trainlog

Clifford Smith Jr. (Method Man): Balancing Music and Fitness

In contemporary times, Clifford Smith Jr., renowned by his moniker as the rapper “Method Man,” relishes in his esteemed position as a founding member of the highly influential music collective, the Wu - Tang Clan. Despite the continued momentum of his musical career, Smith Jr. has been devoting his leisure time to honing something other than his vocal prowess. Specifically, he has been engaging in strength - training regimens to enhance his physicality.

On December 3, 2022, Smith Jr. shared a video clip in which he executed a 10 - repetition set of incline presses, wielding 120 - pound dumbbells in each hand. As a rapper - turned - fitness enthusiast, he donned elbow sleeves and wrist wraps to facilitate this chest - focused exercise routine. Each repetition was performed with precision, with his elbows reaching a shoulder - joint - friendly 90 - degree angle.

Smith Jr. has yet to disclose any long - term upper - body training objectives, should they exist. However, extrapolating from his recent achievements, it is reasonable to surmise that he is working towards a more comprehensive fitness goal.

For instance, in early November 2022, Smith Jr. achieved a remarkable feat by successfully locking out a 227.3 - kilogram (500 - pound) deadlift, a personal record (PR), from a conventional stance. During this lift, he utilized a lifting belt and lifting straps. This accomplishment likely stemmed from previous progressive training efforts, such as a 224.5 - kilogram (495 - pound) deadlift in mid - October 2022.

Moreover, in August 2022, Smith Jr. updated his followers on his bench press progress, demonstrating his ability to perform a 142.8 - kilogram (315 - pound) press for five repetitions, aided by wrist and elbow wraps. Another video from early November 2022 showcases him refining his back muscles through lat pulldowns at an undisclosed weight. Collectively, these instances suggest that his recent incline dumbbell presses may be part of a strategic approach to incrementally enhance his bench press performance through auxiliary exercises.

Regarding his recent musical endeavors, Smith Jr. is featured on Vinnie Paz’s latest solo album, “Tortured in the Name of God’s Unconditional Love.” Released on November 18, 2022, the compilation features the 51 - year - old Smith Jr. contributing a cameo verse in the solo track “Invisible Ether,” where he offers insights on the current state of the music industry.

Irrespective of the exact nature of his training aspirations, it is clear that Smith Jr. places a high value on maintaining his fitness through regular gym workouts while concurrently pursuing his music career. His Instagram profile, for example, is replete with occasional workout clips, alongside promotional content related to his recording career.

In essence, if the Wu - Tang Clan is dedicated to the younger generation, it appears that well - maintained weights, proper nutrition, and intense strength training are integral to one of the group's founders.

Featured image: @methodmanofficial on Instagram