Tom Hardy Body Transformation

When it comes to actor transformations we have to talk Tom Hardy. From his first transformation in ‘Bronson’ to Bane in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’, ‘Warrior’ and more recently ‘Venom’.

If you want to get ripped and in great movie star shape like Tom Hardy then you need to get on the program I designed to get you beach ready as fast as possible. Check out the Hollywood Movie Star Program for the best workout and diet protocol there is!

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Tom Hardy Bronson Workout

This Tom Hardy transformation was all about bodyweight calisthenics based on the jail/prison ‘convict conditioning’ workouts that have been around for as long as jails have!

Limited space, zero equipment, just your bodyweight, creativity and will power to get as humanly jacked as possible for your own survival!

Tom Hardy spoke about his Bronson Workout:

“I did very non-specific exercises such as press ups, push ups, abs work and resistance training”

Tom Hardy Bronson Muscles
Tom Hardy Bronson Muscles

To bulk up like Tom Hardy in Bronson try the following bodyweight circuit.

  • Push Ups (10 x 25)
  • Squats (10 x 20)
  • Diamond Push Ups (8 x 25)
  • Chin Ups (10 x 20)
  • Tricep Dips (10 x 25)
  • Bodyweight Rows (10 x 25)

Tom Hardy’s transformation for the role of Charles Bronson in the film ‘Bronson‘ involved such crazy physical training in order for Tom Hardy to fully focus on capturing the essence of the character. Charles Bronson, known as the “most violent prisoner in Britain,” had a very formidable and muscular physique. Here’s some key points to note if you’re planning on bulking up like Tom Hardy for ‘Bronson‘ or even Bane in ‘The Dark Knight Rises‘.

1. Weight Training:

  • Rigorous weight training programs have been used by Tom Hardy before, such as was seen in his ‘Warrior‘ training to build muscle mass. Compound exercises such as deadlifts, squats, bench presses, and overhead presses were used.

2. High-Intensity Training:

  • Including circuit training and/or interval training to boost cardiovascular fitness and burn calories in the lead up to shooting shirtless scenes whist in the ‘cutting’ bodybuilding phrase.

3. Boxing Training:

  • Charles Bronson was known for his very aggressive nature. Tom Hardy likely included boxing or other combat training (like he does to this day with BJJ!) to capture the physicality of each role he takes on. With all this training, including BJJ, recovery is key! Check out my workout recovery tips below!

4. Caloric Surplus:

  • To gain the necessary muscle mass for the role Tom Hardy bulked up using a large calorie surplus diet structure. Consuming more calories than the body expends allows full support in achieving muscle growth. For the ‘Bronson‘ and Bane roles he didn’t need to be lean so there was no cutting phase!

5. Protein-Rich Diet:

  • A protein rich diet is essential for muscle repair and growth. Tom Hardy’s go to protein sources were chicken, fish, eggs, and protein supplements.

6. Functional Training:

  • Functional training exercises, which mimic real-life movements were incorporated to improve overall strength, balance, and agility in the bodyweight training Tom Hardy used for ‘Bronson‘.

7. Flexibility and Mobility Training:

  • To ensure a well-rounded approach to fitness everyone should include flexibility and mobility training enhancing overall physical performance along with reducing the risk of injury.

8. Character Study:

  • Tom Hardy delved into the psychological aspects of ‘Bronson‘ and Bane thanks to his full body transformation.

To get in Tom Hardy shape you can do shorter daily workouts, much like you’ll also find in The Hollywood Movie Star Program. Tom Hardy did followed the Bronson Workout, devised by his trainer Patrick ‘P-Nut Monroe’. Patrick believes in ‘signaling’ in which the body is trained throughout the day up to four times a day. Try 100 push ups four times a day for a full body workout!

The Hollywood Movie Star Program is perfect for the Tom Hardy look. It’s designed to get you ripped with a physique closer to ‘Warrior‘ than ‘Bronson‘ or Bane so follow the program and for the ‘Bronson‘ look follow and calorie surplus!

Tom Hardy Warrior Workout

Tom Hardy Warrior Body Muscles
Tom Hardy Warrior Body Muscles

Tom Hardy in Warrior was jacked and ripped. He put on some serious mass. Tom Hardy actually bulked up and put on the size and then shredded down to get the abs.

Tom Hardy Warrior Workout

Tom Hardy Warrior Muscles
Tom Hardy Warrior Muscles

To build a body like Tom Hardy in Warrior with weights alternate these two push and pull workouts.

