WHO IS JASON MOMOA?
Joseph Jason Namakaeha Momoa, born August 1, 1979, is an American actor and producer who's become famous for his muscular physique and commanding presence on screen. At 45 years old, the Hawaii-born star stands at an impressive height that helps him dominate action roles. His journey from skinny teen to muscular icon makes him the perfect blueprint for men looking to transform their bodies.
Before becoming the ripped superstar we know today, Momoa's career began in modeling after being discovered at age 19. His first acting role was in "Baywatch: Hawaii," but he wasn't always the massive, muscular figure we recognize now. His body transformation really kicked into high gear when he landed roles requiring a more powerful aesthetic body.
The turning point in Momoa's career came when he was cast as Khal Drogo in "Game of Thrones." This role demanded a lean, defined physique with serious muscle mass and low body fat percentage. His preparation included intense workout routines that focused on building broad shoulders and core strength. The masculine V-taper he developed became part of his signature look, setting a new standard for male aesthetic appeal.
Momoa's transformation continued as he prepared for "Aquaman," where he packed on even more size while maintaining impressive definition. His workout split included key compound movements and isolation exercises designed to add size to his frame while keeping his body fat percentage low. The result was a beach-ripped physique that helped his net worth grow substantially as he became one of Hollywood's most sought-after action stars.
Beyond acting, Momoa lives an active lifestyle that supports his muscular build. He practices Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which he began in 2017, adding functional strength to his aesthetic muscles. His nutrition plan is built around whole foods and protein intake that stimulates muscle protein synthesis, creating an anabolic environment for maintaining his impressive weight and muscle mass.
What makes Momoa's transformation particularly interesting is how he's managed to create a sustainable approach to fitness. Unlike many Hollywood transformations that crash before filming ends, Momoa has maintained his muscular physique through consistent training and nutrition. His approach focuses on progressive overload and proper technique, not just temporary results.
Despite his busy career, which includes roles in "Dune," "Fast X," and the upcoming "A Minecraft Movie," Momoa stays locked in with his fitness routine. His dedication to maintaining his physique shows how consistency and effort create lasting results that can transform not just your body, but your entire life and career.
HOW BIG IS JASON MOMOA?
When it comes to physical presence, Jason Momoa is truly impressive. Standing at a towering 6'4" (193 cm), he's significantly taller than the average man, which immediately gives him that commanding presence on and off screen. This height advantage is part of what makes his superhero transformations so believable. He already has the frame to build upon.
Weight-wise, Momoa typically maintains between 225 and 240 pounds (102-109 kg), adjusting based on his current role requirements. For his iconic Aquaman portrayal, he kept his weight around 225-235 pounds of mostly lean muscle mass. During his breakthrough role as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones, he maintained a similar weight range but focused heavily on building a muscular, warrior-like physique that helped establish his reputation for having one of the most aesthetic bodies in Hollywood.
While standard medical charts might technically place highly muscular men in the "overweight" category, this is completely misleading for individuals like Momoa. BMI calculations don't distinguish between muscle and fat, which is why many muscular men with low body fat percentages still register as "overweight" despite being in peak physical condition. This limitation of BMI measurement is something many men experience when building significant muscle mass.
His body fat percentage tells the more accurate story of his physique. During peak conditioning for roles like Aquaman and Game of Thrones, Momoa's body fat percentage sits around 15%. This level provides visible muscle definition and some abdominal visibility without reaching extreme leanness that's difficult to maintain. When he's between major roles, his body fat likely increases slightly to a more sustainable 15-18%, which is still well within the athletic range but doesn't require the same strict nutrition protocols.
What's most impressive about Momoa's physique is his consistency. Over the years, his stats have remained relatively stable with minor fluctuations depending on specific role requirements. This points to a sustainable approach to training and nutrition rather than extreme cutting and bulking cycles that can be harmful long-term. Many men looking to build a similar masculine V-taper and broad shoulders can take inspiration from this balanced approach to building and maintaining muscle mass.
His physical stats demonstrate why he's become a reference point for the ideal masculine build tall, muscular without being bodybuilder-bulky, and maintaining enough leanness to show definition while still looking powerful. For men interested in developing a similar aesthetic body, Momoa's sustainable 15-18% body fat range represents an achievable and maintainable goal that balances muscle definition with overall health and wellbeing.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF JASON MOMOA'S PHYSIQUE
Jason Momoa's body isn't just about looking good, it's built for performance. Standing at 6'4" (193 cm) and weighing around 215-235 pounds (97-107 kg) depending on his role, his physique commands attention. What makes Momoa's build so impressive isn't just his size but his proportions. His broad shoulders and V-taper create that masculine aesthetic body most men want.
