Sydney Sweeney is stepping into the ring—literally. The actress underwent a dramatic physical transformation to play pioneering boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic. To accurately portray the trailblazing fighter, Sweeney gained over 30 pounds and committed to a hardcore training schedule that included hours of weightlifting and kickboxing daily.
For more than three months, she followed a strict fitness routine that started with weight training in the morning, kickboxing in the afternoon, and another weight session in the evening. Alongside the intense workouts, she increased her food intake significantly to build strength and muscle. The changes were evident as she went up several clothing sizes and developed a more muscular physique.
The biopic, directed by David Michôd and co-written with Mirrah Foulkes, explores the rise of Christy Martin, one of the most prominent female boxers of the 1990s and the first woman inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame. To fully embody Martin, Sweeney also altered her appearance by wearing brown contact lenses and a mullet-style wig.
Photos from her transformation journey, shared on social media in late 2024, showed off her muscular arms and strong build. She followed up with gym footage that highlighted her boxing form and strength. Fitness professionals noted that her workout routine targeted major upper body muscle groups like the shoulders, biceps, and core.
After filming wrapped, Sweeney had just seven weeks to drop the added weight for her next acting project. While she didn’t detail the process, her athletic background helped. She grew up involved in sports like soccer, softball, water skiing, and martial arts, which made physical challenges familiar territory.
Sweeney’s commitment to the role proves that she’s not just taking on powerful characters—she’s living them. Her transformation into Christy Martin stands as one of the most intense and impressive actor physical shifts in recent years, driven by dedication, discipline, and a desire to tell a true champion’s story.
FAQ’s
- What role did Sydney Sweeney gain 30 pounds for?
She gained weight to portray legendary boxer Christy Martin in an upcoming biopic. - How much weight did Sydney Sweeney gain for the boxing movie?
She gained over 30 pounds during training for the role. - What was Sydney Sweeney’s workout routine for the biopic?
Her routine included daily weight training and kickboxing sessions. - How long did Sydney Sweeney train for the boxing role?
She trained for approximately three and a half months. - What physical changes did Sydney Sweeney experience during training?
She went up several clothing sizes and built significant muscle mass.