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Yeah Buddy! : My Incredible Story
Yeah Buddy! Lightweight Baby!
Introducing the Incredible True Story of the Greatest Bodybuilder Ever
Ronnie Coleman s Autobiography, told by Ronnie Himself
Best known for winning the Mr. Olympia title eight times, and for lifting every heavy weight in existence (including an 800-pound squat for two easy reps), Ronnie Coleman came from humble beginnings.
Born in rural Louisiana to a single mother, Ronnie rose from poverty to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming the best bodybuilder in history. In the process, he learned about life, victory, triumph, defeat, hard work, determination, discipline, glory and adversity.
In this book, Ronnie tells us the story of his life, from his own perspective, all the way from childhood to the present. He covers, in great detail, all aspects of his journey, from his eight Olympias and his quest to become a muscleman, to the difficult years working at a fast food restaurant, to his love life, to the birth of his daughters, to the relationship with his mother, the rise of his supplement brand, to his back problems, and everything in between.
With insights from bodybuilding legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Haney, Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Kevin Levrone, Flex Wheeler, and many others, Ronnie holds nothing back and truly exposes his life in a way he was never done before.
Introducing the Incredible True Story of the Greatest Bodybuilder Ever
Ronnie Coleman s Autobiography, told by Ronnie Himself
Best known for winning the Mr. Olympia title eight times, and for lifting every heavy weight in existence (including an 800-pound squat for two easy reps), Ronnie Coleman came from humble beginnings.
Born in rural Louisiana to a single mother, Ronnie rose from poverty to achieve his lifelong goal of becoming the best bodybuilder in history. In the process, he learned about life, victory, triumph, defeat, hard work, determination, discipline, glory and adversity.
In this book, Ronnie tells us the story of his life, from his own perspective, all the way from childhood to the present. He covers, in great detail, all aspects of his journey, from his eight Olympias and his quest to become a muscleman, to the difficult years working at a fast food restaurant, to his love life, to the birth of his daughters, to the relationship with his mother, the rise of his supplement brand, to his back problems, and everything in between.
With insights from bodybuilding legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lee Haney, Jay Cutler, Phil Heath, Kevin Levrone, Flex Wheeler, and many others, Ronnie holds nothing back and truly exposes his life in a way he was never done before.
309 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2019
78 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 28, 2020
The autobiography of a great man with an inspiring story to tell.
The writing itself and the flow of the story could have been improved.
The writing itself and the flow of the story could have been improved.
February 14, 2020
Reads like a self-published book you'd find at the Coleman supplement booth at a fitness trade show. But I still enjoyed it.
July 28, 2025
Ain't nothing but a peanut.
October 24, 2020
An occasionally interesting, oft repetitive memoir with soooooo many typos and missing words. But, it's the story of the greatest bodybuilder of all time, so still worth the read if the gym is your thing.
What I learned:
- Despite a 3.5 GPA in accounting, Ronnie spent his first two years after college working at Domino's. He would trade pizzas for chicken and burgers after he and fast food workers from other restaurants worked out a deal.
- He has seven kids, two as a sperm donor, and the kids he lives with he fathered at something like age 48-54.
- He thinks the '06 Olympia was rigged. I think he was wrong, and since some believe he should have lost to Wheeler in '98 and Cutler in '01 I would think he'd be grateful he went 2-1 in Olympias that were close
- His two worst injuries came from powerlifting in high school and sacking a QB in college
- Kevin Levrone giving him a shot of vodka at a post-97 Olympia show in Russia was the diuretic Ronnie needed to win, so he says. After that he only last one contest in the next eight years
- If not for the latter injury he likely would have been drafted by the Eagles; if not for a broken heart at the end of high school he would not have gone to college; if not for a chance meeting with a fellow cop who knew Brian Dobson he may never have joined Metroflex and gone on the path to his pro card
Things I already knew that were reinforced:
- Pleasant disposition and, outside of bodybuilding accomplishments, quite humble. I met him at the 2014 Arnold Classic and he was very down to earth
- He was not an overnight success. Ronnie was a pro for more than seven years before he ascended to the very top.
- His back is not in a good place, and he's still unable to walk without assistance
- He's not the strongest man of all time, but he is probably the strongest bodybuilder of all time
Questions I still have:
- Was losing to Gunter Schlierkamp the kick Ronnie needed to bust his ass so hard in '03 that at that year's Olympia he was arguably the greatest muscleman ever?
- How could he possibly get all his meals in while working full time as a police officer?
- Is it humanly possible to ever top him? Babe Ruth hasn't been topped in baseball, and he peaked more than 90 years ago. Jay Cutler in '09 is the only one to come within shouting distance of Ronnie '03 in the 16 years since. As no one has come close to Arnold's chest in the early 70s there is reason to believe Ronnie in full a decade and a half ago may be the human limit.
Overall it's a neat enough memoir about an 8-year Olympia winner who is likely still the 2nd most well known bodybuilder on the planet. There are just so many freaking missing words and repeated sentences it gets to be distracting. Still recommended for aficionados of the sport
What I learned:
- Despite a 3.5 GPA in accounting, Ronnie spent his first two years after college working at Domino's. He would trade pizzas for chicken and burgers after he and fast food workers from other restaurants worked out a deal.
