Sylvester Stallone is one of the most inspiring film actors for any bodybuilders looking to increase their muscle mass and general fitness and appearance. Stallone heralds from the 80s – a period in Hollywood when muscle-bound action stars ruled the day and sold more tickets than any special effects.
At the same time though, Sly is also a particularly inspiring individual in general who has accomplished great things despite many set-backs that might have stood in his way. We can all learn a lot from Stallone, so let’s take a look now at his training techniques as well as his words of wisdom.
Rambo and Rocky
Back in the 80s Stallone sported an incredibly ripped and shredded look that actually saw him enter the Guinness Book of Records for having the lowest body fat of all time. Stallone was no athlete, but he attacked his training with sheer determination and dedication which lead to his insane results.
During this period Sly claims he survived on a slice of burned toast and lots of protein shakes/chicken. Combined with an intensive workout and lots of swimming, jogging and boxing and you can have the same incredible physique as he did…
Only it might come at a cost. Stallone admits himself that the way he trained during this period was not particularly safe and not to be recommended. While swimming laps filming Rocky 3, Stallone passed out and realised he’d pushed his body to its limits.
Sly Moves
Thus Stallone’s training program would undergo something of a change and he details that change in his book ‘Sly Moves’.
In this book written in 2005, Stallone details a workout taking only three days a week and utilising essentially a ‘push/pull’ split (meaning pushing movements and pulling movements would be performed on separate days).
While using this program Stallone reports eating a balanced diet that includes a lot of Italian food (but of course) and taking one ‘cheat day’ each week when he can eat whatever he wants. This day consists mostly of ice cream. Bearing in mind that Sly is now coming up to 70, he’s in incredible shape and this is something he largely puts down to his HGH (human growth hormone) supplementation.
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Exercises
Throughout both periods in Stallone’s training, he has utilised a number of exercises regularly. One of these exercises is the ‘dumbbell runner’ in which he uses slow repetitions of unilateral dumbbell curls while performing tricep kick backs with the other arm. This trains the biceps and triceps at the same time using a slow cadence for maximum time under tension.
Another favourite that he has used since Rambo 3 is the ‘broom stick twist’. This is an incline sit up performed on a bench, performed with a broomstick between the hands and the head and with a twist on the end of each movement. This targets the abs but also the obliques for a truly detailed and ripped mid section.
And always keep in mind some of Stallone’s golden rules for achievement:
‘Don’t discuss your dreams… pursue them!’
