Zac Efron Workout Routine & Diet Plan

Zac Efron Workout Routine & Diet Plan

Key Takeaways

  • Zac Efron's workout routine comprises a mix of strength training and cardio to achieve a lean and muscular physique.
  • His diet plan emphasizes whole, organic foods with a balance of macronutrients to support muscle growth and energy levels.
  • Consistency in both workout and diet was key to achieving his transformation in just 12 weeks.
  • Supplementation played a role in enhancing his performance and recovery, including protein powders and multivitamins.
  • The SOLE F85 Treadmill would have been a nice addition to Zac Efron's high-intensity workout as a form of cardio and endurance training.

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Zac Efron Fitness Journey

One of the main driving forces behind Zac Efron’s transformation was his role in "Baywatch."  In just 12 weeks, he went from a lean frame to a shredded, muscular physique. 

He focused on building muscle mass while keeping his body fat percentage extremely low. This required intense workouts and a strict diet plan that complemented his physical efforts. By targeting key muscle groups like abs, biceps, chest, and shoulders, Zac was able to sculpt a beach-ready body.

Workout Routine

Strength Training Split

This approach allowed for adequate recovery time, which is crucial for muscle growth.

Here's a typical weekly strength training split:

  • Monday: Chest and triceps
  • Tuesday: Back and biceps
  • Wednesday: Shoulders and legs
  • Thursday: Rest or light cardio
  • Friday: Full body workout
  • Saturday: Core and abs
  • Sunday: Active rest or light stretching

Each workout session was intense, with a mix of isolation and compound exercises to target both large and small muscle groups. This balanced approach helped Zac achieve a symmetrical and well-defined physique.

A Zac Effron-Inspired Workout

Day

Focus

Exercises

Sets

Reps

Rest

Day 1

Back and Biceps

1A. Straight Arm Pulldown 1B. Ab Rollout 2A. Seated Cable Row 2B. Suspended Row 3A. Neutral Grip Pullup

3

8-12

0-60 sec

Day 2

Legs

1A. Leg Press 1B. Suspension Squat Jump with Straps 2A. Swiss Ball Hip Extension 2B. Swiss Ball Leg Curl 3A. Reverse Walking Lunge 3B. Mountain Climber on Sliders

3

8-20

0-60 sec

Day 3

Chest, Shoulders, Arms

1A. Front Raise Dumbbell Squat 1B. Cross-Body Cable Raise 2A. Dumbbell Floor Press 2B. Push-Up 3A. Incline Dumbbell Press

3

8-12

0-60 sec

Day 4

Rest





Day 5

Shoulders, Back & Arms

Seated DB Shoulder Press: Pull ups or Chin ups Skull Crushers Hammer Curls Cable Curls

4-6

4-15

RPT

Day 6

Legs & Shoulders Isolation

Sumo Deadlift Bulgarian Split Squat Calf Raises Lateral Raises

3-4

4-15

RPT

Day 7

Cardio & Abs

Jump Rope: 10 min Forward Lunge with Dumbbell Bicep Curl (20 reps) Squat Thrust (20 reps) Squat Press (20 reps) Sprint (30 sec) then Jog (30 sec) / Repeat for 10 mins total V-Ups (20 reps) Bicycle Crunches (20 reps) Twisting Plank (20 reps)

3

20

as needed

Points to remember:

  • RPT (Rest-Pause Training): For rest-pause sets, perform 12-15 reps, then rest briefly (15-20 seconds) and do 4 sets of 3-5 reps.
  • Supersets: Exercises marked with "A" and "B" should be performed as supersets, completing one set of A immediately followed by one set of B, then resting for the prescribed time before repeating.
  • Abs: Efron included ab exercises every day.
  • Cardio: Incorporate light jogging or walking between workouts as a warm-up. Biking was also part of his routine.
  • Training Split: Zac Efron's training often involved a three-day split: back and biceps, legs, and chest, shoulders, and arms. He aimed to train 6 out of 7 days.

Zac’s strength training was split into different days, focusing on specific muscle groups to ensure balanced development.

Macronutrient Balance

To achieve his goals, Zac focused on consuming lean proteins such as chicken, fish, and eggs, which helped him build and maintain muscle mass. Complex carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes were staples in his diet, providing sustained energy without the crash associated with simple carbs. Additionally, healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil ensured he had the necessary nutrients to support his high-intensity training regimen.

