Health + Fitness
How to Train Like Sylvester Stallone? Tips & Tricks That You Should Know

Sylvester Stallone is an American actor and filmmaker famous for his roles as Rocky Balboa and Rambo. Furthermore, Stallone underwent extensive training and fitness checkups while working on these films. He’s the type that trains diligently and starts pumping his muscles in the morning before work, then continues to go to the gym after dark.
If you’re a fan or have watched any of the movies from either film franchise, it’s undeniable that his body was breathtaking, as if sculpted by the best artists. Due to his drive and determination, he was able to drop more than the required weight for his roles and look stunning even at his current age, 76 years old. If you’re curious about how he’s able to achieve such a body, then here are a few tips and tricks he has shared that you should keep in mind.
Follow a Strict Routine
Sylvester Stallone, as Rocky, followed a rigorous fitness routine. Also, he was dedicated to burning more fat and doing anything and everything; he shared this in one interview. Sylvester briefly shared that he does cardio in the morning, which consists of swimming or jogging. Then, he’ll spar in the ring for 18 rounds while doing Rocky. Then, he continued to go to the gym even after dark.
During that time, the action star trained with Franco Columbu, a legend in bodybuilding. Together, they have made a classic two-a-day split bodybuilding routine. To give you a brief overview, the routine consisted of:
- Monday
- Morning (AM): Chest/ Shoulders
- Afternoon/Evening (PM): Arms/Abs
- Tuesday
- Morning (AM): Back
- Afternoon/Evening (PM): Legs
- Wednesday
- Morning (AM): Chest/Shoulders
- Afternoon/Evening (PM): Abs
- Thursday
- Morning (AM): Arms
- Afternoon/Evening (PM): Abs
- Friday
- Morning (AM): Legs
- Afternoon/Evening (PM): Back
- Saturday
- Morning (AM): Chest/Shoulders
- Afternoon/Evening (PM): Abs
However, it would help if you take this with a grain of salt because they probably have also trained with other regiments alongside this routine. Also, Sylvester’s routine differs in every movie he features in, which becomes more extensive sometimes.
Nonetheless, having an exercise routine will give you an idea of what you should achieve on that particular day and what to look forward to in the next session. Consider changing it so your body will continue to be stimulated to its highest ability.
Have a Proper Diet
While preparing for one of the film franchises of Rocky, Sylvester shared that he was on a very high-protein diet. His High-Protein Foods with Few Calories consisted of tiny portions of oatmeal cookies that were made with brown rice. Aside from that, he also reached the point where he drinks up to 25 cups of coffee a day with honey. His diet has proven to be magnificent, especially when you look at his physique in Rocky.
Although that meal plan sounds brutal, it worked for him. However, if you honestly think you’ll be unable to follow, consider making your own diet plan instead. You must understand your body’s limits and adjust your meals to what your body will need, but also essential for your fitness goals. If you don’t know how or where to start, consider calling your dietician or healthcare provider to help you properly plan what you need.
Make Sure to Take a Rest
Again, Sylvester’s determination was top-notch. Never mind his injuries from dropping a 220lb weight on himself in the gym, nor the damage in his heart after pulling a bag of rocks, Sylvester is very focused on his goals. However, remember that you’re no actor, and no one’s expecting so much from you. Despite his busy schedule, even an action star like him takes a rest day seriously. Instead, do yourself a favor and take a rest every other day.
Resting between your workout schedules will help your muscles repair the tissues you’ve just ripped after working out. They’re normally microscopic tears in your muscle tissues, which heal and grow back stronger after a rest. However, if you disregard important rest days, you’re prone to injury that could lead to long-term problems.
Have Everything in Moderation
If you’re a fan of Sylvester, you probably know that he once indulged himself in a very unhealthy diet but then eventually stopped after experiencing adverse effects not only physically but also mentally. Despite a strict fitness schedule and diet, Sylvester is still mindful of everything and shares to take everything in moderation.
He said once that despite his diet, he ensures that his body receives the essential nutrients it needs to get through the week. He compared himself to a race car, where the food is a fuel that helps him power up to get his job done. It includes finding the proper balance of diet and exercise, which also involves doing everything in moderation.
It’s Okay to Have Cheat Days
Like everyone else, Sylvester also has his cheat days. Once a month, he makes sure to drop by Mcdonald’s to eat a burger. Although fitness and nutrition are essential in his life, he’s also caught up in situations where he’s too busy to prepare his food.
Aside from resting, consider enjoying your favorite meals sometimes as well. This will help you motivate yourself and also help improve your self-control. You’re also a person who has their likes and desires. It would be healthier to release stress and enjoy what you like, such as McDonald’s!
Final Thoughts
Sylvester Stallone is undeniably one of the respected figures in the action world. His body results from determination and the strict rules and boundaries he sets for himself. So, if you want to follow his tips and tricks for a beautifully sculpted body, ensure to understand and understand what is discussed in this article.
