Bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman sculpted one of the greatest physiques of all time, but which exercises does he credit for his success? In a recent YouTube video shared on November 5, 2024, Coleman revealed his top three exercises that helped him become an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion.
As a Men’s Open competitor, Ronnie Coleman left a wake of destruction in his path. Defeating mainstays of the sport like Flex Wheeler, Jay Cutler, and Dennis Wolf, Coleman solidified his standing as one of the best. He is tied with Lee Haney for most Olympia titles earned at eight. From his 600-gram protein diet to his signature parking lot lunges, hard work and sacrifice were cornerstones of his success.
Interestingly, all three of Coleman’s selections are considered popular lifts in the powerlifting world. However, Coleman utilized the deadlift, squat, and bench press to produce one of the biggest and most complete physiques ever witnessed on a bodybuilding stage. His raw power and strength were on display each time he entered the gym.
Ronnie Coleman’s Top 3 Exercises of All Time
Find his exercise selections below:
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- Deadlift
- Squat
- Bench Press
“My top three exercises happen to be deadlifts, squats, and bench press. The top three exercises of my life! Yeah buddy!” said Coleman.
Coleman’s Record on Each Lift
- Deadlift: 800 for two reps
- Squat: 800 for two reps
- Bench Press: 500 pounds for five or six reps
Evidently, these lifts had a profound impact on Coleman’s career. While speaking with Shannon Sharpe, he insisted that he sported the best back of all time. And Ronnie Coleman’s tree trunk legs were nothing to scoff at either, as they helped him string together arguably the most dominant dynasty of any bodybuilder walking the earth.
At 60 years old, Coleman is confined to a life of retirement but doesn’t forget the grit and willpower it took to move such significant weight. In his spare time, he has examined other lifters who are known for their shocking strength, like YouTuber Bradley Martyn. While Martyn wasn’t repping out 2,300 pounds on the leg press, he left ‘The King’ impressed by his 675-pound deadlift dressed as Kratos from the God of War.
Ronnie Coleman stuck to the bread-and-butter basics, which paid off immensely throughout his storied career. The deadlift, squat, and bench press are ultimate markers of one’s strength as they together, test the entire body. Coleman doesn’t underestimate how crucial these three movements were to building a physique worthy of an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion.
RELATED: Larry Wheels Tests His Squat and Leg Press Strength With 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman
Watch the full video from the Ronnie Coleman YouTube channel below:
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