Ronnie Coleman is one of the most legendary bodybuilders of all time. He won eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles from 1998 to 2005, and was known for his massive physique and incredible strength. However, his bodybuilding career also took a toll on his health, as he suffered from multiple injuries and underwent several surgeries that left him with chronic pain and mobility issues.
In this article, we will explore what happened to Ronnie Coleman, how his health problems affected his life, and what he is doing now.
Ronnie Coleman’s Bodybuilding Career
Ronnie Coleman started bodybuilding in 1990, after being inspired by fellow police officer and bodybuilder Gustavo Arlotta. He competed in several amateur shows before turning pro in 1991. He then qualified for the Mr. Olympia contest in 1995, where he placed 11th. He improved his placings in the next two years, until he shocked the world by winning his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998, defeating the reigning champion Dorian Yates.
Ronnie Coleman went on to dominate the bodybuilding scene for the next seven years, winning eight Mr. Olympia titles in a row, a feat that only Lee Haney had achieved before him. He also won several other prestigious titles, such as the Arnold Classic, the Grand Prix, and the Night of Champions. He was widely regarded as one of the best bodybuilders ever, and was praised for his massive size, symmetrical proportions, and incredible conditioning.
However, Ronnie Coleman’s bodybuilding career also involved heavy training and injuries. He was known for lifting extremely heavy weights, often exceeding 800 pounds in squats and deadlifts. He also trained with high intensity and frequency, sometimes working out twice a day for six days a week. He pushed his body to the limit, but also paid the price.
Ronnie Coleman suffered from various ailments and injuries throughout his career, such as herniated discs, torn biceps, triceps, and quads, spinal stenosis, hip degeneration, and nerve damage. He often ignored the pain and continued to train and compete, even when he was advised to rest and recover. He also used performance-enhancing drugs, such as steroids and growth hormone, which may have contributed to his health problems.
Despite his health issues, Ronnie Coleman enjoyed a successful and lucrative career as a bodybuilder. He earned millions of dollars from prize money, endorsements, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. He also gained fame and recognition worldwide, appearing on magazines, documentaries, videos, and podcasts. He inspired millions of fans and aspiring bodybuilders with his dedication, work ethic, and passion for the sport.
The Health Issues and Surgeries
Ronnie Coleman’s health problems became more severe after he retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2007. He continued to train and make guest appearances at various events, but his condition worsened over time. He started to experience chronic pain and reduced mobility in his lower back and legs. He also developed scoliosis, a curvature of the spine that affected his posture and balance.
Ronnie Coleman underwent multiple surgeries to try to fix his health problems. According to Muscle & Fitness, he had 13 surgeries between 2007 and 2020. Some of these surgeries involved removing or replacing damaged discs in his spine, inserting rods and screws to stabilize his spine, repairing torn muscles and tendons in his arms and legs, and replacing both of his hips with artificial joints.
However, not all of these surgeries were successful or beneficial for Ronnie Coleman. Some of them caused complications or infections that required more surgeries or treatments. Some of them also failed to relieve his pain or improve his mobility. In fact, some of them may have worsened his condition by damaging his nerves or causing scar tissue formation.
Ronnie Coleman revealed in an interview with Muscular Development that he may never walk again due to botched surgical procedures. He blamed his problems on questionable surgeries and noted that his last three surgeries cost a total of $2 million. He also said that he was in constant pain and had to use crutches or a wheelchair to move around.
The Impact on Ronnie Coleman’s Life
Ronnie Coleman’s health problems had a significant impact on his life. They affected not only his physical abilities but also his financial situation and mental health.
Physically, Ronnie Coleman faced many limitations due to his health problems. He could no longer train or lift heavy weights like he used to. He could barely walk or stand without assistance. He had difficulty performing simple tasks like dressing or bathing himself. He also had to deal with chronic pain that affected his sleep quality and daily activities.
Financially, Ronnie Coleman struggled with the costs of his medical bills and treatments. He spent millions of dollars on surgeries, medications, therapies, and equipment. He also lost income from reduced appearances or sponsorships. He had to rely on his savings, investments, and business ventures to support himself and his family.
Mentally, Ronnie Coleman suffered from depression and anxiety due to his health problems. He felt frustrated and angry about his situation. He also felt isolated and lonely, as he could not socialize or travel as much as he wanted. He missed the thrill and excitement of competing and performing on stage. He also faced criticism and ridicule from some people who blamed him for his health problems or accused him of exaggerating them.
Ronnie Coleman Now
Despite his health problems, Ronnie Coleman has not given up on his life. He has retired from bodybuilding, but he still maintains a positive attitude and a hopeful outlook. He also continues to pursue his goals and passions in the fitness world.
Ronnie Coleman has been undergoing rehabilitation and recovery to improve his health and mobility. He has been working with physical therapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists to ease his pain and restore his function. He has also been following a strict diet and supplement regimen to nourish his body and prevent inflammation. He has even resumed some light training and exercise to keep his muscles active and strong.
Ronnie Coleman has also been busy with his business ventures and projects. He owns and runs a supplement company called Ronnie Coleman Signature Series, which sells various products such as protein powders, pre-workouts, amino acids, and vitamins. He also has a clothing line called Ronnie Coleman Apparel, which offers shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories. He also produces and stars in various media content, such as podcasts, videos, documentaries, and books.
Ronnie Coleman has also been active in the fitness community, sharing his knowledge and experience with his fans and followers. He regularly posts updates on his social media platforms, such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter. He also participates in various events, such as expos, seminars, webinars, and interviews. He also supports and mentors other bodybuilders, especially those who are facing similar health problems.
Ronnie Coleman has also been recognized for his legacy and influence in the fitness world. He has received numerous awards and honors for his achievements and contributions to the sport of bodybuilding. He has been inducted into several halls of fame, such as the International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) Hall of Fame, the Joe Weider’s Olympia Hall of Fame, the Muscle Beach Hall of Fame, and the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also been praised by many experts and celebrities as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Conclusion
Ronnie Coleman is a bodybuilding legend who has faced many challenges and difficulties in his life. He has suffered from multiple injuries and surgeries that have affected his health and mobility. He has also endured financial struggles and mental stress due to his health problems. However, he has not let these obstacles stop him from living his life to the fullest. He has retired from bodybuilding, but he still remains involved and influential in the fitness world. He has also been working hard to improve his health and mobility through rehabilitation and recovery. He has also been inspiring and motivating millions of people with his positive attitude and hopeful outlook. Ronnie Coleman is a true champion who has overcome adversity with courage and resilience.
