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.
Flex Lewis: Dominance in the 2000s
Flex Lewis, a force to be reckoned with in the bodybuilding sphere, carved a niche for himself throughout the 2000s. His accolades include an unmatched seven victories in the Mr. Olympia contests’ 212 division. His prowess was further illuminated as he stood shoulder to shoulder with other eminent figures of the sport, such as Hadi Choopan, Shaun Clarida, and Derek Lunsford.
A Physique Beyond the Stage
Beyond the medals and titles, Lewis was acclaimed for another remarkable feat – his imposing arms. Such physical grandeur was birthed in the crucible of countless training sessions, most notably at his renowned Dragon’s Lair Gym. It wasn’t just his competitive flair that garnered attention; it was his sheer dedication to the craft.
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An Unexpected Curtain Call
The bodybuilding community was jolted in September when Lewis made a surprising announcement: his retirement from the sport. This decision, coming at a time when many speculated his potential move to the Men’s Open division, highlighted an unanticipated twist in his storied career.
Prioritizing Health Over Trophies
As he neared the age of 40, Lewis embarked on a new journey: a detailed physique transformation plan. However, as is often the case with high ambitions, challenges lurk in the shadows. The recent setbacks in Lewis’s transformation underscore the delicate balance between ambition and well-being. Yet, for a legend like Lewis, this is but another chapter in a life marked by resilience and passion.
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
As the much-anticipated 2023 Mr. Olympia competition looms on the horizon, Flex Lewis found a powerful training ally in Derek Lunsford. Last year, Lunsford, having received a special invite from Lewis for the Open Mr. Olympia, stunned the bodybuilding community by securing a remarkable second place.
The synergy between the two titans extended beyond the gym. During a chest workout that pushed both athletes to their limits, Lewis also hosted Lunsford on his podcast, “Straight Outta The Lair.” Reflecting on Lunsford’s trajectory and the evident growth in his muscle detail, Lewis expressed confidence in Lunsford’s capability to clinch titles across divisions – a feat reminiscent of UFC’s legendary dual-titleholder, Conor McGregor.
However, in the wake of his recent injury setback, Lewis’s immediate priority shifts to recovery, ensuring he returns to form and health. But fans of “Straight Outta The Lair” have much to look forward to, as Lewis dropped hints of an upcoming special appearance by Joey Swoll.
For a deeper dive into the camaraderie between Lewis and Lunsford, and insights from their session.
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 (Instagram & Youtube)
