Ronnie Coleman is one of the most legendary bodybuilders of all time, known for his great size and strength. In this article, we will delve into his life, workout routine, and diet plan, providing valuable insights into his training and nutrition strategies.
Ronnie Coleman’s Life
Ronnie Coleman was born on May 13, 1964, in Monroe, Louisiana. He attended Grambling State University, where he earned a degree in accounting. While in college, Ronnie played football, and during this time, he became interested in bodybuilding. After graduation, he worked as an accountant for several years before pursuing bodybuilding full-time.
Early Life and Education
Ronnie Coleman grew up in a working-class family in Monroe, Louisiana. He was the youngest of four siblings and was raised by his mother, Jessie Benton. Ronnie excelled in sports, playing football and baseball in high school. He went on to attend Grambling State University, where he played football and earned a degree in accounting.
Career as a Professional Bodybuilder
Ronnie Coleman’s bodybuilding career began in the early 1990s when he won his first competition, the Mr. Texas Bodybuilding Championships. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998. Ronnie went on to win the Mr. Olympia title eight times, tying with Lee Haney for the most wins in the history of the competition. He also won numerous other bodybuilding titles and awards throughout his career.
Achievements and Awards
Ronnie Coleman is one of the most accomplished bodybuilders of all time. In addition to his eight Mr. Olympia titles, he also won the Arnold Classic four times and the World Pro Championships three times. He set multiple world records in powerlifting, including a 2,300-pound squat, and was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.
Life after Bodybuilding
After retiring from bodybuilding in 2007, Ronnie Coleman has remained active in the fitness industry. He has worked as a personal trainer and motivational speaker and has also launched his own supplement line. In recent years, he has undergone several back surgeries and has spoken publicly about his struggles with chronic pain.
Ronnie Coleman’s Workout Routine

Ronnie Coleman was known for his intense training regimen and incredible strength. His training philosophy emphasized heavy lifting and compound exercises, which he believed were the most effective way to build muscle.
Overview of Ronnie Coleman’s Training Philosophy
Ronnie Coleman’s training philosophy was based on hard work, dedication, and consistency. He believed that the key to achieving his goals was to push himself to his limits and never give up. His training style focused on heavy lifting and compound exercises, which he believed were the most effective way to build muscle.
Split Routine vs. Full Body Workout
Throughout his career, Ronnie Coleman used a variety of training splits, including a full-body workout and a six-day split. He believed that both approaches had their benefits and that the best training split was the one that worked best for the individual.
The Importance of Compound Exercises in Ronnie’s Routine
Ronnie Coleman believed that compound exercises, which target multiple muscle groups at once, were the most effective way to build muscle and strength. He incorporated a variety of compound exercises into his training, including squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and rows.
Detailed Breakdown of Ronnie Coleman’s Workout Routine
Ronnie Coleman’s training split consisted of six days of training per week, with one day of rest. Each workout focused on a different muscle group and incorporated a variety of exercises to target that muscle group.
Chest and Triceps
Ronnie Coleman’s chest and triceps workout consisted of exercises that targeted the chest, triceps, and shoulders. He would start with compound exercises such as bench press, incline bench press, and dips to target the chest and triceps. He would then move on to isolation exercises such as cable crossovers and skull crushers to further target these muscle groups.
Back and Biceps
Ronnie Coleman’s back and biceps workout focused on exercises that targeted the back, biceps, and rear deltoids. He would start with compound exercises such as deadlifts, pull-ups, and rows to target the back and biceps. He would then move on to isolation exercises such as dumbbell curls and cable rows to further target these muscle groups.
Legs and Abs
Ronnie Coleman’s leg and abs workout consisted of exercises that targeted the legs, glutes, and abs. He would start with compound exercises such as squats and leg presses to target the lower body. He would then move on to isolation exercises such as leg curls and calf raises to further target these muscle groups. He would also incorporate ab exercises such as crunches and planks into this workout.
Shoulders and Traps
Ronnie Coleman’s shoulder and traps workout consisted of exercises that targeted the shoulders, traps, and triceps. He would start with compound exercises such as military press and upright rows to target the shoulders and traps. He would then move on to isolation exercises such as lateral raises and shrugs to further target these muscle groups.
Arms
Ronnie Coleman’s arm workout focused on exercises that targeted the biceps and triceps. He would start with compound exercises such as close-grip bench presses and chin-ups to target the triceps and biceps. He would then move on to isolation exercises such as preacher curls and cable pushdowns to further target these muscle groups.
Training Tips from Ronnie Coleman
Some of the training tips that can be derived from Ronnie Coleman’s workout routine include:
- Prioritize compound exercises that target multiple muscle groups.
- Use a variety of exercises to prevent plateaus and keep the body challenged.
- Incorporate heavy lifting to build strength and muscle mass.
- Allow for adequate rest and recovery time to prevent injury and overtraining.
Ronnie Coleman’s Diet Plan
Ronnie Coleman’s diet plan was focused on providing the necessary nutrients to support his intense training regimen and promote muscle growth and recovery. He followed a high-protein, moderate-carbohydrate, and low-fat diet.
Overview of Ronnie Coleman’s Diet Plan
Ronnie Coleman’s diet plan was based on the principles of clean eating, with a focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods. He believed that proper nutrition was essential for achieving his goals and that the body needed a balance of macronutrients to support muscle growth and recovery.
Macronutrient Breakdown
Ronnie Coleman’s macronutrient breakdown was roughly:
- Protein: 1.5 to 2 grams per pound of body weight
- Carbohydrates: 3 to 4 grams per pound of body weight
- Fat: 0.5 grams per pound of body weight
Sample Meal Plan
A sample meal plan based on Ronnie Coleman’s diet plan could look like this:
- Meal 1: 12 egg whites, 2 cups of oatmeal, and 1 banana
- Meal 2: 8 ounces of chicken breast, 2 cups of brown rice, and 1 cup of broccoli
- Meal 3: 8 ounces of lean beef, 2 cups of sweet potatoes, and 1 cup of green beans
- Meal 4: 8 ounces of turkey breast, 2 cups of quinoa, and 1 cup of mixed vegetables
- Meal 5: 8 ounces of fish, 2 cups of spinach, and 1 sweet potato
- Meal 6: 10 egg whites and 2 tablespoons of almond butter
Ronnie Coleman’s Nutritional Supplements
In addition to his diet, Ronnie Coleman also used nutritional supplements to support his training and recovery. Some of the supplements he used include:
- Whey protein powder: to help meet his daily protein needs and promote muscle growth and recovery.
- Creatine: to improve strength and performance during workouts.
- Glutamine: to support recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
- BCAAs: to help prevent muscle breakdown during intense training sessions.
Key Takeaways from Ronnie Coleman’s Diet Plan
- Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods.
- Prioritize protein to support muscle growth and recovery.
- Balance carbohydrates and fat to meet energy needs and promote overall health.
- Consider using supplements to support training and recovery.
Conclusion
Ronnie Coleman’s life, workout routine, and diet plan are a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and proper nutrition in achieving a strong and muscular physique. His emphasis on compound exercises, heavy lifting, and clean eating provides valuable insights for anyone looking to build muscle and improve their overall health and fitness.
Incorporating some of these principles into your own workout and nutrition plan can help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.