Ronnie Coleman discussed three exercises that helped sculpt his championship physique.
Ronnie Coleman put together one of the greatest bodybuilding careers of all-time. He won a total of eight Olympia titles and built a reputation in the gym due to his superhuman strength and motivation.
Since retiring, Coleman has created a successful platform on social media where he can connect with fans.
Recently, Coleman was asked about his three favorite exercises during his career.
Ronnie Coleman’s Top 3 Bodybuilding Exercises
Ronnie Coleman was asked this question during a Q&A on his YouTube page and had an answer ready:
“My top three exercises happen to be deadlift, squat, bench press. The top three exercises of my life.”
Why Improving Squats is Important
Ronnie Coleman put up insane numbers in the gym over the course of his career and it began on the squat rack. His all-time best was an 800-pound squat for two reps.
As to why you should be mindful of improving your squat, there are a few reasons, let’s dive on!
For one, gains are far better with better form. Who wouldn’t want their gains to be more glorious? For example, if you are half-repping your squats, or any exercise for that matter, you are not getting the full muscular engagement as opposed to when you complete a full range of motion. Squatting with the best possible form, leads to the best possible gains for the lifter!
Another reason to be mindful of how you are squatting is injury. Performing squats incorrectly could result in things like back issues, knee issues, and other unwanted issues that could put you out of commission. It is every lifter’s worst nightmare to be injured to the point where they cannot hit the gym at maximum strength. Make sure to do everything you can to avoid something like that.
View this post on Instagram
Bench Press Basics
The bench press can be done for two reasons:
- To build muscle
- To push heavy weight and build strength
Ronnie Coleman was able to accomplish both. He reached 500 pounds for six reps over the course of his career.
When you are bench pressing, you should always have a spotter with you, just in case you get stuck in the bottom position, or to help prevent injury. Be sure also that you secure the ends of the bar with collars. However, there is a proviso here; if you are working out at home on your own, you may prefer to leave the collars off the bar. That’s because if you get stuck with the bar on your chest, your only option short of crushing your chest, is to angle up the bar so the weight slides off one end.
View this post on Instagram
Step By Step Guide To Perform The Perfect Deadlift
Here’s how to do a conventional barbell deadlift:
- Stand mid-foot under the barbell. Feet slightly angled outward, hip width apart. Look down – the bar should be over the middle of your feet.
- Bend over and grab the bar with a shoulder-width grip.
- Bend your knees until your shins touch the bar.
- With a neutral spine, lift your chest up and flex your butt.
- Take a big breath, hold it, and pick the bar up off the ground (It helps to think “drive through your heels”).
- Continue pressing with your legs and thrusting your hips forward until you are fully standing up.
- Hold the weight for a second at the top, with locked hips and knees. Then return the weight to the floor by moving your hips back while bending your legs. Rest a second at the bottom and repeat.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
