“Ended Up Tearing My Left Rotator Cuff”: Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler Workouts Despite Plethora of Surgeries

IFBB pro, Flex Wheeler, has been highly acclaimed in the bodybuilding industry. Historically, he is named the recipient of the 2023 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award. Alike most athletes, his journey to the top was struggle-ridden. However, Wheeler’s journey has been particularly on edge due to his numerous injuries and corresponding surgeries. 

In his Instagram post two days ago, the athlete took a moment to reflect on his hurdled life in addition to announcing another of his recent injury. Let’s hear out what the legend had to say. 

Flex Wheeler talks inspiration

As per the social media update, the 57-year-old athlete emotionally unfolded his stance on dealing with the challenges life throws at him in a beautifully scripted video. Furthermore, Wheeler revealed that he recently was subjected to another severe injury. “This is the first time announcing it but, I ended up tearing my left rotator cuff again a couple of days ago. That’s my third surgery on my left shoulder,” he stated. 

Reportedly, the 4x Arnold Classic winner had a hard time training at the gym with his son because of the setback. Moreover, even his right shoulder was previously hurt and is yet to be dealt with.

He admitted, ”again, hurdles in life man,” while emphasizing his dedication to working out. Stating Wheeler utilized his other shoulder to perform the drills, he added, “And I’ve been leaning and utilizing my right shoulder so much that it’s even torn more.” Evidently, The Sultan of Symmetry’s list of problems is unending, however, he has and is dealing with them in the most inspirational way.

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“There’s always going to be some reason why you can’t do something,” the bodybuilder reflected. Revving his optimistic approach to life, he is one who never backs down. Besides, his insightful caption read, “Roadblocks and setbacks will happen. Maybe you’ve just gotten off track over the years, life will do that. That does not mean it’s too late, it’s never over…We can do this…YOU CAN DO THIS!” The icon once talked about a dark phase of his life in 2018. 

Flex Wheeler’s darkest times

As per a 2018 episode by London Real, the American champion disclosed the bizarre details of his health concerns. “ long story short, nine surgeries in 11 weeks that I almost died from and I was just…this blood-curdling pain I ever experienced at that time,” he said. 

If that wasn’t enough, Wheeler also suffered from serious mental health issues because of the high doses of painkillers he was consuming. His hallucinations and behavior landed him in a mental institution right after his surgery. Implying that, the California native recounted, “They took me from my hospital bed and put me into a mental institution on the other side of the hospital because I was just gone.” 

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Unfortunately, the esteemed bodybuilder has undergone around 40 surgeries throughout his career. Earlier in his life, he was diagnosed with an uncommon kidney condition that added to his health deterioration. These conditions influenced his retirement from the industry sooner. Nonetheless, Wheeler’s unbending zeal and headstrong personality are exceptional, and the world can’t help but be inspired by his journey.