In a candid revelation on his YouTube channel, bodybuilding stalwart Flex Lewis discussed an unsettling setback he encountered – a significant back injury sustained during a recent leg day workout. Lewis delved into the specifics of the mishap and highlighted the intensity of the pain, which was profound enough to prompt a consultation with his doctor
“I never expected this to be as bad as what it was but I believe I was nine reps in if I can remember correctly on the Rogers, it was a new piece of equipment that I just got into the Dragon’s Lair, it’s a phenomenal piece not knocking it at all – smooth,” shared Flex Lewis.
Throughout the 2000s, Flex Lewis emerged as one of the biggest names in bodybuilding. He dominated the 212 division, capturing an unmatched seven Mr. Olympia titles. At the same time, he shared the stage with the sport’s best, including Hadi Choopan, Shaun Clarida, and Derek Lunsford.
Yet it wasn’t only the medals that set him apart. Instead, it was his massive, perfectly shaped arms that became his signature. Those arms were built over countless grueling sessions at his famed Dragon’s Lair Gym.
More than anything, it was his obsession with the craft that made him stand out. Day after day, he worked harder, pushed further, and set a standard that inspired a generation of athletes.
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Then came a shock in September, when Flex Lewis announced his retirement from bodybuilding. At a moment when many expected him to move up to the Men’s Open division, this decision felt like an unexpected twist.
Now, nearing 40, Lewis has turned to a new chapter: a meticulous physique transformation. Yet, as with any ambitious endeavor, setbacks have emerged. These struggles reveal how fine the line can be between chasing a goal and preserving health.
Still, for a champion like Lewis, this is only another chapter. Through resilience and passion, he has built a remarkable career — and this new chapter promises to be just as compelling.
Flex Lewis Reveals Serious Back Injury Post Leg Day Training:“I Have Damaged My Back A Lot”
The bodybuilding community received concerning news when veteran Flex Lewis opened up about a significant back injury. The seven-time Mr. Olympia 212 division winner detailed that the injury took place during a recent leg day training session. Reflecting on the incident, Lewis stated, “I have damaged my back a lot.” The severity of his remark underscores the potential implications this might have on his training regimen and overall health.
“So, well, the elephant in the room, let me just quickly say, I have damaged my back a lot… a lot worse than I thought. As we sit here right now, okay, let me just say, I’m not one for painkillers, I’m not one for ibuprofen or anything like that, that’s just not me. But, I definitely, oh my gosh, I’ve been in so much pain that I had to make a call to my doctor.
Right now, I’ve taken some ibuprofen. I’ve got some great friends who have recommended some other things, which I might give a go. But I don’t want to go the route of painkillers again because I just don’t think my body likes them. Number one, I think I’m allergic to painkillers,” said Flex Lewis.
“You’ll see that I injured my back. I think it was the second exercise in [leg day]. Of course, with everybody who has been watching me and has done for many a year will know that tweaks and stuff like that is just part of the game. Either train around them.
“Whether it was foot placement or lack of leg training for quite some time, I tweaked my back. The weight was going up effortlessly. I think we really didn’t have too much weight on, maybe eight plates a side,” Lewis said.
Flex Lewis Seeks Medical Intervention Following Back Injury
After the distressing incident during his leg day training, Flex Lewis wasted no time in consulting his physician. Given the severity of the pain and damage, his doctor recommended prescription painkillers and muscle relaxers. This medical intervention underscores the gravity of Lewis’s injury and raises concerns about his recovery and future training sessions.
“Right now, I’m kind of nursing this injury. I think I’ve just pinched a nerve. I was able to go on vacation and had a great vacation despite the fact that I spent the first two days throwing up. But nonetheless. I think that was some sort of reaction to the medication I was given by my doctor. My doctor gave me – and he knows me, and he knows the severity of everything, I have a concierge doctor so I truly don’t use him but when I do, he knows.”
“He called in some prescriptions for me, one of them was Soma, one of them was Hydrocodone, and one was something else. I definitely used the Soma on the first night. That aided my sleep. I wouldn’t say it took the pain away but I thought it was something that was going to be knocked off. Then, that night, that’s why that day it was just too much for me.”
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Flex Lewis and Derek Lunsford: An Alliance Ahead of Mr. Olympia 2023
Now, as the 2023 Mr. Olympia approaches, Flex Lewis has teamed up with Derek Lunsford for a fresh training push. Last year, Lunsford shocked many by earning second place at the Open Mr. Olympia after receiving a special invite from Lewis. Clearly, their partnership has created excitement in the bodybuilding world.
Moreover, their bond goes beyond the weight room. During a demanding chest workout, Lewis welcomed Lunsford onto his podcast, Straight Outta The Lair. In that chat, Lewis praised Lunsford’s growth and muscle refinement. In fact, he compared Lunsford’s potential for multi-division success to that of UFC star Conor McGregor’s dual-title reign.
Meanwhile, Lewis is focused on healing from a recent injury. Still, fans of his podcast have reason to stay tuned. He hinted that Joey Swoll will soon appear as a guest, promising more compelling conversations ahead.
Fans can tune in to the full video available on Flex Lewis’ YouTube channel:
Overview
Flex Lewis recently teamed up with Derek Lunsford, a rising star who clinched second place at last year’s Open Mr. Olympia, for an intense chest workout. Lewis, drawing parallels between Lunsford and UFC’s Conor McGregor, sees potential in Lunsford becoming a multi-division titleholder. Beyond training, Lunsford guested on Lewis’s “Straight Outta The Lair” podcast. Despite a recent injury setback, Lewis remains active with his podcast, teasing an upcoming appearance by Joey Swoll. Fans can catch the full training session on Lewis’s YouTube channel.
Featured Image – Flex Lewis Faces Back Injury Setback During Leg Day Training: “A Lot Worse Than I Thought”– Credit: @Flex_Lewis (Instagram & Youtube)
