How Rigorous Fitness Regime Helped Revive James Bond Franchise

Daniel who?

That was the world’s reaction to the relatively unknown Englishman’s selection as “James Bond” back in 2005.  Fortunately, EON Productions and MGM Studios knew what they were doing, as Daniel Craig’s boffo performances in “Casino Royale” (2006) and “Quantum of Solace” (2008) were instrumental in getting the action thriller franchise back into our consciousness.

While earlier James Bond films highlighted gadgetry and humor (and the Bond Girls), the last two installments showcased a colder, grittier, and more physically imposing Bond – thanks to Daniel Craig’s fierce commitment to getting into shape prior to and during filming.  Whether in a tuxedo or tight swimsuit, his “Casino” performance lived up to and arguably exceeded those of his Bond predecessors: Connery, Moore, Dalton, Brosnan et al.

So what did Craig, now forty-two years old, do back then to get a physique guys half his age would die for?

Daniel Craig’s “007” Circuit Training Routine

After quitting smoking (a move fully endorsed by Free Muscle Building Tips!) and signing on with noted personal trainer Simon Waterson, Daniel embarked on a “no-holds barred” fitness and nutritional plan to build his smokin’ hot “Casino Royale” body.

Circuit training was at the heart of Craig’s routine, because it favors simultaneous muscle-building and unwanted body fat elimination.  Here are the highlights:

• 4 supersets; each superset consisting of seven solid exercises of 15 repetitions: Clean and Jerk, Squats, Bench Press, Pull-ups or Chin-ups, Dips, Barbell Curls, Dumbbell Lateral Raises.
• Minimal to “no rest” within each set.
• First set acts as warm-up to get proper form and technique down pat.

• No refined carbohydrates (e.g. white bread, pasta, rice) after 2:00 P.M.
• No starchy foods (e.g. potatoes, rice, sugary drinks) after 5:00 P.M.
• Multiple vegetable servings; two servings of fruit.
• Two liters of water
• Immediate post-workout energy snacks.
• Moderate alcohol consumption limited to weekends.

Courtesy of health coach Sam Omidi , we have an idea of how Daniel put theory into practice:

Breakfast: 2 poached eggs, 2 pieces of toast. Snack: Protein shake or fruits & nuts mix with raisins. Lunch: Lean meat or fish with small amount of brown rice or a baked potato. Snack: Protein shake or yogurt mixed with nuts. Dinner: Lean meat or fish with leafy green vegetables (e.g. asparagus, spinach, broccoli).

The Cannon Conclusion

Daniel Craig’s “James Bond” physique requires the right balance between “He-Man” muscularity and athleticism.  In post “Casino” interviews, Craig admitted that he was focused on bulking up quickly – perhaps too quickly.

A possible reason why he sustained numerous injuries while filming many stunts.  For “Quantum”, he scaled back on weight training in favor of more aerobic conditioning and flexibility activities like running, jumping, and boxing.  Still, the “Casino” workout should be rated a success for allowing Craig to excel in his breakout action hero/leading man role.

We will return to the “Quantum of Solace” workout in a future blog entry…

The “Bond 23” film, rumored to be set in New York and/or Afghanistan, has been postponed due to MGM’s fluid ownership situation.  It would be a shame if such a durable franchise ended, especially with the “Daniel Craig” Bond films grossing over a billion dollars worldwide.  Hopefully, fans of the MI6 super-assassin will have at least one more chance to see how optimum fitness training pays off both physically and at the box office.

Source:  Sam Omidi, “Daniel Craig Workout”, www.weightlossandtraining.com  04 Aug 10.