Spartacus: Blood and Sand was an historical drama on cable channel Starz on Friday nights that featured the late Australian actor Andy Whitfield, along with Jai Courtney, Peter Mensah and Erin Cummings.
At first glance the series was very much in the style of 300, i.e. scantily clad men, with muscles oiled, wielding swords and generally putting their testosterone to good use with snarling, shouting, fighting and plenty more action on top of that.
As with the film 300, the lead characters were very well toned, with strong athletic muscle on show. Luckily we had the chance to take a peek at a behind the scenes training workout for the actors working on the series.
Andy Whitfield Spartacus Workout
The workouts to prepare for the role of Spartacus are very much gladiator inspired workouts, using bodyweight exercises and free weights.
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Andy’s main tips for getting in shape are incredibly simple: “Train more and Eat Less”
These are the key elements to his workouts:
- Acrobatics – jumps, dives, rolls etc. to help compliment fight training
- Gymnastics – to learn to tumble
- Fighting techniques – specific weapons training plus martial arts exercises to condition and tone the fighting muscles
- Focus on compound exercises.
Spartacus Weight Training Routine
The actors were sent to Gladiator Boot Camp 2 weeks before filming started to get them extra toned and ready for filming. Peter Mensah, who worked on 300 and also has extensive martial arts training, said that he did more training in preparation for Spartacus than he did in his competition days! They would train for four hours every morning.
- Deadlifts
- Squats
- Bent Over Rows
- Lunges
- Press Ups with side planks
- Kettlebell Raises
- Pull Ups
- Dips
- Bicep Curls
This video shows the routine that was put together by Men’s Health and is done by Nat Jones.
Spartacus Cardio Training Routine
- Rowing machine – also works upper body
- Shuttle Runs
- Medicine Ball throws
- Mountain Climbers
Spartacus Diet
- The actors consumed 4 energy/protein shakes per day to help fuel and build muscle.
- Calories were reduced to help with fat loss
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IMDb.com provide a short biography for Andy Whitfield.
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Medicine balls do work great, and effectively executed moves will only enhance the natural resistance you can achieve with the medicine ball. Core training is necessary to enhance performance in any number of sports, including baseball, basketball and even golf. Strengthening your core can improve precision, power, and better prepare your body for injury.
Sad news out in the last few days about Spartacus star Andy Whitfield. He has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma which is a form of cancer. Filming of the second season of Spartacus was due to start any day now but has been postponed while Andy Whitfield receives medical attention. As the condition was detected early doctors are hopeful of a full recovery.
“I’m receiving excellent care, and am feeling strong, positive and determined with an army of support behind me.” Andy Whitfield.
Hey man,
I never blog/comment on the internet. I’m a business owner here in Austin, TX and rarely have time for any TV outside of ESPN. I got to say, I love the show! You are by far the heartbeat of that series, on so many levels. After learning some about your career, I am very happy for you in getting this opportunity and absolutely flourishing. I also heard about the prognosis and I just want to say that my family/network/friends will all be praying for your speedy recovery. Keep a positive attitude and will it! May god bless you and your family while you get through this minor obstacle and get back to kicking ass on the only show I watch!
Wassup,
I’m doing the Men’s Health version (Jan/Feb issue) of the Spartacus Workout! And I look great! My girlfriend loves it. Check it out on menshealth.com. Put in the search box sparatus workout and print it out today! Its will bless your life!
Sounds good Vabe, how does is compare to the exercises here?
the bodies in the series are so beautiful that they inspired me to aim for that type of body as well
I am a Peace Officer and was injured while on duty and will need to have surgery. I have been sitting on my butt for eight months and have put on twelve pounds. The guys have inspired me to workout harder than ever when I’m healthy.
“We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would do us harm.” George Orwell
I absolutely love the show. i jus started watchin it on Netflix but the second season. This show is amazing and way better than 300!!! i have started the workouts in hopes to have that strong pillar-like body for the summer.
Awesome Smallz, let us know how you get on!
I adore Spartacus Blood and Sand! An amazing series. Wishing Andy Whitfield a swift recovery! We wanna see you well and healthy. xx
Sad news today, Andy Whitfield has lost his battle against cancer and died on Sunday 11th Sept. He has suffered from non-Hodgkin lymphoma for 18 months.
“On a beautiful sunny Sydney spring morning, surrounded by his family, in the arms of his loving wife, our beautiful young warrior Andy Whitfield lost his 18-month battle with lymphoma cancer” statement by his wife, Vashti Whitfield.
News: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14878973
Very sad that he passed. Still In shock. This was his breakout role and he had very little time to enjoy his success.
One thing that I think is off in this article, however- the gladiator bootcamp they all attended was more than 2 weeks (correct me if I’m wrong). It was more like months prior to the start of filming. RIP Andy.
Yeah, that is not very clear. Will check it out. I think that the 2 week boot camp was the final assault to get them in super shape after a long time being guided through the paces in their own time while working on other projects etc. So, certainly not to say it is possible to get a body like that in 2 weeks – if it were we would all be gladiators!