Hollywood's 'bulking for a role' trend isn't for everyone

TA

Tasneem Adams

14 April 2024 | 11:47

Sara-Jayne Makwala King speaks to body technician and nutrition specialist Bruce Benjamin about why trying to emulate Hollywood ‘body bulking’ techniques can be harmful to your health.

Actor Zac Efron's remarkable physical transformation for his role in the new wrestling movie The Iron Claw has been a hot topic of conversation. 

In fact, most of the actors in the film had to undergo a really intense training and diet to play their respective roles.

However, it's really apparent to the naked eye how Efron - with his chiseled body of a Greek  god - took the effort to the next level. 

But just because Efron could do it, it doesn’t mean that everybody could or should. 

Fitness experts say while it’s great to keep in shape and take care of your body, going to such extreme lengths is not advisable. 

In fact, to achieve the amount of muscle mass we see in the movie, a person does not only need to exercise and lift weights; it is imperative to bulk. 

Bulking means increasing your caloric intake and combining this with intensive weight training to increase strength and muscle mass. 

But it’s not something everyone should be doing and can have a negative effect on someone's health. 

"It can be done smartly but it depends on the time period. I try to make it as safe as possible and consider the variables. If you are in a position where the time lines are short and you have to drop as much body fat and pick up as much muscle mass as possible, it can be very taxing on your body. It places the body under a lot of strain."
-Bruce Benjamin, body technician and nutrition specialist 

The impact of bulking also depends on the individual's existing body shape, fitness and overall health. 

"The biggest thing is for me is mentality. When it comes to your physical wellbeing, your planning and motivation is everything. I believe everyone has an equal shot at getting there but there are certain genetic advantages others would have." 
-Bruce Benjamin, body technician and nutrition specialist 

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