While preparing for the Role of SHANG CHI, Simu Liu knew he had some work to do. Despite having knowledge of martial arts like Wing Chun and Taekwondo, he admitted that he wasn’t in the physical superhero shape most fans are used to seeing. To help prepare him physically for the role, Simu teamed up with personal trainer Bart Kwan, who created a Shang-Chi workout plan that includes martial arts, strength training and functional training with the end goal adding more muscle. “Obviously, learning the martial arts is a big part of my training, but the other part of being a Marvel superhero is, well, looking like a superhero,” Liu said.
“So when we were building that superhero workout, that Marvel body, it was really important for us not to sacrifice range of motion and explosiveness, because I’ve still got to be able to throw a punch at the end of the day.”
As a training rule, Simu Liu’s workout focuses on supersets to maximize efficiency. Specifically, his supersets include a weight based followed by a bodyweight exercise. This type of training allows Liu’s body to get accustomed to working against resistance before immediately removing it to increase power. Below is the workout plan his trainer Bart Kwan created for him Shang Chi
Recommended Workout Schedule
Sunday: Rest
Monday: Workout #1
Tuesday: Workout #2
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Workout #1
Friday: Workout #2
Saturday: Rest
Workout #1: Cardio and Endurance
Warmup
Air Bike for 5 minutes
Workout
1A. Barbell Deadlift with band – 5 supersets of 5-10 EXPLOSIVE LIGHT reps
1B. Box Jumps – 5 supersets of 5 reps
2A. Sled Push to Sprint – 5 supersets of 20 yards
2B. Rotational Med Ball Slam – 3 supersets of 5 per side
3A. Lat Pulldown – 3 supersets of 15 reps
3B. Dumbbell Lateral Raise – 3 supersets of 15 reps
Workout #2: Upper Body Muscle Building
*While the above workout will keep you lean and increase explosive power, it’s not the only aspect of Simu Liu’s workout plan. Simu Liu also undertakes a strength training which helps him build bigger shoulders and a more muscular upper body. In a video posted to Instagram, Liu confirmed he does perform standard lifting movements, once again focusing on compound lifts. Here is Simu Liu’s workout guide for strength training.
Workout
Exercise 1: Heavy Barbell Deadlifts – 5 sets of 5 reps Exercise
Unlike some of the other actor workout programs, this plan is suitable for beginners to try out and stick to. Remember, there are compound exercises in this program which can be dangerous if done improperly, so we recommend only doing this workout plan with a personal trainer to guide you or with light weight in order to learn how to properly perform each exercise.
The suit is amazing!! The feel of the material is top notch. I feel like I could jump into the speed force and run for days! The layers for the ribbing feels great. The material has just the right amount of stretch to give you some breathing room but also keep you tucked in. The addition of the ankle zipper is great because I have very large calves, which allows you to get in and zipper up to have that nice tight ankle fit. There are plenty of pockets both in the hoodie and the pants. I actually just found the 2 additional pocks on the inside. The little zippers tuck away nicely to keep with the stream line look of it. The color of the material is more on the darker side, but in pictures it looks bright red. It must be some effect of the speed force. If you are doubting weather or not to buy one, stop and hit that order button! You won't be disappointed.
Full disclosure: For sizing purposes, I am 5'10" 225lbs and I bought a large for top and bottom. The pants are a few inches on the long side that bunch at the bottom, but nothing crazy.
0 comments