Ronnie Coleman is a retired American professional bodybuilder who has won eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles from 1998 to 2005. Known for his massive physique and unparalleled commitment to training, Coleman’s success can be attributed to several “signature” moves that helped him build his dominant dynasty. Recently, the living legend shared some of these iconic poses with his fans on his YouTube channel.
In his video uploaded on March 27, 2023, Coleman delved 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, and discussing his favorite poses on a micro-level proved to be an exciting topic for him.
Back Lat Spread – Cobra Head
Coleman’s all-time favorite pose is the back lat spread, which he credits for being his most dominant pose, helping him win his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998. According to Coleman, he pretty much won the competition from the back, with a judge approaching him after the show and comparing his back to a cobra head. This compliment stuck with him throughout his career, and he considers the pose as one of his most extraordinary moves, deadly to his competitors.
Side Chest – Flipping Weakness into Strength
Another one of Coleman’s iconic poses is the side chest. He admits that it was one of the most challenging moves for him during his competitive career, but with his stringent efforts, it became one of his favorites. Coleman says that he realized that his side chest was a weak point before his second Olympia victory, and he spent extra attention during his training, ultimately flipping the weakness into a massive strength. He now considers it his favorite pose because he worked his butt off for it.
Most Muscular – Balanced Physique
The most muscular pose is one of the most common and popular moves in the sport, incorporating nearly every muscle in the body and giving judges and audiences an overall view of a competitor’s conditioning. For Coleman, this pose rarely posed a problem as he has always had a balanced physique. He recalls how the room went quiet, and faces were in pure shock when he performed this pose.
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Front Lat Spread – Flying with Those Wings
The front lat spread is another signature move that Coleman is known for, and he brought some serious width with this pose. He describes it as feeling like he was on an island all on his own when it comes to balance. He remembers how he was usually told that he could fly with those wings, and he believed it.
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Learning from the Best
In conclusion, Ronnie Coleman could be considered one of the best bodybuilders of all time, and learning from him about the most optimal poses to thrive on the biggest stages would be a tremendous treat for most people in and around the sport. Coleman’s legacy lives on as one of the most decorated and dominant bodybuilders in history, and his signature poses continue to inspire and motivate aspiring athletes worldwide.
Courtesy Image @ronniecoleman8 (Instagram)
Streaming @ Ronnie Coleman (Youtube)