Stephen Graham transformed his physique for A Thousand Blows

Stephen Graham's transformation for his role in the boxing drama A Thousand Blows has caught public attention. His trainer, Rob Thurston, detailed how Graham built his new physique over six months. The actor portrays Henry “Sugar” Goodson, a bare-knuckle boxer, and aimed for a tough look rather than a typical Hollywood physique. To achieve this, Graham trained five times a week for strength and added three boxing sessions. His workouts included a mix of push days, pull days, and a leg day, all focused on gaining muscle and losing body fat. Thurston noted that they avoided high-impact training due to Graham's age and past injuries. The training program involved distinct phases. The first three months were for "cutting," targeting fat loss, while the following three months focused on "lean bulking" to build muscle. A final five-day “peaking” phase helped Graham look his best for filming. Graham followed a strict diet throughout his training. During the cutting phase, he consumed over 2,000 calories daily, emphasizing protein. As he moved into the bulking phase, his caloric intake rose to about 3,000. This change supported muscle growth and recovery, assisted by supplements like creatine. Thurston praised Graham's dedication. Even while traveling, Graham ensured he could still work out. He viewed training as essential to his character's persona. After filming, he plans to maintain his fitness routine, indicating that the commitment to training has become a part of his lifestyle. With filming for A Thousand Blows complete, Graham and Thurston continue to work together regularly, suggesting that the actor is committed to his fitness journey beyond just this role. This dedication bodes well, especially for fans looking forward to a potential second series.