Columbian bodybuilding legend Rubiel Mosquera underwent an umbilical hernia procedure in early 2025 due to the side effects of years of heavy lifting. After taking three months to recover, he was finally back to his training routine. His coach, Francisco Jose Espin, proudly announced him to be in “very good condition”, weighing 304 lbs.

Commonly known as ‘Neckzilla,’ Mosquera was always admired for his massive physique. Admirers around the world were stunned to see his impressive comeback, where he looked even better than before. However, his coach reveals that they haven’t hit their final goal yet, sparking curiosity about what’s to come.

“Though it helped me disconnect from all that, from everything, competition, everything, and the gym, all that,” Neckzilla said. “So it was something that helped me, let’s say, a little bit helped me to Well rest well from so much stress.”

He reflects on how being away from the gym felt odd at first, as he was always used to intense training. Soon, however, he began to see the positive side of this much-needed break.

As per Generation Iron, his recovery time, which was three months, was spent mostly in bed with minimal movement. He spent most of his time eating, sleeping, and gaming on his PlayStation. This helped his recovery immensely, both mentally and physically.

Mosquera’s injury is not an uncommon one. Many bodybuilders often face the same after years of extreme, grueling weight training sessions. While an umbilical hernia isn’t avoidable, there are steps bodybuilders can take to reduce its risk.

What Caused Rubiel Mosquera’s Injury and How It Can Be Avoided

A fairly common injury among bodybuilders, an umbilical hernia happens when an intestine, fat, or tissue pushes through the weak spot in the abdominal muscles. Years of heavy lifting eventually increase intra-abdominal pressure, causing the condition to worsen.

Fortunately, there are a few ways in which the risk can be reduced.

According to Mayo Clinic, one of the best ways to reduce the risk of an umbilical hernia is to bend from the knees while lifting. Many athletes overlook this aspect, often bending from the waist and causing injury. Maintaining proper form is imperative, especially for strenuous sports like bodybuilding.

Maintaining a healthy weight can also greatly reduce the risk. Moreover, a clean, healthy diet of high-fiber foods helps in preventing straining and constipation. This includes vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.

Strengthening the core muscles can also help. This can be done by implementing core-focused exercises into your workout.

Despite the major setback, Mosquera proved his dedication by returning to training within a short span of time. His 304-pound physique is just the beginning of what he is about to show the world.

Do you think Mosquera is ready to return to the competitive stage after his recovery? Let us know what you think.

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more.

Written by

Avantika Das

Edited by

Ashvinkumar Patil