Dr. Mike Takes On Ronnie Coleman’s Back & Biceps Workout

Quick Overview

Dr. Mike attempts to follow Ronnie Coleman's intense back and biceps workout, modifying the prescribed high-rep/high-volume exercises to suit his own level, ultimately finding the volume and intensity, especially the 21s, extremely challenging despite his own strength.

Key Points: Dr. Mike attempts to replicate Ronnie Coleman's back and biceps workout, noting that Coleman's typical high-rep scheme (like 15-20 reps) and intensity are far beyond what most people, including himself, are accustomed to. For Lat Pulldowns, Dr. Mike uses a specialized wiggly bar for a different grip feel but performs fewer reps (12-14) than Coleman's indicated 15-20 reps. For Cable Rows, Dr. Mike performs 20 reps and 18 reps on his sets, noting that Coleman's style involves significant leaning/swinging, which he tries to minimize by focusing on upright posture. For Barbell Bent Over Rows, Dr. Mike uses much lighter weight than Coleman and focuses on a greater range of motion, contrasting Coleman's implied heavy, partial range approach. For Biceps Curls (Dumbbell Preacher Curl and EZ Bar Curl), Dr. Mike attempts the high-rep 21s scheme used by Coleman, finding the exercise incredibly taxing, especially the final sets. Dr. Mike humorously notes that following Coleman's routine feels like trying to keep up with an eight-time Mr. Olympia who trains like a 'God-gifted' natural. The video concludes with Dr. Mike exhausted but satisfied, acknowledging the difficulty of replicating the intensity and volume of a legendary bodybuilder's training regimen.

Context: The video features Dr. Mike Israel (a bodybuilder and fitness educator) attempting to follow a demanding back and biceps workout routine purportedly used by 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. Dr. Mike records his experience, comparing his modified, lower-volume execution of the exercises (Lat Pulldowns, Seated Cable Rows, Barbell Bent Over Rows, Dumbbell Preacher Curls, and EZ Bar 21s) against the extreme intensity and volume shown in archival footage of Coleman's training.