Last updated on November 22nd, 2021 at 04:27 pm
You best believe I’m seeing Aquaman opening weekend.
That’s this weekend (if you’re reading this when the article goes live, of course), if you weren’t sure.
We’ve already seen some awesome Aquaman characters and celebs, though. So don’t think we just started to get these workouts up this week.
We’ve had Aquaman’s character workout as well as Jason Momoa; we’ve had Amber Heard (and now Mera), Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (who plays Black Manta), Nicole Kidman, and Patrick Wilson.
But now it’s time to go from celeb Black Manta, to building it around the treasure hunting, mercenary himself.
Black Manta Stats:
Height: 6’4
Weight: 250 lbs
Real Name: David Hyde
Powers: No
Black Manta is a big man!
I’m talking Dwayne Johnson and Jason Momoa tall, but HEAVIER!
Vegeta were tied Wolverine for the shortest spot among comic characters we’ve seen at 5’3, prior to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles coming in at 5’2, (and Gimli even shorter) – but Damian Wayne (Robin) is only 5’4. Goku isn’t that tall either, though, standing only 5’7, with Miles Morales only an inch above him.
One Punch Man falls in at 5’9 right there with Ryu – and then Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Green Arrow coming in around 5’11 and Beast joining them.
Just above them are Aquaman, Red Hood and Punisher standing only an inch or so taller.
We’ve had Superman and Eddie Brock’s Venom at 6’3, and Captain America, Scorpion and Batman at 6’2, and Carnage at 6’1. Thor and Cyborg are towering over them at 6’6, Thanos and King right there with them at 6’7, Bane at 6’8, and Deathstroke right below at 6’5.
And, of course, Hulk and Broly are both up there with them, and sometimes even portrayed much taller.
Yeah, that means All Might was the tallest at 7’2, only sometimes surpassed by The Hulk – and Zangief just missing the tallest spot at 7’0!
And I say “was” because Doomsday came in at 8’10, and I doubt any characters are touching that anytime soon.
But, don’t worry if you’re not the same height or weight range.
We write these routines to be utilized by anyone and everyone.
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Black Manta Diet and Nutrition
**Keep in mind: this section will be nearly identical for each hero, unless I mentioned differently (for example someone like The Hulk may get something specifically different**
Every hero needs to still have a good diet.
Unfortunately we can train like them, but I don’t think any of us are suddenly getting their powers, or the ability to magically stop caring about nutrition.
You can’t out train your diet, so I want to still give some pillars for nutrition.
You can start by checking out The Nutrition Pillars on the site, but I’ll break down some more information for you guys as well.
Guys like Hugh Jackman and Terry Crews utilize intermittent fasting daily, and I also use it myself in conjunction with cyclical ketosis.
That being said, I also recommend tracking and paying attention to protein intake.
BUT, there are a thousand different ways to reach your goals, so finding the most sustainable way is what’s important.
Which is why our Academy utilizes multiple different Nutrition Classes (Greek Gods, Vikings, Spartans, Hunter Gatherers, Monks, Samurais, Minimalists, SuperHumans) to allow people to choose what is right for YOU!
Oh, and if you’re down with calorie counting instead, that’s always an option as well. It’s just important to be aware of specific rules and precision while counting.
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Black Manta Workout Routine Research
We’ve made it to “the fun part”.
And, if you don’t know by now, I say that every single time we get to the workout routine research section for character workouts.
This is where I get to break down the “how” and “why” of the workout we’re going to build based on the characters, in this case Black Manta’s, powers and/or abilities.
If you couldn’t tell by the title, Black Manta is actually a treasure hunter.
But, there’s much more to him than that.
DC Comics site tells us this about Black Manta’s background:
A ruthless treasure hunter and mercenary, the man known as Black Manta spent his days scavenging the unexplored depths of the ocean, discovering long lost relics and powerful mythical items, all while taking on various jobs to fund his passion. Until one particular job changed his life.
Hired to bring back a sample of Arthur Curry’s blood, Black Manta encountered the young Aquaman and his father while the two were out at sea. In the ensuing struggle, Aquaman’s father suffered a heart attack that ultimately led to his death. Seeking revenge, Aquaman hunted down Black Manta—and accidentally killed his father in retaliation. Thus began a circle of vengeance that forever bonded hero and villain.
They continue by listing his powers and abilities as:
exceptional martial artist,
exceptional swimming ability,
energy blasts
It’s also important to point out some information about Black Manta’s suit before continuing on about his “powers” in some other issues.
The DC Wiki page tells us:
As an adult, he designed a costume (primarily a black wetsuit with bug-eyed helmet that was able to shoot blasting rays from its eyes) and fashioned a high-tech submersible inspired by black manta rays. Taking the name Black Manta, he and his masked army became a force to be reckoned with.
So while he’s not quite Iron Man, he does come with a pretty badass suit.
And I’ve also found that in some variations he seems even more powerful.
Here’s what I was able to find about that:
Skills and abilities: Skilled in the use of weapons and creating technology. Capable leader.
Powers: Mutation grants him gills which allow him to breath in water. He also has the strength, endurance and stamina of an Olympic level athlete.
And then they go on to tell us about how awesome his suit actually is here:
His manta suite allows him to survive the pressures of the deep ocean, release electricity, enhance his strength, endurance. he can fire harpoons, bullets and various other things from the writs of the suit. it also grants a level of camouflage. He also carries an assortment of bladed weapons with which he’s an expert. Concentrated beams of heat can also be fired from the helmet.
Okay, okay, but this is a TON of information. I think we’re ready.
Are you?
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The Black Manta Workout Routine
Training Volume:
6+ days per week
Explanation:
So for this one I did some research into Olympic Swimmer’s Training. Guys like Michael Phelps! So expect to be training HARD. From what I found they obviously swim a ton, but they also incorporate a decent amount of strength training as well. We’ll be utilizing a 3 day split of strength training and a 3 day split devoted to swimming and MMA training to fully round-out the Black Manta character.
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Black Manta Workout Day One: Push Day
Warm Up:
Stretch
10 Chin Ups
15 Dips
20 Air Squats
25 Push Ups
Workout:
Bench Press
5×12,10,8,5,3
Close Grip Bench
4×12
Military Press
4×12
Incline Bench Press
4×12
DB Front Raises
4×12 each arm
Power Cleans
4×12
Tricep Cable Pushdowns
4×12
Black Manta Workout Day Two: MMA and Swimming
You’ve come to the right place for MMA. And, lucky for us, we’ve even recently seen a great swimming program.
Nathalie Emmanuel shared the program she uses for swimming, which is what I’m going to share again here for you to add in.
It is the Annie Emerson program that she shared on Speedo, which you can find here.
As far as MMA, Coach Derek has you covered.
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.**
Black Manta Workout Day Three: Pull Day
Warm Up:
Stretch
10 Chin Ups
15 Dips
20 Air Squats
25 Push Ups
Workout:
Deadlift
5×12,10,8,5,3
Lateral Pulldowns
4×12
Face Pulls (Cable)
4×12
Hammer Strength Rows
4×12
Cable Rows Wide-Grip
4×12
Dumbbell Bicep Curls
4×12
Concentration Curls
4×12
Black Manta Workout Day Four: MMA and Swimming
You’ve come to the right place for MMA. And, lucky for us, we’ve even recently seen a great swimming program.
Nathalie Emmanuel shared the program she uses for swimming, which is what I’m going to share again here for you to add in.
It is the Annie Emerson program that she shared on Speedo, which you can find here.
As far as MMA, Coach Derek has you covered.
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.**
Black Manta Workout Day Five: Leg Day
Warm Up:
Stretch
10 Chin Ups
15 Dips
20 Air Squats
25 Push Ups
Workout:
Back Squat
5×12,10,8,5,3
Leg Press
4×12
Thrusters
4×12
Hamstring Kickbacks
4×12
Quad Extensions
4×12
Calf Raises
4×12
Box Jumps
4×12
Black Manta Workout Day Six: MMA and Swimming
You’ve come to the right place for MMA. And, lucky for us, we’ve even recently seen a great swimming program.
Nathalie Emmanuel shared the program she uses for swimming, which is what I’m going to share again here for you to add in.
It is the Annie Emerson program that she shared on Speedo, which you can find here.
As far as MMA, Coach Derek has you covered.
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.**
Check out all The SHJ Programs and start unleashing your inner SuperHuman.
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(Unofficial Workouts Inspired by Characters)
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