How to get a perfect 300 six-pack

300 was the film that changed fitness - by convincing a generation of men that just looking good isn't as important as actually being able to run, jump, throw, march and fight. Now the Spartans are back with Rise of an Empire, which sees Sullivan Stapleton take the lead as Greek hero Themistokles, taking on the Persian naval fleet and a terrifying Eva Green.

In order to find out just how difficult it is and what it takes to get a small army of men to that level of fitness we sat down for a lengthy chat with the movies lead trainer, Mark Twight. We find out what the actors needed to eat, how much they needed to train and how to sculpt the perfect 300 six-pack. 

300 Rise of an Empire is out now on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Joel Snape

From 2008 to 2018, Joel worked for Men's Fitness, which predated, and then shared a website with, Coach. Though he spent years running the hills of Bath, he’s since ditched his trainers for a succession of Converse high-tops, since they’re better suited to his love of pulling vans, lifting cars, and hefting logs in a succession of strongman competitions.