Ronnie Coleman Put Bodybuilding on His Back: Was It Worth It?
Have you ever watched the old school Ronnie Coleman VHS tapes of his life and workouts? I’m talking about the videos he put out and sold called Unbelievable, On the Road, The Cost of Redemption, and Relentless just to name a few. I remember back when I was just getting into bodybuilding and I would sit on the couch and watch each video one after the other. I’d sit there all day in awe of what Ronnie Coleman was capable of doing and what he was willing to put himself through to the be the best.
If you were to ask Ronnie if the cost of putting bodybuilding on his back was worth it, I’m willing to bet that he would say without a doubt. Ronnie Coleman is a different breed. From balancing bodybuilding with his work as a police officer to pushing his body to the absolute limit, Ronnie was willing to do whatever it took to be the best.
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Who is Ronnie Coleman?
Ronnie Coleman, a name synonymous with monumental achievements in bodybuilding, stands as a testament to human dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Born on May 13, 1964, in Bastrop, Louisiana, Coleman’s journey from an unlikely background to becoming an iconic figure in the world of bodybuilding is nothing short of inspiring.
The Early Life and Law Enforcement Career of Ronnie Coleman
Before he became a household name in the realm of bodybuilding, Ronnie Coleman had an unexpected and contrasting beginning. He embarked on a career path in law enforcement, a choice that would eventually shape his outlook on discipline and perseverance. Coleman earned a degree in accounting from Grambling State University and then delved into the world of law enforcement, becoming a police officer for the Arlington Police Department in Texas.
While serving as a police officer, Coleman’s dedication to maintaining physical fitness for the job inadvertently laid the foundation for his future success in bodybuilding. He started lifting weights as part of his fitness regimen, and his natural strength quickly became apparent. Little did he know that these humble beginnings in a police uniform would lead to a transformation that would redefine the sport of bodybuilding.
Ronnie Coleman: The Rise to Bodybuilding Prominence
Ronnie Coleman’s entry into the world of professional bodybuilding was not immediate. He began lifting weights as a hobby, and his sheer strength and determination caught the attention of others in the fitness community. Encouraged by his friends and colleagues, Coleman started competing in bodybuilding competitions. His impressive physique and unwavering dedication to training allowed him to climb the ranks rapidly.
In 1991, Ronnie Coleman won his first bodybuilding competition, the Mr. Texas contest. This victory propelled him into the competitive bodybuilding circuit, where his journey to becoming a legend truly began. He went on to compete in various competitions, steadily gaining recognition for his immense size, symmetry, and remarkable muscular development.
However, it was Coleman’s eight consecutive victories at the Mr. Olympia competition that solidified his status as a true icon in bodybuilding. From 1998 to 2005, he dominated the stage, showcasing an unparalleled level of muscle mass, definition, and aesthetic perfection. His reign not only tied the record for most Mr. Olympia wins but also set a new standard for what the human body could achieve through dedication and relentless effort.
The Legacy and Impact of Ronnie Coleman
Ronnie Coleman’s legacy extends beyond the competitive stage. His remarkable journey from a police officer to a record-breaking bodybuilder has inspired countless individuals to pursue their passions with unwavering commitment. His famous catchphrase “Yeah Buddy!” became a symbol of his indomitable spirit and infectious enthusiasm for lifting weights.
However, the price of Coleman’s success was not without its challenges. The intense training regimens and heavy lifting took a toll on his body, leading to multiple surgeries and health issues post-retirement. Despite these challenges, Coleman’s perseverance remains an inspiration to many, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, the pursuit of greatness is a journey worth undertaking.
The Cost of Being the Best
With surgeries now in the double digits, Ronnie Coleman has gone under the knife more times in a matter of a few years than an injury-prone person would go through their entire life. But do you know what’s funny about that? He still walks around with a smile on his face while being in constant pain.
Related Article: Ronnie Coleman Sits Down with Valuetainment
Ronnie Coleman literally gave his life and body to the sport of bodybuilding. If that’s not dedication and true passion, I don’t know what is. There aren’t many people who would be willing to get under 800 pounds and squat let alone do it and then live with regret for the rest of your life telling people you bitched out and could have done more reps that it felt easy. I mean, that’s just not normal. If either of us ever completed even just one rep of 800 pounds with strict form on the squat, we’d probably put it in our social media bio so the whole world could see. (LOL)
However, from all the years of brutally beating up his body and breaking it down to the point of multiple surgeries, Ronnie Coleman can only walk maybe 14 feet without needing to stop. To this day he’s still living with constant pain. He has pain in his legs and his feet are numb. To add insult to injury, just about his entire back from top to bottom has been fused and caged, yet he now is having issues with one of the discs (not caged) in his neck that may need surgery. The man can’t catch a break.
Even with all the setbacks, Ronnie has much to be thankful for while trying to fix his broken body. He is happily married with four kids and has his own supplement company that does 8-figure sales every year. It’s hard to be mad about that kind of life.
No Regrets (Well… Just That ONE)
As mentioned above, Ronnie Coleman only had one regret in his career and that was not doing more reps of 800-pounds while squatting. Other than that, he mentioned there really wasn’t anything more he could have done or stone that wasn’t unturned.
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If you were to watch interviews of other bodybuilders who were asked about Ronnie, they would all say they can’t believe the condition he is in and they feel sad but know that Ronnie doesn’t play the victim nor has any ill-will towards the sport of bodybuilding. He was willing to go through all the pain in order to be the best in the world.
What’s even more interesting is that, like Arnold, he needs to work out every day. What surprises me is that he’s never opened up his own gym. I can see it being a bodybuilding mecca of sorts and that people from around the globe would travel to see Ronnie’s gym and have the opportunity to train there and take a pic. But then again, I thought the same thing about Arnold and he never opened a gym either.
Even when Ronnie Coleman was a police officer, he didn’t begrudgingly go to work on patrol – he wanted to go. The man didn’t need the money – he had more than enough from sponsorships and winning shows. But for some reason, he loved suiting up and going out to help people.
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