Unlike the super lean bodybuilders, Momoa maintains a more sustainable 12-15% body fat percentage. This gives him that beach-ripped look without sacrificing strength or muscle fullness. His physique strikes the perfect balance defined enough to show muscle separation but carrying enough mass to look powerful. This is why his look turns heads but still feels attainable.
Momoa's shoulders and upper back deserve special attention. His 3D delts create width that's key to his imposing presence. This shoulder development doesn't happen by accident. His workout program clearly prioritizes compound movements that build this area. The result is a frame that looks impressive in everything from tank tops to formal wear.
His core strength is obvious but not from having razor-sharp abs year-round. Instead, Momoa's midsection shows solid development that supports his athletic movements. This functional core development comes from heavy compound lifts rather than endless isolation exercises. His training focuses on strength that transfers to real-world performance.
What's worth noting about Momoa's physique is how it's evolved with age. Now in his 40s, his body shows the results of consistent training over decades. His muscle maturity gives him that dense, solid look that only comes from years of progressive overload. This should encourage men who worry they've started their fitness journey too late, because you can build quality muscle at any age.
The most striking aspect of Momoa's physique isn't any single muscle group but how everything works as a complete package. His body shows excellent proportion. The arms match his shoulders, his chest balances with his back, and his legs support his upper body. This balanced development creates a timeless, aesthetic look rather than the overblown appearance of someone who only trains show muscles.
Momoa's body represents the ideal many men seek muscular without looking artificial, strong without sacrificing mobility, and lean without appearing depleted. His net worth may have increased with his physical transformation, but the real value is in how his physique enhances his natural presence. His looks demonstrate how building muscle and reducing body fat percentage can completely transform how others perceive you.
THE JASON MOMOA WORKOUT ROUTINE
This is our take on Jason Momoa's workout routine that we would recommend if you wanted to build a body similar to his. Let's talk about the key exercises, workout split and core training principles that will help you be successful with this.
At 6'4" and around 215-220 lbs, Jason Momoa has built an impressive, muscular frame that combines strength and aesthetic proportion. The workout plan we've created focuses on building that masculine, beach-ripped physique with broad shoulders, defined arms, and a powerful core that Momoa is known for.
Our 4-day upper/lower split is designed with muscle growth and recovery in mind. We train each muscle group twice weekly either directly or indirectly, giving you proper recovery time between sessions. This means you'll walk into each workout fully recovered and ready to improve on your previous numbers, the key to long-term muscle gains.
We've selected exercises that maximise mechanical tension, the primary driver of muscle growth. Notice how we've included compound movements like incline bench press, barbell overhead press, heel-elevated squats and Romanian deadlifts. These exercises hit multiple muscle groups at once and let you lift heavier weights, creating more stimulus for muscle growth.
The workout also includes mid-lengthened biased exercises where muscles are strongest in their mid-range position. This gives you the best resistance profile for building muscle. For example, the chest-supported T-bar row puts your back muscles in an optimal position for growth.
Your form on each exercise is crucial. Control the eccentric (lowering) phase but don't make it super slow about 2 seconds down works well. Then explode through the concentric (lifting) phase. Use a full range of motion on each rep, and aim to make each rep look nearly identical. This consistency in form is what builds a symmetrical, well-proportioned physique like Momoa's.
Our plan uses rep ranges mostly between 5-12, which is ideal for building strength and muscle. While research shows any rep range from 5-30 can build muscle equally well, the 5-12 range has practical advantages. Higher rep sets (15+) take longer to recover from, and it's harder to gauge how close to failure you're working when doing lots of reps.
Most lads see better progress sticking primarily to the 5-12 rep range over time. That said, we've included some higher rep work for calves and abs where it makes sense. This knowledge is handy if you're limited on equipment or need to use lighter weights occasionally.
For your first heavy compound lift of each muscle group (like incline bench press or heel-elevated squats), do 2-3 progressively heavier warm-up sets:
- Set 1: 60% of working weight for 6-8 reps
- Set 2: 75% of working weight for 4-6 reps
- Set 3: 90% of working weight for 1-2 reps
No need to rest between these warm-up sets, but take a full 2-5 minute rest before your first heavy working set. For isolation exercises or subsequent exercises for the same muscle group, either jump straight in or do a single "feeler" set at about 50% of your working weight for 5-8 reps.
Rest as long as needed for your heart rate to return to normal. You don't want your cardiovascular system limiting your strength. For compound exercises, 2-5 minutes works well. For isolation movements, 1-2 minutes is typically enough. Listen to your body here: proper rest between sets is what allows you to maintain high intensity throughout your workout.
