💪 How Strong Was Ronnie Coleman (Really)?

Spring...isn't in the air just yet. But that doesn't mean we aren't breathing deep and taking in all the bodybuilding goodness we can find. Trudging through snow to the gym? That's just pre-fatiguing for leg day.

Today, we're looking at legendary bodybuilding Ronnie Coleman and how his strength — not just his physique — stacks up against other top lifters.

Plus, with the Arnold (the big one, in Ohio!) right around the corner, we look at the top names duking it out in the Classic Physique and Men's Open divisions.

The front foot elevated split squat is a MOUTHFUL — but it's also a move that tends to build leg mass like no other. We've got an ultimate guide to this often-overlooked, oh-so-hypertrophic move you should consider adding to your training.

HISTORY

Big Ron's Big Lifts

Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman was one of the most powerful bodybuilders of the ’90s and 2000s. His training videos spread widely on DVD and throughout the then-nascent fitness internet community, leading to countless bodybuilding fans taking “The King‘s” hard-and-heavy workouts as inspiration for their own routines.

Coleman was a bodybuilder who legitimately hoisted plates like a powerlifter. He built upon the high-intensity training style employed by Dorian Yates and ratcheted the weights even higher, hitting max lifts on the deadlift and squat that most couldn’t compete with.

But to understand how and why Coleman became synonymous with strength and mass, it is necessary to understand why and how he trained.

COMPETITION

Arnold Classic Physique Preview

The 2023 Arnold Classic Classic Physique (ACCP) contest is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, in the Battelle Grand Ballroom of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH. For the first time in three years, a new champion will be crowned as reigning two-time champion Terrence Ruffin will not compete. Four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead is also out of this contest.

Seven contenders who hope to qualify for the 2023 Olympia in Orlando, FL, on Nov. 2-5, 2023, will compete at the 2023 ACCP contest. The winner could be considered Bumstead’s number-one contender, and you can check out the full roster below:

TRAINING

Your Secret Leg Builder

*Come closer. We have a little secret!*

When it comes to building muscle one leg at a time, the Bulgarian split squat, also known as the rear foot elevated split squat, usually gets all the praise and attention. But the real ones know how underrated the front foot elevated split squat truly is.

The unfairly overlooked front foot elevated split squat is gaining quite the popularity surge, especially from its use in rehab and athletic settings. This upgraded split squat variation is typically a little more comfortable to set up than the rear foot elevated option and it can skyrocket your lower body muscle, strength, and athleticism. Here’s a closer look at this unique exercise.

THE DROPSET

Arnold Classic Men's Open Preview

• We haven't forgotten about the BIG BOYS. Here's who will be vying for the title of Arnold Classic Men's Open Champion.

• One name we won't see on stage in Columbus is Darwin Uribe — here's why he's withdrawing.

• Looking for a new barbell? We've got the best on the market broken down by goal, price, and more!