The World’s Strongest Man takes his finest shot at matching the legend’s lifting data.
Though he competes in a vastly completely different sport, Mitchell Hooper can admire the superhuman strength and sheer willpower it took for Ronnie Coleman to turn out to be probably the most embellished bodybuilder of all time. Whereas the reigning World’s Strongest Man can toss round kettlebells and overhead press heavy logs with relative ease, he needed to eat a proverbial slice of humble pie after trying to match among the eight-time Mr. Olympia winner’s finest lifts.
In a video posted on his YouTube web page on Nov. 16, 2023, Mitchell took on the inconceivable problem of performing a Coleman-inspired back workout that included three primary workout routines utilizing hundreds that gave him a newfound appreciation for the dwelling legend’s accomplishments within the gymnasium.
Moreover boasting an extremely muscular and symmetrical physique, The King earned loads of reward for his capacity to coach with the power of a powerlifter (which Coleman was at one level). Recognized for working with extraordinarily heavy weights and pushing himself to the purpose of failure, Coleman set private data in some staple lifts that also appear unfathomable years later, together with navy urgent 315 kilos (143 kilograms) for 12 reps and squatting and deadlifting 800 kilos for 2 reps. Combining that powerbuilding method with a high-protein diet and an ultra-disciplined way of life helped the Louisiana native accumulate 26 IFBB professional present wins, together with eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles from 1998-2005.
Nonetheless, even for Hooper, who grew to become the fourth individual to win WSM and the Arnold Strongman Classic in the identical 12 months again in April 2023, Coleman’s coaching fashion appeared properly past his capabilities. Nonetheless, the Canadian strongman confirmed he’s no slouch by making straightforward work of the primary back exercise.
The three-part exercise begins across the 1:05 mark of the video.
Typical Deadlift — 800 kilos (362.9 kilograms) for 2 reps
Coleman famously accomplished two reps of an 800-pound typical deadlift within the 2000 documentary Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable. For most individuals, replicating that feat could be downright unattainable. But for Hooper, who has pulled 1,000 kilos, matching Coleman’s finest deadlift didn’t current a lot of a problem.
The 28-year-old began with a warm-up set of 575 kilos (260.8 kilograms), showcasing picture-perfect type by driving his hips ahead through the lockout part. Earlier than performing his subsequent set, Hooper pointed to the peanut tattoo on the within of his left ankle and famous that he obtained it to pay homage to Coleman’s “Ain’t nothing however a peanut” signature catchphrase.
After a remaining warm-up set of 685 kilos (310.7 kilograms), the achieved strongman raised the stakes and tried to hit 800 kilos (362.9 kilograms) twice simply as Coleman did greater than 20 years in the past. Unsurprisingly, Hooper had no bother matching The King’s finest deadlift, finishing two clear reps.
[Related: 7 Tips to Perfect Your Deadlift Form]
Bent-Over Row — 515 kilos (233.6 kilograms) for 10 reps
Six years after setting his deadlift PR, Coleman smashed 10 reps of barbell bent-over rows with a complete of 515 kilos (233.6 kilograms) within the 2006 documentary Ronnie Coleman: Relentless. A taxing train that targets your lats, spinal erectors, glutes, hamstrings, and scapular stabilizers, this row variation requires wonderful core power to execute safely.
Regardless of his strongman background, Hooper didn’t have practically the identical stage of confidence about with the ability to match Coleman’s bent-over row file as he did through the deadlift. Beginning with a warm-up set of 405 kilos (183.7 kilograms) that already seemed difficult, Hooper added one other 50 kilos (22.7 kilograms) to the barbell.
“It’s humorous how it is a actually mild deadlift, however while you choose it up and also you’re now within the context of “it’s important to row it” the sensation is totally completely different,” he defined throughout his relaxation interval.
Finally, Hooper didn’t even try and match the burden Coleman utilized in his prime. As a substitute, he topped out at eight reps of 455 kilos (206.4 kilograms) earlier than transferring on to the ultimate train.
[Related: Legendary Ronnie Coleman Explains the Four Bodybuilding Poses That Built His Career]
T-Bar Row — 505 kilos (229 kilograms) for 12 reps
The session concluded with Hooper making an attempt to go toe-to-toe with Coleman’s T-bar row file of 12 reps of 505 kilos (229 kilograms) set in 2006. He started with a straightforward warm-up set of 315 kilos (142.9 kilograms), which set the stage for a brief dialogue in regards to the influence of lifting heavy.
“It’s a actuality that each power athlete has to face — that in the event you push your self to the restrict time and again and over it may end up in long-term harm,” Hooper defined. “All you’re doing is shifting danger profiles. It’s essential to acknowledge that pushing your self to the restrict does enhance the danger of sure musculoskeletal points down the observe nevertheless it additionally fully diminishes the danger of others.
After sharing his perception in regards to the risks of coaching to the acute, Hooper shifted his focus again to the nook of the gymnasium for what turned out to be his remaining set of T-bar rows. As was the case with the bent-over rows, Hooper didn’t come near matching one in every of his icons.
The winner of the 2023 World’s Strongest Man competitors maxed out at 10 reps of 405 kilos (183.7 kilograms), proving that The King really was (and nonetheless is) on one other stage.
Featured Picture: Mitchell Hooper / YouTube
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