SUPERHEROES V ACTORS

I'm a movie buff! and I've always wondered how well the actors that depict superheroes in movies actually replicate the look of the particular superhero.

 

1. Superman

 

Superman is man at his best, with no weakness save kyrptonite. Since his first incarnation in the 1930's, he has been cast as the quintessentual form of masculinity.

 

 

 

I daresay Henry Cavill did a fantastic job of playing the Man of Steel. However, there was a lack of depth in Cavills depiction of Superman.

 

Bruce Wayne/Batman

 

Batman represents the ideal of how a man could be if he disciplined both body and mind. His training regime has forged him into a formidable warrior and detective. He has been played by several actors including George Clooney, Val Kilmer and Christian Bale. However, in my opinion, no actor has been able to properly capture the physical, mental or spiritual essence of this enigmatic character. But then, I don't think many people have the sheep stamina required to be the Dark Knight.

 

 

Thor

 

The Asgardian god of thunder is the strongest of the Asgardians, has superhuman speed, agility, and reflexes, enabling him to deflect bullets off his hammer, has immunity from earthly diseases, and can move entire buildings using the force of the wind. You have to admire the phenomenal amount of muscle required to heft that heavy hammer Mjolnir.

 

 

 

 

 

4. Wolverine

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This complex warrior possesses animal-keen senses, enhanced physical capabilities, and a healing factor that allows him to recover from virtually any wound, disease, or toxin at an accelerated rate. The healing factor also slows down his aging process, enabling him to live beyond a normal human lifespan. I must admit that Hugh Jackman has been highly successful in playing the clawed X-Man. Jackman was able to bring Wolverine to life in a way that will be very difficult to replicate in the future.

 

 

 

THE WAYNE WAY: TRAIN LIKE THE DARK KNIGHT

I have always wondered how hard would Bruce Wayne have had to train to perform optimally in the batsuit, especially against physically and mentally superior foes such as Ras' al Ghul (don't get me started on Bane).

 

 

Bruce Wayne is a skilled gymnast and advanced martial artist. He is 6'1", 210 pounds, and somewhere between 35-43 years old.  Lets say he has 6% body fat, which means he has about 197 pounds of lean mass.

 

He starts his week with 30 minutes of meditation and runs 20 miles in 30 minutes. He then stretches for 30 minutes and spars for 30 minutes. He then proceeds to clean and jerk a 262lb barbell 24 times and finishes off with 50 pull ups.

 

Leave me alone Catwoman, I'm benching

 

 

On Monday, he executes 5 sets on a 20ft rope climb (helpful for building upper body strength to swing on those infernal grappling hooks). 84 high box jumps, 30 minutes on gymnastic rings, and 1 hour working the heavy bag and sparring gets him into combat shape.

 

 

On Tuesday, he cranks out 3 sets of 100 pushups, followed by bench pressing 8 sets of 30 reps with 360lbs. Then he tones his arms with 3 sets of 10 renegade rows. He finishes with 1 hour of Tai jutsu.

 

Wednesday is dedicated to meditation and weapons training. Bruce practises with the rattan, the bo staff, and the katana, fully understanding that he will have to do battle against Ras al' Gul, his arch nemesis. Weapons training strengthens the mind-body link, enabling him to respond quickly and efficiently to multiple martial art styles.

 

On Thursday, he prepares for the day by meditating for 30 minutes, before loading the bar for 3 sets of 8 barbell presses. He spends time on the ring perfecting his Maltese cross and muscle ups. He them cranks out preacher curls, supersetting with tricep kickbacks. He needs strong arms to lift heavy weights off people.

 

On Friday, Bruce trains his core by flipping heavy tractor tyres. He then swings a 30lb sledgehammer against the tyre. He then proceeds to slam down 1000lbs on the leg press (yeah, that's how he builds those phenomenal quads!).

Saturday, he stays in and watches TV, even Batman needs an off day. He calls Catwoman over for some 'mutual exercise'.

Now, thats how you build a superhero!