Ronnie Coleman Readies For 8th Back Surgery

Ronnie Coleman has to go back under the knife.

Ronnie Coleman is undoubtedly one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. He boasts 8 Mr. Olympia titles and some of the most impressive training videos on the internet. However, a lifetime of championship training takes its toll. Sadly, Ronnie is approaching his 8th but hopefully final back surgery.


Ronnie’s surgeries have included laminectomies disc decompressions, spinal fusions, and two hip replacements. Astonishingly, the man who’s training has cost him an unimaginable amount of pain and dysfunction, had this to say to MuscleandFitness when asked if it was worth it.

“It was worth it without a doubt but yes, I would have done it differently if I could go back. I would have trained HARDER! I know for a fact that I could have done four reps on that 800-pound squat instead of two, but I had two set in my mind before I even picked it up, so that’s what I did. So yes, I would go back and train even harder and be damn sure to get four reps on that 800-pound squat.”


Strength Wars Movie

In a 2016 instagram post preceeding a back surgery Ronnie offered more moving words for his followers:

“Getting in my last workout before my surgery tomorrow. Never take life for granted, Never. Training is my life, my hobby, it’s who I am, and it represents me. If this was my last workout and I’m never ever able to train again because God called me home, I can say my life was fulfilled because I did it doing what I always love doing the most, Training…”


In this most recent post, it seems that this next operation will cost the champ 6 months of training:

“I have approximately 3 weeks of training left until my 8th and hopefully final back surgery. I’m having 6 screws, nuts, and bolts removed from my spine as a result of my last surgery, a level 4, 5 spinal fusion. I can honestly say this was the most painful surgery ever. I was in the hospital a whole month as a result of this surgery. My next surgery January 12th I’m only scheduled to be in the hospital 3 to 4 days. The Dr has already informed me that I’ll have to take off from Training 6 months so my body can recover. Their going to have to remove my intestines in order to take my spine out. This surgery will be performed from my abdominal region because I have to much scar tissue in my back from previous surgeries. This is one surgery I’m not looking forward to after the pain and suffering from the last one.”

We wish Ronnie nothing but the best as he continues his struggle for health.

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.