Robby Robinson thinks that mass monster size is making the sport look bad and was disappointed in how far Ronnie Coleman took it.

While mass monster size was slowly creeping into pro bodybuilding before Ronnie Coleman. Ronnie ultimately solidified the mass monster aesthetic. His 8x Olympia reign and incredible massive size changed the standard for Men’s Open pro bodybuilding. Today, some people think the mass monster aesthetic has gone too far. Robby Robinson is one of those people. In our latest GI Exclusive interview, Robby Robinson explains why he was disappointed in Ronnie Coleman for pushing his body too far.

During our conversation with Robby Robinson, we got on the topic of the modern era of bodybuilding. Specifically, whether or not the quality of physiques have declined as many critics of the sport have been saying. Robby Robinson agrees. He thinks mass monster size makes the sport look bad and is dropping interest from fans beyond the hardcore. He loves the introduction of Classic Physique and hopes it continues to grow and change the expectation on physique size in bodybuilding as a whole.

But midway through this conversation Robby Robinson uses one main example – Ronnie Coleman. Ronnie changed the game with his insane mass monster size. It earned him eight Mr. Olympia titles. It also earned him a life of painful injuries after retirement. He’s had over a  dozen surgeries on his spine and hips combined. It was explored in detail with our documentary feature Ronnie Coleman: The King.

“I hate to say this but I was very disappointed in Ronnie,” Robby Robinson states in our interview. “To see him come out like that. It hurt my feelings really. To see him come out where he can hardly walk? I think thats an exaggeration. That’s an overdoing of that theme. That’s his life. That’s his body. But I don’t know…”

Ronnie Coleman after winning his second Mr. Olympia in 1999 (above).

We then follow up asking what his impression of Ronnie Coleman was in his prime. Was he disappointed before the injuries came later? Robby Robinson claims that he enjoyed Ronnie’s physique when he was younger. He recounts the stories that circulated of Ronnie squatting 800 or 900 pounds and found it upsetting. Robby continues: “I don’t see that. You’re not trying to annihilate yourself. You’re trying to build muscle.”

Of course, to many Ronnie Coleman is the greatest bodybuilder of all time. Ronnie himself has said numerous times that his only regret is not training even harder. Some consider his sacrifice part of what it takes to become the best. Others, such as Robby Robinson, believe that perhaps Ronnie could have still been a legendary bodybuilder and kept his health if he had only pulled back slightly.

What do you think? Check out Robby Robinson’s full comments in our latest GI Exclusive interview segment above and let us know your thoughts!

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