300, the epic, hyperviolent retelling of the Battle of Thermopylae, is the biggest cinematic barrage of biceps since Gladiator (2000), and the torturous workouts that excavated the cast’s abs have already become the stuff of legend.

Gerard Butler: Diet and Workout Before playing the king of Sparta, 6′2″ Scottish-born Gerard Butler and the pseudo soldiers preparing to fight for or against him took part in a seven-week boot camp of unique, grueling and competitive workouts that, in part, mixed weight training, old-school strongman feats and endurance tests.

Simultaneously, they underwent a retro calorie-restriction diet. As a result, 300 features perhaps the most sinewy cast of all time. Spartans stick together, so we’re certain Butler will accept this award on behalf of all his fellow fighters who “prepared for glory.” [via]