In the realm of professional bodybuilding, where legends often retreat into the shadows post-retirement, few continue to wield their influence as powerfully as Ronnie Coleman, the iconic eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. The latest testament to his unwavering dedication is a recent video, aired on October 3, 2023, in which he teamed up with none other than Hany Rambod, the celebrated bodybuilding mentor. This rendezvous in a contemporary gym setting marked not only a captivating workout session but also an engaging exchange of wisdom and insights.
“I trained back two days ago but because he wants to train back, I’m throwing it in again,” shared Rambod. “Teaching Ronnie some FST-7 for the big comeback.”
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Echoes from the Past: Ronnie Coleman’s Indomitable Legacy
Ronnie Coleman’s place in the annals of bodybuilding history is cemented. From the moment he debuted in the IFBB Pro League, Coleman’s unique blend of size, symmetry, and structure made it clear that he was destined for greatness. The pinnacle of his career was marked when he clinched the Mr. Olympia title in 1998, dethroning the favored Flex Wheeler. His reign continued for a staggering eight years until Jay Cutler heralded a new era in 2006. But even in retirement, after numerous back surgeries and physical setbacks, Coleman’s commitment remains unwavering.
He articulated, “Just the get up every day and train, that’s the most fun thing to do in life — training. Yeah, my hobby was for a living. They say as long as you got passion for something, you never work a day in your life. I still have a ton of passion for it [training].”
Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod’s Dynamic Panatta Equipment Back and Biceps Workout
The bodybuilding world, while sculpting physiques to perfection, is also rife with its share of controversies, notably the usage of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Both Coleman and Rambod shared their insights on the topic, discussing their experiences and the shifting landscape of PED use in the sport. Coleman’s own foray into this realm was not a whimsical decision but a calculated strategy to remain competitive against those with “great genetics” and the additional boost of PEDs.
He reminisced, “I’m competing with other guys who have great genetics and they’re on them, so for me to keep up with them sadly I’m going to have to go on them too, so.” Today’s bodybuilding world, with its ambiguous substances and questionable PED quality, is starkly different from Coleman’s era, as he lamented, “You don’t know what’s in it anymore, you don’t know what you’re getting. I think the quality was better back then so you could actually use less.”
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The Unparalleled Training Session: A Fusion of Experience and New Techniques
Navigating through the gym with the same vigor he’s always exhibited, Coleman absorbed Rambod’s guidance, especially when introduced to the intricacies of the incline machine bicep curl. Rambod emphasized the nuances that can make all the difference:
“The handle can be moved so you can make it move slightly by adjusting it either inward or outward and when you go outward, it makes you supinate your wrist so it makes the peak even tighter… Right now, it’s on that angle, but if you want to change it you go this way [inward].”
“The great thing about it is you didn’t get your chance in the past to try out the curl machine and what did you think of that curl machine?” asks Rambod.
Their camaraderie was evident not just in their collaborative workout but also in their shared vision for the sport. Coleman’s response to trying out the new equipment was a testament to his adaptability and eternal student mindset.
He remarked, “That curl machine was off the chain. One of the best machines I’ve ever worked out on, working muscles I’ve never worked before. I can’t wait to get that one in my gym and have it at my house.”
A New Venture on the Horizon: Ronnie Coleman’s Personal Gym
While Coleman’s days of competing might be behind him, his passion for bodybuilding remains undiminished. In a recent conversation, Coleman shared exciting plans regarding his own gym, signaling a new chapter in his bodybuilding journey.
Speaking of the project: Coleman revealed;
“I’m looking at about another year. Yeah [we’re] building it out. Got an acre of land, got my own separate gym out there by itself.”
This personal gym, set against the expansive backdrop of an acre of land, not only stands as a testament to Coleman’s enduring love for the sport but also heralds an exciting prospect for fans and aspiring bodybuilders alike.
Ronnie Coleman’s Workout Roster Below
“Yeah buddy, couldn’t wait,” added Coleman.
- Machine High Row: 1 set, 20 reps
- Lat Pulldown Machine: 1 set
- Seated Bicep Curl Machine: 1 set
- Incline Machine Bicep Curls: 1 set
- Seated Dumbbell Hammer Curls: 2 sets
For an in-depth look into their conversation and workout, Hany Rambod’s YouTube channel provides the complete video:
Overview
In a sport defined as much by physical prowess as by mental tenacity, Ronnie Coleman’s journey is a masterclass in passion, commitment, and resilience. Even after his retirement in 2007, he remains an influential figure, not just as a former champion, but as an embodiment of the sport’s core values. The recent collaboration with Hany Rambod, and their subsequent workout, is more than just an exercise session; it’s a melding of eras, techniques, and philosophies.
In anticipation of the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition, all eyes will once again be on Coleman, not as a competitor, but as an icon presenting awards and continuing to inspire.
Featured Image @RonnieColeman8, @Hany Rambod (Instagram & Youtube)