Spartan Steel -- Are you tough enough?

When you watch the movie 300 - you can tell that actors put in there gym time. I gather you become highly motivated when your costume is comprised of a cape, helmet, and leather thong.

When I did a search to find out how the actors got into such kickass shape, I found this great video and article from Men's Journal on precisely how Gerry Butler and crew got abs of Spartan steel. It seems that the trainers follow a Crossfit-type of workout philosophy, incorporating super intense 20 minute workouts that combine weights, interval sprints, and gymnastics, all with a "functional fitness" type attitude. This strategy clearly paired well with the actors, as they not only had to look cover-boy fit, but also be able to weather the Sword, Shield, and Spear combat techniques they had to learn.

The upside, the training worked, as you can see from the multiple six packs visible in the film. The downside - overtraining. If you watch the video, you'll hear Gerry say that after going hardcore for six months, he completely stopped training for a year, clapping his hands together as if to say, "That's enough, where's the pub?"

This is advanced level of circuit training. Feel the pain.

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