In the fiercely competitive IFBB Pro League, Derek Lunsford emerges as a formidable force, recently crowned Mr. Olympia. Furthermore, his journey began in the 212 division, where he honed his skills and ascended through the ranks. Moreover, Lunsford claimed the prestigious 212 Olympia champion title in 2021, marking a pivotal milestone. Also, Lunsford teamed up with Ronnie Coleman, prompted by Coleman’s endorsement, showcasing a unique camaraderie beyond the gym during a recent shoulder workout.
Additionally, transitioning to the Men’s Open in 2022, Lunsford secured a commendable runner-up spot at the Olympia, triumphing over rivals like Nick Walker and Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay. Yet, victory eluded him, slipping into Hadi Choopan’s hands.
Furthermore, anticipation swirled as pundits speculated on Lunsford’s potential triumph in the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Also, success was thought to hinge on pectoral and quadricep augmentation. However, true to the forecast, Lunsford unveiled an extraordinary physique at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, effectively overshadowing Hadi Choopan’s unparalleled conditioning.
Moreover, this historic achievement firmly etched his name into bodybuilding history, marking him as the first athlete to secure the Olympia trophy in two disparate weight classes. However, post-victory, Lunsford shared a poignant moment with Ronnie Coleman, symbolizing the passing of the torch between generations.
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Derek Lunsford Collaboration with Ronnie Coleman for a Shoulder Workout Post 2023 Mr. Olympia Victory
Derek Lunsford and Ronnie Coleman, from distinct bodybuilding eras, recently united beyond the gym. Ronnie Coleman, a seasoned expert, endorsed Lunsford for the 2023 Mr. Olympia title. Touched by this support, Lunsford pledged to surpass expectations and dedicated himself to rigorous training.
![Derek Lunsford Teams Up with Ronnie Coleman for a Shoulder Workout Post 2023 Mr. Olympia Victory](https://colosseumstrength.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Derek-Lunsford-credits-spending-time-with-Ronnie-Coleman-as-the-Mr.-Olympia-as-a-major-motivational-factor-for-his-outstanding-performance-at-the-2023-Olympia.png)
Motivated by a determination to honor the legendary Coleman, Lunsford’s unwavering commitment yielded success at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Rather than savoring the triumph alone, Lunsford opted for an unconventional route, deciding to train alongside the eight-time Mr. Olympia champion himself. This unique collaboration in their fitness journey highlights a camaraderie that goes beyond generational and competitive limits, transforming a routine training session into a symbolic passing of the torch between two towering figures in the realm of bodybuilding eminence.
“What was really making me push harder, a big aspect of it was I was like, ‘I just want to go hang out with Ronnie Coleman as the Mr. Olympia’. So I’ve literally been thinking about coming and training and hanging out with Ronnie Coleman. It’s all I’ve wanted to do post-show.”
In the aftermath of his triumph as the newly crowned Mr. Olympia, Derek Lunsford finds himself shouldering a considerable burden of responsibility. Tasked with representing the sport through press conferences, public appearances, and interviews, Lunsford manages his Mr. Olympia responsibilities with unwavering enthusiasm. Amidst these demands, he prioritizes quality time and shared workouts with bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman.
Beyond the glitz of his title, Lunsford cherishes personal pursuits. Recently, he and Coleman spent time together, offering a unique glimpse into his life. Moreover, they engaged in a light shoulder workout, blending personal connection with the demands of bodybuilding. Also, this rendezvous highlights Lunsford’s ability to balance his title obligations with personal milestones.
Comprehensive Workout Overview
Exercise | Sets | Reps |
---|---|---|
Dumbbell Lateral Raises | 2 | 15 to 20 |
Superset – Machine Lateral Raises | 4 | 12 to 15 |
Seated Machine Shoulder Press | ||
Dumbbell Front Raises | 2 | 15 to 18 |
Dumbbell Lateral Raises
The training session commenced with dumbbell lateral raises, focusing on the side delts or lateral deltoids. Moreover, in the initial set, Derek Lunsford incorporated five distinct angles for 15 reps, followed by 20 additional reps with three different angles in the subsequent set. Simultaneously, Ronnie Coleman opted for the seated variation, delivering a series of solid sets.
Superset – Machine Lateral Raises and Seated Machine Shoulder Press
Following an effective warm-up, the duo transitioned into a superset, engaging in machine lateral raises and seated machine shoulder press. However, this combination aimed to target both anterior and lateral deltoids. The sets were executed in rapid succession, enhancing the aerobic intensity of the training session.
Dumbbell Front Raises
Concluding the session, the duo performed dumbbell front raises. Ronnie Coleman and Derek Lunsford executed several heavy sets individually, bringing the training session to a close.
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Champion Describes Emotions Post 2023 Mr. Olympia Win
Securing the Olympia trophy is a rare feat, and Derek Lunsford holds a unique position in the sport’s history by achieving this milestone in two distinct weight classes. However, as a devout Christian, he attributes his success in the sport to divine power. Also, reflecting on the significance of his most pivotal win, Lunsford expressed the following sentiments:
“I feel honored, dude. I do not take it for granted. Two years before when I won the 212 Olympia title, I felt it. I was like I think this is mine. Boom! Mine! And new! Last year, it was the opposite. It was like, ‘I don’t think he wants it for me’ and hadi Choopan wins… This year, for some reason, even all like getting the people’s champ and stuff like that, I was like , ‘I think he wants it for me. He wants to provide’”
Furthermore he added:
“So I wasn’t like, I mean I was shocked. I was like… I didn’t go from ‘I’m losing this to no way’… It was more like ‘I think I got it, all right we got it’.”
Lunsford’s victory held even greater significance as he achieved the unprecedented feat of becoming the first two-division Olympia champion in the competition’s history. Moreover, the historical magnitude of this accomplishment was so overwhelming that he didn’t immediately grasp the fact that he had also secured a substantial cash prize.
“You know what’s crazy? The $400,000 cheque didn’t even set in until, like, 24 hours later. Like, ‘oh, yeah man! It’s the nice check I am getting’.”
He bantered:
“Don’t tell Mr. Olympia that because they’ll never raise the prize money.”
Additionally, in their prior encounters, Derek Lunsford had abstained from laying hands on the Mr. Olympia trophy until he secured one for himself. Also, having now achieved that milestone, he expressed curiosity about Ronnie’s trophy, and the 8-time Mr. Olympia generously acquiesced.
The two bid farewell on a touching moment as Ronnie Coleman presented baby clothes to Derek Lunsford, who is set to become a father soon.
You can view the complete video on Ronnie Coleman’s personal YouTube channel below:
Overview
Derek Lunsford’s journey from the 212 division to the Men’s Open culminated with his historic 2023 Mr. Olympia win – the first two-division champion. Furthermore, Lunsford teamed up with Ronnie Coleman, prompted by Coleman’s endorsement, showcasing a unique camaraderie beyond the gym during a recent shoulder workout.
Additionally, balancing title obligations with personal pursuits, Lunsford’s shoulder workout with Coleman illustrates his ability to intertwine success with meaningful connections. Moreover, reflecting on his triumph, Lunsford credits divine power and expresses gratitude.
Furthermore, the historical significance of his win, coupled with banter about the prize money, adds a personal touch to his journey. Moreover, the encounter concludes as Coleman presents baby clothes to Lunsford, symbolizing a passing of the torch.
Featured Image @Coleman8, & @DerekLunsford_ (Instagram)