Jason Momoa has solidified his place in Hollywood as a charismatic and physically imposing actor. Best known for his roles in Game of Thrones and as Aquaman in the DC Extended Universe, Momoa's physique has become almost as iconic as his on-screen presence. However, beneath the surface of his action hero persona lies a more nuanced approach to fitness and diet, one that prioritizes functionality, enjoyment, and cultural connection.
Training Philosophy: Functionality Over Vanity
Momoa is candid about his aversion to training solely for aesthetic purposes. "I just have a really hard time training for vanity," he confessed to Men's Health. He views his intense workout routines as a necessary part of his job, a means to prepare for the physical demands of his roles. This emphasis on functionality is evident in his training choices, which prioritize movements that build strength, agility, and endurance.
Workout Regimen: A Blend of Strength, Conditioning, and Practical Skills
Momoa's workouts are varied and incorporate elements of weight training, conditioning, and practical skills related to his roles. He relies on kettlebells, banded exercises, boxing, and climbing to stay in shape for stunts. His trainer, Mada Abdelhamid, previously shared that his workouts include kettlebell swings, bear crawls, dead hangs, and pull-ups. He also incorporates boxing with a strong resistance band.
- Kettlebells: Momoa keeps an 88-pound and a 106-pound kettlebell around for swings, squats, and deadlifts.
- Banded Exercises: Resistance bands add an extra challenge to various exercises, improving strength and stability.
- Boxing: This provides a high-intensity cardio workout while also improving coordination and reflexes.
- Climbing: Momoa enjoys climbing, which helps him maintain his leg strength.
- AR7 Training Method: Jason is a huge fan of Eric Laciste's AR7 training method which stands for accelerated results.
He also finds unconventional ways to stay active, such as riding his motorcycle or mountain bike to clear his head.
Diet: Fueling the Body for Performance and Enjoyment
Momoa's diet reflects his love for food and his understanding of the importance of proper nutrition for performance. He eats a plethora of vegetables, fruits, chicken, steak, and fish such as skipjack tuna. He also enjoys peanut butter.
Read also: Momoa's Diet and Fitness
- Emphasis on Whole Foods: Momoa prioritizes whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Pre-Workout Snacks: He enjoys honey sandwiches as pre-workout snacks.
- Supplements: He uses supplements such as protein powder, creatine, and mass gainer.
- Cheat Meals: As a big foodie, he also craves spaghetti as his cheat meal.
He expressed: "I'm all about just having the best goddamn day I can have. If my wife tells me we're having spaghetti Bolognese for dinner, I will work so much harder because I know we're going to have a great night."
The Chief of War Diet: Poi and Guinness
While filming his upcoming Apple TV+ series Chief of War in New Zealand, Momoa appears to be subsisting on a diet of poi and Guinness.
- Poi: A traditional Hawaiian staple made from taro root.
- Guinness: Momoa is a well-known fan of Guinness.
His trainer Mada Abdelhamid previously shared with Men's Health: "It comes down to overall calorie intake so when we're looking to lean down, we just cut the Guinness down to a certain number per day."
Staying in Shape for Stunts: A Grueling Process
Momoa has revealed the intensity of training for stunt-heavy roles like Aquaman. He emphasizes the importance of protecting the body from injury and maintaining a constant state of readiness. He explained that when you're doing stunts nonstop and doing your fights, [it gets to the point where] it hurts more not to hit someone.
He added that when you're throwing punches full force, and you're not actually hitting someone, you realize how much that connection actually helps - like think of punching a punching bag.
Read also: Achieving the Aquaman Physique
He also explained the challenges of maintaining weight and muscle mass while enduring the constant physical demands of stunt work.
A Typical Day: Breakfast Burritos, Kettlebells, and Maybe a Guinness
Momoa shared details about his typical daily routine in an interview with GQ. He starts his day with a breakfast burrito, often with pork sausage and Cholula. If he doesn't have that, he loves his poi and will have an omelet. He tries to incorporate a kettlebell workout in the morning, focusing on swings, squats, and deadlifts. However, he admits to being "a bit of a shit" and not always adhering to his ideal routine.
Afternoons are reserved for Guinness, as he prefers to avoid the gym after work. He aims for six hours of sleep per night.
Hawaiian Food: A Connection to Culture
Momoa's love for Hawaiian food is evident. He enjoys chicken and rice, mac salad, poi, and simple salads with radishes, tomatoes, greens, and olive oil. He also makes sure to include protein, usually chicken, in his meals.
Red Meat and Seafood: A Balanced Approach
While he used to consume a lot of red meat, Momoa has reduced his intake due to health concerns. He now favors seafood, such as uni, and acknowledges the need to incorporate more vegetables into his diet.
Read also: Aldean's Wellness Transformation
The Snickers Diet: Embracing Imperfection
While filming On the Roam, Momoa described his character as "a bit of a burnout, a bit of a loser" who was "once something great, and now he's a shell of that man." As a result, he wasn't required to maintain a super fit physique. During this time, he embraced a more relaxed approach to diet and exercise, enjoying meals and parties with friends like Jack Black and Jared Hess.
The Guinness Connection: A Family Affair
Momoa's connection with Guinness is deeply personal. He shared a heartwarming story about how his mother introduced him to the beer and how he later cast her in a Guinness commercial. He explained that she would drink a beer, and she taught me how to drink Guinness. The experience was a "cool moment" for him and his mother, strengthening their bond over a shared love for the iconic beverage.