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Sylvester Stallone-Inspired Shoulder Workout: Complete Safety Guidelines

Feb 8, 2026, 9:29 PM CUT

From Rocky toThe Expendables, Sylvester Stallone's fitness has been the backbone of his career. It is built on consistency and is proof that sometimes hard work can outshine talent.

Stallone utilized a particular strategy whenever he needed to bulk up. Even at 79 are his chiseled shoulders speak volumes about the work he has put in to acheive them. How to get them? Here's a look (via Men's Health).

How to get shoulders like Sylvester Stallone?

If you want Sylvester Stallone's V taper, then fitness trainer Jeremy Scott has a workout routine that will give you John Rambo's massive shoulders with just a little dedication.

via Imago

The workout consists of intense carries, which are great for improving grip and posture. The grip you use will help you strengthen your shoulders without injury.

  • Standing barbell press - 4 sets of 8-12 reps
  • Standing Arnold press - 3 sets of 8-12 reps
  • Dumbbell lateral raises - 3 sets of 8-12 reps
  • Band press and hold - 30 seconds, 5 minutes total
  • Dumbbell upright row - 3 sets of 8-12 reps
  • Head-supported reverse flys - 3 sets of max reps
  • Loaded carry, various grips for 12 minutes

Foods that keep Rocky Balboa fit at 79

Being an actor requires a person to change their body for different roles. Besides training regimens, a well-balanced diet helps achieve that.

Sylvester Stallone has also gone through several diet plans over the years, depending on roles or where he is in life. For a lean look, he goes for a deficit, and in case he needs to bulk up, he starts a high-carb diet. He follows the 80/20 dieting approach.

Breakfast:

  • Three egg whites with half a yolk
  • Irish oatmeal
  • Toasted pumpernickel bread
  • Fresh papaya
  • Figs

Lunch:

  • Summer squash
  • Broiled skinless chicken
  • Salad
  • Figs or berries

Dinner:

  • Salad
  • High-fiber toasted bread
  • Veal

While preparing for Rocky III, Stallone followed a strict diet to restrict his body fat to 2.8%. His meals included two small oatmeal cookies made with brown rice, 10 cups of coffee, and tuna fish.

So are also planning to build your shoulders by following Stallone's regimen?

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more.

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Souvik Roy

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