Dwayne Johnson on his most challenging preparation for Black Adam

Dwayne Johnson is preparing to enter the world of the DC Universe with his unique role as Black Adam. Dwayne has reportedly been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time and has let it be known that he was born for this role. To make the most out of his training, Johnson has teamed up with fitness trainer Dave Rienzi to expand his already comprehensive program.

The training we did for this film was the most challenging I've ever experienced in my life," says Johnson, whose goal was to surpass the character drawn by the illustrators.

Dwayne spoke to Men's Journal about his morning routine, lessons learned in the gym and how viewers will be shocked by his role as Black Adam.

When did the physical preparation for Black Adam begin and what goals did you set for yourself?

I started training for Black Adam when I came out of the womb. I believe I was born to play this character. But seriously, this project has been with me for 10 years, then it was just a matter of getting our production company Seven Bucks, the rest of my team, Warner Bros. Studio and DC Comics agreed on a start date. I immediately started putting together a grueling training program with my trainer Dave Rienzi. I wanted to go into this in the best shape of my career.

How was this training unique from what you've done in the past?

I've been fortunate over the years to prepare for really big competitions and games. It all started with my college football career at the University of Miami. We were national champions and had the pleasure of competing for the national title on two other occasions. It's only gotten more intense since then, especially when I started my professional wrestling career. Getting the green light for Black Adam was a unique opportunity to raise the bar again.

In doing this work with Dave, we wanted to bring a new philosophy and training methodology to my training. There are a lot of adjustments going on in our training together. Even when we're not together, I'm constantly sending him pictures so he knows exactly where we stand. We'll make changes if necessary. He's not just interested in aesthetics, but also my energy level and how I feel.

It takes the right fuel to put out that much energy. How often do you eat and what is your diet?

I eat somewhere between six and seven meals a day and try my best to make it as balanced as possible with protein, carbs, good fats and the occasional sugar at the right time of day. Depending on my schedule and my short and long term goals for the week, month and year, this can be challenging. If I'm shooting a big movie, in addition to the commitment to my family, there's also a lot of diet to watch.

We work very closely with the chefs in our ecosystem and also with our holistic practitioners who work with us on supplementation and vitamins. Everything I eat throughout the week is very healthy. We've fine-tuned our processes and our team over the years. And when I say we, I mean myself and my strength and conditioning coach Dave Rienzi.

What's your plan for cheat meals?

I understand that my cheat days have become quite legendary. These meals are reserved for Sundays only. I really enjoy them and have fun with it.

Can you give us a little insight into your morning routine?

I try to get up before the sun comes up. I get dressed right away, and that means shoes. I go downstairs and open whatever flavor of my ZOA energy drink I'm craving that morning and pour it on ice. I open my computer and do a little work that requires my immediate attention. Then I do cardio on an empty stomach, which keeps my metabolism pretty tight. That's how it all starts. If I told you everything I do before noon on any given day, I'd take the whole magazine.

Any advice on personal training for the rest of us?

When you go to the gym to train, you need to train only for yourself. Don't train for anyone else. Don't train to impress anyone. Don't throw a lot of weight on the bar. Don't let your ego get in the way. Train for yourself. It's you against you. I never cared who was around me in the gym. That's always served me well. Stay focused and go for it!

We can look forward to seeing Black Adam on July 22, 2022!

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