No one would ever deny the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the greatest in bodybuilding, after winning seven Mr. Olympia titles in his career. However, years after his dominance in the sport, the 76-year-old bodybuilding legend has often spoken about body image issues he faced as he grew older. Watching the physique he had crafted for decades deteriorate, made him want to throw up.

Earlier, only the second man to surpass Schwarzenegger’s record, Ronnie Coleman, had also spoken about aging. The 59-year-old toured India and appeared on the popular podcast, The Ranveer Show, on the BeerBiceps YouTube channel. The King’s opinion on aging matched with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s opinion.

Ronnie Coleman agrees with the Austrian Oak

During the podcast, the host asked Ronnie Coleman what he felt about growing older. The host also explained he asked the question because aging was a hurdle for athletes. Answering the question, Coleman said, “I hate it.” On the other hand, his take wasn’t as extreme as Arnie’s.

When the podcast host inquired if Coleman had a dislike for aging even though he’ll step into his 60s, The King’s response didn’t change. However, the humble champion said, “I’ve come to accept it just like everything.” 

The 59-year-old didn’t speak about facing body image issues. “It ain’t no big deal… it’s going to happen,” said the former Mr.Olympia. In fact, the Arnold Classic Lifetime Award winner even explained, “It’s a good thing cuz you know you’re still alive and you’re still functioning, for the most part.” However, Coleman, unlike Arnie, has aged faster due to his health issues.

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The grueling surgeries that robbed the champion of his strength

During his bodybuilding career, Ronnie Coleman was arguably the strongest bodybuilder. The eight-time champion did 800 lbs deadlifts and squats. However, Coleman didn’t seek treatment for back injuries during his peak. By the time he retired, the injuries had caught up with the champion.

Since the late 2000s, the Texas policeman-turned-bodybuilding champion underwent 14 combined surgeries on his back, neck, and hips. Today, at 59, Coleman cannot walk without assistance and spends most of his time in a wheelchair. 

Just like Arnold Schwarzenegger, many fans consider Ronnie Coleman the greatest bodybuilder in history. Hence, it’s no wonder that gradually watching their physiques deteriorate deeply impacted both champions.

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