In a nutshell Christian Bale looked awesome in his roles as both Bruce Wayne and Bruce’s alter ego, Batman. This movie however has far more action scenes and required Bale to be not only buff and look lean for the casual topless scene’s but also be a better athlete to make the actions sequences more credible states Bodybuilding.com
He had to maximize the use of his speed and agility, components of fitness usually only associated with elite athletes. An avid runner, Bale openly admits to his running being the best cure for a hangover, and if he is anything like his fellow Welshmen, Bale is well able to throw back a pint or two!! Another important aspect is his lack of fear for a hard grueling workout. Keep reading for Christian Bale’s personal workout and diet routine.
Chrisitan Bale’s Diet:
First and foremost, the diet has to be on the ball. Getting in the meals every 2-3 hours is a must for any superhero in the making, and as we have seen in the past Bale is not shy when it comes to the physical demands of preparing for a role. Each meal should consist of a balance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. The ideal ratio is 1:2:3 – that is 1 part fats, 2 parts protein and 3 parts carbohydrates. Knowing that we need approx 1-2 grams of protein per pound body weight we can calculate the fats and carbohydrates to be consumed using our ratio above.
Chrisitan Bale’s Training Program:
The training program used for this role would consist of explosive power movements, compound exercises, agility and speed training all centering on the goal of making Bale a more realistic Superhero. Exercises such as power cleans, high pulls, jump squats, explosive bench press… This is where you Bench Press on a Smith Machine. Start in the locked out position, lower the weight to the chest, then explode out leaving the bar out of your hands, as the bar falls catch the bar and allow the momentum to return the bar to the on chest position. THIS IS DONE UNDER COMPLETE CONTROL – you control the weight always. Once the bar has reached the chest again immediately press the bar explosively again.
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The superhero’s workout:
This is an awesome exercise for developing those explosive white muscle fibers. It will help you loose weight and gain muscle. Because the training program is so complex, compound exercises are utilized to maximize the effectiveness of each workout in minimal time. A compound movement is any exercise which requires more than a single joint movement; the most common “compound” movements are the squat, bench, dead lift, and military press. Exercise’s to enhance agility and reaction times are also used, after all, if our superhero cannot catch the villains then what use is he? So now that we have taken a look at some of the exercises used to create a more finely tuned Batman, let us look at what a typical weeks training might look like.
Day 1:
Chins super set with Cable rows: 4 sets, 12 reps each exercise. This super set is used as a warm-up and to prepare the body for what is to come for the heavier power exercises.
High Pulls: 4 x 10, 8, 6 reps
It is important to note that when performing this exercise you explode from the starting position (bar on floor) to the finish (bar as high as possible – usually chin level) and that you explode up with maximum force onto the toes!
Power Clean: 4 x 10, 8, 6 reps
Power cleans are a great exercise for overall mass building as well as power, most of the major muscle groups are utilized during the execution of this movement.
Day 2:
Sprints
Run-ins with a 10 meter run in perform 5 sets of 30m sprints and 5 sets of 40m sprints. 60second breaks between sets and 120 seconds between distances.
Squat jumps: 4 x 10, 8, 6 reps
The weight used here should be minimal so as not to risk injury, ideally a “power-bag”should be used, this is a weighted bag and is much safer than using a barbell. However is only a barbell is available, when performing the exercise explode out of the squat until you are on your toes, and repeat.
Lunges: 4 x 10 reps
Day 3:
Warm up with 3 of Dumbbell Flyes – 3 sets, 12 reps
Followed by Smith Machine bench press, 3 sets, 12 reps
Although these sets are primarily to warm up the muscles of the upper body maximum weight should be used for each set of 12 reps!!!
Explosive Bench: 4 x 10, 8, 6 reps
This exercise because of its explosive nature is a great tool for increasing the functional capabilities of the white muscle fibers. Once the bar has been taken off the rack, lower it to the chest and explode from there releasing the bar from your grip. The height the bar achieves should be noted by your spotter, as the bar begin to return, it should be caught in the hands and returned to the start position under control but also keeping the momentum going.
Ricochets
This is done in intervals: 2 minutes on, 30 seconds off, Mark a 2 foot wide square on the ground with tape or chalk. Jump from corner to corner as fast as you can, jumping to different corners every time. This exercise is performed for a total of 30 minutes.
Day 4:
Active rest, this a day where you do not train so hard, but are still active, a pool session is good here or a combination of swimming and aqua jogging. This will aid the recovery process.
Day 5, 6 and 7:
Repeat days 1, 2 and 3
Conclusion
So now you are armed with the tools to transform your body into a lean machine. Follow this diet and exercise program and not only will you be able to run faster, jump higher and react as fast as lightning, but you will also look good doing it.
