Hollywood has also come to rely on other lesser-known technologies. By 2013, five years into the industry’s superhero phase, performance-enhancing drugs like human growth hormone and steroids were in common use. These, like Botox for female stars, were essential to maintaining the image of many male stars. There is no suggestion that Jackman is one of those who use them. In fact, it’s widely known that some of the most vibrant stars of this era, from Henry Cavill to Chris Hemsworth, got there through a combination of hard work and good intentions and genetics. (Warner Bros. focused on ensuring Cavill’s safety) Superman Fitness regimes are so natural that we knew that using language to the contrary could be a PR disaster. )
With or without the help of chemicals, stars aim to naturally reach their peak condition the moment the cameras roll, and this is where a number of (legal) bodybuilding tricks come into play. I will do it. My trainer John taught me about six techniques that can maximize the visual impact of your body on camera or on stage, some of which sound more harrowing than others. There are also things.
One of the most disastrous is carb loading. You do two days of intense exercise to siphon glycogen from your body for energy, then gorge on healthy carbohydrates (like a baked sweet potato) for three to four days to visibly bulge your glycogen stores. Another phenomenon known as “dryness” does more or less the opposite of hydration, depleting the body’s subcutaneous water stores and giving muscles a harder, grittier appearance.
For wolverine veins, nitric oxide boosters such as L-citrulline and L-arginine can temporarily relax blood vessels and improve blood flow. Fake tan and body oils enhance definition, especially under studio lights. And while your big day meal is usually just rice cakes and jam, eating a burger and chips at the last minute can cause your flat muscles to suddenly bulge out. I asked John if any of these were worth trying for the photos that accompany this article. He looked skeptical. “If only we had another 12 weeks to prepare,” he said.
Still, I’m happy with my progress. During Tuesday’s final set of Smith Machine Lunges, currently loaded with 20kg per side, I felt my quadriceps slide up and down beneath my skin like some strange plated creature stretching itself inside an egg case. When I saw it, I felt proud, but also annoyed. Why didn’t we start this 20 years ago? If I did, I might actually look like Zac Efron by now. But it’s worth remembering that 20 years ago, Hollywood’s biggest hero was Frodo Baggins.
my training week
1st to 2nd month
A once-a-week full-body workout that targets all major muscle groups in one hour session. Here and in all other plans, he performs each exercise for four sets of 10 reps, increasing the weight if it becomes noticeably easier.