Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Here's how the star of the new Rocky movie got into such amazing shape

It’s a lot of work.

IN THE NEW boxing film Creed, actor Michael B. Jordan manages to look even more ripped than Carl Weathers and Silvester Stallone, who played Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa, respectively, in the previous Rocky movies.

The film is released in Ireland on 15 January.

To get in shape for the role of Adonis Creed — Apollo’s illegitimate son in the film — Jordan worked closely with personal trainer Corey Calliet and followed a strict diet.

“I remember on set of ‘Fantastic Four’ there was talk of Mike doing Creed,” Calliet recalled. “I grew up watching Rocky, and they were so ripped, but I knew with my skills I could do better.”

Along with amping up his workout schedule, Calliet directed Jordan to increase his intake of lean proteins like egg whites, chicken, and fish, which help build muscle, and pair them with whole grains like brown rice or oats, which help fill you up and smoothe digestion, plus some fresh veggies for key vitamins and minerals.

Importantly, Calliet also had Jordan eating small meals more regularly — about every 30 minutes, he told E! Online. All told, he ate six meals each day for the diet.

“Literally in the middle of takes, I would just be eating food. Chicken and rice and broccoli — a lot of it,” he said.

Here’s the meal plan Calliet gave Jordan, according to Men’s Journal:

Meal 1

  • 6 egg whites
  • 1 whole egg
  • 45g carb (oats, rice, etc.)

Meal 2

  • Protein shake
  • 35g carb (steelcut oats)

Meal 3

  • 8oz lean protein (chicken, ground turkey)
  • 65g carb (rice, sweet potato)
  • 1 cup green veg

Meal 4

  • 8oz lean protein (chicken, ground turkey, or fish)
  • 35g carb (rice, sweet or red potato)

Meal 5

  • Protein shake
  • 35g carb (steelcut oats)

Meal 6

  • 8oz lean protein (chicken, ground turkey)
  • 1 cup green veg
  • 1 tsp oil (olive oil, coconut oil, macadamia nut oil)

He also added in some supplements to the diet, including something called a “pre-workout supplement” and a “recovery supplement,” though we’re doubtful these are absolutely crucial.

Here’s how Jordan looked before — and after — training with Calliet:

PastedImage-78288 Instagram Instagram

Also, he was reportedly allowed one day off the diet as a “cheat day” each week, during which he ate whatever he wanted.

The movie was shot in Philadelphia, Rocky’s hometown. “I don’t know if a person has ever eaten as many cheesesteaks as I saw Mike eat,” Calliet told Men’s Journal.

In addition to a strict diet, here’s a snapshot of the intense workout Jordan did six days a week:

  • 45 to 60 minutes of cardio
  • Three sets of 25 reps of sit-ups every other day
  • One-mile warm-up on the treadmill
  • Two sets of 10 reps of push-ups
  • Four sets of dumbbell curls
  • Three rounds of 20 reps of box jumps, jump squats, and burpees
  • Boxing training (heavy bag, speed bag, jump rope)

See Calliet’s complete workout regimen at Men’s Journal.

Read: These superfood pancakes are as delicious as they are healthy

Read: Video: 3 bench press variations for a bigger and stronger chest

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Published with permission from
View 25 comments
Close
25 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds