In his latest video, bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman shared an inspiring update about his ongoing recovery journey.
Despite years of battling debilitating injuries, multiple surgeries, and limited mobility, Coleman remains determined to reclaim his independence.
The eight-time Mr. Olympia champion expressed his bold ambition: to be walking without crutches within the next year and a half.
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Why Ronnie Coleman Can’t Walk Today
Coleman’s current struggles with mobility stem from a series of grueling surgeries and decades of physical strain. After retiring from competitive bodybuilding in 2007, he faced escalating complications from injuries sustained during his career. Over the past six years, Coleman has undergone a staggering 13 surgeries.
These include eight operations on his back, three on his neck, and two hip replacements. The surgeries addressed severe spinal and joint damage, which doctors have largely attributed to years of lifting extreme weights. At the peak of his career, Coleman routinely squatted and deadlifted upwards of 800 pounds, pushing the limits of human strength.
However, the toll was immense. Following multiple back operations, Coleman revealed that most of the vertebrae in his spine are now fused, limiting his mobility and leaving him reliant on crutches for walking.
The Road to Recovery: Stem Cell Therapy and Relentless Optimism
Despite these challenges, Coleman’s resolve remains unshaken. In the video, he credited stem cell therapy as a key factor in reducing his pain and accelerating his recovery. For the past few years, Coleman has been undergoing stem cell treatments every three to five months. He noted that these procedures have “taken away pretty much all the pain” that he once endured daily.
With his pain now under control, Coleman is laser-focused on rebuilding his strength and improving his mobility. His daily routine is a testament to his resilience. Every day, he dedicates an hour to cardio and another hour to weightlifting. While these workouts are a far cry from his legendary training sessions during his bodybuilding prime, they remain an essential part of his mental and physical well-being.
Coleman’s goal of walking unassisted within 18 months might seem ambitious, but for a man who has built his life on overcoming the impossible, it’s a challenge he’s eager to tackle.
A Lifetime of Dedication and Sacrifice
Reflecting on his journey, Coleman acknowledged the sacrifices that brought him to this point. “Never in a million years did I think it would get this bad,” he admitted, referencing the extent of his injuries and surgeries. Still, he maintains that his passion for fitness and his career were worth every challenge he faces today.
Coleman’s determination to keep moving forward is deeply rooted in the same principles that helped him win eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles: hard work, dedication, and an unyielding passion for the grind. These values also extend to his entrepreneurial efforts, including his supplement company, Ronnie Coleman Signature Series, which he launched in 2011 and continues to grow year after year.
Looking Ahead: The Power of Positivity
Ronnie Coleman’s story is one of resilience, optimism, and unwavering commitment. As he continues to battle the physical challenges stemming from his bodybuilding career, he remains an inspiring figure for fans worldwide. His bold goal of walking again within 18 months is not just a personal milestone—it’s a testament to the power of determination in the face of adversity.
For Coleman, the gym remains both his sanctuary and his therapy. “I still got that passion,” he said. And with every step he takes toward recovery, he proves that passion, combined with hard work, can conquer even the toughest obstacles.