Meal Timing and Frequency

Meal timing and frequency are important factors that can influence workout performance and recovery. Zac typically ate five to six small meals throughout the day, ensuring a steady supply of nutrients and energy.

Eating smaller, more frequent meals also helped in managing hunger and preventing overeating, which can derail a fitness plan.

Types of Supplements Used

  • Whey Protein: A fast-digesting protein ideal for post-workout recovery.
  • BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids): Help reduce muscle soreness and promote recovery.
  • Multivitamins: Provide essential vitamins and minerals to support overall health.
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Timing and Dosage Recommendations

Zac took his whey protein immediately after workouts to provide his muscles with the necessary amino acids for repair and growth. BCAAs were consumed before or during workouts to help reduce muscle fatigue.

Multivitamins and omega-3 supplements were typically taken with meals to enhance absorption and minimize any potential digestive discomfort. Following these timing and dosage recommendations ensured that Zac got the most out of his supplements.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Sleep and Recovery

During sleep, the body repairs and rebuilds muscle tissue, which is essential for growth and recovery. Zac prioritized getting at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night to ensure his body had the time it needed to recover from intense workouts. 

In addition to quality sleep, active recovery practices such as stretching, yoga, and foam rolling were part of his routine. These activities helped reduce muscle soreness and improve flexibility, allowing him to train more effectively.

Stress Management Techniques

Zac employed various stress management techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, to keep stress levels in check.

Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, and taking breaks when needed also contributed to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. By managing stress, Zac was able to stay focused and motivated on his fitness journey.

Maintaining Results

One of the key strategies for maintaining results is to keep your workouts dynamic and challenging. This means regularly updating your exercise routine to prevent plateaus and keep your body guessing. Consistency in training is crucial, but so is variety. Mixing up your workouts can help maintain motivation and prevent burnout.

Besides workouts, staying mindful of dietary habits is essential. While it's okay to indulge occasionally, maintaining a balanced diet with a focus on whole foods will support long-term health and fitness goals. 

Finally, having a support system, whether it's friends, family, or a fitness community, can provide motivation and accountability. Sharing your journey with others can keep you inspired and committed to your goals.

Build an Effective Workout Routine With SOLE Equipment

The SOLE+ App provides access to hundreds of free fitness classes and personalized workouts.

SOLE Fitness provides versatile training options to help you build strength, endurance, and flexibility. The SRVO All-in-One Trainer, for instance, allows for full-body resistance workouts, while the F85 Treadmill works to enhance cardiovascular conditioning.

With the SOLE App, you can track progress and optimize your performance with guided routines. Plus, SOLE’s durable, high-quality equipment and reliable delivery ensure a seamless at-home workout experience.

Ready to take the first step towards a new and improved physique? Get yourself some high-quality equipment and take your workouts to the next level!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exercises does Zac Efron do?

Zac Efron's workout routine includes a mix of strength training, cardio, and core exercises. He focuses on compound movements like bench presses, squats, and deadlifts to build muscle and improve overall strength. Additionally, he incorporates high-intensity interval training (HIIT) for cardiovascular fitness and core workouts to maintain a strong midsection.

His workouts are intended to be challenging yet effective, ensuring that he targets all major muscle groups while keeping the sessions engaging and varied.

Does Zac Efron use protein powder?

Yes, Zac Efron uses protein powder as part of his supplementation routine. Protein powder provides a convenient and efficient way to meet daily protein requirements, especially after workouts when the body needs amino acids for muscle repair and growth.

How often does he train each week?

Zac Efron typically trains five to six days a week, incorporating a mix of strength training, cardio, and active recovery sessions. This frequency allows him to maintain a high level of fitness while ensuring adequate rest and recovery for his muscles.

His training schedule is designed to balance intensity and recovery, optimizing performance and preventing overtraining.

How can SOLE help improve my workout routine?

At SOLE Fitness, we can help you improve your workout routine by choosing from our range of high-quality, durable treadmills that support a diverse range of training exercises, from cardio sessions to interval sprints. Additionally, the SOLE+ app is a great way to keep a watch on your progress and stay motivated during your fitness journey. 

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