Training close to failure is essential for building muscle. The "effective reps" model explains why only the last 5 or so reps before failure are actually producing significant muscle growth stimulus. This explains why different rep ranges can all build muscle effectively as long as you're pushing close to failure.
In our program, most working sets should be taken to 1-2 reps shy of failure. This means you could maybe do 1-2 more reps with good form, but not more. This level of intensity is key to developing the dense, muscular look that's made Momoa stand out in his roles as Aquaman and Khal Drogo.
To build muscle like Jason Momoa, you need to progressively overload your muscles. Once you hit the top of the rep range for all sets of an exercise, increase the weight by the smallest increment possible. There are four key ways to achieve progressive overload:
- Add reps
- Add weight
- Improve your technique
- Enhance your mind-muscle connection
Focus primarily on adding reps and weight each week, while constantly working on technique and mind-muscle connection. Progressive overload ensures the stimulus to your muscle fibres stays consistent as you get stronger. It's also direct proof your training is working when you're building new muscle!
Our workout includes two effective training methods:
Reverse Pyramid Training (RPT): Start with your heaviest set when you're freshest, then reduce the weight slightly for each subsequent set while increasing reps. This allows you to handle heavier weights overall.
Myoreps: Perfect for shoulder work, these involve doing an activation set to near failure, then taking very short rests (20 seconds) before doing several mini-sets. This creates significant metabolic stress with lighter weights.
This workout routine hits the sweet spot of training volume, intensity, and frequency to build a masculine, aesthetic physique with broad shoulders, defined arms, and a powerful core just like Jason Momoa's. Remember that consistency with progressive overload is the key to transforming from skinny to superhero.
THE JASON MOMOA WORKOUT SCHEDULE
WORKOUT A (MONDAY - UPPER BODY - HORIZONTAL PUSH PULL)
- Incline Machine Press: 4-6, 6-8, 8-10 (Reverse Pyramid Training)
- Flat Barbell Bench Press: 6-8, 8-10 (Reverse Pyramid Training)
- Machine Chest Supported Row: 2 x 8-10 (Straight Sets)
- Bayesian Cable Curl: 6-8, 8-10, 10-12 (Reverse Pyramid Training)
- Single Arm Overhead DB Extensions: 6-8, 8-10, 10-12 (Reverse Pyramid Training)
- Chest Supported DB Lateral Raise: 10-12 + 3-4, 3-4, 3-4 (Myoreps)
- DB Skiers: 10-12 + 3-4, 3-4, 3-4 (Myoreps)
WORKOUT B (WEDNESDAY - HEAVY LOWER BODY)
- Pendulum Squats: 2 x 8-10 (Straight Sets)
- Smith Machine Good Mornings: 2 x 8-10 (Straight Sets)
- Reverse Nordic Curls: 3 x 8-12 (Straight Sets)
- Lying Leg Curls: 3 x 8-12 (Straight Sets)
- Calf Press Machine: 3 x 12-15 (Straight Sets)
- Cable Side Shrug: 3 x 10-12 (Straight Sets)
WORKOUT C (FRIDAY - UPPER BODY - VERTICAL PUSH PULL)
- Smith Machine Shoulder Press: 6-8, 8-10, 10-12 (Reverse Pyramid Training)
- Underhand-grip Pendlay Rows: 2 x 8-10 (Straight Sets)
- Single Arm Lat Pulldown: 6-8, 8-10 (Reverse Pyramid Training)
- Dual Rope Extensions: 3 x 8-12 (Straight Sets)
- DB Single Arm Preacher Hammer Curl: 3 x 8-12 (Straight Sets)
- Seated Cable Y Raise: 6-8, 8-10, 10-12 (Reverse Pyramid Training)
WORKOUT D (SATURDAY - LIGHTER LEGS, CORE & NECK)
- Crunch Machine: 3 x 10-15 (Straight Sets)
- Roman Chair Leg Raises: 3 x 8-12 (Straight Sets)
- Leg Extensions: 3 x 8-12 (Straight Sets)
- Nordic Curls: 3 x 4-6 (Straight Sets)
- Neck Curls: 3 x 15-20 (Normal Pyramid Training)
- Reverse Neck Curls: 3 x 15-20 (Normal Pyramid Training)
NEXT: Transform Into Captain America With the Chris Evans 'Avengers' Workout
THE JASON MOMOA WORKOUT NOTES
Here are the workout notes for our take on the man's workout routine:
At 195 pounds spread across his 6'4" frame, Jason Momoa's workout routine isn't just about looking good, it's about building functional strength and an aesthetic physique that turns heads. The 45-year-old actor's impressive transformation from skinny to superhero required strategic training methods that we've incorporated into this plan.
