Goal physique - Achievable or pipe dream?

Hi all,

One of the guys on my fl posted earlier about having watched the film warrior last night saying that his goal build was that of Tom Hardy in this role. This has been a goal of mine for a while or at least between that or his build in Bronson. Long term I want to get at least 2 tattoos and would prefer a frame like this before i do so.

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I am now looking to seriously kick on and try to achieve this in 2013. Given my current build below, do the people with more training experience/expertise out there have any tips on achieving this or feel it is unachievable?

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I am currently strength training about 3 times per week, rugby training once per week, playing a rugby match once per week, and about to start boxing training once a week, also gonna try and fit in a minimum 7k run twice a week somewhere, and have entered UK South Coast Tough Mudder in 2013. One issue to raise is that I know I will have to have part of the pain cut out of one shoulder once complete TM due to bones grinding against each other, and the other shoulder has long standing injury of torn ligaments between collar bone and shoulder bone, no pain there but still relatively weak compared to other shoulder 10 yrs on.

Help/advice would be much appreciated, though derision probably deserved for vain pipe dream.
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Replies

  • Hi mate,

    A good topic this. As said Tom Hardy in Warrior is my goal. You should check out the YouTube video with Tom about how he got the role and the training he went through to get the physique. So you should use that as the fuel to workout. Since then I've now purchased a MMA Punch/Kick bag and all the trimmings to go in my garage.

    You can do it, just put your mind to it.

    Good luck.

    Frazer.
  • jameseylefebure
    jameseylefebure Posts: 234 Member
    Hey Guys

    My exhousemate was *really* into MMA and used to have a DVD workout that he used to help keep himself in shape - I'm not sure what it's called, but I'm sure a little google search could help you with it? I know that he d/l it as well so you wouldn't have to worry about the price of it :)

    and *swoon* tom hardy is everywhere today!!
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    I don't see why you can't achieve it. It's about being consistant, having belief and being patient.

    Packing on muscle without packing on a whole load of fat is tricky - it takes a long time and good eating. Or you can pack on plenty of muscle and fat and then try to shred the fat off without losing too much muscle in the process. There is more than one way to skin a cat. Really it all depends on what fits with your lifestyle and personality.

    Believe. Work hard. Have discipline. Be Patient. Succeed!
  • RosscoBoscko
    RosscoBoscko Posts: 632 Member
    Hi Jimmer, thanks for advice, personally going to take approach of dropping the fat first then bulking up i think, as major target at the moment is to not be fat any more. Still trying to drop from 26% to about 12% body fat, at an estimate i started at about 35%.

    Am not bothered about time taken as long as I feel am making progress, and once I get in to a routine the eating isn't difficult for me it's just about the planning. Just fed up with being the over weight lazy one in the crowd, don't care about looking good for other people more them acknowledging the achievement if that makes sense.
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    You'd need a better picture of his tattoos to take to your artist but yeah, if you want those tattoos there's no reason at all you couldn't get someone to do them for you.






    If you go in with a goal of trying to emulate the shape of another existing person you are usually setting yourself up for failure. There's nothing wrong with taking inspiration from the fitness of others and the goals they have acheived through their hard work but the only way you will look like him is if you have the same genetics and live the same life he lived. That's not to say you can't look great but you most likely can't look like him.

    Also, these cats look like this because it's their job. They have a staff of trainers, coaches, dieticians, cooks, etc. preparing and planning every meal and workout and the time you spend working they can spend working out.

    Rather than have a goal to look like this guy and copy his tattoos it would be better to set goals to be an awesome version of you.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,996 Member
    Achievable yes. How long it takes will depend on various factors, however putting on actual muscle is much harder than losing fat and showing the definition underneath.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • RosscoBoscko
    RosscoBoscko Posts: 632 Member
    sjohnny, don't think explained myself very well re tattoo's, the ones I want are nothing like his, have very clear ideas for those though need final designs done at some point, so no worries there.

    I understand I won't end up exactly like either of these images, and wouldnt want to just be a carbon copy of anyone else, I like to be a bit different, but they are a guide/goal for me to aim at if that makes sense rather than just a vague plan.

    So in reality this:
    Rather than have a goal to look like this guy and copy his tattoos it would be better to set goals to be an awesome version of you.
    is my aim so definitely good advice!!
  • BlackStarDeceiver
    BlackStarDeceiver Posts: 590 Member
    Hi Jimmer, thanks for advice, personally going to take approach of dropping the fat first then bulking up i think, as major target at the moment is to not be fat any more. Still trying to drop from 26% to about 12% body fat, at an estimate i started at about 35%.

    Am not bothered about time taken as long as I feel am making progress, and once I get in to a routine the eating isn't difficult for me it's just about the planning. Just fed up with being the over weight lazy one in the crowd, don't care about looking good for other people more them acknowledging the achievement if that makes sense.

    There's no reason why you can't build muscle and lose fat at the same time.
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    Cut calories at 20% below TDEE.
    Lift 3-4x a week heavy compound lifts with higher rep accessory work.
    Macros
    Macros
    Macros
    Macros

    If you add cardio I would stick to keeping it at the end of your lifting routine for about 10mins only.

