Michael B. Jordan’s fitness journey – from the shredded boxer in Creed to the muscular villain Killmonger in Black Panther – has made him a modern fitness icon.
Jordan achieves his impressive build with old-school hard work in the gym, boxing training, and a very disciplined eating plan. Under the guidance of trainer Corey Calliet, Jordan transformed his body multiple times.
Let’s examine how he trains, eats, and recovers to stay fighting fit.
Workout Breakdown
Michael B. Jordan’s transformation for the Creed movies involved intense, multifaceted workouts led by trainer Corey Calliet. For Creed III, Jordan trained six days a week, with up to two sessions per day: weightlifting in the morning and boxing in the evening. His routine focused on building strength and endurance, including classic lifts like bench presses, squats, and deadlifts, combined with boxing drills such as mitt work, sparring, and footwork.
To keep Jordan’s conditioning high, high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuit training were incorporated. His regime also included “creative muscle confusion” to continually challenge his body. Joint stability and injury prevention exercises were key, ensuring Jordan stayed injury-free for his action-packed scenes. Even during filming, quick pump sessions were used to keep his physique sharp, with Calliet on set daily to ensure Jordan’s body looked perfect for the camera.
This combination of bodybuilding and fight training helped Jordan achieve a physique that was both massive and agile, perfect for his roles in Creed III and Black Panther.
Source – businessinsider.com
Diet Plan
Michael B. Jordan’s diet is a strict, high-protein, clean eating plan designed to build muscle while keeping lean. During Creed III preparation, he ate 5-6 meals a day, focused on lean proteins like turkey and chicken, complex carbs like rice and sweet potatoes, and plenty of vegetables. His trainer, Corey Calliet, planned his meals to be repetitive for consistency, ensuring Jordan stayed in a slight calorie deficit to maintain muscle while dropping fat.
He had a cheat meal once a week, typically a burger and fries, which helped refill glycogen and give his muscles a fuller look. Supplements like BCAAs, protein powder, and a multivitamin were included to support recovery and muscle growth. Jordan’s discipline meant eating whole, unprocessed foods, even on set, and staying within “six weeks away from being in shape” during off-season. His diet, combined with rigorous training, kept him in peak condition for his roles.
Source – businessinsider.com
Training Philosophy and Motivation
Michael B. Jordan’s fitness philosophy is rooted in consistency, discipline, and a competitive mindset. His trainer, Corey Calliet, ensures he stays in peak shape year-round, never more than six weeks away from his best. Jordan sets specific goals for each role, pushing himself to outdo his last physique, like adding muscle for Creed II. His training is intense, with a focus on bodybuilding basics and no shortcuts. Jordan thrives on structure and stress relief through his routine, trusting Calliet’s plan completely.
His mental approach channels his characters, using visualization and the mindset of his roles to push through pain and fatigue. He’s also motivated by being a role model, sharing workout clips on social media to inspire others. Jordan’s competitive streak drives him to constantly improve, striving to have the best physique in Hollywood. Even during stressful times, like while directing Creed III, he stays committed by doing mini workouts when he can. His relentless work ethic and focus on gradual progress make him one of the most admired physiques in the industry.
Source – businessinsider.com
Transformation Story
Michael B. Jordan’s body transformation is a testament to his dedication and consistency. Early in his career, he had an athletic build, but his major transformation began with Creed (2015), where he added 10 lbs of muscle, reaching 185 lbs with a chiseled physique. For Black Panther (2018), he bulked up to 200 lbs to portray the imposing Killmonger. In Creed II (2018), he leaned down, refining his muscle for a more cut look. By Creed III (2023), he achieved his best physique yet – muscular, balanced, and highly defined.
Jordan’s transformations also included developing real boxing skills, becoming athletic enough to spar 12 rounds like a professional. His training pushed him to his limits, even adding muscle in specific areas like his neck and traps to match larger co-stars. Mentally, becoming Adonis Creed boosted his discipline and confidence, which he continues to apply in his everyday life. Though he occasionally indulges after projects, he maintains a disciplined approach overall. His ability to adapt his physique for each role has solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s top actors for physically demanding roles.
Source – businessinsider.com
Recovery Techniques
Michael B. Jordan’s recovery routine, fine-tuned by trainer Corey Calliet, is key to his intense training. Sleep is crucial, aiming for 7-8 hours a night, and he takes naps between shoots when possible. Active recovery includes light stretching, yoga, or casual swimming, while massage therapy helps alleviate tension from boxing and weight training. He also relies on ice baths and cryotherapy to reduce inflammation after intense sessions.
For supplements, Michael takes glutamine for muscle recovery, omega-3 for inflammation, and magnesium for muscle relaxation. Nutrition is vital, with protein shakes post-workout and meals to replenish glycogen. His workout schedule alternates muscle groups to allow proper recovery, and “restorative training” helps improve posture and stability.
Michael also cares for his joints with supports like wrist wraps and knee sleeves during heavy lifting. Mental recovery is just as important, with video games and sports providing a break from physical stress. Through these strategies, he avoids injury while maintaining peak performance, with recovery being as vital as the workouts themselves.
Source – businessinsider.com
Michael B. Jordan’s dedication to fitness is a true testament to what can be achieved through hard work, consistency, and a solid plan. His boxing workouts and high-calorie diet have shaped his killer physique, but it’s his mental toughness that fuels his success. Want to achieve a similar transformation? Start incorporating boxing or focused training into your routine and fuel your body the right way.
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