- He has seven kids, two as a sperm donor, and the kids he lives with he fathered at something like age 48-54.
- He thinks the '06 Olympia was rigged. I think he was wrong, and since some believe he should have lost to Wheeler in '98 and Cutler in '01 I would think he'd be grateful he went 2-1 in Olympias that were close
- His two worst injuries came from powerlifting in high school and sacking a QB in college
- Kevin Levrone giving him a shot of vodka at a post-97 Olympia show in Russia was the diuretic Ronnie needed to win, so he says. After that he only last one contest in the next eight years
- If not for the latter injury he likely would have been drafted by the Eagles; if not for a broken heart at the end of high school he would not have gone to college; if not for a chance meeting with a fellow cop who knew Brian Dobson he may never have joined Metroflex and gone on the path to his pro card
Things I already knew that were reinforced:
- Pleasant disposition and, outside of bodybuilding accomplishments, quite humble. I met him at the 2014 Arnold Classic and he was very down to earth
- He was not an overnight success. Ronnie was a pro for more than seven years before he ascended to the very top.
- His back is not in a good place, and he's still unable to walk without assistance
- He's not the strongest man of all time, but he is probably the strongest bodybuilder of all time
Questions I still have:
- Was losing to Gunter Schlierkamp the kick Ronnie needed to bust his ass so hard in '03 that at that year's Olympia he was arguably the greatest muscleman ever?
- How could he possibly get all his meals in while working full time as a police officer?
- Is it humanly possible to ever top him? Babe Ruth hasn't been topped in baseball, and he peaked more than 90 years ago. Jay Cutler in '09 is the only one to come within shouting distance of Ronnie '03 in the 16 years since. As no one has come close to Arnold's chest in the early 70s there is reason to believe Ronnie in full a decade and a half ago may be the human limit.
Overall it's a neat enough memoir about an 8-year Olympia winner who is likely still the 2nd most well known bodybuilder on the planet. There are just so many freaking missing words and repeated sentences it gets to be distracting. Still recommended for aficionados of the sport
January 19, 2020
5 -stars.
This is a great story, but the book has plenty of grammatical and spelling errors, incongruities, and possible missing paragraphs, (there is a description of all the Mr. Olympia winners through 2018, and then what seems to be the beginning of a very positive description of the 2018 Mr. Olympia winner, the only Jamaican/American bodybuilder to ever win the Mr. Olympia competition, but turn the page and there is a new chapter. There was no mention of Shawn Rhoden's name anywhere in the book).
So why 5 -stars? Ronnie Coleman is a 10 star human stuck in a 5-star rating system. I had the pleasure to work with Ronnie at a few industry events/store events during his Olympia reign, and he is genuinely a good guy. His writing style is similar to his speaking pattern, and his message is one of encouragement and faith.
This is a great story, but the book has plenty of grammatical and spelling errors, incongruities, and possible missing paragraphs, (there is a description of all the Mr. Olympia winners through 2018, and then what seems to be the beginning of a very positive description of the 2018 Mr. Olympia winner, the only Jamaican/American bodybuilder to ever win the Mr. Olympia competition, but turn the page and there is a new chapter. There was no mention of Shawn Rhoden's name anywhere in the book).
So why 5 -stars? Ronnie Coleman is a 10 star human stuck in a 5-star rating system. I had the pleasure to work with Ronnie at a few industry events/store events during his Olympia reign, and he is genuinely a good guy. His writing style is similar to his speaking pattern, and his message is one of encouragement and faith.
June 18, 2020
Great to know More about Ronnie’s life other than bodybuilding
Enjoyed the reading of this as much as I enjoyed his bodybuilding and training videos. I had an experience with Ronnie (not meeting in person) but answering my question online in his one of Q&A session videos. I think he almost answered everybody’s questions in that video patiently. There very few people in the world like that interact with fans. Also in this book, it is great to know so many unknown things about Ronnie’s life other than bodybuilding from the videos I watched over the years. There are few printing errors but other than that the book is great. Like Ronnie and many others said, no matter how heights you reach, how famous you become, how much money you have, always keep faith in God, stay humble and be good to others. YEAH BUDDY!
Enjoyed the reading of this as much as I enjoyed his bodybuilding and training videos. I had an experience with Ronnie (not meeting in person) but answering my question online in his one of Q&A session videos. I think he almost answered everybody’s questions in that video patiently. There very few people in the world like that interact with fans. Also in this book, it is great to know so many unknown things about Ronnie’s life other than bodybuilding from the videos I watched over the years. There are few printing errors but other than that the book is great. Like Ronnie and many others said, no matter how heights you reach, how famous you become, how much money you have, always keep faith in God, stay humble and be good to others. YEAH BUDDY!
January 31, 2021
This was one of the BEST books I've ever read in my life!!! SO inspiring! There's love, action, romance, fitness, overcoming adversity, comedy, cars, something for everyone. Lots of great life lessons in this book too! Definitely a page-turner! Some nights, I stayed up til 3:00 AM reading it because I wanted to know what happened next! Haha. It's a very relate-able book for anyone who feels like life isn't going as planned.
The only thing I didn't like were some grammar errors since this book didn't have an editor. And there was 1-2 missing words, but other than that; I'd still give this book 5 stars and recommend it to everyone!!!
The only thing I didn't like were some grammar errors since this book didn't have an editor. And there was 1-2 missing words, but other than that; I'd still give this book 5 stars and recommend it to everyone!!!
November 9, 2020
An inspiration
Ronnie Coleman is a man that I look up to in so many ways, from his amazing drive and work ethic, to his humility, unshakable positivity, and his faith in God.
The book could have used another round of edits (some sentences have an extra word or are missing a word) which is why I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
This book has truly been inspiring to me. I devoured it in a couple of days. Thank you, Ronnie, for sharing your life with us!
Ronnie Coleman is a man that I look up to in so many ways, from his amazing drive and work ethic, to his humility, unshakable positivity, and his faith in God.
The book could have used another round of edits (some sentences have an extra word or are missing a word) which is why I only gave it 4 stars instead of 5.
This book has truly been inspiring to me. I devoured it in a couple of days. Thank you, Ronnie, for sharing your life with us!
April 26, 2020
Great recap of the bodybuilding GOAT
Ronnie Coleman is one of the best if not the best bodybuilder in the world. This book provides a brief overview of Ronnie's life before, during, and after his Mr. Olympia reign.
Ronnie Coleman is one of the best if not the best bodybuilder in the world. This book provides a brief overview of Ronnie's life before, during, and after his Mr. Olympia reign.
April 29, 2020
YEAH BUDDY!!
As a Ronnie Coleman fan, I absolutely loved this book.
I really loved reading about all aspects of his life.
A very easy and interesting read.
And his rules of life, are spot on.
YEAH BUDDY!!
As a Ronnie Coleman fan, I absolutely loved this book.
I really loved reading about all aspects of his life.
A very easy and interesting read.
And his rules of life, are spot on.
YEAH BUDDY!!
December 15, 2020
Great Insight for Life
Great read! I chose the book because I believed Ronnie Coleman was an overachiever as it is near impossible for anyone to win the Olympia eight times. His book reflects his mental strength that allowed him to achieve so much in all areas of his life.
Great read! I chose the book because I believed Ronnie Coleman was an overachiever as it is near impossible for anyone to win the Olympia eight times. His book reflects his mental strength that allowed him to achieve so much in all areas of his life.
April 26, 2020
Me gusto mucho a excepción de la parte donde habla acerca de su busqueda del noveno sandow
June 16, 2020
Gifted athlete and gifted dedication equal THE KING
September 25, 2024
This narrative is compelling; It provides a comprehensive overview of all Mr. Olympia winners up to 2018, followed by what appears to be the start of a favorable account of the 2018 Mr. Olympia winner, the only Jamaican-American bodybuilder to achieve this title.
Ronnie Coleman is a remarkable individual deserving of more than a 5-star evaluation. His writing reflects his speaking style, conveying a message filled with encouragement and faith.
Ronnie Coleman is a remarkable individual deserving of more than a 5-star evaluation. His writing reflects his speaking style, conveying a message filled with encouragement and faith.
May 11, 2023
An incredibly enjoyable read. Ronnie Coleman is the 8 time Mr Olympia winner and possibly the greatest bodybuilder of all time. This is his very readable autobiography detailing his childhood, college years involved in football and accounting, working as a police officer, his time as a professional bodybuilder, his back problems, supplement business, and family life.
December 13, 2025
Loved it! Inspirational, down to earth life lessons. It felt like he was telling you his life story over coffee, which is just perfect. It's like seeing your favorite band in a tiny venue venue instead of the last row of a huge arena. Plus, I learned a lot! Thanks!!!
Want to read
December 21, 2019Awesome book
February 11, 2020
Good Book!!!
July 3, 2025
Nice and simple guy
Not truly a deep autobiography but one of a simple and nice guy. It's short and sweet. Good for one read.
Not truly a deep autobiography but one of a simple and nice guy. It's short and sweet. Good for one read.
November 24, 2025
Inspirational and fun. Heartfelt and very motivational.
September 9, 2019
A deeper insight on a incredible man
Man I will be rereading this Mr Coleman went into deep detail on his life beginning, middle and ending. A mans character can’t be purchased he is the best definition of great when it comes to bodybuilding.
Man I will be rereading this Mr Coleman went into deep detail on his life beginning, middle and ending. A mans character can’t be purchased he is the best definition of great when it comes to bodybuilding.
August 2, 2020
The King
Such a wonderful person. Pray he will walk again. Yeah Buddy, Light Weigh Nothing But A Peanut keep Pushing the Besr
Such a wonderful person. Pray he will walk again. Yeah Buddy, Light Weigh Nothing But A Peanut keep Pushing the Besr
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews