Last updated on June 4th, 2020 at 05:22 pm

James McAvoy got jacked!

I’ve been really excited to write this article.

The only reason I didn’t put it up and write it sooner is because there’s just been so many other awesome celebs to write about that had roles coming sooner, like Jamie Foxx [in Robin Hood] for example.

And, just as a preface to this workout routine, this is not going to be a paraplegic workout, as that one was specifically created for the Professor X routine.

But in all seriousness, James McAvoy’s roles are incredible.  I remember watching Wanted and just being in awe. Since then all his roles in the X-Men movies as Charles Xavier have been incredible, and he’s even been in Victor Frankenstein, Split, and soon to take on the role of his Split character in Mr. Glass.

James McAvoy Stats:

Height: 5’7

Weight: (approximate) 150 lbs (listed) 160-170 (guess with bulk)

Age: 39 years old

James McAvoy is actually quite short.

I was going to say REALLY short and then I realized I’m right there with him so I stopped myself.

That average height falls in the range of 6’1-6’3 with celebs like Chris Pratt, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Adam Driver, Stephen Amell, Clive Standen and so many more.

Guys around 5’10-6’0 are dudes like Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Jason Statham, but the ACTUAL shorter range is filled with guys like Mark Wahlberg, Zac Efron, Kit Harington, Tom Holland and more.

Even taller than them are guys like The Mountain, Joe Manganiello, Ben Affleck, Jason Momoa, Ray Fisher, Winston Duke, Alexander Skarsgard and a few others.

But, don’t worry either way.

We write these routines to be utilized by any shape and size.

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James McAvoy Diet and Nutrition

So there have been rumors that James McAvoy had to eat 6,000 calories a day to get jacked for his role in Split.

Thankfully, I’m here to touch on those right off the bat.

An article from Esquire states:

James McAvoy did not eat 6,000 calories a day to look the way he does now.

That, according to McAvoy, is bullshit. While he did tell Mr. Porter in January he ate 6,00o calories a day, he says he was joking at the time. It “was meant as a joke and is being widely used out of context” the actor wrote in a myth-busting Instagram post this morning, which is altogether reassuring, as 6,000 calories is a ridiculous amount to eat every day, even under the watchful eye of a personal trainer.

Men’s Health even touches on the 6,000 calorie a day by writing their own article stating that he DOES (even making it the title of their article), which they then had to update and resolve with the new information that McAvoy states that is ridiculous.

But, let’s take a look at the actual quote from the interview with Mr. Porter:

“It’s super-simple, but it works every muscle. And I’d eat 5,000, 6,000 calories a day. Instead of eating two eggs in the morning, I’d eat eight. Then a snack of chicken breast. Then two chicken breasts for lunch, and then a steak or another snack. Then two salmon steaks for dinner.”

But, that means he DID calorie/macro count, and he DID eat much more calories – he just exaggerated with his 5,000, 6,000 number when he was doing the interview.

We see a lot of celebs opt for a sustainable approach like this.

That’s why our Academy Nutrition Classes (Monks, Minimalists, SuperHumans, Vikings, Spartans, Hunter Gatherers, Greek Gods, Samurais) revolve around helping you find the specific diet that is right FOR YOU.

Of course, there are a lot of reasons to HAVE the strict guidelines.

We’ve seen a lot of celebs opt for specific restrictions. 

For example: Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart incorporate 80/20 dieting with big weekly cheat meals, Hugh Jackman, Benedict Cumberbatch and Terry Crews utilize intermittent fasting(something I use daily as well), Mustafa Shakir and Madelaine Petsch are vegans, Brandon Routh and Frank Grillo opt for paleo, and tons of others utilize their own variations as well.

And, that’s just to name a few celebs from each, by the way.

You can check out our Nutrition Pillars for more information and articles on all of the above and more.

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James McAvoy Workout Routine Research

In the same interview with Mr. Porter McAvoy breaks down his workout routine.

Quite quick and simply, actually.

McAvoy states:

just went into a gym and did it myself: a power-lifting routine called 5×5. You do five different exercises four or five times a week, and they’re huge, big exercises. Pick something up and do that,” he says, extending his arms above his head, “then put something on your back, sit down and stand up.

That’s something we can get behind.

Combined with the increase in macros/calories, this big workout sounds very similar to a bulking routine we’d see from The Academy or even the Superhero Bulk and Strength program.

But, don’t worry, we’re going to make another one for you here.

McAvoy really emphasized the simplicity behind everything.

He joked about the diet because he really did increase the calories, but for him it was quite easy, and he even said he originally Googled how to get bigger, quicker, and then just went out there a did it.

That Google search resulted in his 5×5 routine, by the way.

So that’s exactly what we’re going to do.

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James McAvoy Workout Routine

Training Volume:

3-5 times a week

Explanation:

We’re taking it all right from James McAvoy’s own explanation. Five BIG exercises 4-5 times a week.  But, we’re also being aware that he exaggerated in his interview, so please read below.

Most 5×5 programs revolve around 3 day splits due to the volume of big heavy lifts utilized.  For that reason, I’m programming you a typical 5×5 program for 3 days, and then 2 days dedicated to either a full body workout, MMA/Parkour training, or both.

5×5 Explanation:

5×5 means you’ll be doing each exercise for 5 sets of 5 reps each, all at the same weight. I suggest warming up to a 60-90% weight depending on how you feel. (Warm ups not included in the 5×5)

Want To Upgrade This Workout?

The Superhero Academy now comes with an Upgrade Your Workout Tool that allows Academy members to turn any SHJ workout into a 4-8 week fully planned regime detailing exact weights to lift and including reverse & tradition pyramid training, straight sets, super sets, progressive overload and more.

Video Link:SHJ YouTube Workout Guide

James McAvoy Workout: Monday

Warm Up:

Stretch

Workout:

Barbell Back Squat: 5×5

Flat Bench Press: 5×5

Bent-Over Barbell Rows: 5×5

James McAvoy Workout: Wednesday

Warm Up:

Stretch

Workout:

Barbell Back Squat: 5×5

Overhead Press: 5×5

Deadlift: 5×5

James McAvoy Workout: Friday

Warm Up:

Stretch

Workout:

Barbell Back Squat: 5×5

Flat Bench Press: 5×5

Weighted Chin Ups: 5×5

James McAvoy Workout: Bonus Training Days

Bonus Training Option One: Full Body Workout

Warm Up:

Stretch

Workout:

Arnold Press

4×12

Dips

4×12

Dumbbell Bicep Curls

4×12

Pull Ups

4×12

Leg Extension

4×12

Kettlebell Swings

4×12

Bonus Training Option Two: MMA and Parkour

All heroes should know how to defend themselves.

Just ask MMA Coach Derek in The Academy.

Also check out programs on the site from Coach Derek here: Moon Knight, Deathstroke, Daredevil.

For some Thai Boxing fun check out Anna Diop’s routine.

The Parkour Workout (Nightrunner) designed by Academy member Felix.

**And the Daredevil workout also has some beginner Parkour as well.**

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