    And macros.
  • MellyGibson
    MellyGibson Posts: 297 Member
    Of COURSE it isn't unreasonable to think you could reach your goals - but keep in mind that everyone's genetics are different. Unless you have the exact same genes, you won't have the exact same physique. But to get to 12% body fat? ABSOLUTELY attainable!!!

    I lift 4 days/week, do cardio 3X/week and eat a very clean and balanced diet (and try to hit my macros - 40% carbs, 40% protein, 20% fats). I lost 10 pounds in 6 weeks, and I can't begin to tell you how many inches, but LOTS!

    I also use Bodybuilding.com for supplements, workout ideas, inspirational stories, and to track my strength progress!

    Best of luck to you!
  • RunsOnEspresso
    RunsOnEspresso Posts: 3,218 Member
    Hey Guys

    My exhousemate was *really* into MMA and used to have a DVD workout that he used to help keep himself in shape - I'm not sure what it's called, but I'm sure a little google search could help you with it? I know that he d/l it as well so you wouldn't have to worry about the price of it :)

    and *swoon* tom hardy is everywhere today!!

    I know of two: TapoutXT and GSL RushFit. I have GSL RushFit but haven't tried it yet.
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    100% achievable, If I had to put a time frame on it I would say 2 years, if you get everything right.
  • sjohnny
    sjohnny Posts: 56,142 Member
    sjohnny, don't think explained myself very well re tattoo's, the ones I want are nothing like his, have very clear ideas for those though need final designs done at some point, so no worries there.

    I understand I won't end up exactly like either of these images, and wouldnt want to just be a carbon copy of anyone else, I like to be a bit different, but they are a guide/goal for me to aim at if that makes sense rather than just a vague plan.

    So in reality this:
    Rather than have a goal to look like this guy and copy his tattoos it would be better to set goals to be an awesome version of you.
    is my aim so definitely good advice!!

    I was just fcking with you about the tattoos.
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    Not to burst anyones bubble but I seriously have my doubts that Tom Hardy ahieved his physique without some drug supplementation. These guys also have around the clock dietary help and know exactly what to eat.


    Work on making yourself look better, week after week. Don't feel like you have to look like someone else. It's a good goal to shoot for, but just understand that most of the jacked moviestars are taking drugs.
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member
    Not to burst anyones bubble but I seriously have my doubts that Tom Hardy ahieved his physique without some drug supplementation. These guys also have around the clock dietary help and know exactly what to eat.


    Work on making yourself look better, week after week. Don't feel like you have to look like someone else. It's a good goal to shoot for, but just understand that most of the jacked moviestars are taking drugs.

    His physique is 100% attainable naturally, by pretty much anyone with any kind of genetics within 2-3 yrs proper training IMO.

    If he did it natty is another matter.
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member

    His physique is 100% attainable naturally, by pretty much anyone with any kind of genetics within 2-3 yrs proper training IMO.

    If he did it natty is another matter.

    I can agree with that. It's definitely doable with good nutrition and training, and patience.
  • Hendrix7
    Hendrix7 Posts: 1,903 Member

    His physique is 100% attainable naturally, by pretty much anyone with any kind of genetics within 2-3 yrs proper training IMO.

    If he did it natty is another matter.

    I can agree with that. It's definitely doable with good nutrition and training, and patience.

    I think the issue is, with so much information and mis-infomation out there, how many people actually train and eat correctly from day 1?

    I know I certainly wasted my first couple of years of gym time by training like an idiot and not eating enough. I wish I could have those years back with what I know now.
  • R0asted
    R0asted Posts: 83 Member
    Yes, I think that's a realistic goal in 1 year. Don't be discouraged if it takes little longer though.
  • R0asted
    R0asted Posts: 83 Member

    His physique is 100% attainable naturally, by pretty much anyone with any kind of genetics within 2-3 yrs proper training IMO.

    If he did it natty is another matter.

    I can agree with that. It's definitely doable with good nutrition and training, and patience.

    I think the issue is, with so much information and mis-infomation out there, how many people actually train and eat correctly from day 1?

    I know I certainly wasted my first couple of years of gym time by training like an idiot and not eating enough. I wish I could have those years back with what I know now.

    I agree, I trained like a *kitten* at the beginning. I've been lifting for 14 years and I still learn I've been doing some things improperly from time to time.
  • RosscoBoscko
    RosscoBoscko Posts: 632 Member
    ilovedeadlift and hendrix7, Don't worry I am perfectly happy to be patient as long as see progress however slow. And i do realise for actors etc that high possibility of drugs involved and a lifestyle where it is a hell of a lot easier to find time to train. Just feel I work best if i target a specific point rather than just a vague want to lose fat and build muscle.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,996 Member
    There's no reason why you can't build muscle and lose fat at the same time.
    Sure there is. Unless you're one of the 3 types (obese/very overweight, athlete returning after long layoff, newbie), trying to build muscle (hypertrophy) requires a calorie surplus. It's very difficult to be in calorie surplus and lose fat at the same time even if the circumstances are right.


