Even decades after his death, Bruce Lee continues to inspire fitness lovers, martial artists, and action movie fans around the world. Born in 1940, the Chinese-American martial artist and actor wasn’t just a film icon—he was a global phenomenon who reshaped how martial arts were viewed both on-screen and off. With movies like Enter the Dragon (1973), Lee broke barriers and became a symbol of discipline, strength, and philosophy.
But beyond the flying kicks and lightning-fast punches, Bruce Lee was also incredibly focused on fitness. And now, almost 50 years after his death, a detailed post about his personal workout routine from the 1960s is going viral on social media. The routine, dated May 27, 1965, was from Hak Keung Gymnasium in Hong Kong, where Lee trained while continuing his journey as a martial artist.
What exercises did Bruce Lee’s workout regime include?
As per the viral post, his routine mainly focused on the arms—especially the biceps and triceps. Out of 14 exercises, 8 were specifically for arm strength. Here’s a glimpse at the exercises:
- 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 using 8 kg
- Wrist and Reverse Curls – 4 sets to failure using various weights
According to a 2024 report by MensHealth.com, this routine was “very arm-heavy,” with only a few exercises targeting other areas like the chest and shoulders.
Why Bruce Lee didn’t lift heavy
Fitness writer Kate Neudecker explained that Bruce Lee focused more on speed, flexibility, and endurance than on lifting heavy. “He weighed just 64 kg and stood 172 cm tall. Lifting 43 kg for squats was enough for his needs,” she said.
The martial arts legend’s workout reflects his training philosophy: stay lean, move fast, and strike hard. This glimpse into his routine shows how discipline and dedication led to his success. Bruce Lee passed away in July 1973, at the young age of 32. But even today, his workout continues to inspire fitness lovers around the world.