Flex Lewis Injures His Back During Recent Leg Day Training Session: “A Lot Worse Than I Thought”

Bodybuilding veteran Flex Lewis fell victim to a painful back injury during one of his latest leg day training sessions. In a recent YouTube video, Lewis explained how it happened and mentioned that the pain was severe enough to have him call his doctor. 

“I never expected this to be as bad as what it was but I believe I was nine reps in if I can remember correctly on the Rogers, it was a new piece of equipment that I just got into the Dragon’s Lair, it’s a phenomenal piece not knocking it at all  – smooth,” shared Flex Lewis. 

Competing actively, Flex Lewis was a dominant force in the 2000s. Having shared the stage with names like Hadi Choopan, Shaun Clarida, and Derek Lunsford, Lewis cemented himself as an-all time record holder in the 212 division at Mr. Olympia contests with seven victories. 

But it wasn’t just his tenacity on stage that made him such a beloved figure in the sport. He boasts some of the biggest arms the category has seen, which he’s accomplished with countless training sessions at his famous Dragon’s Lair Gym. 

Last September, Lewis announced his retirement from the sport. Fans were shocked by the decision because some thought that he might have been considering a possible move into the Men’s Open division. Instead, he’s since prioritized his health. Before turning 40 years old, Lewis laid out a physique transformation plan last month, which has seemingly gone awry. 

“I Have Damaged My Back A Lot” – Flex Lewis Reacts to Injury

Lewis explained that his back injury occurred during a recent leg day training session. 

“So, well, the elephant in the room, let me just quickly say, I have damaged my back a lot… a lot worse than I thought. As we sit here right now, okay, let me just say, I’m not one for painkillers, I’m not one for ibuprofen or anything like that, that’s just not me. But, I definitely, oh my gosh, I’ve been in so much pain that I had to make a call to my doctor. 

Right now, I’ve taken some ibuprofen. I’ve got some great friends who have recommended some other things, which I might give a go. But I don’t want to go the route of painkillers again because I just don’t think my body likes them. Number one, I think I’m allergic to painkillers,” said Flex Lewis. 

“You’ll see that I injured my back. I think it was the second exercise in [leg day]. Of course, with everybody who has been watching me and has done for many a year will know that tweaks and stuff like that is just part of the game. Either train around them.

“Whether it was foot placement or lack of leg training for quite some time, I tweaked my back. The weight was going up effortlessly. I think we really didn’t have too much weight on, maybe eight plates a side,” Lewis said. 

He later called his doctor, who prescribed prescription painkillers and muscle relaxers. 

“Right now, I’m kind of nursing this injury. I think I’ve just pinched a nerve. I was able to go on vacation and had a great vacation despite the fact that I spent the first two days throwing up. But nonetheless. I think that was some sort of reaction to the medication I was given by my doctor. My doctor gave me – and he knows me, and he knows the severity of everything, I have a concierge doctor so I truly don’t use him but when I do, he knows.” 

“He called in some prescriptions for me, one of them was Soma, one of them was Hydrocodone, and one was something else. I definitely used the Soma on the first night. That aided my sleep. I wouldn’t say it took the pain away but I thought it was something that was going to be knocked off. Then, that night, that’s why that day it was just too much for me.” 

The 2023 Mr. Olympia competition is approaching, and Lewis got the opportunity to train with contender Derek Lunsford. Lunsford received Lewis’ special invite last year for the Open Mr. Olympia and shocked the world in second place.

In addition to testing their limits with a chest workout, the 39-year-old welcomed Lunsford on his Straight Outta The Lair Podcast. With added muscle detail, Lewis believes Lunsford has the potential to become the first ‘champ-champ,’ similar to the UFC’s former two-division titleholder Conor McGregor. 

In light of the setback, Lewis will focus on recovery practices. As for his podcast, Lewis teased that Joey Swoll be making a special appearance in the coming weeks. 

READ MORE: 

• Chris Bumstead And Flex Lewis Decimate A Back Workout 
• Flex Lewis Shares Top 3 ‘Tried and Tested’ Movements for Better Triceps
• Flex Lewis Shares Top 3 Movements to Build Olympia-Worthy Chest: “Control Is Key”

Watch the full YouTube video from Flex Lewis’ channel below: 

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