada

Coleman appreciates Labrada’s overall build but thinks his current v-taper and back muscles need work for the athlete to be a serious contender.

“I think once he [Labrada] gets his separation going, once he works on his hamstrings, he’ll have some nice hamstrings,” Coleman said. “But for the most part, he got a pretty good wide back, but he probably needs to be just a little bit wider because his v-taper isn’t all that good right now.”

Blessing Awodibu

For Coleman, Awodibu has the necessary aesthetic to stand out, but he needs more polish on his arms and legs.

“He’s [Awodibu] got great ab shots and a great side serratus shot,” Coleman clarified. “He probably needs more separation in his legs from the front there. A lot of trap work. His traps aren’t too good right here, but I think if he can get his traps up, get some roundness on his arms, and a little bit more separation on his legs, then he’d be pretty good.”

 

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A post shared by blessing #theboogieman awodibu (@blessing_awodibu)

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Michal Križánek

Križánek might have recently earned his International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro Card, but Coleman still thinks the ascending athlete has a lot of ground to make up.

“Križánek’s got some freaky arms,” Coleman said. “A nice and big chest, but he needs some width on it, I’d say. I don’t see a lot of width on his back. That’s not a good backshot. He doesn’t have a v-taper going. Now, I see, he has great arms, though. But they are kind of throwing off his physique.”

Hadi Choopan

After years of finishing near the top, Coleman thinks Choopan is potentially on the brink of Olympia greatness.

“Hadi [Choopan], I see great things ahead for him,” Coleman maintained. “This guy can probably win the Olympia once he puts it all together. He’s not that far off at all. Hadi .. keep it up, my man.”

Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay

Coleman did not mince his words in praise of Elssbiay. He already considered the superstar an Olympia fixture in the years to come and continued down that same path here.

“With all this size, and the great v-taper he’s [Elssbiay] got, and the biggest shoulders you’ve ever wanted to see, I don’t see nobody taking him out, nobody at all,” Coleman noted. “So, Big Ramy, congrats on your third Olympia, my friend. I think you’re going to take it again.”

 

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A post shared by Mr Olympia Big Ramy (@big_ramy)

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William Bonac

To Coleman, Bonac is one of the true dark horses at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. He believes that with a little polish here and there, Bonac could make noise on stage.

“This guy [Bonac] could be unstoppable,” Coleman said. “He’s got nice peaks from the backs on his arms, he’s got a good Christmas tree, and he’s got a nice wide back. Yeah, I think he can do some real damage.”

Chinedu Andrew Obieaka, aka “Andrew Jacked”

While Coleman thinks Jacked can be a force in bodybuilding, the legend made it seem as if the young phenom needs a little more time before he’s at the top of the Olympia mountain.

“Andrew [Jacked] has a nice physique going,” Coleman said. “He’s got nice arms on him. The only thing I can tell he needs to work on is his back. That comes in time. As you can see, he’s got a nice backshot. You get that bad boy separated and a little bit thicker in his upper back, and he will be hard to beat. He’d probably kill these guys in these Open shows they got.”

To close the video, Coleman made his official prediction for the top 10 at the Mr. Olympia, with Elssbiay sitting on top:

Ronnie Coleman | 2022 Mr. Olympia Top 10 Prediction

1. Mamdouh Elssbiay
2. Brandon Curry
3. Hadi Choopan
4. William Bonac
5. Nick Walker
6. Michal Križánek
7. Chinedu Andrew Obieaka
8. Hunter Labrada
9. Blessing Awodibu
10. *Shaun Clarida

*Note: Clarida, winner of the 212 Olympia in 2020 and consistent top-placing competitor in the 212 division, has not confirmed if he would compete in the Open division at the time of this writing.

 

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A post shared by Mr Olympia Big Ramy (@big_ramy)

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Whether anyone can beat Elssbiay and prevent his potential three-peat remains to be seen. Even if Coleman doesn’t see it happening, the Mr. Olympia should be a fascinating competition this late fall.

The 2022 Mr. Olympia will take place on Dec. 16-18, 2022, in Las Vegas, NV.

Featured image: @big_ramy on Instagram

The post Ronnie Coleman Breaks Down 2022 Mr. Olympia Contenders, Predicts “Big Ramy” Win appeared first on Breaking Muscle.