We've strategically used reverse pyramid training for key exercises like the Incline Machine Press, Flat Barbell Bench Press, and Smith Machine Shoulder Press. This approach is perfect for building the broad shoulders and chest that give Momoa his commanding presence.
After warming up properly, you'll start with your heaviest weight when you're fresh and full of energy. Your first set hits the lowest rep range (6-8), then you'll rest 2-4 minutes, drop the weight by 10-15%, and increase to 8-10 reps. For a third set, drop the weight again and aim for 10-12 reps.
The benefits are massive. You're lifting heavy when you're strongest, which maximises progressive overload. The key to building muscle and strength. This technique allows you to train in different rep ranges, making your workouts less boring and more effective. You'll feel the exercise differently under each load, improving your mind-muscle connection and technique on the lighter sets.
It's also much better psychologically. Each set feels easier than the last, which keeps you motivated to push hard throughout your workout. This is how Momoa maintains that impressive upper body development that's become his trademark.
For exercises like Pendulum Squats, Machine Chest Supported Row, and many of the leg movements, we've programmed straight sets. This approach is perfect for Momoa's lower body development, which balances his impressive upper body without overpowering it.
Straight sets mean using the same weight for all sets and aiming for the same number of reps. This simple but effective technique helps you build muscle and strength consistently over time. It's brilliant for mastering your form since the weight stays constant, allowing you to focus on tension in the target muscles.
With straight sets, you can "milk" all the gains from a particular weight before moving up. This creates a solid foundation of strength and muscle that's sustainable long-term essential for the lean, athletic look that makes Momoa's physique so impressive.
We've included normal pyramid training specifically for neck work, an often-overlooked area that contributes to Momoa's powerful look. This technique involves gradually increasing the weight across sets as the reps decrease.
You'll start with lighter weights and hit the higher end of your rep range (15-20 for neck exercises). As you progress through sets, you'll increase the weight until you're barely hitting the lower end of the range on your final sets.
This method pre-fatigues the muscles, meaning you don't need as much weight to reach muscle failure. For smaller muscle groups like the neck, this is perfect as it reduces injury risk while still stimulating growth. The gradual build-up also serves as an extended warm-up, which is crucial for delicate areas like the neck and upper spine.
For shoulder isolation work like the Chest Supported DB Lateral Raise and DB Skiers, we've programmed myoreps. A technique perfect for creating those 3D delts that give Momoa his impressive V-taper.
Myoreps are a brilliant hack for exercises that don't work well with heavy weights. You'll perform a challenging activation set of 10-12 reps, rest just 10-15 seconds, then perform 3-4 more reps. You'll repeat this short rest and 3-4 reps sequence three more times.
The short rest periods maintain maximum muscle fibre recruitment, which is exactly what you need for stubborn areas like side and rear delts. This approach packs a lot of stimulating reps into a short time ideal if you're busy like Momoa with his packed filming schedule.
The beauty of myoreps is that progression is straightforward just add a rep to either the activation set or one of the mini-sets each week. This consistent progression is how Momoa has built shoulders that look impressive even in regular clothes.
This four-day split balances volume and recovery perfectly, hitting each muscle group with the right frequency and intensity to stimulate growth without overtraining. By following this plan consistently, you'll be on your way to building a physique that commands attention just like Jason Momoa's.
THE JASON MOMOA DIET PLAN
Jason Momoa's workout routine isn't just about looking good it's about building functional strength and explosive power that helps him perform his own stunts and maintain the imposing physique needed for roles like Aquaman and Khal Drogo. At 6'4" and around 230 lbs, Momoa's training targets aesthetic muscle building while ensuring he stays agile and athletic.
Momoa's training focuses on compound movements that build strength across multiple muscle groups at once. Unlike bodybuilders who isolate muscles, Momoa trains for a masculine, proportion-focused physique that's both powerful and functional. His workouts typically combine strength training with cardio conditioning to maintain his lean, ripped appearance while building muscle mass.
"I'm not a big fan of just lifting weights," Momoa has shared in interviews. "I need my workouts to have a purpose beyond just getting bigger." This approach helps him develop the V-taper and broad shoulders that have become his signature look on screen.
