Decades after his death, Bruce Lee remains a powerful source of inspiration for fitness enthusiasts, martial artists, and action movie fans worldwide. Born in 1940, the Chinese-American martial artist and actor was more than just a film star. He changed the way martial arts were seen both in movies and in real life. With iconic films like Enter the Dragon (1973), Lee broke new ground and became a symbol of discipline, strength, and philosophy.
Beyond his famous flying kicks and fast punches, Bruce Lee was deeply committed to fitness. Almost 50 years after he passed away, a detailed post showing his personal workout routine from the 1960s has gone viral on social media. The routine, dated May 27, 1965, comes from Hak Keung Gymnasium in Hong Kong. This is where Lee trained while developing his skills as a martial artist.
What Did Bruce Lee’s Workout Include?
The viral post shows that his workout mainly targeted the arms, especially the biceps and triceps. Out of 14 exercises, 8 were focused on building arm strength. Some of the exercises included:
Squats – 3 sets of 10 reps at 43 kg
French Press – 4 sets of 6 reps at 29 kg
Incline Curls – 4 sets of 6 reps at 15.8 kg
French Press (Push-Up) – 4 sets of 6 reps at 29 kg
Concentration Curls – 3 sets of 10 reps at 31–36 kg
Two-Handed Curls – 3 sets of 8 reps at 31–36 kg
Dumbbell Curls – 4 sets to failure with 8 kg
Wrist and Reverse Curls – 4 sets to failure with various weights
A 2024 report by Men’s Health described this routine as “very arm-heavy,” noting that only a few exercises targeted other muscle groups like the chest and shoulders.
Why Didn’t Bruce Lee Lift Heavy?
Fitness expert Kate Neudecker explained that Lee focused more on speed, flexibility, and endurance rather than heavy lifting. “He weighed just 64 kg and stood 172 cm tall. Squatting 43 kg was enough for his goals,” she said.
Bruce Lee’s workout reflects his training philosophy: stay lean, move fast, and strike hard. This rare look at his routine shows how discipline and dedication contributed to his legendary success.
Bruce Lee died in July 1973 at the age of 32. Yet, his workout methods continue to inspire fitness lovers and martial artists around the world today.
