SPOILERS ASIDE, I think we can comfortably confirm now that Hugh Jackman got massively jacked again for Deadpool & Wolverine. We knew that the actor had been putting in some solid work in preparation to star as the for his tenth time as Logan, as he shared a few glimpses into workout sessions on social media with the hashtag #becomingwolverineagain. But we had no idea just how jacked until we saw him on the big screen.
The physique that Jackman accomplished at the age of 55 is nothing short of incredible, there’s no doubt of that. We also know that the versatile thespian wasn’t starting from scratch either. Over the past few decades Jackman has worked with a long list of great trainers, including Don Saladino (who also works with Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds), Michael Ryan, Dogpound founder Kirk Myers, and for this last run, Beth Lewis at Soho Strength Lab.
Thanks to his shared videos, and a little inside intel, we have a good idea how Jackman got into beast shape. For those looking to put on a mutant level of muscle, consider adding these gym pieces to your own superhero den.
THE BEAST BUILDER
Concept2 RowErg
The rower is a great way to build up lean muscle, improve your cardio, and work out the whole body, without the impact of similar methods. Rowing is a great exercise for all ages, but especially for older individuals who may want to avoid potential injury.
Jackman really had a love/hate relationship going with the Concept2 RowErg. Doing max-effort sprints for over a minute, and sometimes doing longer “races” for almost seven minutes. If you’ve had experience with a rower before, you know that will get you shredded for sure.
CURLING WITH COMFORT
CAP Barbell Olympic EZ Curl Bar
The benefit of the EZ bar is the ability to switch up hand positions while curling. Jackman used the EZ bar with his palms rotated at a 45-degree angle versus fully upward, which is a much more natural position for the body and thus helps avoid the wrist pain caused by traditional barbell curls.
That means he can still get all of pump in his biceps without all the discomfort. Jackman also would transition standing EZ barbell curls into bent-over barbell curls which are popular in athlete and mixed martial artist circles as a way to engage other parts of the body.
Don’t forget to pick up some plates for your barbell, this Olympic grip model is easy to move on and off.
GET SUPERHERO ARMS
CAP Barbell 150 LB Coated Hex Dumbbell Weight Set
Getting the arms right is key, especially when playing Wolverine with all of those sleeveless superhero outfits. Jackman doesn’t use dumbbells in just the traditional way, but also adds the seated outward dumbbell curl to his routine.
This exercise is much better at isolating the bicep because it doesn’t require engagement from the other parts of your body. In the videos that Jackman shared, he’s using Technogym dumbbells that require a special order usually, but this set also works great.
CHALLENGE THAT CORE
Iron Core Fitness Foot Sliders
These sliders allow you to move smoothly around in different positions, on wood floors or carpets. Jackman used these sliders to move around while in the plank position, challenging his core additionally with a barbell plate on his back.
This is a plank variation that engages every midsection muscle, including the external obliques, giving even more muscle definition. And if you’ve seen Deadpool & Wolverine, you know that this exercise worked.
DEADMILLS FOR DEADPOOL
Assault Fitness AssaultRunner Pro
There’s a reason curved treadmills are seen in almost every elite performance centre in the world, because they keep all the cardio benefits of traditional treadmills while being a lot less jarring to the joints because of the way they guide your feet.
Doing deadmill sprints, aka running without the power assistance, burns calories more effectively, meaning less time on the treads. In videos shared, Jackman is using a Woodway treadmill at his local gym, but those can be upwards of $6,000. This curved option from Assault is a great pick if you’re looking to try one.
MOVE WOLVERINE WEIGHT
Titan Fitness Smith Machine
There’s nothing that can replace the big and fundamental strength exercises, like deadlifts. As long as you have built up to it, and have correct form, you are able to do these kinds of lifts late into your years.
Jackman made some waves years back when he joined the 1000-pound (453 kg) club by squatting 355 pounds (160 kg), benching 235 pounds (105 kg), and deadlifting 410 pounds (185 kg). The actor may be in his mid-fifties, but he’s still able to move plenty of weight and keep that muscle he’s earned.
This article originally appeared on Men’s Health US.
Related:
Ryan Reynolds’ trainer shares Deadpool & Wolverine training plan
Hugh Jackman Shares His Daily Calories as He Bulks up to Play Wolverine Again
