The Wolverine Workout and Other Extreme Workout Programs

It seems every day there is an actor or celebrity getting “ripped” with a new extreme workout. First Jake Gyllenhaal and now Hugh Jackman are highlighted as results of these extreme workouts. So I guess you have to ask yourself: Am I trying to star in the next blockbuster movie or am I just trying to create a better quality of life? Out of interest, I decided to look into the Wolverine workout to see what made it so different from other workouts. What I found was a program that had some marked similarities to “the doctor’s workout” with a few important differences.

First the similarities:

1. Both workouts include a warm-up session with some cardio 
2. Both use fundamental training principals with core strengthening 
3. Both compound and isolation exercises are emphasized 
4. Many of the exercises are the same such as squats, dead lifts, and presses 
5. Weights are lifted slowly and to fatigue 

Now the differences:

1. Longer sessions (1 – 1 1/2 hours vs. 40 minutes) 
2. Heavier weights 
3. Sessions are split between muscle groups using “Super sets” 
4. The exercises are mixed up changing angle, tempo, weight, time, and rest 
5. Hugh uses a very expensive trainer 
6. Dietary supplements are probably employed 

If you take away the hype and the glamour, basically you see more similarities than differences especially in the basic principles of the two workouts. An important difference is that “the doctor’s workout” is designed for real people living real lives not movie stars living fantasy lives. You won’t end up with a six-pack of abs but you will have more strength, better balance, greater endurance, and overall a better quality of life. And best of all, you won’t have to kill yourself to keep it going.