    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ilovedeadlifts
    ilovedeadlifts Posts: 2,923 Member
    ilovedeadlift and hendrix7, Don't worry I am perfectly happy to be patient as long as see progress however slow. And i do realise for actors etc that high possibility of drugs involved and a lifestyle where it is a hell of a lot easier to find time to train. Just feel I work best if i target a specific point rather than just a vague want to lose fat and build muscle.

    Thats good man. You've got an idea of where you want to be. Now you just need to put together the plan to do it.
    be patient. eat well, and learn as much as you can.
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    Not to burst anyones bubble but I seriously have my doubts that Tom Hardy ahieved his physique without some drug supplementation. These guys also have around the clock dietary help and know exactly what to eat.


    Work on making yourself look better, week after week. Don't feel like you have to look like someone else. It's a good goal to shoot for, but just understand that most of the jacked moviestars are taking drugs.

    I think it can be done naturally, but it's true that he did not have to worry about having the time to do whatever was necessary to get that size for Bronson. They probably paid him for six months to work with a trainer every day to achieve that look.

    He might have taken drugs, but I don't think we can assume that he did.

    For the original poster, it's definitely attainable but keep in mind that all of us carry muscle in a different way. You might be the same weight and bodyfat at he was in Bronson but not look the same. Nothing wrong with that, just that each of us have different genes that express themselves in different ways.
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member
    Hey Guys

    My exhousemate was *really* into MMA and used to have a DVD workout that he used to help keep himself in shape - I'm not sure what it's called, but I'm sure a little google search could help you with it? I know that he d/l it as well so you wouldn't have to worry about the price of it :)

    and *swoon* tom hardy is everywhere today!!

    I know of two: TapoutXT and GSL RushFit. I have GSL RushFit but haven't tried it yet.


    NOOOOOOOO! Those cardio DVDs are not going to get you that physique! You're going to be hitting the weights 4 days per week. And I'd personally put training fit those runs either right up front and get them out the way or better, I'd save them for the end when I'm trying to drop the fat I'd gain along with chips amounts of muscle. Running would definitely not be part of my regular plan when I have that much muscle to gain.

    There's no genetic reason you can't achieve one or both of this bodies. But it died sound like you have some serious injuries that may prevent you from certain heavy lifts. Train hard but take care not to make yourself worse.
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    no matter what body you want, and how close you get to it... with all the training you are doing, it would be really good for your body if you added in some flexibility training, just to make sure you dont hurt the pretty muscles you are growing, and so you can do more with them.
  • RosscoBoscko
    RosscoBoscko Posts: 632 Member
    Thanks all for the advice, much appreciated. Think my plan will probably be reasonably heavy lifts and cardio until June when have completed the Tough Mudder, then once get shoulder sorted (original post was supposed to say piece of bone cut out, not pain cut out!) I will then kick up the weight training to take far more priority starting by slowly building up the strength in both shoulders together to recuperate from injury properly. So hopefully in about 2 years I'll hit my goal physique, which may or may not be anything like either of these pictures.

    Yoovie, what type of flexibility training are you referring to, as will definitely look into it if possible.
  • Helloitsdan
    Helloitsdan Posts: 5,564 Member
    no matter what body you want, and how close you get to it... with all the training you are doing, it would be really good for your body if you added in some flexibility training, just to make sure you dont hurt the pretty muscles you are growing, and so you can do more with them.

    This is great advice! I'm adding flexibility this year. I'm getting old!
  • yoovie
    yoovie Posts: 17,121 Member
    Thanks all for the advice, much appreciated. Think my plan will probably be reasonably heavy lifts and cardio until June when have completed the Tough Mudder, then once get shoulder sorted (original post was supposed to say piece of bone cut out, not pain cut out!) I will then kick up the weight training to take far more priority starting by slowly building up the strength in both shoulders together to recuperate from injury properly. So hopefully in about 2 years I'll hit my goal physique, which may or may not be anything like either of these pictures.

    Yoovie, what type of flexibility training are you referring to, as will definitely look into it if possible.

    whether it is yoga on your active rest days, or simply making sure to do proper cool down sessions and long enough stretching sessions. It's not that time consuming, so maybe combine it with an agility day or something?

    the best way to find something that'll work for you is to try a whole bunch of things that appeal to you, then make something custom and special just for you, babe.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    achievable. you have a lot of hard work ahead of you. a lot. this will take you a long time to achieve.

    the actor had trainers and nutritionists to help him out. he also probably had six months to prepare, with nothing else to do but work out 6-8 hours a day.

    you probably have a job and a life that needs attention to.

    not trying to put you down at all. you can do it. but you have certain limitations and obligations that will make it hard.
  • jesz124
    jesz124 Posts: 1,004 Member
    I think it's an attainable goal, looking at the pics. It's good inspiration to have something to aim for. Have you got your diet in place? Do you have a good idea of protein levels, fats etc you are going to shoot for?