Workout A (Push)

  • Push Ups (10 x 10)
  • Dumbbell Bench Press (6 x 12)
  • Dumbbell Flys (3 x 10-15)
  • Shoulder Press (6 x 12)
  • Diamond Push Ups (10 x 10)
Tom Hardy Warrior Shirtless Body Muscles
Tom Hardy Warrior Shirtless Body Muscles

Workout B (Pull)

  • Pull Ups (5 x 10)
  • Chin Ups (5 x 10)
  • Dumbbell Rows (3 x 6-12)
  • Seated Incline Dumbell Rows (3 x 10-15)
  • Shrugs (5 x 10-15)
  • Alternating Dumbbell Curls (3 x 8-12)
Tom Hardy Warrior
Tom Hardy Warrior

For the best Tom Hardy workout and diet check out the Hollywood Movie Star Program!

Tom Hardy Diet

When it comes to Tom Hardy’s Warrior diet think Chicken and Broccoli, the two bodybuilding staples!

Tom Hardy on his Warrior diet:

“We couldn’t keep eating pulled pork, sadly, because there came a point where pulled pork had to stop, and we were only allowed chicken and broccoli” – Tom Hardy.

Joel Edgerton on the Warrior diet:

“Chicken, like, clean chicken and broccoli. Then in the afternoon we’d lift weights” – Joel Edgerton

As mentioned earlier he first bulked up and then cut down to lean out.

Tom Hardy Gym Body Muscles
Tom Hardy Gym Body Muscles
Tom Hardy Muscle Posing Shirtless
Tom Hardy Muscle Posing Shirtless
Tom Hardy Warrior Muscle Posing Shirtless
Tom Hardy Warrior Muscle Posing Shirtless

Check out the Hollywood Movie Star Program for the best workout and diet protocol there is if you’re looking for the Tom Hardy Warrior physique we got you covered!

Tom Hardy Workout – The Dark Knight Rises

To add loads of mass and bulk up to his heaviest weight yet Tom Hardy’s Bane Workout involved low rep, heavy weight training aiming for around 25-30 total reps per exercise.

Tom Hardy’s Bane Workout

Tom Hardy Bane Muscles
Tom Hardy Bane Muscles

Workout A (Push)

  • Wide Push Ups (10 x 10)
  • Dumbbell Bench Press (5 x 5)
  • Shoulder Press (5 X 5)
  • Close Push Ups (10 x 10)
  • Dips (5 x 20)

Workout B (Pull)

  • Pull Ups (5 x 10)
  • Chin Ups (5 x 10)
  • Dumbbell Rows (5 x 5)
  • Seated Incline Dumbell Rows (5 x 5)
  • Shrugs (10 x 10)
  • Alternating Dumbbell Curls (5 x 8-12)

Tom Hardy Bane Diet

Fuel up on lean protein and lots of clean carbs to power you through.

“I’m banished with more chicken and broccoli. It’s good fun but at the same time one has to be concerned about their body” – Tom Hardy on his Bane Diet.

Tom Hardy Venom Training

Tom Hardy Venom Training
Tom Hardy Venom Training

As you can see, Tom Hardy was in great shape for Venom but not huge or ripped. To rock this Tom Hardy physique try the following workout three times a week.

  • Push Ups (10 x 10)
  • Squats (10 x 10)
  • Bodyweight Rows (4 x 25)
  • Perfect from Push Ups (10 x 10)
  • Chin Ups (10 x 10)

Along with the Tom Hardy Venom Workout above he also utilised his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) training which he regularly does alongside his movie star prep.

Tom Hardy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Recovery

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a very physically demanding sport. BJJ requires strength, endurance, and flexibility. Proper recovery is crucial to prevent injuries and ensure consistent performance. Tom Hardy’s recovery is essential when doing so much strength, cardio and BJJ training. I’ve listed some of the best ways to recover to keep you feeling movie star fresh!

