Henry Cavill’s Superman Workout - A Guide

My Research on the 'Man of Steel' Workout, Plus a Custom Superman Kettlebell Routine

Quick Facts About Henry Cavill's Superman

  • Henry Cavill's height is 6' 1" and his weight is about 200 lbs.
  • Henry Cavill consumed up to 5000 calories a day to bulk up for Superman.
  • Before Superman, Cavill played in 'The Immortals' and weighed 170 lbs.
  • During Superman, Cavill reportedly weighed between 186-190 lbs. So he gained about 20 lbs of muscle after 'The Immortals'.
  • Henry Cavill still maintains his bulk and then some since Superman. He currently weighs around 200 lbs. and kept that weight throughout his role as Geralt of Rivia in 'The Witcher'.

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I've always been fascinated by the physical transformations actors undergo for certain roles. Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia, and Vin Diesel as Riddick. One of the most impressive and obvious examples is Henry Cavill's metamorphosis into the Man of Steel himself. So, I wanted to get some insight into his superhuman Superman regimen.

Henry Cavill's Superman workout is not easy. It's a routine that requires dedication and discipline. However, it only requires a Herculean amount of effort if you're trying to look like the spitting image of Superman. So you don't need to be Kryptonian to benefit from it in the way of fitness and muscle building. This workout routine, while challenging, can be adapted to suit various fitness levels and goals. So there's something here for you whether you're a seasoned gym-goer or a fitness newbie.

Before we get into the specifics, it's worth noting that this routine was designed for Cavill by celebrity trainer, Mark Twight. Twight is renowned in the fitness industry for his high-intensity workouts that push the limits of human endurance and strength. When you're attempting this workout, remember it's about more than just looking good. It's about pushing your boundaries and getting in touch with your own superhuman strength.

Fitness and Training for Superheroes

When it comes to superheroes, physical prowess is a defining attribute. It's not enough for these characters to be morally righteous or strategically brilliant; they need to look the part too. That's where intensive training and rigorous fitness regimens come into play.

When an actor is cast in a superhero role, they must transform their physique to embody the character fully. For Henry Cavill, this meant developing a body that was not only visually impressive, but also capable of withstanding the physical demands of filming. The countless fight scenes, stunts, and long shooting hours required Cavill to be in peak physical condition.

Portraying a character as iconic as Superman comes with its own set of challenges. Superman is the epitome of physical perfection, strength, and speed. To convincingly portray this character, Cavill had to push himself and dedicate countless hours to training and nutrition. It's safe to say that his commitment to fitness lead to his success in bringing the Man of Steel to life.

Let's get into some details of Cavill's Superman workout.

A Breakdown of Henry Cavill's Superman Workout

The internet wasn't super forthcoming for me when I looked this up, so I've gathered as much information on it as I could in this next section. I'm sure it's out there, but I didn't come across the solid, official workout routine Henry had to do.

I didn't want to take someone else's version of the Superman workout and claim that it was the exact one for the movie. However, I've developed a 'Superman Kettlebell Workout Routine' that I will provide after this section. Hopefully that will help fill in the blanks and aid you in developing your own routine.

At the end of this article, I've also included all the resources I used to gather my info. So you can visit all of those pages and see what I decided not to use. I'm not going to lie, I was more excited to post my own kettlebell routine than I was to try and haphazardly guess Cavill's entire official workout regimen. So I hope my links make up for my omissions.

The Superman routine was comprised of a mix of cardio, weightlifting, and bodyweight exercises, combined with a strict nutritional plan. The goal was to build muscle mass, increase strength and endurance, and improve overall fitness. Cavill's workout routine was divided into two phases:

The Bulking Phase

The first phase focused on bulking, where the aim was to pack on as much muscle mass as possible. During the bulking phase, Cavill would spend hours in the gym lifting heavy weights. The routine would start with a warm-up, followed by compound exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses to work multiple muscle groups simultaneously.

Cavill also included bodyweight exercises like push-ups, pull-ups, and dips in his routine. These exercises are great for building functional strength and can be done anywhere, making them a convenient addition to any workout regimen. Don't forget to add them into yours. Bodyweight exercises alone can drastically increase your strength when you commit to doing them every day.

The Cutting Phase

The second phase was the cutting phase, where the goal was to shed any excess fat and carve out some superhero muscles. This phase incorporated a lot of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cardio. Cavill would perform a series of fast-paced exercises with little rest in between. This was designed to increase his heart rate and boost his metabolism, helping him burn fat and reveal his chiseled muscles.

Henry Cavill's Superman Workout Schedule

Henry Cavill's workout schedule for Superman was designed to push his fitness levels while allowing his body to rest and recover. Here's that schedule:

  • Workout Day 1 - Legs
  • Workout Day 2 - Chest/Back
  • Workout Day 3 - Rest
  • Workout Day 4 - Shoulders/Arms
  • Workout Day 5 - Legs
  • Workout Day 6 - Rest
  • Workout Day 7 - Repeat

Henry's routine included exercises like:

  • Deadlift – 5 sets/5 reps
  • Front squat – 5 sets/6-8 reps
  • Front lunges – 4 sets/8 reps per leg
  • Calf raise – 5 sets/12 reps

My Superman Kettle Bell Workout Routine

Here's a 6-day all-kettlebell workout routine inspired by Henry Cavill's Superman training. The 7th day is for rest. I like working out with kettlebells because you can get a full-body workout without needing more than one or two. They're efficient and effective.

