Back in the day, bodybuilding legend, Ronnie Coleman‘s physique redefined bodybuilding standards at the turn of the century. Yet, achieving it wasn’t a bed of roses. It demanded intense training cycles throughout his career. Crippled by passion, Ronnie Coleman admitted to making mistakes that eventually took a toll on his body, resulting in multiple surgeries, and living on crutches. He recently reflected back on that phase of his life, marking it as a bad decision. When talking about diet and drugs, The King had a regret or two. 

In a recent episode of his Signature Series on YouTube, the former champion asserted the undermined value of food and how it is often swapped with the use of steroids.

Ronnie Coleman regrets his past mistakes

Talking to 2022 Mr. Olympia Runner-up, Derek Lunsford, the 58-year-old champion, pointed out that he wasn’t aware of the gaining potential of food, initially. “I had no idea you could put on so much quality muscle from eating food,” he said. However, with time, he was able to grasp the idea and condemned using steroids as alternatives for muscle gain. Thus, the icon shared, “A lot of people think drugs was going to put on all that size…”

“No you had to eat and you can take all the drugs in the world but if you ain’t eating you will not grow,” the eight-time Mr. Olympia continued. Furthermore, he related to the statement in retrospect saying, “I learned that the hard way, you know.” Lunsford promptly agreed with the legend’s revelations, claiming food is “the most anabolic thing” in the world. 

Similarly, in another interview, he once touched back on this topic answering the most awaited question – why did he start taking bodybuilding drugs? Besides that, he also revealed the problems he had to tackle despite undertaking legal procedures. 

Ronnie Coleman once reasoned his legal reliance on steroids

As per sources, the IFBB pro embarked on his bodybuilding journey a little later in life after going through a gradient of other professions. By age 24, he was up and about in the gym, lifting weights.

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However, by the age of 30, he was employing steroids to increase his potential. He once disclosed that he was “tired of getting his a*s kicked,” in competitions. 

Although, Coleman asserted that it was all under a legal process. “You know I did everything legally, where I would go to pharmacies and take these blood tests, and they would write a prescription for everything we took,” admitted Coleman. However, he eventually got in trouble with the DEA on this matter. He told, “They came, took us all in front of grand juries, and forced us to testify.” Coleman once even refuted rumors about his steroid usage. 

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In the past, the concept of using steroids was more of a hush-hush subject. Nevertheless, in recent times, bodybuilders have come to be open and frank about it. What do you think of The King’s juxtaposition of food and steroids? Tell us in the comments.