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IMMORTALS, Henry Cavill, 2011. ph: Jan Thijs/ Relativity Media/courtesy Everett Collection Relativity Media/courtesy Everett Collection ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCH?TZT PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx MCDIMMO EC006
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0097953340h.jpg)
via Imago
IMMORTALS, Henry Cavill, 2011. ph: Jan Thijs/ Relativity Media/courtesy Everett Collection Relativity Media/courtesy Everett Collection ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCH?TZT PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xCourtesyxEverettxCollectionx MCDIMMO EC006
In an old Men’s Health YouTube video, actor Henry Cavill, known for his role as Geralt of Rivia in the popular Netflix show “The Witcher,” revealed his intense training regimen to develop the physical strength needed for powerful sword fights. However, exercise scientist and sports physiologist Dr. Mike Israetel strongly criticized Cavill’s workout methods.
Cavill specifically highlighted alternate dumbbell curls with static hold as a useful exercise recommended by his trainer, Dave Rienzi, to help with the demanding scenes. Both Rienzi and Cavill believed this technique effectively strengthens the forearms. Mike firmly disagreed, claiming that static curls are a massive waste of time unless one aims to enhance static holds.
Exercise Scientist challenges Henry Cavill’s training method
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Coach Mike, who is popular among the bodybuilding community, stated, “Folks, static curls are gigantic f***king waste of time.” He further mentioned that it’s only useful for those trying to improve their static holds. If one’s goal is to build muscle for a Hollywood role, engaging in dynamic movements, preferably using both arms at once, is a more effective strategy. To excel in holding something heavy, such as a sword, directly practicing with a heavy dumbbell and doing repeated 20- to 30-second reps until fatigue is a much better approach than incorporating a static hold into an otherwise useful biceps exercise.
The foundation of Israetel’s firm disagreement lies in his conviction that dynamic exercises involving several muscle groups at once lead to better muscle development than isolated exercises such as static curls.
Henry Cavill’s Intense workout routine for building superhero physique and enhancing muscular endurance
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Firstly, the 40-year-old actor included the Romanian Deadlift, focusing on the glutes and hamstrings. This exercise required three sets of ten repetitions with attention to each phase of the movement. The resistance band placed above his knees added an extra challenge.
Subsequently, the British actor carried out Hyper Extensions on a Glute Ham Machine to isolate and contract the glutes. Performing three sets of ten repetitions, he emphasized squeezing the glutes at the top while engaging erector muscles with hands behind his head. Additionally, he incorporated Oblique Static Holds targeting the obliques, completing three sets with a 30-second hold per side. This movement reinforced core strength and stability.
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To improve muscular endurance for sword fighting scenes, the former DC Superhero’s training involved shoulder exercises like the 3-Way Shoulder Raise. He completed three sets of fifteen repetitions to target medial and anterior deltoid muscles effectively.
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