Momoa typically follows a 5-6 day training split, focusing on different muscle groups throughout the week:
- Flat bench press: 4 sets of 8-12 reps
- Incline dumbbell press: 4 sets of 10 reps
- Cable flyes: 3 sets of 12 reps
- Tricep dips: 4 sets to near failure
- Skull crushers: 3 sets of 12 reps
- Deadlifts: 5 sets of 5 reps (progressive overload focus)
- Pull-ups: 4 sets to failure
- Bent-over rows: 4 sets of 10 reps
- Hammer curls: 3 sets of 12 reps
- Cable curls: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Squats: 5 sets of 8 reps
- Leg press: 4 sets of 12 reps
- Walking lunges: 3 sets of 20 steps
- Hanging leg raises: 4 sets of 15 reps
- Plank variations: 3 sets of 60 seconds
- Military press: 4 sets of 8 reps
- Lateral raises: 4 sets of 12 reps
- Front raises: 3 sets of 12 reps
- Shrugs: 4 sets of 15 reps
- Face pulls: 3 sets of 15 reps
- Battle ropes: 30 seconds
- Box jumps: 20 reps
- Medicine ball slams: 15 reps
- Kettlebell swings: 20 reps
- Burpees: 10 reps
Saturday: Active Recovery/Climbing Rock climbing is one of Momoa's favourite activities and serves as both recreation and training for his upper body strength and grip. He's been climbing since his teenage years and credits it for his impressive 3D delts and forearm development.
Momoa's trainer emphasises consistent progression in weight or reps. "Adding just a little more weight each week is how Jason built that impressive chest and those broad shoulders," his trainer has noted. This progressive overload is essential for continuing to stimulate muscle protein synthesis and maximise muscle growth.
The foundation of Momoa's training focuses on key compound lifts that build multiple muscle groups simultaneously:
- Deadlifts for back thickness and overall strength
- Bench press variations for chest development
- Military press for those impressive 3D delts
- Squats for lower body strength and hormonal benefits
Momoa trains close to failure on many sets, typically leaving just 1-2 reps in the tank. His workouts incorporate:
- Drop sets on isolation exercises
- Supersets to increase workout density
- Limited rest periods (30-60 seconds) to maintain elevated heart rate
Unlike pure bodybuilding routines, Momoa incorporates functional elements like:
- Rock climbing for grip strength and upper body development
- Battle ropes for conditioning and shoulder endurance
- Medicine ball throws for explosive power
- Kettlebell work for core stability and power
For his role as Aquaman, Momoa had to dial in his training even further. His preparation included:
- Increased training frequency: Up to twice-daily workouts during peak preparation
- Swimming sessions: Added for improved cardiovascular fitness and to develop the appropriate musculature for the character
- More emphasis on shoulders and back: To create the imposing V-taper that makes Aquaman look powerful on screen
"Building that Aquaman body wasn't just about getting bigger," Momoa has said. "It was about creating a physique that looked like it belonged to someone who lived in the ocean and could command respect."
This is one of the shoulder workouts that helped Jason Momoa build his impressive deltoid development:
- Standing Military Press: 4 sets of 8 reps (2 warmup sets, 2 working sets)
- Arnold Press: 4 sets of 10 reps
- Lateral Raise Triple Set:
- Heavy partial laterals: 10 reps
- Medium weight full range: 10 reps
- Light weight burnout: Max reps
- Face Pulls: 4 sets of 15 reps (focus on rear delt contraction)
- Shrugs: 3 sets of 15 heavy reps with 2-second hold at top
Despite his intense training schedule, Momoa prioritises recovery to support muscle building and prevent injuries:
- Sleep: Aims for 7-8 hours nightly to optimise testosterone and recovery
- Mobility work: Daily stretching routines focusing on hips and shoulders
- Active recovery: Light activities on rest days like hiking or swimming
- Massage therapy: Regular deep tissue work to address muscle imbalances
While Momoa's routine is designed for his specific goals and body type, there are key principles you can apply:
- Focus on progressive overload rather than just lifting heavy weights once
- Prioritise compound movements as the foundation of your training
- Include both strength and conditioning work for a balanced physique
- Find physical activities you enjoy (like Momoa's rock climbing) to maintain consistency
- Don't neglect recovery if you want to maximise muscle growth
Remember that Momoa didn't build his physique overnight. At age 45, with a height of 6'4" and weight of around 230 lbs, Jason Momoa has spent years developing his impressive physique through consistent training and nutrition. His current net worth of over $25 million allows him access to top trainers and facilities, but the principles behind his workout routine are applicable to anyone serious about building a muscular, aesthetic body.
The key takeaway from Jason Momoa's workout approach is sustainability and enjoyment. He chooses training methods he genuinely likes, which has allowed him to maintain his impressive physique consistently across multiple roles and years in the spotlight.