What Did Ronnie Coleman Do Before Bodybuilding?

Ronnie Coleman is widely regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Though he is a retired IFBB professional Open division bodybuilder, he is most known for winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title eight times.

Born on May 13, 1964, in Bastrop, Louisiana, he garnered attention for his combination of size and conditioning, dominant body parts, and extremely heavy workouts. However, nothing came easy for “The King” in his life. So, what did Ronnie Coleman’s life look like before bodybuilding?

The life of Ronnie Coleman before bodybuilding

1984 – Graduated with a BSc in Accounting.

Ronnie Coleman was energetic during his younger days, and his love for football helped him gain a scholarship to attend Grambling State University in Louisiana. Not only did he play as a middle linebacker for the GSU Tigers, Coleman graduated with a BSc in Accounting.

Initially, Coleman was not interested in or planning on becoming a pro bodybuilder. After his football career ended, he faced a pivotal juncture. He needed to find a new path and decided to relocate to Texas in search of better employment. He worked different jobs in a bank but failed to find work as an accountant. Coleman had also worked as a paper boy so that he could make ends meet.

1988 – Worked at Domino’s Pizza

He eventually landed a job at Domino’s Pizza in 1988, where he would be given complimentary pizza to eat, as he could barely afford to eat outside of work. Coleman’s life kept getting difficult, and it was then that he came across an advertisement in a newspaper about a vacancy in the police force.

1989 – Became a police officer in Arlington

This caught his eye, as no experience was required, and Coleman eventually went on to become a police officer in Arlington, Texas in the year 1989. The champion bodybuilder served the force from 1989 to 2003. It was during his time as a police officer that his friend and fellow officer, Gustavo Arlotta, convinced him to start training at a nearby gym named MetroFlex and participate in competitions.

 

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However, Coleman did not want to give up his job as an officer. The reason was that he received free medical and life insurance, a great work-life balance, and retirement benefits. Brian Dobson convinced Coleman to take up bodybuilding. Though interested, Ronnie was reluctant due to requirements like steroids, medication, and diet.

1990 – Mr. Texas competition

Dobson, the gym owner, was a bodybuilder himself. He first spotted Coleman and asked him if he had ever considered bodybuilding. He offered Ronnie a free gym membership if he competed at the Mr. Texas competition in 1990. Later, they both trained together and competed at the competition.

It was during this time that he discovered his passion for bodybuilding. Ronnie even balanced between being a cop and Mr. Olympia later on. What happened next in his bodybuilding journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

FAQs on Ronnie Colemans’ Life Before Bodybuilding

Where was Ronnie Coleman born?

Ans: The most dominant bodybuilder ever to grace the stage, Ronnie Coleman was born in Monroe, Louisiana, on May 13, 1964.

What did Ronnie do before kickstarting his bodybuilding journey?

Before starting his bodybuilding career, Coleman graduated in B.Sc Accounting in 1984. He later worked a few accountant jobs and also as a paper boy. In 1988 he worked at Domino’s Pizza, and in 1989 he became a police officer at Arlington.

When did Coleman win his first-ever competition?

Coleman won his first competition as a professional, the Canada Pro Cup, in 1995.

Out of all the contests, which contest holds the most significance for Ronnie Coleman?

Coleman’s first Mr. Olympia in 1998 was his most significant win, as he never expected victory and was blown away himself.

Did Ronnie Coleman face any challenges as a bodybuilder?

The King faced numerous challenges throughout his bodybuilding career, including injuries, and setbacks.

How long did Coleman serve as a police officer?

He served as a police officer from 1989 – 2000, and as a reserve officer until 2003.

Which gym did Ronnie first start training at?

Ronnie started training at a gym named MetroFlex for the very first time.

Who introduced Ronnie Coleman to bodybuilding?

Gustavo Arlotta, his fellow officer convinced Ronnie Coleman to take up bodybuilding and start training upon seeing his physique.