I asked Matt Damon's personal trainer exactly how he got him in shape for The Odyssey — here's what I learned

Matt Damon, the 55-year-old Academy Award winner, underwent a lean and toned transformation for his role in Christopher Nolan's adaptation of Homer's The Odyssey. His personal trainer, Gabe Stump, revealed the key elements that contributed to Damon's honed physique. Stump explained that the training plan focused on building muscle while trimming fat, as Damon already possessed the necessary muscle mass.

The workout routine consisted of upper and lower splits, with two upper-body and two lower-body sessions per week, followed by a cardio or metabolic day. Stump emphasized the importance of preserving muscle mass while losing weight, and he maintained a balance between strength and cardio workouts. With a limited timeframe of five months, Stump aimed to achieve the desired look by keeping the training sessions intense yet sustainable.

Recovery was a crucial aspect of the program, ensuring ample time for the body to adapt and grow. Stump kept the equipment used basic, relying on a trap bar, heavy dumbbells, and performing exercises like Bulgarian split squats, trap bar deadlifts, and Romanian deadlifts (RDLS). For those looking to build muscle, Stump stressed the importance of consistency, safety, and pushing beyond one's comfort zone.

He advised focusing on repeatable workouts, ideally in the 20-minute range, and striving to go close to failure during each session. Stump believes that a combination of both "hard things" and enjoying one's exercise routine is key to long-term success.