Workout of The Month - Becoming James Bond

Many actors have inhabited the role of 007, but Daniel Craig’s physical transformation is unparalleled. In No Time to Die, Craig has outdone himself. This is how he got there.

- By Charles Thorp. Photographs by Greg Williams

CRAIG AT THE WHEEL

It’s Daniel Craig’s fifth go as Bond. He tells MJ the latest is as tough as the first.

Over the years, a lot of your roles have required physical prowess. What makes Bond different?

In my experience, training for a Bond movie is completely unique. If I can, I start a year before we begin shooting and build slowly. I try to avoid the “last-minute” thing. You get less injuries that way. Notice I say less!

Getting a glimpse at your workout regimen, it’s incredibly intense. What’s the hardest part for you?

The real challenge is just getting used to the routine. The day starts in the gym. Every day. It’s a ball ache at first, but it does get easier.

What’s your diet like when you’re in the throes of heavy training?

Simple and very healthy. I do like to keep it as natural as possible, with natural ingredients when I can. I don’t do a lot of shakes unless it’s immediately after a workout.

Do you do a lot of your stunts?

I’m fortunate to be surrounded by the best stunt people in the business. They’re the ones who take all the big risks. If there is a stunt I think I can do, then I will. Staying as supple as possible is the key—so no big weightlifting in the gym.

Everyone’s obsessed with recovery these days. What’s your philosophy on it?