Workout Day 1: Full-Body Kettlebell Workout

  • Double Kettlebell Swing: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Goblet Squats: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell Clean and Press: 3 sets, 12 reps
  • Kettlebell Deadlift: 3 sets, 15 reps

Workout Day 2: Upper Body Kettlebell Workout

  • Kettlebell Push Press: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell Row: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell High Pull: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell Floor Press: 3 sets, 12 reps

Workout Day 3: Cardio and Core

  • Kettlebell Swings: 5 sets, 20 reps
  • Kettlebell Russian Twists: 3 sets, 20 reps
  • Kettlebell Windmill: 3 sets, 15 reps each side
  • Kettlebell Plank Pull-Through: 3 sets, 15 reps

Workout Day 4: Lower Body Kettlebell Workout

  • Kettlebell Front Squats: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell Lunges: 3 sets, 15 reps each leg
  • Kettlebell Deadlift: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell Calf Raises: 3 sets, 20 reps

Workout Day 5: Full-Body Kettlebell Workout

  • Kettlebell Snatch: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell Thrusters: 3 sets, 15 reps
  • Kettlebell Swing: 3 sets, 20 reps
  • Kettlebell Turkish Get-Up: 3 sets, 10 reps

Workout Day 6: Cardio and Core

  • Kettlebell Swings: 5 sets, 20 reps
  • Kettlebell Russian Twists: 3 sets, 20 reps
  • Kettlebell Windmill: 3 sets, 15 reps each side
  • Kettlebell Plank Pull-Through: 3 sets, 15 reps

Workout Day 7: Rest

Warm up before starting your workouts and cool down afterward. Also, keep in mind that maintaining a balanced diet is the best way to support your training and recovery. Always listen to your body, rest when you need to, and gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.

Cavill worked with a professional trainer, so please adjust these workouts to match your fitness level and always consult with a professional if you're unsure.

Benefits of Henry Cavill's Superman Workout

The Superman workout routine is highly effective, and the results speak for themselves. But what are the specific benefits of this regimen?

This workout helps build muscle mass and strength. The heavy weightlifting sessions in the bulking phase are excellent for stimulating muscle growth. The high-intensity workouts in the cutting phase are great for shedding fat and revealing lean, defined muscles.

The Superman workout also boosts endurance and cardiovascular fitness. The fast-paced HIIT exercises get your heart rate up and improve your body's ability to consume oxygen. This improves cardiovascular health.

Henry Cavill's workout enhances functional strength. With bodyweight exercises included into your routine, you can train your body to move more efficiently. It will improve your strength and agility in everyday activities.

Which Elements of the Superman Workout Should You Include in Your Routine?

While Henry Cavill's version of Superman workout is hardcore, you don't need to do the whole thing. You can just utilize certain elements of it to reap the benefits. Try adding some heavy compound lifts to your weightlifting sessions or do some high-intensity exercises during your cardio routine. Bodyweight exercises are a must.

Listen to your body and adapt the workout to suit your needs. Start with a weight and intensity level that's comfortable for you and gradually increase it as your fitness improves. Also give your body ample time to rest and recover. Overtraining can lead to injuries and hinder your progress.

Henry Cavill's Diet for His Superman Transformation

No discussion of Cavill's Superman workout would be complete without mentioning the vital role of nutrition. Cavill followed a high-protein, low-carb diet to fuel his workouts and aid muscle recovery. He also consumed plenty of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats to ensure he was getting all the necessary vitamins and nutrients.

Henry claimed to eat up to 5000 calories per day to support his body's superhuman transformation.

Cavill's diet was tailored to his specific needs and goals. If you're considering adopting a similar diet, you might want to consult with a nutritionist or dietitian. They can help you draw up a nutrition plan that's suited to your body type, fitness level, and goals.

The Results of Henry Cavill as Superman

The results of Cavill's hard work and dedication were evident when he first appeared on screen as Superman. His impressive physique, coupled with his powerful performance, made him the perfect embodiment of the Man of Steel.

More than his physical appearance, it was Cavill's strength and endurance that really stood out. His ability to perform the movie's demanding stunts and endure long shooting hours was a testament to his true level of fitness. He's an example of what's possible with hard work, discipline, and a well-structured fitness routine.

Takeaways from Henry Cavill's Superman Workout

Henry Cavill's Superman workout just shows to go you the transformative power of fitness. It's an intense routine that also gives us insight into effective training and nutrition strategies.

Your goal shouldn't be to become Superman, but to become the best version of yourself. Cavill's workout routine just provides a great framework. Adapt it to your own needs, and form your own fitness plan.

You will realize your own superhuman strength along the way.

Sources: Man of Many, Muscle and Fitness [1], FitMole, Eternobody, Ultimate Performance, Muscle and Fitness [2]

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