  1. Hydration:
    • Lots of water! Proper hydration is essential for overall health, muscle function, and recovery. Try adding in some coconut water for the added electrolyte benefits too!
  2. Nutrition:
    • Diets should be well-balanced diet that is to include protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats supporting muscle recovery and replenish glycogen energy stores. Post-training meals and snack with the correct balance of macronutrients for your goals can speed up recovery.
  3. Stretching:
    • I always stretch, we do this in the Hollywood Movie Star Program. A mix of dynamic and static stretching helps improve flexibility, reduce muscle soreness, enhance joint mobility and lower stress and anxiety. Tom Hardy should be doing this, especially playing such demanding roles.
  4. Foam Rolling / Massage Balls:
    • Self-myofascial release with tools from rollers to balls and massage guns. This helps alleviate muscle tightness, improve circulation, and reduce muscle soreness from your workouts.
  5. Rest and Sleep:
    • At least 8 hours of sleep for optimal recovery. Sleep is crucial for muscle repair and hormone regulation not to mention overall physical and mental well-being.
  6. Ice Baths or Contrast Therapy:
    • Ice baths or contrast therapy (alternating between hot and cold water) may help reduce inflammation and promote recovery.
  7. Massage Therapy:
    • Expensive but valuable. Massages help alleviate muscle tension, enhance blood circulation, and promote relaxation.
  8. Active Recovery:
    • Walking is a prime example of engaging in light, low-impact activities on rest days. Walking, swimming and cycling can all help. This promotes blood flow without putting excessive stress on your body.
  9. Epsom Salt Baths:
    • Soaking in an Epsom salt (magnesium sulphate) or magnesium chloride can help relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and provide relief from soreness along with lowering stress levels.
  10. Hydrotherapy:
    • Cristiano Ronaldo utilises hot tubs or saunas to relax his muscles and joints. The heat improves circulation and promote the elimination of metabolic waste products.
  11. Mobility Exercises:
    • There is much cross over with between stretching, mobility for joint mobility and stability exercises. All are great to help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.
  12. Yoga and Pilates:
    • Yoga and Pilates both enhance flexibility, core strength, and overall body awareness which all contributes to better recovery. There’s a reason you’ll see Colin Farrell and Chris Pine around town rocking there Yoga and Pilates mats! Both actors are in great shape thanks to it too.
  13. Listen to Your Body:
    • If you feel excessively sore or fatigued due to overtraining or fatigue, it may be beneficial to take a lighter training day or a complete rest day.
  14. Stay Consistent:
    • Recovery much like training is an ongoing process and practice so consistency is key.

Hollywood Movie Star Program

If you’re into functional fitness with bodyweight and light dumbbells then you need to get on the Hollywood Movie Star Program!

Rock a lean, muscular physique with a simple daily workout. I put the Hollywood Movie Star Program after dropping 50 lbs of body fat whilst carving out a muscular athletic physique!

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19 Replies to “Tom Hardy Body Transformation”

  1. Hey man! What would you recommend as a home/bodyweight workout substitution for the Bane physique?

        1. Cool! Then I would add weight to the pull ups and dips exercise in the Bane Workout but instead of working in the 5 rep range, work in the 10 rep range!

          1. So if I understand this correctly: I would do Push Ups, Diamond Push Ups, Weighted Dips and normal Dips on Push Day, then Weighted Pull Ups, Pull Ups, Chin Ups and Dumbbell Curls on Pull Day. But I do not know how to hit the traps with just bodyweight and just light weights.

  2. Would you recommend taking a rest day in between workouts for the 4×100 Push Ups a day Bronson workout?

    1. Yes! As all workouts, if you feel you need a rest day – have one! For the Tom Hardy Bronson Workout you’ll be eating more which will help with recovery but with the higher volume – rest days will still be key.

  3. Great Stuff! How many days should I do for the Bronson circuit? and can those sets be spread throughout the day?

    1. Yes, you can spread the sets throughout the day (like Tom hardy did). Take rest days as you feel necessary, at least one day off in between workout days if you do the full body Bronson circuit!

      1. Also, is it a 4 day a week eg. A/B/rest/A/B/rest/rest? and would you suggest a deficit, surplus, or maintenance if am at 17% body fat with decent muscle mass? Thanks!

        1. Hi Marcus, for the Tom Handy Warrior Workout you’ll want to be in a deficit if you feel you’re not lean enough, people hold body fat differently. Yes, you can do A/B/Rest or A/rest/B/rest/A/rest/rest and flip it the following week starting with B.

  4. For the bronson workout. What is the resistance training look like?
    Also is there other foods in the diet or just chicken and brocolli?

    1. Hi Luis, Tom Hardy mentions chicken and broccoli a lot! That seems to be Tom Hardy’s workout diet. For more nutritional strategies to build muscle and lose fat check out Mens Diet Plan

  5. If I want to get a physique similar to Venom or Warrior at home (light weights, dip station, pull up bar); How would the routine look like?

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