This video showcases Eddie Hall, the World's Strongest Man, attempting Bruce Lee's 1965 workout routine, followed by a one-inch punch challenge. The video features a range of exercises focusing on strength, aesthetics, and martial arts-specific training, with commentary on Bruce Lee's training philosophy and performance comparisons between Hall, the host, and Bruce Lee.
Bruce Lee's Workout Routine Overview #
- The workout is from 1965 and aims to replicate Bruce Lee's training.
- The routine is intensive, with many exercises and high repetitions ("500 reps in total").
- The host notes that Bruce Lee's physique was legendary, prompting the exploration of his strength levels.
- The overall workout is perceived as a "cardio workout" due to its quick pace and volume.
Exercise 1: Back Squats #
- Described as Bruce Lee's secret to powerful kicks.
- The host found 40 kg (88 lbs) heavy.
- Eddie Hall notes that 40 kg for Bruce Lee (weighing 65 kg/143 lbs) is equivalent to 130 kg (286 lbs) for him.
- Bruce Lee reportedly performed this exercise three times per week.
Exercise 2: Bench Press #
- Aims to strengthen the chest, shoulders, and triceps for punching power.
- Eddie Hall found the weight "so light" and did 10 reps easily, despite the host struggling.
- The host humorously quoted "bench press is not an exercise, it's an injury" while struggling with form.
- Eddie Hall corrected the host's form, emphasizing proper execution to avoid injury and targeting the chest directly.
Exercise 3: Barbell Curl #
- Included for aesthetic purposes, specifically for bicep pump.
- Eddie Hall easily completed the reps, stating he could do it with one arm.
Exercise 4: French Press (Overhead Triceps Extension) #
- Targets triceps, which make up two-thirds of arm volume.
- The host found this exercise "a lot harder than I thought" and struggled with execution.
- Eddie Hall noted the exercise's impact on the elbows.
Exercise 5: Dumbbell Bicep Curl #
- The host struggled with the weight, noting Bruce Lee likely lifted less (35 pounds vs. 45 pounds used).
- Eddie Hall adjusted the exercise for the host's body weight, making it harder.
Exercise 6: Push-Ups #
- A classic martial arts strength training exercise.
- Featured both Eddie Hall and the host performing 10 reps.
- The host felt his arms were "smashed" and questioned if it was a bodybuilding program.
Exercise 7: Close-Grip Push-Ups #
- Another exercise for triceps, reinforcing Bruce Lee's focus on arm strength.
Exercise 8: Dumbbell Lateral Raise (with a specific tempo) #
- Eddie Hall emphasized a specific tempo, relating it to timing in martial arts.
- The initial setup for the exercise seemed awkward for the host.
Exercise 9: Dumbbell Circles #
- Described as "infinity" reps, interpreted as "until failure."
- Eddie Hall used a heavier weight (15 kg) to speed up his reps due to his swimming background.
- The host found this exercise very challenging, with Eddie Hall encouraging him to push through.
Exercise 10: Wrist Roller #
- An exercise for forearm strength, crucial for punching power.
- Eddie Hall explained the connection between strong forearms/grip and punching power.
- The host struggled significantly, finding the exercise heavy and his right wrist weaker.
- Eddie Hall joked about the host's weaker right wrist due to excessive use of the left hand.
Exercise 11: Grip Training with Plate #
- Another exercise emphasizing Bruce Lee's obsession with forearm and grip strength.
- Eddie Hall found this exercise manageable due to his arm wrestling training.
Exercise 12: Sit-Ups #
- A core exercise, performed for 12 reps, five times.
- Described as a "classic" exercise.
Exercise 13: Calf Raises #
- Looks simple but effectively burns the calves when performed dynamically.
- Performed for 20 reps.
- The entire circuit (one set of each exercise) took about half an hour.
Bruce Lee's Training Philosophy and Explosiveness #
- Eddie Hall believes Bruce Lee trained explosively, moving weight quickly.
- Eddie Hall attributes his own speed and explosiveness (despite his size) to years of training fast, "A to B" movements in strongman.
- He states that quick execution is key to conserving energy: "The longer it takes you do it, the more energy you exert."
Grand Finale: Bruce Lee's One-Inch Punch #
- A test of explosive power developed through the workout.
- Eddie Hall has the "world's strongest recorded punch" but acknowledges it involves "telegraphing."
- The one-inch punch requires no telegraph.
- The host initially failed to break the board.
- Eddie Hall successfully broke two boards with the one-inch punch, impressing the host.
- The host attempts to hold the boards for Eddie Hall, highlighting the difficulty of holding them correctly.
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