Bruce Lee is the icon of all martial artists that have ever appeared on the silver screen. He had one of the most intense workout programs ever documented. Since he was not a large individual he knew he had to be pound for pound one of the strongest individuals alive. Quickness was the other mainstay of his philosophies. Here is a break down of one of his famous routines.
Shoulders
Clean and presses: 2 sets, 8 reps
Lats
Barbell pullovers: 2 sets, 8 reps
Biceps
Barbell curls: 2 sets, 8 reps
Chest
Bench-presses: 2 sets, 6 reps
Lower Back/Glutes/Hams
Good mornings: 2 sets, 8 reps
Quads
Squats: 2 sets, 12 reps
Abs
Waist Twists: 4 sets, 90 repetitions
Sit up Twist: 4 sets, 20 repetitions
Leg Raises: 4 sets, 20 repetitions
Leaning Twist: 4 sets, 50 repetitions
Bruce Lee's training focused on toning and compound exercises rather than concentration and mass. Bodybuilding played only a small part in his physical conditioning, with stretching and aerobics taking up the rest of his exercise cycle. He would perform this weight-lifting routine every other day.
Doing some research on the internet it has been shown that lifting weights was uncommon for martial artists during his time period. Many people would focus in on their talents and skill to defeat their enemies or to compete. He said most of the power of martial arts moves comes from the abs and should be the muscle that is focused on the most. Doing crunches would not remove fat but proper weight training and cardio would. Bruce Lee went away from tradition and decided that strength training was the way to go. Before he started all of his training he weighed around 130 pounds. When he completed his program he was about 160 pounds. To put on 30 pounds of muscle on a small frame is amazing.
Bruce Lee has taught many of his students the importance of weight training and strength. He is famous for his 1 and 3 inch punches. This is where he stands those distances away and is able to drop a grown man to the ground. None of his accomplishments would be had without his dedication to physical fitness. He has produced a number of routines and if you need to make a change into your routine his would be well worth a look. We all know the results he was able to get out of it.
